N-CSR 1 fp0085217-10_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- 01136

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Amy J. Lee

Guggenheim Funds Trust
702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (301) 296-5100

 

Date of fiscal year end: September 30

 

Date of reporting period: October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

Item 1.Reports to Stockholders.

 

The registrant’s annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), is as follows:

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust-Equity

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund

   

Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund

   

Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

   

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

   

Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund

   

Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund

   

Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

   

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

SBE-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

5

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

7

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

10

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

30

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

41

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

52

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

66

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

77

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

87

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

98

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

109

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

124

OTHER INFORMATION

125

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

134

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

140

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

143

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“Investment Advisers”) are pleased to present the shareholder report for a selection of our Funds (“Funds”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Advisers are part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Advisers.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for each fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC,

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● Investments in securities and derivatives, in general, are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money. There can be no guarantee the Fund will achieve it investment objective. ●The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Certain of the derivative instruments, such as swaps and structured notes, are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ●The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs, including paying more for a security than it received from its sale and the risk of unlimited losses. ●In certain circumstances the Fund may be subject to liquidity risk and it may be difficult for the Fund to purchase and sell particular investments within a reasonable time at a fair price. ●In certain circumstances, it may be difficult for the Fund to purchase and sell particular investments within a reasonable time at a fair price. ●The Fund’s fixed income investments will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Large Cap Value Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means an investor could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. The Fund is subject to risk that large-capitalization stocks may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity markets as a whole. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. ● There are no assurances that any fund will achieve its objective and/or strategy. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options, and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Investing in sector funds is more volatile than investing in broadly diversified funds, as there is a greater risk due to the concentration of the funds’ holdings in issuers of the same or similar offerings. ● Short selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. This strategy may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● Investments in securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time ● Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. ● There are no assurances that any fund will achieve its objective and/or strategy. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Investing in sector funds is more volatile than investing in broadly diversified funds, as there is a greater risk due to the concentration of the funds’ holdings in issuers of the same or similar offerings. ● Short selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. This strategy may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell you shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Small Cap Value Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means investors could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. ● Investing in securities of small-capitalization companies may involve a greater risk of loss and more abrupt fluctuations in market price than investments in larger-capitalization companies. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

StylePlus—Large Core Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● Investments in large capitalization stocks may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole. ● Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions regarding the growth potential of the issuing companies. Value stocks are subject to the risk that the intrinsic value of the stock may never be realized by the market or that the price goes down.● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund may invest in foreign securities which carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● The Fund may invest in fixed income securities whose market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund may invest in bank loans and asset-backed securities, including mortgage backed, which involve special types of risks. ● The Fund may invest in restricted securities which may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ● Investments in mid-sized company securities may present additional risks such as less predictable earnings, higher volatility and less liquidity than larger, more established companies. ● Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions regarding the growth potential of the issuing companies. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund may invest in foreign securities which carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● The Fund may invest in fixed

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

income securities whose market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions, among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund may invest in bank loans and asset-backed securities, including mortgage backed, which involve special types of risks. ● The Fund may invest in restricted securities which may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

World Equity Income Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors. ●Investments in securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. ●The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). Additionally, the Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar. ● The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments, including illiquidity of the derivatives, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, lack of availability and counterparty risk. ●The Fund’s use of leverage, through instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ●The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ●The Fund may have significant exposure to securities in a particular capitalization range e.g., large-, mid- or small-cap securities. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the risk that the pre-denominate capitalization range may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Total Return Index (“FNRE”) is one of the FTSE NAREIT U.S. Real Estate Index Series that contains all Equity REITs not designated as Timber REITs or Infrastructure REITs. FTSE NAREIT US Real Estate Index Series is designed to present investors with a comprehensive family of REIT performance indexes that spans the commercial real estate space across the U.S. economy. The index series provides investors with exposure to all investment and property sectors. In addition, the more narrowly focused property sector and sub-sector indexes provide the facility to concentrate commercial real estate exposure in more selected markets. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) is the trade association for REITs and publicly traded real estate companies with an interest in the U.S. property and investment markets.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average is the average return of funds Morningstar places in a given category based on their portfolio statistics and compositions over the past three years. Long-short portfolios hold sizeable stakes in both long and short positions in equities, exchange traded funds, and related derivatives. Some funds that fall into this category will shift their exposure to long and short positions depending on their macro outlook or the opportunities they uncover through bottom-up research. At least 75% of the assets are in equity securities or derivatives, and funds in the category will typically have beta values to relevant benchmarks of between 0.3 and 0.8 over a three-year period.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

MSCI World Index (Net) is calculated with net dividends reinvested. It is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index is a measure of the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

Russell Midcap Growth® Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Funds’ costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Funds’ expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Alpha Opportunity Fund

         

A-Class

1.74%

5.33%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,053.30

$ 8.96

C-Class

2.50%

4.91%

1,000.00

1,049.10

12.84

P-Class

1.74%

5.34%

1,000.00

1,053.40

8.96

Institutional Class

1.49%

5.43%

1,000.00

1,054.30

7.67

Large Cap Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.12%

1.06%

1,000.00

1,010.60

5.65

C-Class

1.87%

0.67%

1,000.00

1,006.70

9.41

P-Class

1.12%

1.04%

1,000.00

1,010.40

5.64

Institutional Class

0.87%

1.17%

1,000.00

1,011.70

4.39

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.57%

0.04%

1,000.00

1,000.40

7.87

C-Class

2.32%

(0.35%)

1,000.00

996.50

11.61

P-Class

1.57%

0.00%

1,000.00

1,000.00

7.87

Institutional Class

1.32%

0.17%

1,000.00

1,001.70

6.62

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.45%

(5.39%)

1,000.00

946.10

7.07

C-Class

2.18%

(5.71%)

1,000.00

942.90

10.62

P-Class

1.52%

(5.39%)

1,000.00

946.10

7.42

Institutional Class

1.16%

(5.21%)

1,000.00

947.90

5.66

Small Cap Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.26%

(0.46%)

1,000.00

995.40

6.30

C-Class

2.01%

(0.80%)

1,000.00

992.00

10.04

P-Class

1.26%

(0.52%)

1,000.00

994.80

6.30

Institutional Class

1.01%

(0.37%)

1,000.00

996.30

5.05

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

         

A-Class

1.57%

4.77%

1,000.00

1,047.70

8.06

C-Class

2.46%

4.33%

1,000.00

1,043.30

12.60

P-Class

1.72%

4.70%

1,000.00

1,047.00

8.83

Institutional Class

1.33%

4.90%

1,000.00

1,049.00

6.83

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.27%

1.43%

1,000.00

1,014.30

6.41

C-Class

2.12%

1.02%

1,000.00

1,010.20

10.68

P-Class

1.58%

1.25%

1,000.00

1,012.50

7.97

Institutional Class

1.02%

1.53%

1,000.00

1,015.30

5.15

World Equity Income Fund

         

A-Class

1.18%

1.90%

1,000.00

1,019.00

5.97

C-Class

1.93%

1.57%

1,000.00

1,015.70

9.75

P-Class

1.19%

1.91%

1,000.00

1,019.10

6.02

Institutional Class

0.93%

2.09%

1,000.00

1,020.90

4.71

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

       

Alpha Opportunity Fund

         

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.34

$ 8.80

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.53

12.61

P-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

Institutional Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

Large Cap Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.12%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.45

5.67

C-Class

1.87%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.69

9.45

P-Class

1.12%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.45

5.67

Institutional Class

0.87%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,020.71

4.41

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.94

C-Class

2.32%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.44

11.71

P-Class

1.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.94

Institutional Class

1.32%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.45

6.68

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.45%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.80

7.33

C-Class

2.18%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.14

11.01

P-Class

1.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.45

7.69

Institutional Class

1.16%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.25

5.87

Small Cap Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.26%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.75

6.38

C-Class

2.01%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.99

10.15

P-Class

1.26%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.75

6.38

Institutional Class

1.01%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,020.00

5.11

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

         

A-Class

1.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.94

C-Class

2.46%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.73

12.41

P-Class

1.72%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.44

8.69

Institutional Class

1.33%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.40

6.73

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.27%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.70

6.43

C-Class

2.12%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.44

10.71

P-Class

1.58%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.15

7.99

Institutional Class

1.02%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.95

5.16

World Equity Income Fund

         

A-Class

1.18%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.15

5.97

C-Class

1.93%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.39

9.75

P-Class

1.19%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.10

6.02

Institutional Class

0.93%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,020.41

4.71

 

1

This ratio represents annualized net expenses, which may include short dividend and interest expense. Excluding these expenses, the operating expense ratio for the Risk Managed Real Estate Fund would be 1.27%, 1.91%, 1.27% and 0.90% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class, respectively. Excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Fund”).The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Samir Sanghani, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 16.62%1, outperforming the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, the Fund’s benchmark, which returned 4.50% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

This Reporting Period, the broad market recovered from its October 2022 lows on the back of stable economic strength. While inflation moderated from its post-Covid highs, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) continued aggressively hiking interest rates with its stated goal of getting price gains back down to 2% (which has yet to be achieved). The labor market remained strong, giving the Fed plenty of cover to raise its benchmark rates faster than any time since the 1980s. During the Reporting Period, the steady march of rates higher no longer caused all stocks to fall like the prior year. The market switched gears and began to anticipate a recession in the face of the monetary tightening. This impacted small caps and economically sensitive names more, as well as exposing low profitability or money-losing names. Mega-cap growth names had strong rebounds as their structural growth and balance sheet quality are prized during harder economic times. The market cap weighted S&P 500 gained 21.62% for the Reporting Period - driven mainly by a handful of the largest companies. Meanwhile, the Russell 2000 Value Index, composed of small caps with more economic beta, returned only 7.84%.

 

In this environment, the Fund ended the Reporting Period with a 16.62% return. The Fund’s realized beta (sensitivity of daily returns to broad stock benchmark moves) was about +0.21 for the period – positive, but lower than most long/short managers. That positive beta during a rising market contributed about +1.5% of return attribution. A bias towards small caps hurt the Fund by about 1.0%. Within sectors, lower valuation names performed much better than their expensive or money-losing counterparts. Our Value-style positioning paid off by about 12.8% of attribution for the period, while a higher profitability-style bias helped by an additional 4.4%.

 

The Fund’s industry tilts contributed about 2.1% for the Reporting Period. The overweight in Capital Goods and net short position in Real Estate both were key parts of that contribution. Security selection (the impact of returns within style and industry groups) was a drag this past year of about -1.3%.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund uses total return swaps to gain exposure to short positions and to attain some leverage on the long side when surpassing 100% long weights. In total, the derivatives have a net negative market exposure, creating a partial market hedge against assets that are invested in long stocks. The net performance impact of these derivatives was slightly positive this Reporting Period as the returns of the long positions on swaps was greater than the losses on the short positions on swaps.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

At period end, the Fund held about 138% of assets in long securities, and 101% short, for a net-dollar exposure of 37%. Because the long side exposure holds higher-quality and more-defensive sectors, while the short side focuses on higher-risk names, the actual expected net ‘beta’ of the Fund is in the 0.10 to 0.16 range, on the low end of positioning for the Fund during the last few years.

 

The Fund maintains its style bias towards cheaper valuation names. It also maintains a bias towards higher quality—as defined by higher profitability within each sector, lower stock-volatility, and lower leverage. The Fund has a net short bias in the Growth style, where we are generally short stocks with the most growth bias within sectors where valuations remain stretched. The Fund remains slightly small- cap biased–a shift that first began about two years ago. While small caps are generally riskier than large caps, the additional risk appears to be compensated with a much wider expected return based on fundamentals and valuations.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

From an industry perspective, the Fund’s largest net long sectors are Healthcare, Information Technology, and Consumer Discretionary. The largest net short exposures are the Real Estate and Financials sectors. During this Reporting Period, the Fund moved to a net short position in Staples and Utilities. Historically we had been long these defensive sectors, but changes in their fundamentals and valuations led to the dynamic rebalancing to other areas.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

July 7, 2003

C-Class

July 7, 2003

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

November 7, 2008

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Amgen, Inc.

1.0%

H&R Block, Inc.

1.0%

Humana, Inc.

1.0%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

1.0%

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

1.0%

United Therapeutics Corp.

1.0%

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

1.0%

OGE Energy Corp.

1.0%

National Fuel Gas Co.

1.0%

UFP Industries, Inc.

1.0%

Top Ten Total

10.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

16.62%

1.20%

3.01%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

11.08%

0.23%

2.51%

C-Class Shares

15.70%

0.40%

2.22%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

14.70%

0.40%

2.22%

Institutional Class Shares

16.89%

1.50%

3.37%

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average

8.57%

2.23%

3.15%

S&P 500 Index

21.62%

9.92%

11.91%

S&P 500 Index Blended**

4.47%

1.72%

5.38%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

4.50%

1.72%

1.12%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

16.60%

1.20%

1.60%

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average

8.57%

2.23%

4.16%

S&P 500 Index

21.62%

9.92%

10.71%

S&P 500 Index Blended**

4.47%

1.72%

8.56%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

4.50%

1.72%

4.56%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500 Index and the Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

Effective March 13, 2017, the Fund changed its principal investment strategy. As a result of the investment strategy change, the Fund’s new benchmark is the ICE BofA

3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. The Fund’s performance was previously compared to the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Index-Blended uses performance data for the

S&P 500 Index from 09/30/13 to 03/12/17, and the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill index from 03/13/17 to 09/30/23.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 90.8%

                 

Industrial - 19.6%

UFP Industries, Inc.

    3,297     $ 337,613  

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    12,090       334,772  

ITT, Inc.

    3,374       330,348  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.1

    6,889       324,334  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    1,852       320,063  

Donaldson Company, Inc.1

    5,339       318,418  

Boise Cascade Co.1

    3,042       313,448  

Snap-on, Inc.1

    1,196       305,052  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*,1

    3,827       300,573  

Acuity Brands, Inc.1

    1,586       270,111  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    3,557       267,344  

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    4,962       258,619  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    2,081       257,066  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    1,697       254,228  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    1,096       252,420  

Masco Corp.1

    4,504       240,739  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    867       208,262  

Argan, Inc.1

    3,851       175,297  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    1,801       155,120  

Encore Wire Corp.

    771       140,677  

Teekay Corp.*

    22,349       137,893  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.1

    1,093       125,291  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    3,717       120,654  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.

    8,810       114,618  

Owens Corning

    832       113,493  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    855       113,125  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    2,006       108,565  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    240       105,646  

International Seaways, Inc.

    2,346       105,570  

Sanmina Corp.*

    1,736       94,230  

Landstar System, Inc.

    529       93,601  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    676       84,155  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A

    1,741       72,478  

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

    1,146       71,235  

Lindsay Corp.

    552       64,959  

Total Industrial

            6,890,017  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 18.1%

Amgen, Inc.1

    1,363       366,320  

H&R Block, Inc.1

    8,309       357,785  

Humana, Inc.1

    729       354,673  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.1

    4,631       347,047  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    1,522       343,774  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    15,332       335,004  

Merck & Company, Inc.1

    3,222       331,705  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.1

    5,681       329,725  

Pfizer, Inc.

    9,825       325,895  

Hologic, Inc.*,1

    4,600       319,240  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    11,580       314,281  

Innoviva, Inc.*,1

    23,751       308,526  

Incyte Corp.*,1

    5,113       295,378  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    14,163       242,187  

Altria Group, Inc.1

    5,189       218,197  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    659     216,079  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*,1

    12,411       183,311  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    304       132,368  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    1,208       111,837  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    1,797       105,053  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.1

    4,064       101,681  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    683       99,622  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    4,018       94,785  

Envista Holdings Corp.*

    3,194       89,049  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    888       87,734  

Organon & Co.

    4,890       84,891  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    640       72,000  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    1,171       71,595  

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.*

    8,607       66,704  

Alkermes plc*

    2,342       65,600  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            6,372,046  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 12.6%

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A1

    3,477       341,267  

Polaris, Inc.

    3,106       323,459  

Home Depot, Inc.1

    1,038       313,642  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.1

    4,924       290,811  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    2,353       264,077  

Boyd Gaming Corp.1

    4,221       256,764  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    8,417       230,205  

KB Home

    4,923       227,837  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    2,211       185,812  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    447       178,554  

PulteGroup, Inc.1

    2,318       171,648  

Brunswick Corp.1

    1,965       155,235  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    2,487       154,443  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    3,743       151,105  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    438       149,678  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    4,659       148,016  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    3,304       140,783  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    4,518       135,088  

Meritage Homes Corp.

    1,016       124,348  

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A*

    2,497       122,403  

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*

    4,043       89,835  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    477       74,126  

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    5,131       67,832  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    248       65,884  

DR Horton, Inc.

    595       63,945  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            4,426,797  
                 

Financial - 9.0%

Equity Commonwealth REIT1

    17,880       328,456  

MGIC Investment Corp.1

    19,659       328,142  

Essent Group Ltd.

    6,846       323,747  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    4,131       257,155  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    4,303       230,469  

Western Union Co.

    16,717       220,330  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    13,729       166,258  

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    4,787       130,350  

SouthState Corp.

    1,772       119,362  

M&T Bank Corp.

    901       113,931  

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    4,173     $ 113,047  

Globe Life, Inc.

    1,018       110,687  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    4,033       109,214  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    3,896       104,413  

Enova International, Inc.*,1

    1,883       95,788  

International Bancshares Corp.

    2,159       93,571  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    907       88,024  

FB Financial Corp.

    2,965       84,087  

Independent Bank Corp.

    1,505       73,881  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    1,341       70,684  

Total Financial

            3,161,596  
                 

Communications - 8.9%

Verizon Communications, Inc.1

    9,957       322,706  

VeriSign, Inc.*,1

    1,489       301,567  

F5, Inc.*

    1,802       290,374  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    6,608       274,827  

AT&T, Inc.1

    15,540       233,411  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    8,073       224,349  

A10 Networks, Inc.1

    12,876       193,526  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    61       188,121  

InterDigital, Inc.

    2,340       187,762  

Cisco Systems, Inc.1

    3,202       172,139  

IDT Corp. — Class B*

    7,432       163,876  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    2,329       148,334  

eBay, Inc.

    2,436       107,403  

Gogo, Inc.*

    7,366       87,876  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A*

    1,029       76,640  

Ooma, Inc.*

    5,885       76,564  

New York Times Co. — Class A

    1,687       69,505  

Total Communications

            3,118,980  
                 

Energy - 8.4%

Exxon Mobil Corp.1

    2,984       350,859  

Chord Energy Corp.

    2,069       335,323  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    3,841       331,209  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.1

    3,930       254,978  

Valero Energy Corp.

    1,614       228,720  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    9,132       206,201  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    7,577       173,589  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    989       164,135  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    24,133       155,658  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    4,083       146,743  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    5,202       140,714  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.1

    923       139,687  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

    6,574       102,949  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    1,849       98,977  

Range Resources Corp.

    2,232       72,339  

Equities Corp.

    1,742       70,690  

Total Energy

            2,972,771  
                 

Technology - 7.3%

International Business Machines Corp.

    1,990       279,197  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.1

    15,358       266,768  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    8,768       238,753  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    4,905       238,530  

Progress Software Corp.

    3,807       200,172  

NetApp, Inc.

    2,045     155,175  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

    6,246       148,218  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    1,261       140,047  

Veradigm, Inc.*,1

    9,159       120,349  

Photronics, Inc.*

    5,809       117,400  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    1,228       109,832  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    1,558       108,966  

Intuit, Inc.

    206       105,254  

Immersion Corp.

    11,269       74,488  

Box, Inc. — Class A*

    2,878       69,676  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    651       69,358  

Diodes, Inc.*,1

    861       67,881  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    309       63,935  

Total Technology

            2,573,999  
                 

Utilities - 4.8%

OGE Energy Corp.

    10,237       341,199  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    6,567       340,893  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    5,776       328,712  

Atmos Energy Corp.1

    3,035       321,497  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.1

    1,449       141,640  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    1,628       111,160  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C1

    4,459       94,353  

Total Utilities

            1,679,454  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.1%

NewMarket Corp.

    733       333,544  

Olin Corp.

    6,418       320,772  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.1

    1,172       100,487  

Total Basic Materials

            754,803  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $32,186,841)

            31,950,463  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 3.1%

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.22%2

    1,101,952       1,101,952  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $1,101,952)

            1,101,952  
                 

Total Investments - 93.9%

       

(Cost $33,288,793)

  $ 33,052,415  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 6.1%

    2,158,619  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 35,211,034  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference Obligation

Type

 

Financing Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

 

5.78% (Federal

Funds Rate +

0.45%)

At Maturity

05/06/24

  $ 8,231,038     $ 25,518  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

 

5.73% (Federal

Funds Rate +

0.40%)

At Maturity

02/01/24

    8,231,037       24,145  
                            $ 16,462,075     $ 49,663  

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

 

5.03% (Federal

Funds Rate -

0.30%)

At Maturity

02/01/24

  $ 17,749,024     $ 1,074,296  

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

 

5.13% (Federal

Funds Rate -

0.20%)

At Maturity

05/06/24

    17,602,652       1,056,830  
                            $ 35,351,676     $ 2,131,126  

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Communications

                       

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    825       0.54 %   $ 6,075  

Booking Holdings, Inc.

    16       0.60 %     3,288  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    3,316       0.61 %     416  

eBay, Inc.

    628       0.34 %     186  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A

    265       0.24 %     (283 )

F5, Inc.

    464       0.91 %     (527 )

AT&T, Inc.

    4,003       0.73 %     (1,240 )

New York Times Co. — Class A

    434       0.22 %     (1,416 )

Ziff Davis, Inc.

    600       0.46 %     (1,473 )

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    2,079       0.70 %     (2,487 )

Ooma, Inc.

    1,516       0.24 %     (2,635 )

IDT Corp. — Class B

    1,914       0.51 %     (2,814 )

InterDigital, Inc.

    603       0.59 %     (2,958 )

Yelp, Inc. — Class A

    1,702       0.86 %     (4,060 )

VeriSign, Inc.

    384       0.94 %     (7,256 )

Gogo, Inc.

    1,897       0.27 %     (8,963 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    2,565       1.01 %     (9,513 )

Total Communications

                    (35,660 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Boise Cascade Co.

    784       0.98 %     19,589  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    849       1.06 %     12,685  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    437       0.80 %     11,911  

Snap-on, Inc.

    308       0.95 %     11,703  

ITT, Inc.

    869       1.03 %     9,727  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    916       0.84 %     8,117  

International Seaways, Inc.

    604       0.33 %   5,330  

Argan, Inc.

    992       0.55 %     5,034  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    517       0.34 %     4,029  

Encore Wire Corp.

    199       0.44 %     3,319  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

    174       0.26 %     2,326  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.

    2,269       0.36 %     1,753  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A

    448       0.23 %     1,136  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    62       0.33 %     924  

Sanmina Corp.

    447       0.29 %     82  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    282       0.39 %     (27 )

Landstar System, Inc.

    136       0.29 %     (139 )

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    1,375       1.00 %     (194 )

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    464       0.49 %     (712 )

Teekay Corp.

    5,757       0.43 %     (737 )

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    409       0.85 %     (927 )

Owens Corning

    214       0.35 %     (1,177 )

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    3,114       1.05 %     (1,243 )

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    957       0.38 %     (1,416 )

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    1,774       1.01 %     (1,804 )

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

    295       0.22 %     (2,231 )

Masco Corp.

    1,160       0.75 %     (2,545 )

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    223       0.65 %     (2,764 )

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    536       0.80 %     (3,467 )

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    282       0.79 %     (3,689 )

Lindsay Corp.

    142       0.20 %     (4,468 )

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    477       1.00 %   $ (5,159 )

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A

    986       0.94 %     (5,746 )

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

    220       0.35 %     (5,963 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    1,278       0.81 %     (6,540 )

Total Industrial

                    46,717  
                         

Technology

                       

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.

    1,609       0.46 %     11,518  

NetApp, Inc.

    527       0.49 %     7,358  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.

    168       0.22 %     2,712  

Diodes, Inc.

    222       0.21 %     2,369  

Veradigm, Inc.

    2,359       0.38 %     1,005  

Synaptics, Inc.

    316       0.34 %     379  

Autodesk, Inc.

    80       0.20 %     274  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A

    2,258       0.75 %     (642 )

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    325       0.44 %     (1,016 )

Immersion Corp.

    2,903       0.23 %     (1,187 )

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    3,956       0.83 %     (1,321 )

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A

    401       0.34 %     (1,436 )

Intuit, Inc.

    53       0.33 %     (1,980 )

International Business Machines Corp.

    513       0.87 %     (2,286 )

Photronics, Inc.

    1,496       0.37 %     (2,332 )

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    1,263       0.75 %     (3,490 )

Progress Software Corp.

    980       0.63 %     (4,560 )

Box, Inc. — Class A

    741       0.22 %     (4,579 )

Total Technology

                    786  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

H&R Block, Inc.

    2,140       1.12 %     25,244  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    3,648       0.76 %     23,642  

Exelixis, Inc.

    3,949       1.05 %     13,970  

Amgen, Inc.

    351       1.15 %     11,920  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.

    3,197       0.57 %     9,462  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    1,035       0.30 %     4,551  

Humana, Inc.

    188       1.11 %     3,632  

Innoviva, Inc.

    6,118       0.97 %     3,383  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

    170       0.68 %     2,700  

United Therapeutics Corp.

    392       1.08 %     952  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

    302       0.22 %     841  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

    165       0.23 %     377  

Alkermes plc

    603       0.21 %     203  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    311       0.35 %     (322 )

Procter & Gamble Co.

    176       0.31 %     (1,094 )

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

    463       0.33 %     (1,220 )

Elevance Health, Inc.

    78       0.41 %   (1,224 )

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    229       0.27 %     (1,231 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,337       0.68 %     (2,169 )

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    1,047       0.32 %     (2,431 )

Envista Holdings Corp.

    823       0.28 %     (2,946 )

Organon & Co.

    1,259       0.27 %     (3,359 )

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.

    2,217       0.21 %     (3,627 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    2,531       1.02 %     (4,651 )

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,193       1.09 %     (5,042 )

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,463       1.03 %     (7,753 )

Merck & Company, Inc.

    830       1.04 %     (7,872 )

Hologic, Inc.

    1,185       1.00 %     (9,485 )

Incyte Corp.

    1,317       0.92 %     (17,453 )

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    2,983       0.98 %     (28,511 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    487  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,268       0.91 %     21,324  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    896       1.07 %     9,330  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    113       0.47 %     4,372  

Brunswick Corp.

    506       0.49 %     3,256  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A

    851       0.44 %     2,925  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    123       0.23 %     1,778  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    1,087       0.80 %     1,197  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    1,164       0.42 %     850  

Cavco Industries, Inc.

    64       0.21 %     (137 )

BorgWarner, Inc.

    964       0.47 %     (147 )

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

    115       0.56 %     (1,151 )

DR Horton, Inc.

    153       0.20 %     (1,213 )

Everi Holdings, Inc.

    1,322       0.21 %     (1,801 )

Steven Madden Ltd.

    1,200       0.46 %     (2,315 )

Meritage Homes Corp.

    262       0.39 %     (2,886 )

PulteGroup, Inc.

    597       0.54 %     (2,987 )

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    641       0.48 %     (3,665 )

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    606       0.83 %     (3,745 )

KB Home

    1,268       0.71 %     (3,902 )

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A

    643       0.38 %     (4,048 )

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.

    2,168       0.72 %     (4,550 )

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.

    1,041       0.28 %     (4,901 )

M/I Homes, Inc.

    570       0.58 %     (5,815 )

Home Depot, Inc.

    267       0.98 %     (6,575 )

Polaris, Inc.

    800       1.01 %     (12,459 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    (17,265 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Utilities

                       

ONE Gas, Inc.

    419       0.35 %   $ (1,996 )

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,488       1.03 %     (3,354 )

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    1,148       0.30 %     (4,164 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    1,692       1.07 %     (6,589 )

Atmos Energy Corp.

    782       1.01 %     (6,898 )

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    373       0.44 %     (7,178 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    2,637       1.07 %     (13,409 )

Total Utilities

                    (43,588 )
                         

Basic Materials

                       

NewMarket Corp.

    189       1.04 %     17,992  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    302       0.31 %     4,967  

Olin Corp.

    1,653       1.00 %     (10,278 )

Total Basic Materials

                    12,681  
                         

Energy

                       

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    769       1.10 %     14,686  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    238       0.44 %     12,748  

Valero Energy Corp.

    416       0.72 %     11,686  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    476       0.31 %     8,095  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    255       0.51 %     5,639  

CNX Resources Corp.

    2,352       0.65 %     705  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.

    1,052       0.46 %     428  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    1,012       0.80 %     287  

Range Resources Corp.

    575       0.23 %     241  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    1,952       0.54 %     (362 )

Equities Corp.

    449       0.22 %     (769 )

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    989       1.04 %     (781 )

Chord Energy Corp.

    533       1.05 %     (925 )

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

    1,693       0.32 %     (1,001 )

Southwestern Energy Co.

    6,216       0.49 %     (1,006 )

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    1,340       0.44 %     (1,223 )

Total Energy

                    48,448  
                         

Financial

                       

MGIC Investment Corp.

    5,063       1.03 %     11,428  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    1,064       0.80 %     10,248  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    1,075       0.35 %     7,628  

Essent Group Ltd.

    1,763       1.01 %     6,445  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.

    1,108       0.72 %     4,488  

Western Union Co.

    4,306       0.69 %     4,124  

M&T Bank Corp.

    232       0.36 %     1,032  

SouthState Corp.

    457       0.37 %     935  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    345       0.22 %     (306 )

International Bancshares Corp.

    556       0.29 %     (563 )

Capital One Financial Corp.

    234       0.28 %   (824 )

Enova International, Inc.

    485       0.30 %     (895 )

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,004       0.33 %     (945 )

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    1,233       0.41 %     (967 )

Globe Life, Inc.

    262       0.35 %     (1,481 )

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    1,039       0.34 %     (1,619 )

Independent Bank Corp.

    388       0.23 %     (3,977 )

FB Financial Corp.

    764       0.26 %     (5,856 )

Fulton Financial Corp.

    3,536       0.52 %     (7,705 )

Equity Commonwealth

    4,605       1.03 %     (9,651 )

Total Financial

                    11,539  

Total MS Equity Long Custom Basket

          $ 24,145  
                 

MS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.

    4,128       (0.51 )%   $ 33,519  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    9,476       (0.72 )%     26,081  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    630       (1.13 )%     25,510  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

    5,053       (1.24 )%     19,141  

Equifax, Inc.

    852       (0.88 )%     18,331  

ICU Medical, Inc.

    653       (0.44 )%     13,841  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.

    1,152       (0.53 )%     13,115  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

    7,095       (0.91 )%     8,982  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    1,501       (0.34 )%     8,106  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    684       (0.93 )%     6,883  

Cintas Corp.

    400       (1.08 )%     6,144  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    3,059       (0.87 )%     3,020  

CBIZ, Inc.

    1,628       (0.48 )%     2,707  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    1,682       (1.04 )%     (1,116 )

TransUnion

    2,105       (0.85 )%     (1,847 )

Neogen Corp.

    4,217       (0.44 )%     (4,506 )

RB Global, Inc.

    4,011       (1.41 )%     (6,832 )

ICF International, Inc.

    1,237       (0.84 )%     (20,422 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    150,657  
                         

Financial

                       

Sun Communities, Inc.

    2,151       (1.43 )%     89,705  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    1,447       (1.34 )%     70,022  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    11,666       (0.66 )%     68,592  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    3,712       (1.03 )%     44,059  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    15,938       (1.32 )%     40,890  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    6,537       (0.56 )%     36,986  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    2,447       (1.38 )%     30,206  

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    6,772       (1.16 )%   $ 25,477  

UMH Properties, Inc.

    16,631       (1.31 )%     22,570  

TFS Financial Corp.

    17,710       (1.18 )%     21,663  

Equinix, Inc.

    329       (1.35 )%     19,324  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    1,291       (1.03 )%     18,854  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    8,681       (0.82 )%     16,986  

SLM Corp.

    6,541       (0.50 )%     13,882  

Rayonier, Inc.

    2,482       (0.40 )%     13,194  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    15,717       (0.75 )%     11,763  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    2,393       (0.62 )%     11,604  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,735       (0.68 )%     9,590  

NU Holdings Limited/Cayman Islands — Class A

    18,031       (0.74 )%     9,122  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    4,181       (0.50 )%     8,183  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

    8,394       (0.92 )%     8,037  

Popular, Inc.

    3,327       (1.18 )%     7,783  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    797       (0.41 )%     5,449  

BOK Financial Corp.

    1,878       (0.85 )%     4,120  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    5,299       (0.56 )%     3,919  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,437       (0.90 )%     2,790  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    3,656       (0.93 )%     2,375  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    1,226       (0.44 )%     2,092  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    1,768       (0.60 )%     1,883  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    14,302       (0.76 )%     1,532  

Ventas, Inc.

    5,288       (1.26 )%     351  

Progressive Corp.

    582       (0.46 )%     (409 )

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,127       (0.57 )%     (2,929 )

Carlyle Group, Inc.

    5,874       (1.00 )%     (3,642 )

Allstate Corp.

    1,931       (1.21 )%     (6,749 )

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    2,851       (1.07 )%     (10,149 )

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

    4,930       (1.36 )%     (13,494 )

Welltower, Inc.

    2,715       (1.25 )%     (13,588 )

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    882       (0.60 )%     (22,002 )

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    4,195       (1.46 )%     (22,488 )

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    4,055       (1.36 )%     (23,778 )

Total Financial

                    503,775  
                         

Utilities

                       

AES Corp.

    14,892       (1.28 )%     79,286  

Avista Corp.

    6,822       (1.24 )%     64,396  

Portland General Electric Co.

    5,997       (1.37 )%     37,013  

PG&E Corp.

    15,753       (1.43 )%     18,095  

Edison International

    3,811       (1.36 )%     16,918  

Exelon Corp.

    3,672       (0.78 )%     7,128  

Spire, Inc.

    3,067       (0.98 )%   5,143  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    5,150       (0.99 )%     4,146  

Duke Energy Corp.

    2,942       (1.46 )%     (3,775 )

Total Utilities

                    228,350  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Hecla Mining Co.

    32,657       (0.72 )%     50,865  

Piedmont Lithium, Inc.

    2,661       (0.60 )%     41,234  

Alcoa Corp.

    5,885       (0.96 )%     24,019  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    1,058       (0.63 )%     17,326  

Avient Corp.

    2,596       (0.52 )%     11,164  

Novagold Resources, Inc.

    37,575       (0.81 )%     9,760  

Ecolab, Inc.

    787       (0.75 )%     9,583  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    2,314       (0.98 )%     4,101  

Century Aluminum Co.

    10,919       (0.44 )%     2,826  

Mercer International, Inc.

    12,729       (0.62 )%     (861 )

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    2,899       (1.10 )%     (70,327 )

Total Basic Materials

                    99,690  
                         

Energy

                       

Baker Hughes Co.

    3,412       (0.68 )%     1,876  

Archrock, Inc.

    9,084       (0.64 )%     (717 )

Halliburton Co.

    5,085       (1.16 )%     (1,509 )

Expro Group Holdings N.V.

    4,383       (0.57 )%     (1,861 )

NOV, Inc.

    9,760       (1.15 )%     (3,873 )

Noble Corporation plc

    1,729       (0.49 )%     (7,378 )

TechnipFMC plc

    8,024       (0.92 )%     (9,360 )

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.

    8,282       (0.52 )%     (13,269 )

Valaris Ltd.

    1,358       (0.57 )%     (21,961 )

Hess Corp.

    1,630       (1.41 )%     (29,912 )

Total Energy

                    (87,964 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    9,089       (1.14 )%     42,955  

UniFirst Corp.

    1,024       (0.94 )%     36,314  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.

    8,886       (0.69 )%     27,014  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A

    1,645       (0.54 )%     16,624  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    1,559       (0.79 )%     9,136  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.

    5,291       (0.45 )%     8,911  

VF Corp.

    9,027       (0.90 )%     3,215  

OPENLANE, Inc.

    8,330       (0.70 )%     1,701  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    8,576       (0.44 )%     (2,085 )

Tesla, Inc.

    209       (0.29 )%     (5,880 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    137,905  
                         

Industrial

                       

MasTec, Inc.

    1,136       (0.46 )%     24,611  

3M Co.

    1,615       (0.85 )%     20,212  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

GATX Corp.

    1,255       (0.77 )%   $ 6,521  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    672       (0.58 )%     4,042  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    358       (0.29 )%     2,527  

Stericycle, Inc.

    2,358       (0.59 )%     587  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    388       (0.30 )%     (1,694 )

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    5,314       (0.73 )%     (2,667 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    1,921       (0.83 )%     (15,434 )

MSA Safety, Inc.

    1,019       (0.91 )%     (19,171 )

Total Industrial

                    19,534  
                         

Technology

                       

Science Applications International Corp.

    2,188       (1.30 )%     19,523  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A

    3,558       (0.55 )%     18,599  

KBR, Inc.

    3,514       (1.17 )%     8,189  

Privia Health Group, Inc.

    6,364       (0.82 )%     7,756  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

    912       (0.72 )%     (176 )

Paycor HCM, Inc.

    8,328       (1.07 )%     (996 )

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.

    2,441       (0.93 )%     (18,201 )

Total Technology

                    34,694  
                         

Communications

                       

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A

    1,277       (0.57 )%     (12,345 )

Total MS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 1,074,296  
                 

GS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Communications

                       

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    825       0.54 %   $ 6,121  

Booking Holdings, Inc.

    16       0.60 %     3,349  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    3,316       0.61 %     359  

eBay, Inc.

    628       0.34 %     161  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A

    265       0.24 %     (273 )

F5, Inc.

    464       0.91 %     (451 )

AT&T, Inc.

    4,003       0.73 %     (1,292 )

New York Times Co. — Class A

    434       0.22 %     (1,380 )

Ziff Davis, Inc.

    600       0.46 %     (1,446 )

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    2,079       0.70 %     (2,587 )

Ooma, Inc.

    1,516       0.24 %     (2,690 )

IDT Corp. — Class B

    1,914       0.51 %     (2,856 )

InterDigital, Inc.

    603       0.59 %     (2,902 )

Yelp, Inc. — Class A

    1,702       0.86 %     (4,200 )

VeriSign, Inc.

    384       0.94 %     (7,251 )

Gogo, Inc.

    1,897       0.27 %     (8,999 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    2,565       1.01 %     (9,688 )

Total Communications

                    (36,025 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Boise Cascade Co.

    784       0.98 %   19,626  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    849       1.06 %     12,674  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    437       0.80 %     11,953  

Snap-on, Inc.

    308       0.95 %     11,674  

ITT, Inc.

    869       1.03 %     10,031  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    916       0.84 %     8,188  

International Seaways, Inc.

    604       0.33 %     5,307  

Argan, Inc.

    992       0.55 %     5,147  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    517       0.34 %     4,033  

Encore Wire Corp.

    199       0.44 %     3,303  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

    174       0.26 %     2,437  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.

    2,269       0.36 %     1,684  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A

    448       0.23 %     1,102  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    62       0.33 %     919  

Sanmina Corp.

    447       0.29 %     109  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    282       0.39 %     (30 )

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    1,375       1.00 %     (99 )

Landstar System, Inc.

    136       0.29 %     (167 )

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    464       0.49 %     (699 )

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    409       0.85 %     (794 )

Teekay Corp.

    5,757       0.43 %     (914 )

Owens Corning

    214       0.35 %     (1,065 )

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    3,114       1.05 %     (1,165 )

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    957       0.38 %     (1,482 )

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    1,774       1.01 %     (1,854 )

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

    295       0.22 %     (2,272 )

Masco Corp.

    1,160       0.75 %     (2,708 )

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    223       0.65 %     (2,838 )

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    536       0.80 %     (3,511 )

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    282       0.79 %     (3,555 )

Lindsay Corp.

    142       0.20 %     (4,444 )

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    477       1.00 %     (5,123 )

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A

    986       0.94 %     (5,768 )

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

    220       0.35 %     (5,974 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    1,278       0.81 %     (6,615 )

Total Industrial

                    47,110  
                         

Technology

                       

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.

    1,609       0.46 %     11,520  

NetApp, Inc.

    527       0.49 %     7,365  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.

    168       0.22 %     2,708  

Diodes, Inc.

    222       0.21 %     2,367  

Veradigm, Inc.

    2,359       0.38 %     966  

Synaptics, Inc.

    316       0.34 %     417  

Autodesk, Inc.

    80       0.20 %     255  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A

    2,258       0.75 %   $ (685 )

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    325       0.44 %     (1,026 )

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    3,956       0.83 %     (1,157 )

Immersion Corp.

    2,903       0.23 %     (1,192 )

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A

    401       0.34 %     (1,448 )

Intuit, Inc.

    53       0.33 %     (2,023 )

Photronics, Inc.

    1,496       0.37 %     (2,270 )

International Business Machines Corp.

    513       0.87 %     (2,346 )

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    1,263       0.75 %     (3,458 )

Box, Inc. — Class A

    741       0.22 %     (4,554 )

Progress Software Corp.

    980       0.63 %     (4,601 )

Total Technology

                    838  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

H&R Block, Inc.

    2,140       1.12 %     25,052  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    3,648       0.76 %     23,611  

Exelixis, Inc.

    3,949       1.05 %     14,051  

Amgen, Inc.

    351       1.15 %     12,131  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.

    3,197       0.57 %     9,497  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    1,035       0.30 %     4,539  

Innoviva, Inc.

    6,118       0.97 %     3,423  

Humana, Inc.

    188       1.11 %     3,153  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

    170       0.68 %     2,543  

United Therapeutics Corp.

    392       1.08 %     1,103  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

    302       0.22 %     848  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

    165       0.23 %     429  

Alkermes plc

    603       0.21 %     193  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    311       0.35 %     (272 )

Procter & Gamble Co.

    176       0.31 %     (1,085 )

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    229       0.27 %     (1,123 )

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

    463       0.33 %     (1,226 )

Elevance Health, Inc.

    78       0.41 %     (1,318 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,337       0.68 %     (2,121 )

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    1,047       0.32 %     (2,372 )

Envista Holdings Corp.

    823       0.28 %     (2,979 )

Organon & Co.

    1,259       0.27 %     (3,499 )

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.

    2,217       0.21 %     (3,625 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    2,531       1.02 %     (4,661 )

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,193       1.09 %     (4,731 )

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,463       1.03 %     (7,684 )

Merck & Company, Inc.

    830       1.04 %     (7,839 )

Hologic, Inc.

    1,185       1.00 %     (9,603 )

Incyte Corp.

    1,317       0.92 %     (17,190 )

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    2,983       0.98 %   (28,362 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    883  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,268       0.91 %     21,292  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    896       1.07 %     9,291  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    113       0.47 %     4,333  

Brunswick Corp.

    506       0.49 %     3,290  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A

    851       0.44 %     2,978  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    123       0.23 %     1,703  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    1,087       0.80 %     1,290  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    1,164       0.42 %     789  

Cavco Industries, Inc.

    64       0.21 %     (142 )

BorgWarner, Inc.

    964       0.47 %     (224 )

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

    115       0.56 %     (1,157 )

DR Horton, Inc.

    153       0.20 %     (1,199 )

Everi Holdings, Inc.

    1,322       0.21 %     (1,805 )

Steven Madden Ltd.

    1,200       0.46 %     (2,286 )

Meritage Homes Corp.

    262       0.39 %     (2,761 )

PulteGroup, Inc.

    597       0.54 %     (2,872 )

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    606       0.83 %     (3,608 )

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    641       0.48 %     (3,710 )

KB Home

    1,268       0.71 %     (4,129 )

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A

    643       0.38 %     (4,185 )

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.

    2,168       0.72 %     (4,286 )

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.

    1,041       0.28 %     (4,910 )

M/I Homes, Inc.

    570       0.58 %     (5,727 )

Home Depot, Inc.

    267       0.98 %     (6,609 )

Polaris, Inc.

    800       1.01 %     (12,514 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    (17,158 )
                         
                         

Utilities

                       

ONE Gas, Inc.

    419       0.35 %     (1,913 )

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,488       1.03 %     (3,227 )

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    1,148       0.30 %     (4,184 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    1,692       1.07 %     (6,584 )

Atmos Energy Corp.

    782       1.01 %     (6,803 )

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    373       0.44 %     (7,199 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    2,637       1.07 %     (13,233 )

Total Utilities

                    (43,143 )
                         

Basic Materials

                       

NewMarket Corp.

    189       1.04 %     18,033  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    302       0.31 %   $ 5,053  

Olin Corp.

    1,653       1.00 %     (10,226 )

Total Basic Materials

                    12,860  
                         

Energy

                       

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    769       1.10 %     14,921  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    238       0.44 %     12,773  

Valero Energy Corp.

    416       0.72 %     11,681  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    476       0.31 %     8,019  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    255       0.51 %     5,559  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.

    1,052       0.46 %     479  

CNX Resources Corp.

    2,352       0.65 %     464  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    1,012       0.80 %     342  

Range Resources Corp.

    575       0.23 %     205  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    1,952       0.54 %     (388 )

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    989       1.04 %     (871 )

Equities Corp.

    449       0.22 %     (872 )

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

    1,693       0.32 %     (980 )

Chord Energy Corp.

    533       1.05 %     (1,039 )

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    1,340       0.44 %     (1,210 )

Southwestern Energy Co.

    6,216       0.49 %     (1,229 )

Total Energy

                    47,854  
                         

Financial

                       

MGIC Investment Corp.

    5,063       1.03 %     11,440  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    1,064       0.80 %     10,326  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    1,075       0.35 %     7,666  

Essent Group Ltd.

    1,763       1.01 %     6,511  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.

    1,108       0.72 %     4,599  

Western Union Co.

    4,306       0.69 %     4,278  

SouthState Corp.

    457       0.37 %     1,201  

M&T Bank Corp.

    232       0.36 %     1,037  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    345       0.22 %     (293 )

International Bancshares Corp.

    556       0.29 %     (558 )

Capital One Financial Corp.

    234       0.28 %     (797 )

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,004       0.33 %     (906 )

Enova International, Inc.

    485       0.30 %     (957 )

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    1,233       0.41 %     (965 )

Globe Life, Inc.

    262       0.35 %     (1,420 )

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    1,039       0.34 %     (1,614 )

Independent Bank Corp.

    388       0.23 %     (3,998 )

FB Financial Corp.

    764       0.26 %     (5,846 )

Fulton Financial Corp.

    3,536       0.52 %     (7,698 )

Equity Commonwealth

    4,605       1.03 %     (9,707 )

Total Financial

                    12,299  

Total GS Equity Long Custom Basket

          $ 25,518  

GS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.

    4,128       (0.48 )%   $ 33,950  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    9,476       (0.72 )%     26,226  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    630       (1.14 )%     26,007  

Equifax, Inc.

    852       (0.89 )%     19,051  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

    5,053       (1.25 )%     18,563  

ICU Medical, Inc.

    653       (0.44 )%     12,760  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.

    1,152       (0.53 )%     12,137  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

    7,095       (0.92 )%     8,848  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    1,501       (0.34 )%     8,029  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    684       (0.93 )%     7,065  

Cintas Corp.

    400       (1.09 )%     6,338  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    3,059       (0.88 )%     3,398  

CBIZ, Inc.

    1,628       (0.48 )%     2,573  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    1,682       (1.04 )%     (1,200 )

TransUnion

    2,105       (0.86 )%     (1,901 )

Neogen Corp.

    4,217       (0.44 )%     (4,556 )

RB Global, Inc.

    4,011       (1.42 )%     (7,278 )

ICF International, Inc.

    1,237       (0.85 )%     (20,418 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    149,592  
                         

Financial

                       

Sun Communities, Inc.

    2,151       (1.43 )%     89,401  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    1,447       (1.35 )%     70,164  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    11,666       (0.67 )%     68,874  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    3,712       (1.04 )%     43,682  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    15,938       (1.33 )%     40,585  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    6,537       (0.57 )%     37,106  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    2,447       (1.40 )%     29,859  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    6,772       (1.17 )%     25,131  

UMH Properties, Inc.

    16,631       (1.32 )%     22,739  

TFS Financial Corp.

    17,710       (1.19 )%     21,532  

Equinix, Inc.

    329       (1.36 )%     19,160  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    1,291       (1.04 )%     18,656  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    8,681       (0.83 )%     16,864  

SLM Corp.

    6,541       (0.51 )%     13,745  

Rayonier, Inc.

    2,482       (0.40 )%     13,303  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    15,717       (0.76 )%     11,648  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    2,393       (0.63 )%     11,592  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,735       (0.68 )%     9,482  

NU Holdings Limited/Cayman Islands — Class A

    18,031       (0.74 )%     9,302  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    4,181       (0.51 )%   $ 8,240  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

    8,394       (0.92 )%     7,820  

Popular, Inc.

    3,327       (1.19 )%     7,426  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    797       (0.42 )%     5,435  

BOK Financial Corp.

    1,878       (0.85 )%     4,213  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    5,299       (0.57 )%     3,937  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,437       (0.91 )%     2,736  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    3,656       (0.94 )%     2,353  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    1,226       (0.44 )%     2,098  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    1,768       (0.61 )%     1,885  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    14,302       (0.77 )%     957  

Progressive Corp.

    582       (0.46 )%     (376 )

Ventas, Inc.

    5,288       (1.27 )%     (935 )

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,127       (0.57 )%     (2,830 )

Carlyle Group, Inc.

    5,874       (1.01 )%     (4,428 )

Allstate Corp.

    1,931       (1.22 )%     (7,017 )

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    2,851       (1.08 )%     (10,298 )

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

    4,930       (1.37 )%     (13,743 )

Welltower, Inc.

    2,715       (1.26 )%     (13,766 )

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    882       (0.61 )%     (22,485 )

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    4,195       (1.47 )%     (22,512 )

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    4,055       (1.37 )%     (23,690 )

Total Financial

                    497,845  
                         

Utilities

                       

AES Corp.

    14,892       (1.29 )%     80,809  

Avista Corp.

    6,822       (1.25 )%     64,287  

Portland General Electric Co.

    5,997       (1.38 )%     37,019  

PG&E Corp.

    15,753       (1.44 )%     18,299  

Edison International

    3,811       (1.37 )%     16,621  

Exelon Corp.

    3,672       (0.79 )%     7,021  

Spire, Inc.

    3,067       (0.99 )%     5,054  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    5,150       (1.00 )%     3,987  

Duke Energy Corp.

    2,942       (1.48 )%     (4,560 )

Total Utilities

                    228,537  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Hecla Mining Co.

    32,657       (0.71 )%     50,810  

Piedmont Lithium, Inc.

    2,661       (0.60 )%     40,853  

Alcoa Corp.

    5,885       (0.97 )%     23,655  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    1,058       (0.64 )%     17,286  

Avient Corp.

    2,596       (0.52 )%     11,416  

Novagold Resources, Inc.

    37,575       (0.82 )%     9,668  

Ecolab, Inc.

    787       (0.76 )%     9,594  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    2,314       (0.99 )%     4,140  

Century Aluminum Co.

    10,919       (0.45 )%   2,356  

Mercer International, Inc.

    12,729       (0.62 )%     (741 )

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    2,899       (1.11 )%     (70,285 )

Total Basic Materials

                    98,752  
                         

Energy

                       

Baker Hughes Co.

    3,412       (0.68 )%     2,319  

Halliburton Co.

    5,085       (1.17 )%     (1,024 )

Archrock, Inc.

    9,084       (0.65 )%     (1,076 )

Expro Group Holdings N.V.

    4,383       (0.58 )%     (1,868 )

NOV, Inc.

    9,760       (1.16 )%     (3,561 )

Noble Corporation plc

    1,729       (0.50 )%     (7,602 )

TechnipFMC plc

    8,024       (0.93 )%     (9,147 )

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.

    8,282       (0.53 )%     (13,125 )

Valaris Ltd.

    1,358       (0.58 )%     (22,096 )

Hess Corp.

    1,630       (1.42 )%     (29,712 )

Total Energy

                    (86,892 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    9,089       (1.15 )%     43,065  

UniFirst Corp.

    1,024       (0.95 )%     36,452  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.

    8,886       (0.70 )%     26,576  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A

    1,645       (0.54 )%     16,196  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    1,559       (0.80 )%     8,936  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.

    5,291       (0.46 )%     8,653  

VF Corp.

    9,027       (0.91 )%     3,229  

OPENLANE, Inc.

    8,330       (0.71 )%     1,708  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    8,576       (0.44 )%     (1,734 )

Tesla, Inc.

    209       (0.30 )%     (5,953 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    137,128  
                         

Industrial

                       

MasTec, Inc.

    1,136       (0.46 )%     24,779  

3M Co.

    1,615       (0.86 )%     19,858  

GATX Corp.

    1,255       (0.78 )%     6,312  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    672       (0.58 )%     3,905  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    358       (0.29 )%     2,517  

Stericycle, Inc.

    2,358       (0.60 )%     246  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    388       (0.30 )%     (1,692 )

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    5,314       (0.74 )%     (2,655 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    1,921       (0.83 )%     (15,416 )

MSA Safety, Inc.

    1,019       (0.91 )%     (19,139 )

Total Industrial

                    18,715  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Technology

                       

Science Applications International Corp.

    2,188       (1.31 )%   $ 19,600  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A

    3,558       (0.55 )%     17,993  

KBR, Inc.

    3,514       (1.18 )%     8,324  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

    912       (0.73 )%     (235 )

Paycor HCM, Inc.

    8,328       (1.08 )%     (1,260 )

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.

    2,441       (0.94 )%     (18,796 )

Total Technology

                    25,626  
                         

Communications

                       

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A

    1,277       (0.58 )%     (12,473 )

Total GS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 1,056,830  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity custom basket swap collateral at September 30, 2023.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

GS — Goldman Sachs International

 

MS — Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 31,950,463     $     $     $ 31,950,463  

Money Market Fund

    1,101,952                   1,101,952  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          2,180,789             2,180,789  

Total Assets

  $ 33,052,415     $ 2,180,789     $     $ 35,233,204  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $33,288,793)

  $ 33,052,415  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    2,180,789  

Prepaid expenses

    31,571  

Receivables:

Dividends

    30,136  

Interest

    4,033  

Total assets

    35,298,944  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    3,814  

Payable for:

Professional fees

    37,363  

Management fees

    24,174  

Swap settlement

    8,172  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    4,695  

Transfer agent fees

    2,704  

Distribution and service fees

    1,112  

Due to Investment Adviser

    1,106  

Trustees’ fees*

    673  

Fund shares redeemed

    46  

Miscellaneous

    4,051  

Total liabilities

    87,910  

Net assets

  $ 35,211,034  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 60,038,036  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (24,827,002 )

Net assets

  $ 35,211,034  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,841,652  

Capital shares outstanding

    146,727  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.37  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 20.34  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 193,690  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,473  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.88  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,880,180  

Capital shares outstanding

    96,297  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.52  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 30,295,512  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,060,837  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.56  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 653,416  

Interest

    51,773  

Total investment income

    705,189  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    297,618  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,927  

C-Class

    2,067  

P-Class

    4,407  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    6,326  

C-Class

    636  

P-Class

    2,771  

Institutional Class

    19,246  

Registration fees

    68,229  

Professional fees

    46,983  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    22,722  

Custodian fees

    19,885  

Trustees’ fees*

    10,054  

Line of credit fees

    1,095  

Miscellaneous

    11,213  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    418  

C-Class

    36  

P-Class

    366  

Institutional Class

    12,371  

Total expenses

    533,370  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

       

A-Class

    (4,349 )

C-Class

    (482 )

P-Class

    (1,607 )

Institutional Class

    (8,022 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (13,402 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (27,862 )

Net expenses

    505,508  

Net investment income

    199,681  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,201,020  

Swap agreements

    1,169,204  

Net realized gain

    2,370,224  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    3,569,365  

Swap agreements

    (1,078,261 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,491,104  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    4,861,328  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 5,061,009  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 199,681     $ 205,930  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    2,370,224       (1,341,421 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,491,104       (830,642 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5,061,009       (1,966,133 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (19,964 )     (25,810 )

C-Class

          (554 )

P-Class

    (12,413 )     (17,637 )

Institutional Class

    (173,553 )     (238,313 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (205,930 )     (282,314 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    143,300       166,738  

C-Class

    2,880       980  

P-Class

    51,362       150,241  

Institutional Class

    779,910       458,517  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    17,789       22,964  

C-Class

          525  

P-Class

    12,413       17,637  

Institutional Class

    173,553       234,219  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (329,547 )     (413,839 )

C-Class

    (34,599 )     (70,209 )

P-Class

    (89,028 )     (245,270 )

Institutional Class

    (459,238 )     (2,939,045 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    268,795       (2,616,542 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    5,123,874       (4,864,989 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    30,087,160       34,952,149  

End of year

  $ 35,211,034     $ 30,087,160  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    7,772       8,794  

C-Class

    179       61  

P-Class

    2,642       8,039  

Institutional Class

    28,646       16,552  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    1,004       1,171  

C-Class

          31  

P-Class

    695       892  

Institutional Class

    6,660       8,141  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (18,034 )     (22,446 )

C-Class

    (2,086 )     (4,318 )

P-Class

    (4,858 )     (12,977 )

Institutional Class

    (16,727 )     (108,537 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    5,893       (104,597 )

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.73     $ 18.05     $ 16.89     $ 17.42     $ 19.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .07       .07       .10       .11       .12  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    2.70       (1.23 )     1.27       (.48 )     (1.64 )

Total from investment operations

    2.77       (1.16 )     1.37       (.37 )     (1.52 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.13 )     (.16 )     (.21 )     (.16 )     (.21 )

Total distributions

    (.13 )     (.16 )     (.21 )     (.16 )     (.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.37     $ 16.73     $ 18.05     $ 16.89     $ 17.42  

 

Total Returnb

    16.62 %     (6.55 %)     8.17 %     (2.15 %)     (7.97 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,842     $ 2,610     $ 3,042     $ 3,429     $ 7,326  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.39 %     0.39 %     0.56 %     0.65 %     0.64 %

Total expensesc

    1.94 %     1.91 %     1.94 %     1.73 %     1.65 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.74 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.69 %     1.64 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    309 %     283 %     169 %     209 %     126 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.59     $ 15.76     $ 14.71     $ 15.16     $ 16.61  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.06 )     (.06 )     (.03 )     (.02 )     (.03 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    2.35       (1.08 )     1.11       (.43 )     (1.42 )

Total from investment operations

    2.29       (1.14 )     1.08       (.45 )     (1.45 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.03 )     (.03 )            

Total distributions

          (.03 )     (.03 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.88     $ 14.59     $ 15.76     $ 14.71     $ 15.16  

 

Total Returnb

    15.70 %     (7.25 %)     7.37 %     (2.97 %)     (8.73 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 194     $ 195     $ 277     $ 354     $ 702  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.36 %)     (0.37 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.15 %)     (0.20 %)

Total expensesc

    2.77 %     2.75 %     2.75 %     2.72 %     2.55 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    2.50 %     2.51 %     2.51 %     2.51 %     2.48 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    309 %     283 %     169 %     209 %     126 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.87     $ 18.21     $ 17.06     $ 17.56     $ 19.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .07       .07       .10       .12       .11  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    2.71       (1.24 )     1.28       (.49 )     (1.64 )

Total from investment operations

    2.78       (1.17 )     1.38       (.37 )     (1.53 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.13 )     (.17 )     (.23 )     (.13 )     (.14 )

Total distributions

    (.13 )     (.17 )     (.23 )     (.13 )     (.14 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.52     $ 16.87     $ 18.21     $ 17.06     $ 17.56  

 

Total Return

    16.60 %     (6.54 %)     8.17 %     (2.11 %)     (7.99 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,880     $ 1,650     $ 1,855     $ 1,161     $ 1,905  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.39 %     0.39 %     0.54 %     0.70 %     0.59 %

Total expensesc

    1.87 %     1.82 %     1.96 %     1.67 %     1.67 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.74 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.64 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    309 %     283 %     169 %     209 %     126 %

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.59     $ 26.44     $ 24.65     $ 25.37     $ 27.77  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .17       .17       .22       .25       .28  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.97       (1.81 )     1.85       (.72 )     (2.37 )

Total from investment operations

    4.14       (1.64 )     2.07       (.47 )     (2.09 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.17 )     (.21 )     (.28 )     (.25 )     (.31 )

Total distributions

    (.17 )     (.21 )     (.28 )     (.25 )     (.31 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.56     $ 24.59     $ 26.44     $ 24.65     $ 25.37  

 

Total Return

    16.89 %     (6.31 %)     8.46 %     (1.87 %)     (7.57 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 30,296     $ 25,632     $ 29,778     $ 32,260     $ 79,318  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.64 %     0.64 %     0.82 %     1.00 %     1.05 %

Total expensesc

    1.56 %     1.54 %     1.58 %     1.36 %     1.22 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.49 %     1.51 %     1.50 %     1.36 %     1.21 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    309 %     283 %     169 %     209 %     126 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.02%

0.02%

0.01%

0.02%

0.09%

 

C-Class

0.02%

0.03%

0.01%

0.01%

0.04%

 

P-Class

0.02%

0.03%

0.01%

0.01%

0.03%

 

Institutional Class

0.04%

0.06%

0.02%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.74%

1.76%

1.76%

1.69%

1.64%

 

C-Class

2.49%

2.51%

2.51%

2.51%

2.48%

 

P-Class

1.74%

1.76%

1.76%

1.64%

1.66%

 

Institutional Class

1.48%

1.50%

1.50%

1.36%

1.21%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Fund”).The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, led by David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Chris Phalen, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 14.19%1, slightly underperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 14.44% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The market began the Reporting Period with steady strength, as a buoyant economy helped build expectations that a highly anticipated recession would be pushed further out and that perhaps the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed’) could do the unthinkable and engineer a soft landing. Once the banking crisis hit in March, leadership in equities shifted away from the value area and growth stocks once again caught the market’s interest. As the Reporting Period progressed, the continued strong jobs market accompanied by increasing fiscal deficits and treasury issuance caused a significant rise in interest rates. These events have begun to dampen stock performance, as equity returns for the broad market were lower in the third quarter. A flight to safety from growing geopolitical risks has yet to dampen the trend toward rising interest rates in the government debt market.

 

The Fund’s performance for the Reporting Period was mostly in-line with the Benchmark. During the period, the Fund produced a positive contribution from its security selection and experienced negative contribution from sector allocation.

 

The Fund’s holding of Comcast Corp., a global media and communications company, was one of the best performers, up over 50% during the period. The company experienced better subscriber additions in its broadband and wireless businesses and controlled costs to expand margins.

 

Another significant contributor, up over 50% for the year, was semiconductor capital equipment company KLA Corp. The company is expected to benefit from the increase in spending on producing AI chips as well as the construction of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the U.S. resulting from the government’s CHIPS Act.

 

Two companies in the steel sector, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. and Nucor Corp., performed well for the Fund, as the steel sector remained resilient amid healthy macroeconomic activity. Although revenues and earnings fell, the drop wasn’t as much as investors feared, and these companies continued to produce free cash flow and returned it to shareholders.

 

Encompass Health Corp., which operates inpatient rehab facilities, gained almost 50%. Favorable Medicare rate reimbursement in the Spring, coupled with solid earnings results that were driven by favorable volumes as well as expense benefits, led to several good earnings reports over the Reporting Period. A looser labor market coming off COVID allowed the company to save from lower usage of contract labor.

 

While the market was being impacted by stress in the banking sector, the Fund’s significant weight in JP Morgan Chase & Co. aided performance. JP Morgan, with its management team, asset size, and diversified business, provided a relatively sound investment during this tumultuous period.

 

Finally, the Fund’s 5% underweight to the pharmaceutical sector provided positive contribution to performance as this sector recorded a -0.9% return during the year. Government pricing controls embedded in the Inflation Reduction Act and the interest-rate-sensitive nature of these dividend-paying stocks caused the sector to underperform.

 

The Fund’s largest detractor from performance was not owning Meta Platforms, Inc. This company, which historically has only been in the Russell Growth Index, was added to the Russell Value Index at the beginning of the Reporting Period after the company’s stock price fell 75%. The Fund did not invest in Meta and the stock performed extremely well and subsequently was removed from the Russell Value Index at mid-year 2023.

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

The largest sector allocation detractor was an overweight in the Utilities sector. Utilities, an interest rate sensitive sector, underperformed because interest rates continually moved higher during the Reporting Period and investors moved out of this defensive sector as views on the state of the economy improved. Another detractor from performance was the Fund’s positioning within the Energy sector. The Fund was overweight the sector but was more concentrated in exploration & production companies. Although these companies performed well and outperformed the Fund’s Benchmark, they did not perform as well as the oil service companies and oil refining companies within the Energy sector.

 

Finally, there were two stocks that hurt the Fund’s performance the most during the Reporting Period, Tyson Foods, Inc. and Charles Schwab Corp. Tyson Foods produces and distributes beef, chicken, and pork products, and they struggled as their operating margins fell significantly as commodity input costs spiked higher. Schwab, a wealth management and brokerage company, experienced declining profitability as their customers moved their cash deposits to higher yielding alternatives.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

In many ways, the environment is similar to last year. The geopolitical environment seems to have become less favorable and the Fed, while still hawkish, is much later in the game of fighting inflation. However, it remains very unclear how long “higher for longer” will really be. Reversing several decades of shifting production from low-cost Asian countries to higher-cost locations closer to end markets could provide many years of stubbornly high inflation that may serve to restrain equity appreciation. The murkiness of the economic outlook has not improved, yet equity prices are higher. The extreme overvaluation in a handful of large cap growth stocks suggests that value stocks could really excel once investors become more comfortable with the economy and market.

 

At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund’s largest sector overweight was in Energy. Favorable Saudi and Russian production discipline is controlling supply, and demand is slowly returning in China while demand in India and U.S. has been resilient. Additionally, the Fund continued to hold an overweight in the Utilities sector and a similar-size underweight in the REITs sector. Both sectors are interest-rate sensitive, but we favor Utilities because of their valuations, profitability, and regulatory nature of their businesses. We were also overweight in Materials. This sector should benefit from U.S. onshoring and infrastructure spending, and trades at attractive valuations. Plus, it has ample free cash flow to re-invest in businesses and return capital to shareholders.

 

The Fund was underweight in Health Care and Consumer Discretionary. Within Health Care, the Fund was primarily underweight in pharmaceuticals, a subsector with dividend-paying companies that is more interest-rate sensitive. Earnings and cash flow in companies in the subsector may disappoint post-pandemic, plus they are continually pressured to make acquisitions to fill their drug pipeline. Finally, given the significant increase in interest costs for the consumer, and inflationary pressures, we are leery of consumers continuing their consumption habits, and believe Consumer Discretionary companies may find it difficult to maintain their margins.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

August 7, 1944

C-Class

January 29, 1999

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

June 7, 2013

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

3.4%

Chevron Corp.

3.0%

ConocoPhillips

2.7%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

2.5%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2.4%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

2.3%

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

2.1%

Bank of America Corp.

2.1%

Walmart, Inc.

2.0%

Johnson & Johnson

1.8%

Top Ten Total

24.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

14.19%

6.46%

8.24%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

8.77%

5.43%

7.71%

C-Class Shares

13.33%

5.67%

7.42%

C-Class Shares with CDSC‡

12.33%

5.67%

7.42%

Institutional Class Shares

14.48%

6.73%

8.50%

Russell 1000 Value Index

14.44%

6.23%

8.45%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

14.19%

6.46%

7.59%

Russell 1000 Value Index

14.44%

6.23%

7.12%

 

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 93.6%

                 

Financial - 18.3%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    2,471     $ 865,591  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    5,828       845,177  

Bank of America Corp.

    26,532       726,446  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    1,295       512,704  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    12,178       446,080  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    6,546       359,375  

Unum Group

    7,213       354,807  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    8,144       343,107  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,059       342,661  

First Horizon Corp.

    30,507       336,187  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    1,929       317,224  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    7,241       295,867  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    9,411       261,626  

STAG Industrial, Inc. REIT

    6,837       235,945  

Markel Group, Inc.*

    144       212,039  

Total Financial

            6,454,836  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.8%

Johnson & Johnson

    4,170       649,477  

Humana, Inc.

    1,306       635,395  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    11,064       558,621  

Ingredion, Inc.

    5,537       544,841  

Medtronic plc

    6,416       502,758  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    6,265       472,506  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    7,205       421,204  

Encompass Health Corp.

    5,404       362,933  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    3,339       343,750  

Bunge Ltd.

    3,038       328,864  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,156       284,353  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    2,163       263,583  

Kenvue, Inc.

    10,128       203,370  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    2,372       188,290  

Moderna, Inc.*

    1,739       179,621  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    2,357       175,007  

Pfizer, Inc.

    4,745       157,392  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            6,271,965  
                 

Energy - 13.2%

Chevron Corp.

    6,300       1,062,306  

ConocoPhillips

    7,974       955,285  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    4,180       647,399  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    15,804       427,498  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    1,695       389,087  

Equities Corp.

    9,397       381,331  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    12,079       323,113  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    16,847       279,323  

Range Resources Corp.

    5,505       178,417  

Total Energy

            4,643,759  
                 

Industrial - 9.0%

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    3,722       728,135  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    9,555       479,183  

Johnson Controls International plc

    8,932       475,272  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    4,251       438,363  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    2,503     416,799  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    2,153       374,880  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    642       262,309  

Total Industrial

            3,174,941  
                 

Communications - 8.2%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    24,434       791,906  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    4,480       586,253  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    12,165       539,396  

Walt Disney Co.*

    4,030       326,632  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    8,951       258,505  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    1,466       205,313  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    3,338       179,451  

Total Communications

            2,887,456  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 8.0%

Walmart, Inc.

    4,332       692,817  

Ferguson plc

    3,521       579,099  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    11,162       412,994  

Lear Corp.

    2,877       386,093  

Whirlpool Corp.

    2,259       302,028  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    9,056       245,146  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    1,913       187,761  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,805,938  
                 

Utilities - 7.0%

OGE Energy Corp.

    18,873       629,037  

Edison International

    7,613       481,827  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    6,179       455,269  

Exelon Corp.

    11,169       422,077  

Duke Energy Corp.

    3,475       306,703  

NiSource, Inc.

    6,835       168,688  

Total Utilities

            2,463,601  
                 

Basic Materials - 6.1%

Huntsman Corp.

    19,666       479,851  

Nucor Corp.

    2,541       397,285  

Westlake Corp.

    2,839       353,938  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    9,272       345,753  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    4,043       301,567  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    1,014       265,901  

Total Basic Materials

            2,144,295  
                 

Technology - 6.0%

Microsoft Corp.

    1,371       432,893  

Teradyne, Inc.

    4,240       425,950  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    4,014       369,930  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    2,949       333,119  

KLA Corp.

    684       313,724  

Amdocs Ltd.

    2,549       215,365  

Total Technology

            2,090,981  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $29,385,201)

            32,937,772  
                 

 

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 3.4%

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

    7,953     $ 1,207,424  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $1,121,233)

            1,207,424  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 3.8%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%1

    1,349,700       1,349,700  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $1,349,700)

            1,349,700  
                 

Total Investments - 100.8%

       

(Cost $31,856,134)

  $ 35,494,896  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.8)%

    (295,618 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 35,199,278  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 32,937,772     $     $     $ 32,937,772  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1,207,424                   1,207,424  

Money Market Fund

    1,349,700                   1,349,700  

Total Assets

  $ 35,494,896     $     $     $ 35,494,896  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $31,856,134)

  $ 35,494,896  

Prepaid expenses

    31,473  

Receivables:

Dividends

    51,121  

Interest

    5,193  

Fund shares sold

    2  

Total assets

    35,582,685  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    4,418  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    180,326  

Fund shares redeemed

    152,109  

Professional fees

    26,338  

Distribution and service fees

    7,931  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    4,595  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    3,034  

Management fees

    1,776  

Trustees’ fees*

    775  

Miscellaneous

    2,105  

Total liabilities

    383,407  

Net assets

  $ 35,199,278  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 27,633,383  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    7,565,895  

Net assets

  $ 35,199,278  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 31,862,255  

Capital shares outstanding

    697,852  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.66  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 47.94  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,225,146  

Capital shares outstanding

    30,115  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.68  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 83,641  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,837  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.53  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,028,236  

Capital shares outstanding

    45,170  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.90  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 916,158  

Interest

    37,123  

Total investment income

    953,281  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    253,631  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    84,150  

C-Class

    15,606  

P-Class

    238  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    48,847  

C-Class

    3,361  

P-Class

    362  

Institutional Class

    6,206  

Registration fees

    70,994  

Professional fees

    39,787  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    25,039  

Trustees’ fees*

    8,800  

Custodian fees

    2,831  

Line of credit fees

    1,371  

Miscellaneous

    14,639  

Total expenses

    575,862  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (48,313 )

C-Class

    (3,330 )

P-Class

    (361 )

Institutional Class

    (6,096 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (77,871 )

Earning credits applied

    (9 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (135,980 )

Net expenses

    439,882  

Net investment income

    513,399  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    4,048,731  

Net realized gain

    4,048,731  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    863,434  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    863,434  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    4,912,165  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 5,425,564  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 513,399     $ 450,747  

Net realized gain on investments

    4,048,731       3,580,356  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    863,434       (6,500,785 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5,425,564       (2,469,682 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (2,952,899 )     (2,507,851 )

C-Class

    (151,235 )     (71,394 )

P-Class

    (8,525 )     (14,229 )

Institutional Class

    (518,877 )     (104,499 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (3,631,536 )     (2,697,973 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,050,924       1,652,023  

C-Class

    236,441       1,012,743  

P-Class

    5,872       97,002  

Institutional Class

    1,317,443       5,240,686  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    2,884,298       2,467,309  

C-Class

    137,939       71,394  

P-Class

    8,525       13,975  

Institutional Class

    518,877       104,499  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (4,238,196 )     (5,675,420 )

C-Class

    (876,269 )     (398,244 )

P-Class

    (33,478 )     (195,391 )

Institutional Class

    (5,335,058 )     (922,034 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (4,322,682 )     3,468,542  

Net decrease in net assets

    (2,528,654 )     (1,699,113 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    37,727,932       39,427,045  

End of year

  $ 35,199,278     $ 37,727,932  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    22,456       33,081  

C-Class

    5,650       22,757  

P-Class

    129       1,910  

Institutional Class

    29,033       111,528  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    63,832       50,292  

C-Class

    3,405       1,605  

P-Class

    189       286  

Institutional Class

    11,697       2,166  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (90,872 )     (113,292 )

C-Class

    (20,843 )     (8,672 )

P-Class

    (706 )     (3,856 )

Institutional Class

    (117,251 )     (19,629 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (93,281 )     78,176  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.75     $ 50.08     $ 38.17     $ 43.56     $ 48.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .61       .56       .41       .97       .62  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.55       (3.40 )     14.51       (2.97 )     (2.66 )

Total from investment operations

    6.16       (2.84 )     14.92       (2.00 )     (2.04 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.52 )     (.43 )     (1.30 )     (.70 )     (.36 )

Net realized gains

    (3.73 )     (3.06 )     (1.71 )     (2.69 )     (2.12 )

Total distributions

    (4.25 )     (3.49 )     (3.01 )     (3.39 )     (2.48 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.66     $ 43.75     $ 50.08     $ 38.17     $ 43.56  

 

Total Returnb

    14.19 %     (6.43 %)     40.59 %     (5.58 %)     (3.59 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 31,862     $ 30,733     $ 36,678     $ 28,548     $ 53,248  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.32 %     1.11 %     0.88 %     2.40 %     1.42 %

Total expensesc

    1.47 %     1.41 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.31 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.12 %     1.13 %     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.15 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    19 %     33 %     19 %     25 %     37 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.44     $ 45.43     $ 34.79     $ 39.77     $ 44.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .24       .18       .05       .62       .26  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.00       (3.07 )     13.23       (2.74 )     (2.40 )

Total from investment operations

    5.24       (2.89 )     13.28       (2.12 )     (2.14 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.27 )     (.04 )     (.93 )     (.17 )      

Net realized gains

    (3.73 )     (3.06 )     (1.71 )     (2.69 )     (2.12 )

Total distributions

    (4.00 )     (3.10 )     (2.64 )     (2.86 )     (2.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.68     $ 39.44     $ 45.43     $ 34.79     $ 39.77  

 

Total Returnb

    13.33 %     (7.13 %)     39.55 %     (6.30 %)     (4.28 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,225     $ 1,653     $ 1,191     $ 911     $ 1,533  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.57 %     0.39 %     0.12 %     1.69 %     0.66 %

Total expensesc

    2.28 %     2.29 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.18 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.87 %     1.88 %     1.89 %     1.90 %     1.90 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    19 %     33 %     19 %     25 %     37 %

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.59     $ 49.91     $ 38.06     $ 43.46     $ 48.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .62       .53       .41       .83       .61  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.52       (3.34 )     14.46       (2.82 )     (2.64 )

Total from investment operations

    6.14       (2.81 )     14.87       (1.99 )     (2.03 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.47 )     (.45 )     (1.31 )     (.72 )     (.39 )

Net realized gains

    (3.73 )     (3.06 )     (1.71 )     (2.69 )     (2.12 )

Total distributions

    (4.20 )     (3.51 )     (3.02 )     (3.41 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.53     $ 43.59     $ 49.91     $ 38.06     $ 43.46  

 

Total Return

    14.19 %     (6.44 %)     40.60 %     (5.58 %)     (3.58 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 84     $ 97     $ 194     $ 170     $ 155  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.33 %     1.05 %     0.87 %     2.12 %     1.41 %

Total expensesc

    1.70 %     1.67 %     1.71 %     1.72 %     1.60 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.12 %     1.14 %     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.15 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    19 %     33 %     19 %     25 %     37 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.11     $ 49.39     $ 37.71     $ 43.08     $ 47.60  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .74       .71       .52       .98       .71  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.43       (3.38 )     14.31       (2.84 )     (2.63 )

Total from investment operations

    6.17       (2.67 )     14.83       (1.86 )     (1.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.65 )     (.55 )     (1.44 )     (.82 )     (.48 )

Net realized gains

    (3.73 )     (3.06 )     (1.71 )     (2.69 )     (2.12 )

Total distributions

    (4.38 )     (3.61 )     (3.15 )     (3.51 )     (2.60 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.90     $ 43.11     $ 49.39     $ 37.71     $ 43.08  

 

Total Return

    14.48 %     (6.20 %)     40.93 %     (5.35 %)     (3.33 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,028     $ 5,246     $ 1,364     $ 477     $ 798  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.61 %     1.46 %     1.10 %     2.50 %     1.65 %

Total expensesc

    1.21 %     1.15 %     1.24 %     1.35 %     1.14 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.87 %     0.88 %     0.89 %     0.90 %     0.90 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    19 %     33 %     19 %     25 %     37 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

P-Class

 

Institutional Class

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.12%

1.13%

1.14%

1.15%

1.15%

 

C-Class

1.87%

1.88%

1.89%

1.90%

1.90%

 

P-Class

1.12%

1.13%

1.14%

1.15%

1.15%

 

Institutional Class

0.87%

0.88%

0.89%

0.90%

0.90%

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by Michael Chong, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, and Samir Sanghani, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 0.96%1, underperforming the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 4.50% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The Reporting Period continued to be impacted by challenging macroeconomics, highlighted by inflation not seen in generations and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (“Fed”) efforts to reign in the economy through a series of ongoing interest rate hikes. Given the rapid ascent in interest rates, market participants worried that the Fed’s actions would tip the economy into a recession. Government shutdown concerns as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine added to the outstanding risks.

 

The Fund continues to be driven by a fundamental approach to stock-picking, integrating macro and sector outlooks as appropriate. The Fund pursues a generally beta-neutral approach to portfolio construction such that alpha is primarily driven by company and sector views.

 

During the Reporting Period, the biggest positive contributor to Fund performance was the Office sector, which benefitted from a sector underweight positioning amid dislocation in that property type. Data Centers also contributed, helped by our positioning in Digital Realty Trust, Inc (not held at 9/30/23). Within the Lodging sector, our long position in Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. drove gains.

 

The biggest negative contributor to Fund performance was the Industrial sector, principally hurt by Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. amid concerns of slowdown in its market. Healthcare was also a negative contributor, led by our positioning on Welltower, Inc (not held at 9/30/23). Lastly, the Tower sector was weak during the period as the rate environment and concerns around carrier spending took the sector lower.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The derivatives in which the Fund invests include, among other derivatives, swap agreements (some of these instruments may be traded in the over-the-counter market). These investments are used to obtain the Fund’s short exposure and may also be used to hedge the Fund’s portfolio, to maintain long exposure to the equity markets, to increase returns, to generate income, or to seek to manage volatility of the portfolio.

 

During the Reporting Period, swaps were utilized to hedge the long sleeve of the portfolio. The usage of these swaps contributed positively to Fund performance. However, given the hedged nature of the portfolio, the swap contribution is more muted to overall total return.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Management expects the Fund will continue to add potential high-alpha pairs (a trade involving both a long and short holding with the objective of realizing a strong positive return) to seek to generate returns consistent with the Fund’s strategy. Given the current macroeconomic environment, the Fund is more conservative in its asset allocation than is typical. However, the Fund is capable of adding exposure as conditions warrant.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation, while limiting exposure to general stock market risk.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

February 26, 2016

C-Class

February 26, 2016

P-Class

February 26, 2016

Institutional Class

February 26, 2016

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

4.1%

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

4.1%

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

4.1%

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

3.3%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

3.0%

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

2.8%

InvenTrust Properties Corp.

2.7%

Equity Residential

2.7%

Agree Realty Corp.

2.5%

Ventas, Inc.

2.5%

Top Ten Total

31.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(02/26/16)

A-Class Shares

0.96%

2.68%

2.56%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(3.84%)

1.69%

1.90%

C-Class Shares

0.19%

1.88%

1.77%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

(0.81%)

1.88%

1.77%

P-Class Shares

0.96%

2.60%

2.50%

Institutional Class Shares

1.21%

2.90%

2.78%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

4.50%

1.72%

1.46%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class, and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 50.2%

                 

REITs - 50.2%

REITs-Health Care - 8.3%

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    97,230     $ 1,993,215  

Ventas, Inc.

    28,525       1,201,758  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    45,313       831,947  

Total REITs-Health Care

            4,026,920  
                 

REITs-Apartments - 8.0%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    8,546       1,467,690  

Equity Residential

    22,606       1,327,198  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    36,188       1,146,798  

Total REITs-Apartments

            3,941,686  
                 

REITs-Shopping Centers - 6.3%

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    66,795       1,388,000  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    54,444       1,166,190  

NETSTREIT Corp.

    33,994       529,627  

Total REITs-Shopping Centers

            3,083,817  
                 

REITs-Diversified - 6.0%

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    35,796       1,630,508  

InvenTrust Properties Corp.

    55,880       1,330,503  

Total REITs-Diversified

            2,961,011  
                 

REITs-Hotels - 5.1%

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    23,972       1,996,388  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    31,878       489,008  

Total REITs-Hotels

            2,485,396  
                 

REITs-Single Tenant - 4.8%

Agree Realty Corp.

    21,868       1,207,988  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    50,746       1,126,054  

Total REITs-Single Tenant

            2,334,042  
                 

REITs-Warehouse/Industries - 4.1%

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    40,999     2,023,301  
 

REITs-Office Property - 3.8%

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    10,462       1,047,246  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    8,342       496,182  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    63,224       355,319  

Total REITs-Office Property

            1,898,747  
                 

REITs-Regional Malls - 1.9%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    8,770       947,423  
 

REITs-Storage - 1.9%

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    7,701       936,288  

Total REITs

            24,638,631  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $26,912,325)

            24,638,631  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 47.6%

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.22%1

    23,297,029       23,297,029  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $23,297,029)

            23,297,029  
                 

Total Investments - 97.8%

       

(Cost $50,209,354)

  $ 47,935,660  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 2.2%

    1,054,744  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 48,990,404  

 

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference Obligation

Type

 

Financing Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

 

5.03% (Federal

Funds Rate -

0.30%)

    At Maturity  

11/22/24

  $ 12,624,776     $ 1,950,709  

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

 

5.13% (Federal

Funds Rate -

0.20%)

    At Maturity  

05/06/24

    12,624,783       1,949,478  
                            $ 25,249,559     $ 3,900,187  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    64,557       (6.51 )%   $ 568,448  

Realty Income Corp.

    19,642       (7.77 )%     320,843  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    20,926       (2.37 )%     270,572  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    3,769       (6.33 )%     185,413  

Camden Property Trust

    3,468       (2.60 )%     149,549  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    10,926       (2.66 )%     139,118  

JBG SMITH Properties

    46,690       (5.35 )%     138,173  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    57,302       (4.36 )%     100,245  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    4,467       (4.55 )%     84,422  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    8,242       (5.92 )%   82,960  

Service Properties Trust

    58,137       (3.54 )%     68,254  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    67,248       (4.98 )%     25,522  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    32,044       (3.45 )%     22,332  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    7,094       (1.81 )%     14,361  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    4,503       (1.83 )%     10,014  

Macerich Co.

    43,175       (3.73 )%     (19 )

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    38,421       (10.21 )%     (65,495 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    34,600       (9.46 )%     (77,902 )

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    15,592       (4.10 )%     (82,780 )

Welltower, Inc.

    9,141       (5.93 )%     (168,197 )

Total Financial

                    1,785,831  
                         

Exchange Traded Funds

                       

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    4,236       (2.54 )%     164,878  

Total MS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 1,950,709  

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

GS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    64,557       (6.51 )%   $ 570,160  

Realty Income Corp.

    19,642       (7.77 )%     319,965  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    20,926       (2.37 )%     263,421  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    3,769       (6.33 )%     182,179  

Camden Property Trust

    3,468       (2.60 )%     149,492  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    10,926       (2.66 )%     138,752  

JBG SMITH Properties

    46,690       (5.35 )%     136,148  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    57,302       (4.36 )%     100,596  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    4,467       (4.55 )%     84,642  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    8,242       (5.92 )%     81,596  

Service Properties Trust

    58,137       (3.54 )%     70,861  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    67,248       (4.98 )%     27,240  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    32,044       (3.45 )%     23,740  

Macerich Co.

    43,175       (3.73 )%     16,468  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    7,094       (1.81 )%     13,413  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    4,503       (1.83 )%     9,002  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    38,421       (10.21 )%     (72,170 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    34,600       (9.46 )%     (78,554 )

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    15,592       (4.10 )%     (83,323 )

Welltower, Inc.

    9,141       (5.93 )%     (169,078 )

Total Financial

                    1,784,549  
                         

Exchange Traded Funds

                       

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    4,236       (2.54 )%     164,929  

Total GS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 1,949,478  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

GS — Goldman Sachs International

 

MS — Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 24,638,631     $     $     $ 24,638,631  

Money Market Fund

    23,297,029                   23,297,029  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          3,900,187             3,900,187  

Total Assets

  $ 47,935,660     $ 3,900,187     $     $ 51,835,847  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $50,209,354)

  $ 47,935,660  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    3,900,187  

Prepaid expenses

    40,798  

Receivables:

Dividends

    166,998  

Interest

    89,859  

Fund shares sold

    12,075  

Total assets

    52,145,577  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    4,504  

Segregated cash due to broker

    2,640,000  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    406,942  

Management fees

    36,055  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    11,376  

Fund shares redeemed

    8,272  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    4,714  

Trustees’ fees*

    703  

Distribution and service fees

    488  

Miscellaneous

    42,119  

Total liabilities

    3,155,173  

Net assets

  $ 48,990,404  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 49,886,130  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (895,726 )

Net assets

  $ 48,990,404  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 439,308  

Capital shares outstanding

    16,118  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.26  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 28.62  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 212,139  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,249  

Net asset value per share

  $ 25.72  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,082,186  

Capital shares outstanding

    41,119  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.32  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 47,256,771  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,748,143  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.03  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 874,466  

Interest

    921,486  

Total investment income

    1,795,952  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    528,509  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,109  

C-Class

    2,148  

P-Class

    3,588  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    2,108  

C-Class

    392  

P-Class

    3,012  

Institutional Class

    66,995  

Registration fees

    62,204  

Professional fees

    51,045  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    28,713  

Trustees’ fees*

    14,122  

Custodian fees

    3,424  

Interest expense

    2,138  

Line of credit fees

    1,588  

Miscellaneous

    14,732  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    9  

C-Class

    2  

P-Class

    18  

Institutional Class

    435  

Total expenses

    786,291  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (2,108 )

C-Class

    (392 )

P-Class

    (3,012 )

Institutional Class

    (66,995 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (44,302 )

Earnings credits applied

    (739 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (117,548 )

Net expenses

    668,743  

Net investment income

    1,127,209  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,519,572 )

Swap agreements

    1,791,735  

Net realized gain

    272,163  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (24,157 )

Swap agreements

    (812,638 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (836,795 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (564,632 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 562,577  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,127,209     $ 99,279  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    272,163       (2,097,736 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (836,795 )     679,359  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    562,577       (1,319,098 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Institutional Class

    (111,384 )     (161,651 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (111,384 )     (161,651 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    9,606       120,328  

C-Class

    360       50,203  

P-Class

    9,676       298,054  

Institutional Class

    14,559,299       11,581,110  

Distributions reinvested

               

Institutional Class

    111,379       161,357  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (15,667 )     (1,539,819 )

C-Class

    (19,120 )     (53,438 )

P-Class

    (636,059 )     (1,266,443 )

Institutional Class

    (11,897,103 )     (19,898,533 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    2,122,371       (10,547,181 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,573,564       (12,027,930 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    46,416,840       58,444,770  

End of year

  $ 48,990,404     $ 46,416,840  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    359       4,326  

C-Class

    14       1,906  

P-Class

    368       11,128  

Institutional Class

    543,333       424,223  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Institutional Class

    4,185       5,876  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (579 )     (55,191 )

C-Class

    (753 )     (2,020 )

P-Class

    (24,402 )     (47,625 )

Institutional Class

    (444,521 )     (729,644 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    78,004       (387,021 )

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.00     $ 27.78     $ 28.18     $ 26.95     $ 25.16  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .57       (.07 )     (.08 )     (.02 )     .25  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.31 )     (.71 )     (.24 )     2.30       1.78  

Total from investment operations

    .26       (.78 )     (.32 )     2.28       2.03  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.25 )     (.01 )

Net realized gains

                (.06 )     (.80 )     (.23 )

Total distributions

                (.08 )     (1.05 )     (.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.26     $ 27.00     $ 27.78     $ 28.18     $ 26.95  

 

Total Returnb

    0.96 %     (2.81 %)     (1.14 %)     8.81 %     8.12 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 439     $ 441     $ 1,867     $ 11,723     $ 2,766  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.11 %     (0.25 %)     (0.29 %)     (0.06 %)     0.96 %

Total expensesc

    2.20 %     2.42 %     2.08 %     2.38 %     3.99 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.63 %     1.64 %     1.64 %     1.65 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     49 %     264 %     355 %     180 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.67     $ 26.61     $ 27.20     $ 26.07     $ 24.67  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .34       (.19 )     (.22 )     (.15 )     .05  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.29 )     (.75 )     (.29 )     2.16       1.70  

Total from investment operations

    .05       (.94 )     (.51 )     2.01       1.75  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.08 )     (.12 )

Net realized gains

                (.06 )     (.80 )     (.23 )

Total distributions

                (.08 )     (.88 )     (.35 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.72     $ 25.67     $ 26.61     $ 27.20     $ 26.07  

 

Total Returnb

    0.19 %     (3.53 %)     (1.88 %)     7.99 %     7.15 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 212     $ 231     $ 242     $ 333     $ 135  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.33 %     (0.72 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.56 %)     0.18 %

Total expensesc

    2.66 %     2.72 %     2.71 %     3.17 %     4.66 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    2.38 %     2.39 %     2.39 %     2.40 %     2.40 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     49 %     264 %     355 %     180 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.07     $ 26.83     $ 27.23     $ 26.10     $ 25.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .52       (.03 )     (.04 )           .20  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.27 )     (.73 )     (.28 )     2.20       1.71  

Total from investment operations

    .25       (.76 )     (.32 )     2.20       1.91  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.27 )     (.72 )

Net realized gains

                (.06 )     (.80 )     (.23 )

Total distributions

                (.08 )     (1.07 )     (.95 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.32     $ 26.07     $ 26.83     $ 27.23     $ 26.10  

 

Total Return

    0.96 %     (2.83 %)     (1.17 %)     8.79 %     7.80 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,082     $ 1,699     $ 2,727     $ 8,360     $ 332  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.99 %     (0.11 %)     (0.16 %)     0.00 %     0.77 %

Total expensesc

    1.94 %     1.95 %     1.91 %     2.00 %     4.05 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.63 %     1.64 %     1.64 %     1.65 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     49 %     264 %     355 %     180 %

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.77     $ 27.57     $ 27.92     $ 26.74     $ 25.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .63       .06       .07       .09       .31  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.31 )     (.78 )     (.31 )     2.23       1.73  

Total from investment operations

    .32       (.72 )     (.24 )     2.32       2.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.06 )     (.08 )     (.05 )     (.34 )     (.39 )

Net realized gains

                (.06 )     (.80 )     (.23 )

Total distributions

    (.06 )     (.08 )     (.11 )     (1.14 )     (.62 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.03     $ 26.77     $ 27.57     $ 27.92     $ 26.74  

 

Total Return

    1.21 %     (2.57 %)     (0.87 %)     9.06 %     8.19 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 47,257     $ 44,047     $ 53,609     $ 37,399     $ 5,479  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.36 %     0.21 %     0.27 %     0.32 %     1.18 %

Total expensesc

    1.62 %     1.64 %     1.58 %     1.85 %     3.57 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.38 %     1.39 %     1.39 %     1.40 %     1.40 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     49 %     264 %     355 %     180 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.02%

 

P-Class

0.00%*

0.01%

0.00%*

0.01%

 

Institutional Class

0.00%*

0.01%

0.00%*

0.03%

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.62%

1.63%

1.63%

1.65%

1.62%

 

C-Class

2.37%

2.38%

2.38%

2.40%

2.40%

 

P-Class

1.62%

1.63%

1.63%

1.64%

1.65%

 

Institutional Class

1.37%

1.38%

1.39%

1.40%

1.40%

 

g

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Fund”).The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by Michael Chong, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, and Samir Sanghani, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 0.58%1, underperforming the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 2.99% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The Reporting Period continued to be impacted by challenging macroeconomics, highlighted by inflation not seen in generations and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (“Fed”) efforts to reign in the economy through a series of ongoing interest rate hikes. Given the rapid ascent in interest rates, market participants worried that the Fed’s actions would tip the economy into a recession. Government shutdown concerns as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine added to the outstanding risks.

 

The Fund continues to be driven by a fundamental approach to stock-picking, integrating macro and sector outlooks as appropriate. In addition, the Fund may dynamically adjust its level of long and short exposure to the real estate markets by adjusting allocations monthly between its long-only REIT strategy sleeve and market-neutral long/short strategy sleeve over time based on macroeconomic, industry-specific, and other factors. However, Guggenheim expects the Fund’s net exposure over time will be long biased.

 

During the Reporting Period, the biggest positive contributor to Fund performance was the Residential sector, which continued to see strong fundamentals. Strip retail also contributed positively, driven by positioning in lower multiple names. Office REITs were buoyed by our underweight sector position in a struggling sector.

 

The biggest negative contributor to Fund performance was the Industrial sector, principally hurt by being overweight an underperforming sector amid concerns of slowdown. The Tower sector was weak during the period as the rate environment and concerns around carrier spending took the sector lower. Lastly, Healthcare also hurt during the period, given our positioning on Welltower, Inc.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund may obtain exposure to long and short positions by entering into swap agreements (including, but not limited to, total return swap agreements). Short positions may be used either to hedge long positions or to seek positive returns where Guggenheim believes the security will depreciate.

 

The Fund may reinvest the proceeds of its short sales by taking additional long positions, or it may use leverage to maintain long positions in excess of 100% of net assets. To enhance the Fund’s exposure to real estate markets and to seek to increase the Fund’s returns, at the discretion of Guggenheim, the Fund’s long and short positions in equities may be combined with investments in derivatives, which may include, among other derivatives: swap agreements (including, among other types of swaps, total return swaps); options on securities, futures contracts, and stock indices; and stock index futures contracts (some of these instruments may be traded in the over-the-counter market). These investments may be used to hedge the Fund’s portfolio, to maintain exposure to the equity markets, to increase returns, to generate income, or to seek to manage volatility of the portfolio.

 

During the Reporting Period, swaps were utilized to both gain exposure and to hedge the long side of the portfolio within the long-short sleeve. The usage of these swaps contributed negatively to Fund performance. However, when considered in the context of total fund performance, the impact of swap contribution was minimal.

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Guggenheim expects the Fund will continue to both manage Benchmark exposure as well as add potential high-alpha pairs (a trade involving both a long and short holding with the objective of realizing a strong positive return) to seek to generate returns consistent with the Fund’s strategy. Currently, balancing the underperformance of the REIT market against future prospects for this market, the Fund is running at a beta allocation consistent with historical norms. However, the Fund is capable of adding beta exposure as conditions warrant.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of capital appreciation and income.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 28, 2014

C-Class

March 28, 2014

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

March 28, 2014

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Prologis, Inc.

10.9%

Equinix, Inc.

6.7%

Public Storage

4.4%

Invitation Homes, Inc.

4.0%

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

4.0%

VICI Properties, Inc.

3.7%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

3.7%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

3.5%

Equity Residential

3.2%

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

3.1%

Top Ten Total

47.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(03/28/14)

A-Class Shares

0.58%

4.92%

7.21%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(4.20%)

3.91%

6.67%

C-Class Shares

(0.10%)

4.13%

6.40%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

(1.04%)

4.13%

6.40%

Institutional Class Shares

0.91%

5.23%

7.53%

FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Total Return Index

2.99%

2.77%

5.39%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

0.55%

4.87%

5.35%

FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Total Return Index

2.99%

2.77%

3.94%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Total Return Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 97.4%

                 

REITs - 97.4%

REITs-Diversified - 19.4%

Equinix, Inc.

    32,686     $ 23,738,534  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    115,304       13,954,090  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    454,409       13,223,302  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    182,371       8,306,999  

InvenTrust Properties Corp.

    188,680       4,492,471  

WP Carey, Inc.

    66,346       3,587,992  

EPR Properties

    23,237       965,265  

Total REITs-Diversified

            68,268,653  
                 

REITs-Warehouse/Industries - 15.3%

Prologis, Inc.1

    343,994       38,599,567  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    157,747       7,784,814  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.1

    144,195       4,384,970  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    41,908       1,994,402  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    24,591       1,396,769  

Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries

            54,160,522  
                 

REITs-Apartments - 15.4%

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    447,509       14,181,560  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    71,642       12,303,797  

Equity Residential1

    193,287       11,347,880  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    160,334       5,401,652  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    17,322       3,673,823  

UDR, Inc.

    83,509       2,978,766  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    20,648       2,656,365  

Camden Property Trust

    14,347       1,356,939  

Total REITs-Apartments

            53,900,782  
                 

REITs-Health Care - 11.5%

Welltower, Inc.

    128,195       10,501,734  

Ventas, Inc.

    229,305       9,660,620  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    405,566       7,446,192  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    285,879       5,860,519  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    296,339       4,130,966  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    129,946       1,984,275  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    201,566       1,098,535  

Total REITs-Health Care

            40,682,841  
                 

REITs-Storage - 9.4%

Public Storage

    59,568       15,697,359  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    89,639       10,898,310  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    96,367       5,729,018  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    29,766       944,773  

Total REITs-Storage

            33,269,460  
                 

REITs-Shopping Centers - 6.7%

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    290,610       6,038,876  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    295,960       5,205,936  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    230,488       4,937,053  

Regency Centers Corp.

    57,752       3,432,779  

NETSTREIT Corp.

    136,951       2,133,697  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    10,353       938,292  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    42,800       529,864  

Acadia Realty Trust

    31,753     455,656  

Total REITs-Shopping Centers

            23,672,153  
                 

REITs-Office Property - 5.2%

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    86,464       8,655,046  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    80,288       4,775,530  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    234,554       1,318,193  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    40,073       1,266,708  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    56,018       1,141,087  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.1

    35,405       729,697  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A1

    48,439       389,450  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    51,166       340,254  

Total REITs-Office Property

            18,615,965  
                 

REITs-Single Tenant - 5.2%

Realty Income Corp.

    150,518       7,516,869  

Agree Realty Corp.

    89,539       4,946,134  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    184,099       4,085,157  

NNN REIT, Inc.

    45,814       1,619,067  

Total REITs-Single Tenant

            18,167,227  
                 

REITs-Regional Malls - 3.7%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    121,517       13,127,482  
                 

REITs-Hotels - 3.1%

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    67,232       5,599,081  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    191,128       3,071,427  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    101,637       1,559,112  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    43,770       594,834  

Total REITs-Hotels

            10,824,454  
                 

REITs-Manufactured Homes - 2.5%

Sun Communities, Inc.

    43,042       5,093,590  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    59,039       3,761,375  

Total REITs-Manufactured Homes

            8,854,965  
                 

Total REITS

            343,544,504  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $386,547,739)

            343,544,504  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.2%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%2

    700,952       700,952  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $700,952)

            700,952  
                 

Total Investments - 97.6%

       

(Cost $387,248,691)

  $ 344,245,456  
                 

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS SOLD SHORT - (7.8)%

REITs - (7.8)%

REITs-Diversified - (0.6)%

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    126,820     $ (1,218,739 )

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    46,314       (662,290 )

Total REITs-Diversified

            (1,881,029 )

REITs-Regional Malls - (0.3)%

Macerich Co.

    95,555       (1,042,505 )
                 

REITs-Single Tenant - (0.6)%

Realty Income Corp.

    43,472       (2,170,992 )
                 

REITs-Warehouse/Industries - (0.8)%

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    76,577       (2,642,672 )
                 

REITs-Office Property - (0.9)%

JBG SMITH Properties

    103,335       (1,494,224 )

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    142,878       (1,823,123 )

Total REITs-Office Property

            (3,317,347 )
                 

REITs-Hotels - (1.0)%

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    70,920       (963,803 )

Service Properties Trust

    128,669       (989,465 )

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    148,834       (1,391,598 )

Total REITs-Hotels

            (3,344,866 )
                 

REITs-Health Care - (1.0)%

LTC Properties, Inc.

    15,701       (504,473 )

National Health Investors, Inc.

    9,966       (511,854 )

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    34,508       (1,144,285 )

Welltower, Inc.

    20,231     (1,657,324 )

Total REITs-Health Care

            (3,817,936 )
                 

REITs-Shopping Centers - (1.3)%

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    18,241       (1,653,182 )

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    85,034       (2,852,040 )

Total REITs-Shopping Centers

            (4,505,222 )
                 

REITs-Apartments - (1.3)%

Camden Property Trust

    7,675       (725,902 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    24,182       (742,387 )

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    9,886       (1,271,834 )

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    8,342       (1,769,255 )

Total REITs-Apartments

            (4,509,378 )
                 

Total REITs

            (27,231,947 )
                 

Total Common Stocks Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $31,856,851)

            (27,231,947 )
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS SOLD SHORT - (0.2)%

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    9,375       (709,312 )

Total Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $810,607)

            (709,312 )
                 

Total Securities Sold Short - (8.0)%

       

(Proceeds $32,667,458)

  $ (27,941,259 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 10.4%

    36,602,163  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 352,906,360  

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference Obligation

Type

 

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

 

5.73% (Federal

Funds Rate +

0.40%)

    At Maturity       11/12/24     $ 22,113,679     $ (1,659,983 )

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

 

5.78% (Federal

Funds Rate +

0.45%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       22,113,687       (1,673,703 )
                            $ 44,227,366     $ (3,333,686 )

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

 

5.13% (Federal

Funds Rate -

0.20%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24     $ 22,704,157     $ 5,211,587  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

 

5.03% (Federal

Funds Rate -

0.30%)

    At Maturity       11/12/24       22,704,149       5,201,926  
                            $ 45,408,306     $ 10,413,513  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    32,148       6.63 %   $ 205,218  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    87,322       8.09 %     197,166  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    21,529       8.11 %     120,469  

InvenTrust Properties Corp.

    50,186       5.40 %     31,756  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    48,857       4.73 %     20,519  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    7,675       5.96 %     12,781  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    28,416       1.97 %     11,529  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    7,876       3.85 %     (19,939 )

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    59,929       5.63 %     (20,898 )

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    6,844       3.76 %     (34,557 )

Ventas, Inc.

    25,618       4.88 %     (36,369 )

Equity Residential

    20,302       5.39 %     (58,137 )

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    32,500       4.66 %     (78,624 )

NETSTREIT Corp.

    30,530       2.15 %     (107,721 )

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    40,695       3.38 %     (123,358 )

Boston Properties, Inc.

    7,492       2.02 %     (157,757 )

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    45,575       4.57 %     (234,106 )

Agree Realty Corp.

    19,640       4.91 %     (234,241 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    36,821       8.22 %     (311,186 )

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    56,781       1.44 %     (337,110 )

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    9,396       4.25 %     (505,418 )

Total Financial

                    (1,659,983 )

Total MS Equity Long Custom Basket

          $ (1,659,983 )
                 

MS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    115,957       (6.51 )%   $ 1,468,779  

Realty Income Corp.

    35,280       (7.76 )%     715,359  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    37,587       (2.37 )%     500,753  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    8,023       (4.55 )%     418,169  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    6,770       (6.32 )%     413,518  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    19,625       (2.65 )%     388,885  

Camden Property Trust

    6,230       (2.60 )%     340,149  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    106,539       (4.51 )%     292,704  

JBG SMITH Properties

    83,865       (5.34 )%     266,400  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    14,805       (5.91 )%     171,302  

Service Properties Trust

    104,425       (3.54 )%     129,007  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    62,148       (9.45 )%     124,247  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    57,558       (3.45 )%     43,210  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    119,890       (4.94 )%   38,597  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    12,742       (1.80 )%     25,791  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    8,089       (1.83 )%     17,988  

Macerich Co.

    77,550       (3.73 )%     (597 )

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    69,011       (10.19 )%     (16,866 )

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    28,006       (4.09 )%     (150,387 )

Welltower, Inc.

    16,419       (5.92 )%     (293,678 )

Total Financial

                    4,893,330  
                         

Exchange Traded Funds

                       

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    7,625       (2.54 )%     308,596  

Total MS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 5,201,926  
                 

GS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    32,148       6.63 %   $ 205,815  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    87,322       8.09 %     196,634  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    21,529       8.11 %     121,198  

InvenTrust Properties Corp.

    50,186       5.40 %     36,492  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    48,857       4.73 %     25,290  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    7,675       5.96 %     12,432  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    28,416       1.97 %     11,856  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    59,929       5.63 %     (20,619 )

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    7,876       3.85 %     (33,400 )

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    6,844       3.76 %     (33,603 )

Ventas, Inc.

    25,618       4.88 %     (36,304 )

Equity Residential

    20,302       5.39 %     (61,608 )

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    32,500       4.66 %     (83,595 )

NETSTREIT Corp.

    30,530       2.15 %     (108,043 )

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    40,695       3.38 %     (119,269 )

Boston Properties, Inc.

    7,492       2.02 %     (158,779 )

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    45,575       4.57 %     (236,932 )

Agree Realty Corp.

    19,640       4.91 %     (240,866 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    36,821       8.22 %     (309,421 )

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    56,781       1.44 %     (336,202 )

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    9,396       4.25 %     (504,779 )

Total Financial

                    (1,673,703 )

Total GS Equity Long Custom Basket

          $ (1,673,703 )
                 

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

GS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    115,957       (6.51 )%   $ 1,472,403  

Realty Income Corp.

    35,280       (7.76 )%     715,654  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    37,587       (2.37 )%     494,176  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    8,023       (4.55 )%     419,298  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    6,770       (6.32 )%     404,498  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    19,625       (2.65 )%     388,673  

Camden Property Trust

    6,230       (2.60 )%     340,353  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    106,539       (4.51 )%     294,925  

JBG SMITH Properties

    83,865       (5.34 )%     262,209  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    14,805       (5.91 )%     168,903  

Service Properties Trust

    104,425       (3.54 )%     135,418  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    62,148       (9.45 )%     122,372  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    57,558       (3.45 )%   45,038  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    119,890       (4.94 )%     42,214  

Macerich Co.

    77,550       (3.73 )%     29,431  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    12,742       (1.80 )%     24,093  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    8,089       (1.83 )%     16,172  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    69,011       (10.19 )%     (25,526 )

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    28,006       (4.09 )%     (151,408 )

Welltower, Inc.

    16,419       (5.92 )%     (295,911 )

Total Financial

                    4,902,985  
                         

Exchange Traded Funds

                       

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    7,625       (2.54 )%     308,602  

Total GS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 5,211,587  

 

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at September 30, 2023.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

GS — Goldman Sachs International

 

MS — Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 343,544,504     $     $     $ 343,544,504  

Money Market Fund

    700,952                   700,952  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          10,413,513             10,413,513  

Total Assets

  $ 344,245,456     $ 10,413,513     $     $ 354,658,969  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks Sold Short

  $ 27,231,947     $     $     $ 27,231,947  

Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

    709,312                   709,312  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          3,333,686             3,333,686  

Total Liabilities

  $ 27,941,259     $ 3,333,686     $     $ 31,274,945  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $387,248,691)

  $ 344,245,456  

Cash

    33,055,514  

Segregated cash with broker

    730,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    10,413,513  

Prepaid expenses

    43,156  

Receivables:

Dividends

    1,442,144  

Fund shares sold

    177,402  

Securities sold

    70,816  

Interest

    24,324  

Foreign tax reclaims

    19,888  

Other assets

    100,000  

Total assets

    390,322,213  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $32,667,458)

    27,941,259  

Segregated cash due to broker

    3,533,030  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    3,333,686  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    938,234  

Securities purchased

    562,471  

Swap settlement

    392,317  

Distributions to shareholders

    329,192  

Management fees

    231,128  

Transfer agent fees

    22,730  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    7,096  

Distribution and service fees

    6,830  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,588  

Due to Investment Adviser

    156  

Miscellaneous

    116,136  

Total liabilities

    37,415,853  

Net assets

  $ 352,906,360  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 398,296,411  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (45,390,051 )

Net assets

  $ 352,906,360  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,279,574  

Capital shares outstanding

    155,026  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.61  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 28.99  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,666,752  

Capital shares outstanding

    170,435  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.38  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,742,799  

Capital shares outstanding

    314,801  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.77  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 335,217,235  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,966,596  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.01  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $19,888)

  $ 13,099,348  

Interest

    2,404,147  

Total investment income

    15,503,495  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    3,131,145  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    14,866  

C-Class

    52,629  

P-Class

    27,039  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    11,452  

C-Class

    5,205  

P-Class

    24,479  

Institutional Class

    295,538  

Short sale dividend expense

    1,284,790  

Interest expense

    338,709  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    179,764  

Professional fees

    92,438  

Custodian fees

    21,942  

Trustees’ fees*

    18,521  

Line of credit fees

    14,979  

Miscellaneous

    131,980  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    1,564  

C-Class

    724  

P-Class

    733  

Institutional Class

    66,878  

Total expenses

    5,715,375  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

       

A-Class

    (1,395 )

C-Class

    (581 )

P-Class

    (4,114 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (195,224 )

Earnings credits applied

    (2,019 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (203,333 )

Net expenses

    5,512,042  

Net investment income

    9,991,453  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  $ (1,306,368 )

Investments sold short

    3,232,111  

Swap agreements

    (248,222 )

Net realized gain

    1,677,521  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (514,956 )

Investments sold short

    (2,140,004 )

Swap agreements

    (1,512,665 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,167,625 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,490,104 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 7,501,349  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 9,991,453     $ 4,716,299  

Net realized gain on investments

    1,677,521       20,235,456  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,167,625 )     (108,444,583 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,501,349       (83,492,828 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (347,557 )     (666,926 )

C-Class

    (302,170 )     (281,353 )

P-Class

    (683,918 )     (925,053 )

Institutional Class

    (26,554,622 )     (31,535,699 )

Return of Capital

               

A-Class

    (34,317 )      

C-Class

    (34,101 )      

P-Class

    (67,335 )      

Institutional Class

    (2,503,050 )      

Total distributions to shareholders

    (30,527,070 )     (33,409,031 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,251,126       4,919,886  

C-Class

    693,027       2,965,796  

P-Class

    1,230,119       15,465,403  

Institutional Class

    89,132,585       187,411,653  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    353,469       503,570  

C-Class

    322,373       266,910  

P-Class

    751,253       925,053  

Institutional Class

    25,711,484       28,721,651  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (6,232,246 )     (4,115,443 )

C-Class

    (1,422,158 )     (1,492,977 )

P-Class

    (5,440,837 )     (14,526,672 )

Institutional Class

    (167,277,680 )     (162,507,077 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (60,927,485 )     58,537,753  

Net decrease in net assets

    (83,953,206 )     (58,364,106 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    436,859,566       495,223,672  

End of year

  $ 352,906,360     $ 436,859,566  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    42,057       132,091  

C-Class

    23,748       79,841  

P-Class

    40,388       395,522  

Institutional Class

    2,917,549       4,970,480  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    12,164       13,022  

C-Class

    11,190       6,928  

P-Class

    25,698       23,778  

Institutional Class

    872,328       734,856  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (205,886 )     (112,310 )

C-Class

    (48,660 )     (40,193 )

P-Class

    (180,387 )     (390,592 )

Institutional Class

    (5,535,082 )     (4,452,685 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (2,024,893 )     1,360,738  

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.48     $ 36.87     $ 29.97     $ 34.11     $ 28.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .56       .23       .32       .31       .34  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.31 )     (5.35 )     8.86       (2.53 )     5.65  

Total from investment operations

    .25       (5.12 )     9.18       (2.22 )     5.99  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.63 )     (.55 )     (.54 )     (.63 )     (.55 )

Return of capital

    (.20 )                        

Net realized gains

    (1.29 )     (1.72 )     (1.74 )     (1.29 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (2.12 )     (2.27 )     (2.28 )     (1.92 )     (.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.61     $ 29.48     $ 36.87     $ 29.97     $ 34.11  

 

Total Returnb

    0.58 %     (15.31 %)     32.13 %     (6.73 %)     21.12 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,280     $ 9,043     $ 10,098     $ 15,857     $ 16,682  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.86 %     0.62 %     0.95 %     0.99 %     1.09 %

Total expensesc

    1.72 %     1.62 %     1.39 %     1.71 %     1.89 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.66 %     1.58 %     1.38 %     1.70 %     1.88 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    21 %     47 %     80 %     180 %     122 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.23     $ 36.55     $ 29.76     $ 33.88     $ 28.75  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .42       (.01 )     .05       .08       .11  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.38 )     (5.30 )     8.76       (2.53 )     5.60  

Total from investment operations

    .04       (5.31 )     8.81       (2.45 )     5.71  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.40 )     (.29 )     (.28 )     (.38 )     (.32 )

Return of capital

    (.20 )                        

Net realized gains

    (1.29 )     (1.72 )     (1.74 )     (1.29 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (1.89 )     (2.01 )     (2.02 )     (1.67 )     (.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.38     $ 29.23     $ 36.55     $ 29.76     $ 33.88  

 

Total Returnb

    (0.10 %)     (15.93 %)     31.05 %     (7.48 %)     20.23 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,667     $ 5,382     $ 5,029     $ 2,446     $ 1,721  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.40 %     (0.03 %)     0.16 %     0.26 %     0.35 %

Total expensesc

    2.36 %     2.34 %     2.21 %     2.54 %     2.73 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    2.32 %     2.31 %     2.20 %     2.51 %     2.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    21 %     47 %     80 %     180 %     122 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.63     $ 37.04     $ 30.12     $ 34.30     $ 29.09  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .60       .18       .29       .22       .60  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.36 )     (5.35 )     8.91       (2.48 )     5.42  

Total from investment operations

    .24       (5.17 )     9.20       (2.26 )     6.02  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.61 )     (.52 )     (.54 )     (.63 )     (.55 )

Return of capital

    (.20 )                        

Net realized gains

    (1.29 )     (1.72 )     (1.74 )     (1.29 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (2.10 )     (2.24 )     (2.28 )     (1.92 )     (.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.77     $ 29.63     $ 37.04     $ 30.12     $ 34.30  

 

Total Return

    0.55 %     (15.35 %)     32.03 %     (6.81 %)     21.12 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,743     $ 12,716     $ 14,830     $ 12,152     $ 33,894  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.99 %     0.48 %     0.86 %     0.70 %     1.87 %

Total expensesc

    1.73 %     1.69 %     1.47 %     1.84 %     1.93 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.66 %     1.64 %     1.45 %     1.78 %     1.89 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    21 %     47 %     80 %     180 %     122 %

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.88     $ 37.34     $ 30.34     $ 34.51     $ 29.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .74       .34       .41       .41       .43  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.39 )     (5.42 )     8.98       (2.58 )     5.71  

Total from investment operations

    .35       (5.08 )     9.39       (2.17 )     6.14  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.73 )     (.66 )     (.65 )     (.71 )     (.64 )

Return of capital

    (.20 )                        

Net realized gains

    (1.29 )     (1.72 )     (1.74 )     (1.29 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (2.22 )     (2.38 )     (2.39 )     (2.00 )     (.90 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.01     $ 29.88     $ 37.34     $ 30.34     $ 34.51  

 

Total Return

    0.91 %     (15.05 %)     32.52 %     (6.48 %)     21.46 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 335,217     $ 409,719     $ 465,267     $ 290,551     $ 200,301  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.43 %     0.92 %     1.18 %     1.31 %     1.38 %

Total expensesc

    1.34 %     1.30 %     1.10 %     1.43 %     1.61 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.29 %     1.28 %     1.10 %     1.43 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    21 %     47 %     80 %     180 %     122 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.03%

0.02%

0.01%

0.02%

0.03%

 

C-Class

0.01%

0.03%

0.06%

0.04%

0.01%

 

P-Class

0.01%

0.05%

0.06%

0.02%

0.02%

 

Institutional Class

0.02%

0.01%

0.00%*

0.01%

0.01%

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.27%

1.22%

1.21%

1.23%

1.27%

 

C-Class

1.93%

1.95%

2.04%

2.05%

2.05%

 

P-Class

1.27%

1.28%

1.29%

1.30%

1.30%

 

Institutional Class

0.90%

0.92%

0.94%

0.96%

1.00%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Fund”).The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, led by David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Chris Phalen, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 12.38%1, outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 7.84% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The market began the Reporting Period with steady strength, as a buoyant economy helped build expectations that a highly anticipated recession would be pushed further out and that perhaps the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) could do the unthinkable and engineer a soft landing. Once the banking crisis hit in March, leadership in equities shifted away from the value area and growth stocks once again caught the market’s interest. As the year progressed, the continued strong jobs market accompanied by increasing fiscal deficits and treasury issuance caused a significant rise in interest rates. These events have begun to dampen stock performance, as equity returns for the broad market were lower in the third quarter. A flight to safety from growing geopolitical risks has yet to dampen the trend toward rising interest rates in the government debt market.

 

The Fund outperformed the Benchmark by over 4.5%. During the Reporting Period, the Fund had a significant positive contribution from its sector allocation and a positive contribution from security selection. The Fund’s most significant positive contribution for the year was its 6% underweight in the Health Care sector, along with stock selection within the sector. Health Care was the worst-performing sector in the Benchmark, as it returned -19%, while the Fund’s health care holdings returned 15%. Health Care suffered because higher interest rates posed funding issues for many small cap biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and investors lost their appetite for smaller companies with no earnings or revenues. One notable outperformer for the Fund was Encompass Health Corp., which operates inpatient rehab facilities, and gained almost 50%. Favorable Medicare rate reimbursement in the spring, coupled with solid earnings results that were driven by favorable volumes as well as expense benefits, led to several good earnings reports over the Reporting Period. A looser labor market coming off COVID allowed the company to save from lower usage of contract labor.

 

The second most significant positive contributor to the strategy was its overweight in Industrials, where the Fund had an average weighting of 23% versus 13% for the Benchmark. This sector managed to gain more than 30% during the year. Infrastructure companies geared towards the reindustrialization of America provided some of the best gains, as Terex Corp. (+95%), EnerSys (+64%), Altra Industrial Motion Corp. (not held at 9/30/23) (+83% on a takeover by Regal Rexnord Corp.) and H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (+56%) all provided significant contributions.

 

Another positive contributor was the Fund’s 3% overweight in Technology, as the Fund’s technology holdings were up 30% while the Benchmark’s were up 17%. Belden, Inc., Infinera Corp. (not held at 9/30/23), Sanmina Corp. (not held at 9/30/23), MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc., and Amkor Technology, Inc. all benefited from the continued capital spending for internet networking and data center builds, as well as expectations for future capital spending from the implementation of the U.S. Government’s CHIPs Act.

 

The Fund’s underweight in the Financials sector was also a contributor. Given the stress in the banking sector during the spring, avoiding this sector was beneficial.

 

Homebuilder Meritage Homes Corp. (not held at 9/30/23) was up over 100% during the year. Even though mortgage rates continued to climb throughout the year, new home sales remained resilient as the supply of existing homes for sale declined.

 

The largest headwind for performance during the Reporting Period was a significant underweight in the Consumer Discretionary sector. This sector gained 26%, and the Fund had an average weighting of 4% versus 10% for the Benchmark. We have been concerned about the impact higher rates would have on spending, and diminishing stimulus funds would have on aggregate demand. Most companies in the sector continue to have high margins, which should contract in the quarters ahead; we moved our weight lower as the year progressed.

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

The second most significant detractor to performance was in Energy stock selection. The Fund’s holdings in this sector gained 28% versus 44% for the Benchmark. Essentially, the Fund lacked exposure to the higher-beta energy services and drilling industries that performed best. Additionally, a large weight in Pioneer Natural Resources Co. detracted from return, as this position only gained 14% while smaller, more operationally levered exploration and production companies performed better.

 

Finally, there were two stocks that hurt the Fund’s performance the most during the year, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. and Gray Television. Inc. Hawaiian Holdings is the parent company operating Hawaiian Airlines. The company experienced difficulties with post-pandemic travel and experienced disruptions with the Maui wildfires. Gray Television is the nation’s largest independent operator of TV stations, including all four major network affiliations. Gray’s retransmission fee revenue is slowing as consumers are “cutting the cord” with their cable TV providers.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

In many ways, the environment is similar to last year. The geopolitical environment seems to have become less favorable, and the Fed, while still hawkish, is much later in the game of fighting inflation. However, it remains unclear how long “higher for longer” will really be. Reversing several decades of shifting production from low-cost Asian countries to higher-cost locations closer to end markets could provide many years of stubbornly high inflation that may serve to restrain equity appreciation. The murkiness of the economic outlook has not improved, yet equity prices are higher. The extreme overvaluation in a handful of large cap growth stocks suggests that smaller-cap value stocks could really excel once investors become more comfortable with the economy and market. Amazingly, the top 5 names in the S&P 500 now have an aggregate market capitalization that is 3.3 times larger than the market cap of the entire Russell 2000.

 

At the beginning of the Reporting Period, our three largest active weights were in Industrials (+1,000 basis points), Technology (+450 basis points), and Materials (+450 basis points). At the end of the Reporting Period, they were in Industrials (+900 basis points), Materials (+200 basis points), and Technology (+175 basis points). One basis point is equal to 0.01%.

 

At the beginning of the Reporting Period, our largest underweights were in Health Care (-1000 basis points), Consumer Discretionary (-500 basis points), Real Estate (-465 basis points), and Financials (-300 basis points). At the end of the Reporting Period, they were in Consumer Discretionary (-700 basis points), Real Estate (-500 basis points), Financials (-400 basis points), and Health Care (-200 basis points). Our weights have remained consistent except for our Technology and Health Care positioning. In the Technology sector, the Fund has reduced its weight as valuations have become stretched and fundamentals have deteriorated. For Health Care, the Benchmark weight has declined from 12% to 8% and the Fund has increased its holdings by around 4%, as the poor performance for the sector has provided some investment opportunities.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

July 11, 2008

C-Class

July 11, 2008

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

July 11, 2008

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

3.7%

SPDR S&P Biotech ETF

2.3%

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

2.1%

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF

2.0%

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

1.9%

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

1.9%

Murphy Oil Corp.

1.9%

Encompass Health Corp.

1.8%

OGE Energy Corp.

1.8%

Kirby Corp.

1.7%

Top Ten Total

21.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

12.38%

3.83%

5.09%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

7.05%

2.82%

4.58%

C-Class Shares

11.57%

3.05%

4.30%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

10.57%

3.05%

4.30%

Institutional Class Shares

12.63%

4.08%

5.34%

Russell 2000 Value Index

7.84%

2.59%

6.19%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

12.32%

3.84%

5.19%

Russell 2000 Value Index

7.84%

2.59%

5.73%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class Shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 92.0%

                 

Financial - 25.2%

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    1,314     $ 77,395  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    1,227       75,387  

Old National Bancorp

    5,143       74,779  

STAG Industrial, Inc. REIT

    2,120       73,161  

Cathay General Bancorp

    2,063       71,710  

First Merchants Corp.

    2,557       71,136  

Banc of California, Inc.

    5,736       71,012  

Unum Group

    1,349       66,357  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    3,715       62,004  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    5,046       61,511  

LXP Industrial Trust REIT

    6,239       55,527  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    3,405       55,263  

First Horizon Corp.

    4,805       52,951  

First American Financial Corp.

    917       51,801  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    1,109       48,574  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    844       46,066  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    1,166       43,130  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    2,759       42,323  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    2,266       38,431  

Old Republic International Corp.

    1,359       36,612  

UMB Financial Corp.

    550       34,127  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT

    3,160       29,546  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    1,019       28,328  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    684       27,052  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    853       21,675  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    1,177       21,245  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    764       21,079  

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A

    808       19,812  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    2,333       13,111  

Total Financial

            1,391,105  
                 

Industrial - 21.0%

Kirby Corp.*

    1,124       93,067  

Arcosa, Inc.

    1,106       79,521  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    648       66,822  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    1,312       65,797  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    2,055       63,993  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    1,725       63,980  

Moog, Inc. — Class A

    558       63,032  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    2,064       57,276  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    277       54,189  

Sonoco Products Co.

    988       53,698  

Belden, Inc.

    522       50,399  

Terex Corp.

    871       50,187  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    2,521       49,361  

Esab Corp.

    620       43,536  

Daseke, Inc.*

    8,319       42,677  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    2,678       41,589  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    1,832       40,817  

EnerSys

    431       40,803  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    149       36,851  

AZEK Company, Inc.*

    1,151       34,231  

Plexus Corp.*

    322       29,939  

Stoneridge, Inc.*

    1,244     24,967  

NVE Corp.

    176       14,457  

Total Industrial

            1,161,189  
                 

Energy - 11.5%

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    893       204,988  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

    5,706       105,675  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    2,262       102,582  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    3,690       83,320  

Baytex Energy Corp.

    11,369       50,137  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    217       33,609  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    2,075       28,718  

Range Resources Corp.

    851       27,581  

Total Energy

            636,610  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 10.9%

Encompass Health Corp.

    1,489       100,001  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    1,158       91,922  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    1,442       57,810  

LivaNova plc*

    974       51,505  

Enovis Corp.*

    886       46,719  

Ingredion, Inc.

    472       46,445  

Certara, Inc.*

    2,892       42,050  

ICF International, Inc.

    307       37,088  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    1,878       32,114  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    339       28,880  

Azenta, Inc.*

    510       25,597  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    291       22,823  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    1,869       17,998  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            600,952  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 9.0%

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    2,809       114,691  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    1,090       106,984  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    1,608       69,450  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    1,144       42,420  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    953       31,277  

Lakeland Industries, Inc.

    1,913       28,829  

Whirlpool Corp.

    196       26,205  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    1,061       24,244  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    2,523       22,783  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    3,050       19,306  

Macy’s, Inc.

    1,143       13,270  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            499,459  
                 

Technology - 4.5%

Science Applications International Corp.

    733       77,361  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    2,348       53,065  

Conduent, Inc.*

    8,619       29,994  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    348       28,390  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    6,509       25,320  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    180       20,860  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    300       11,430  

Total Technology

            246,420  
                 

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Utilities - 4.2%

OGE Energy Corp.

    2,915     $ 97,157  

Spire, Inc.

    671       37,965  

Black Hills Corp.

    708       35,818  

Avista Corp.

    949       30,719  

ALLETE, Inc.

    528       27,878  

Total Utilities

            229,537  
                 

Basic Materials - 3.9%

Huntsman Corp.

    2,611       63,708  

Avient Corp.

    1,669       58,949  

Ashland, Inc.

    607       49,580  

Commercial Metals Co.

    865       42,740  

Total Basic Materials

            214,977  
                 

Communications - 1.8%

Ciena Corp.*

    799       37,761  

TEGNA, Inc.

    1,821       26,532  

Gray Television, Inc.

    2,934       20,303  

Luna Innovations, Inc.*

    2,251       13,191  

Total Communications

            97,787  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,190,426)

            5,078,036  
                 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS††† - 0.0%

Industrial - 0.0%

Thermoenergy Corp.*,1

    6,250        
                 

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $5,968)

             
                 

RIGHTS - 0.2%

Basic Materials - 0.2%

Pan American Silver Corp.*

    17,705     9,472  

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

            9,472  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 4.3%

SPDR S&P Biotech ETF

    1,778       129,830  

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF

    795       107,762  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $265,771)

            237,592  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 3.3%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%2

    183,895       183,895  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $183,895)

            183,895  
                 

Total Investments - 99.8%

       

(Cost $5,646,060)

  $ 5,508,995  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.2%

    8,713  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 5,517,708  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

1

PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) — Stock issued by a company in the secondary market as a means of raising capital more quickly and less expensively than through registration of a secondary public offering.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 5,078,036     $     $     $ 5,078,036  

Convertible Preferred Stocks

                *      

Rights

    9,472                   9,472  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    237,592                   237,592  

Money Market Fund

    183,895                   183,895  

Total Assets

  $ 5,508,995     $     $     $ 5,508,995  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $5,646,060)

  $ 5,508,995  

Cash

    57  

Prepaid expenses

    48,530  

Receivables:

Investment Adviser

    20,056  

Dividends

    8,548  

Interest

    722  

Total assets

    5,586,908  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    27,876  

Professional fees

    25,871  

Insurance

    5,055  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    4,334  

Transfer agent fees

    2,317  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,220  

Distribution and service fees

    1,193  

Fund shares redeemed

    199  

Miscellaneous

    1,135  

Total liabilities

    69,200  

Net assets

  $ 5,517,708  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 5,277,136  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    240,572  

Net assets

  $ 5,517,708  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,982,183  

Capital shares outstanding

    264,474  

Net asset value per share

  $ 15.06  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 15.81  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 404,875  

Capital shares outstanding

    29,734  

Net asset value per share

  $ 13.62  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 54,481  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,574  

Net asset value per share

  $ 15.24  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,076,169  

Capital shares outstanding

    79,745  

Net asset value per share

  $ 13.50  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $28)

  $ 155,084  

Interest

    8,674  

Total investment income

    163,758  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    52,214  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    10,776  

C-Class

    4,542  

P-Class

    300  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    20,394  

C-Class

    2,490  

P-Class

    805  

Institutional Class

    9,655  

Registration fees

    59,752  

Professional fees

    37,608  

Trustees’ fees*

    14,096  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    11,830  

Custodian fees

    6,220  

Line of credit fees

    237  

Miscellaneous

    6,491  

Total expenses

    237,410  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (52,174 )

C-Class

    (5,889 )

P-Class

    (1,751 )

Institutional Class

    (25,065 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (66,165 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (151,044 )

Net expenses

    86,366  

Net investment income

    77,392  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    613,023  

Net realized gain

    613,023  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    16,529  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    16,529  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    629,552  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 706,944  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 77,392     $ 59,972  

Net realized gain on investments

    613,023       418,401  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    16,529       (1,359,821 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    706,944       (881,448 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (204,624 )     (18,984 )

C-Class

    (21,650 )     (3,436 )

P-Class

    (7,239 )     (229 )

Institutional Class

    (95,567 )     (8,467 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (329,080 )     (31,116 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    329,795       407,538  

C-Class

    12,037       41,313  

P-Class

    48,131       110,889  

Institutional Class

    3,266,307       1,337,253  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    199,088       18,496  

C-Class

    21,650       3,410  

P-Class

    7,117       217  

Institutional Class

    95,567       8,466  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (706,211 )     (555,575 )

C-Class

    (138,572 )     (273,299 )

P-Class

    (144,193 )     (4,885 )

Institutional Class

    (4,379,888 )     (505,781 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (1,389,172 )     588,042  

Net decrease in net assets

    (1,011,308 )     (324,522 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    6,529,016       6,853,538  

End of year

  $ 5,517,708     $ 6,529,016  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    20,904       25,122  

C-Class

    855       2,809  

P-Class

    3,028       6,839  

Institutional Class

    231,463       90,568  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    13,229       1,152  

C-Class

    1,581       233  

P-Class

    467       13  

Institutional Class

    7,100       586  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (45,344 )     (34,430 )

C-Class

    (9,606 )     (18,423 )

P-Class

    (9,549 )     (297 )

Institutional Class

    (320,156 )     (35,975 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (106,028 )     38,197  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.06     $ 15.93     $ 10.61     $ 12.86     $ 15.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .16       .13       .07       .06       .10  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.58       (1.93 )     5.37       (1.87 )     (1.28 )

Total from investment operations

    1.74       (1.80 )     5.44       (1.81 )     (1.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.17 )           (.12 )     (.18 )     (.19 )

Net realized gains

    (.57 )     (.07 )           (.26 )     (1.33 )

Total distributions

    (.74 )     (.07 )     (.12 )     (.44 )     (1.52 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.06     $ 14.06     $ 15.93     $ 10.61     $ 12.86  

 

Total Returnb

    12.38 %     (11.36 %)     51.48 %     (14.79 %)     (6.14 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,982     $ 3,876     $ 4,521     $ 3,390     $ 9,751  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.06 %     0.80 %     0.47 %     0.54 %     0.75 %

Total expensesc

    3.43 %     3.50 %     4.07 %     3.23 %     2.27 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.27 %     1.30 %     1.30 %     1.30 %     1.30 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    72 %     37 %     28 %     40 %     78 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.76     $ 14.57     $ 9.69     $ 11.75     $ 14.30  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .04       g      (.03 )     (.02 )     g 

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.44       (1.74 )     4.91       (1.73 )     (1.18 )

Total from investment operations

    1.48       (1.74 )     4.88       (1.75 )     (1.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.05 )                 (.05 )     (.04 )

Net realized gains

    (.57 )     (.07 )           (.26 )     (1.33 )

Total distributions

    (.62 )     (.07 )           (.31 )     (1.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.62     $ 12.76     $ 14.57     $ 9.69     $ 11.75  

 

Total Returnb

    11.57 %     (12.02 %)     50.36 %     (15.43 %)     (6.89 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 405     $ 471     $ 762     $ 765     $ 1,593  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.30 %     (0.02 %)     (0.25 %)     (0.14 %)     0.01 %

Total expensesc

    4.26 %     4.41 %     5.04 %     4.33 %     3.09 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    2.02 %     2.05 %     2.05 %     2.06 %     2.05 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    72 %     37 %     28 %     40 %     78 %

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.17     $ 16.05     $ 10.75     $ 13.01     $ 15.73  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .18       .16       .07       .05       .09  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.57       (1.97 )     5.42       (1.86 )     (1.29 )

Total from investment operations

    1.75       (1.81 )     5.49       (1.81 )     (1.20 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.11 )           (.19 )     (.19 )     (.19 )

Net realized gains

    (.57 )     (.07 )           (.26 )     (1.33 )

Total distributions

    (.68 )     (.07 )     (.19 )     (.45 )     (1.52 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.24     $ 14.17     $ 16.05     $ 10.75     $ 13.01  

 

Total Return

    12.32 %     (11.34 %)     51.46 %     (14.66 %)     (6.18 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 54     $ 136     $ 49     $ 26     $ 47  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.15 %     1.00 %     0.48 %     0.46 %     0.72 %

Total expensesc

    3.68 %     3.82 %     4.39 %     4.07 %     2.73 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.27 %     1.29 %     1.30 %     1.30 %     1.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    72 %     37 %     28 %     40 %     78 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.68     $ 14.33     $ 9.54     $ 11.60     $ 14.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .19       .16       .10       .09       .12  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.42       (1.74 )     4.81       (1.68 )     (1.20 )

Total from investment operations

    1.61       (1.58 )     4.91       (1.59 )     (1.08 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.22 )           (.12 )     (.21 )     (.23 )

Net realized gains

    (.57 )     (.07 )           (.26 )     (1.33 )

Total distributions

    (.79 )     (.07 )     (.12 )     (.47 )     (1.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.50     $ 12.68     $ 14.33     $ 9.54     $ 11.60  

 

Total Return

    12.63 %     (11.10 %)     51.78 %     (14.54 %)     (5.96 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,076     $ 2,046     $ 1,522     $ 892     $ 3,143  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.40 %     1.13 %     0.75 %     0.82 %     0.99 %

Total expensesc

    3.17 %     3.24 %     3.80 %     2.86 %     2.09 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.02 %     1.04 %     1.05 %     1.05 %     1.05 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    72 %     37 %     28 %     40 %     78 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.01%

 

C-Class

0.01%

 

P-Class

0.02%

 

Institutional Class

0.02%

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.26%

1.29%

1.30%

1.30%

1.30%

 

C-Class

2.01%

2.04%

2.05%

2.05%

2.05%

 

P-Class

1.26%

1.29%

1.30%

1.30%

1.28%

 

Institutional Class

1.01%

1.04%

1.05%

1.05%

1.05%

 

g

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim StylePlusTM —Large Core Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 21.81%1, outperforming the S&P 500 Index, the Fund’s benchmark, which returned 21.62%.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

Over the Reporting Period, 15%-25% of the total equity position was allocated to actively managed equity and 75%-85% to passive equity. Remaining Fund assets were invested in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds, short-term fixed-income investment companies advised by Guggenheim Investments, and the Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, whose objective is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital.

 

The Fund outperformed the S&P 500 Index for the Reporting Period by 0.19% net of fees. The Fund performed better than the benchmark due to contributions from the active equity and active fixed income sleeves, offset by cost of derivatives and Fund fees and expenses.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The passive equity component, which accounted for 75%-85% of the Fund’s exposure to the broad equity market, consisted of equity index swaps and equity index futures. On average, the equity index futures accounted for 0%-5% of the overall exposure, with the remainder from equity index swaps. Both the swaps and futures benefited performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 10, 1962

C-Class

January 29, 1999

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

March 1, 2012

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

34.7%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

28.6%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

15.0%

Apple, Inc.

1.5%

Microsoft Corp.

1.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

0.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.

0.6%

NVIDIA Corp.

0.5%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

0.5%

Home Depot, Inc.

0.4%

Top Ten Total

83.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

21.81%

8.25%

11.15%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

16.02%

7.20%

10.61%

C-Class Shares

20.81%

7.28%

10.14%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

20.14%

7.28%

10.14%

Institutional Class Shares

22.06%

8.48%

11.42%

S&P 500 Index

21.62%

9.92%

11.91%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

21.62%

8.11%

9.55%

S&P 500 Index

21.62%

9.92%

10.86%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 20.8%

                 

Technology - 6.4%

Apple, Inc.

    18,589     $ 3,182,502  

Microsoft Corp.

    9,268       2,926,371  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,439       1,060,941  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    5,225       580,288  

International Business Machines Corp.

    4,129       579,299  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    3,217       511,535  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    3,573       494,682  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    2,465       492,803  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    6,153       480,242  

NetApp, Inc.

    5,937       450,500  

Broadcom, Inc.

    529       439,377  

KLA Corp.

    940       431,140  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    24,439       424,505  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    3,984       392,782  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    3,406       230,722  

Lam Research Corp.

    230       144,157  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    1,297       138,182  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    550       128,865  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    617       127,664  

Intuit, Inc.

    246       125,691  

Adobe, Inc.*

    242       123,396  

Total Technology

            13,465,644  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 4.3%

Merck & Company, Inc.

    7,422       764,095  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    1,344       677,631  

Amgen, Inc.

    2,468       663,300  

Pfizer, Inc.

    19,970       662,405  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    6,712       621,397  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    10,141       588,584  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    7,709       577,712  

Humana, Inc.

    1,117       543,443  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,892       465,394  

Altria Group, Inc.

    10,437       438,876  

Incyte Corp.*

    7,377       426,169  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    1,231       403,633  

AbbVie, Inc.

    2,076       309,448  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    827       287,581  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    634       276,056  

United Rentals, Inc.

    582       258,740  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    173       142,372  

Johnson & Johnson

    859       133,789  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    779       131,994  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    244       131,060  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    1,075       131,000  

Viatris, Inc.

    13,139       129,550  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    2,148       125,572  

Organon & Co.

    6,745       117,093  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            9,006,894  
                 

Communications - 2.9%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    11,677       1,539,613  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    9,195       1,168,868  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    12,812     688,773  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    1,911       573,701  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    2,293       464,401  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    138       425,585  

F5, Inc.*

    2,558       412,196  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    14,377       399,537  

eBay, Inc.

    8,899       392,357  

Total Communications

            6,065,031  
                 

Industrial - 2.8%

Caterpillar, Inc.

    2,205       601,965  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    1,323       541,054  

Deere & Co.

    1,412       532,861  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    1,147       504,898  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    2,184       502,997  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    3,591       475,125  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    4,094       469,295  

Snap-on, Inc.

    1,768       450,946  

Masco Corp.

    8,089       432,357  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    3,401       420,125  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    4,237       340,273  

Textron, Inc.

    4,241       331,392  

Allegion plc

    1,973       205,587  

Total Industrial

            5,808,875  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.2%

Home Depot, Inc.

    2,604       786,825  

PACCAR, Inc.

    6,096       518,282  

Cummins, Inc.

    2,075       474,055  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    11,272       455,051  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    3,439       385,959  

Tesla, Inc.*

    1,532       383,337  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    936       373,885  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    4,866       360,327  

DR Horton, Inc.

    3,140       337,456  

NVR, Inc.*

    54       322,018  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    1,059       132,311  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            4,529,506  
                 

Energy - 1.2%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    8,695       1,022,358  

Valero Energy Corp.

    3,789       536,939  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    3,401       514,708  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    2,758       349,604  

Total Energy

            2,423,609  
                 

Financial - 0.9%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,805       584,044  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    1,258       440,678  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    1,104       253,931  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    2,179       211,472  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,402       203,318  

Synchrony Financial

    4,976       152,116  

Total Financial

            1,845,559  
                 

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Basic Materials - 0.1%

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    3,805     $ 326,241  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $41,141,941)

            43,471,359  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 78.3%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    2,983,504       72,469,308  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    2,457,791       59,650,586  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    3,222,619       31,420,533  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $166,247,094)

            163,540,427  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 1.1%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%2

    2,246,158     2,246,158  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $2,246,158)

            2,246,158  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $209,635,193)

  $ 209,257,944  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (509,377 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 208,748,567  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    6       Dec 2023     $ 1,297,875     $ (56,341 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

 

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

S&P 500 Total Return Index

Pay

 

5.64% (Federal

Funds Rate +

0.31%)

    At Maturity       01/29/24       17,723     $ 163,876,074     $ 21,088,775  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 43,471,359     $     $     $ 43,471,359  

Mutual Funds

    163,540,427                   163,540,427  

Money Market Fund

    2,246,158                   2,246,158  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          21,088,775             21,088,775  

Total Assets

  $ 209,257,944     $ 21,088,775     $     $ 230,346,719  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 56,341     $     $     $ 56,341  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2022, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 57,201,913     $ 22,365,719     $ (20,648,235 )   $ (652,333 )   $ 1,383,522     $ 59,650,586       2,457,791     $ 2,870,310  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    67,311,123       6,074,186       (1,659,994 )     (63,265 )     807,258       72,469,308       2,983,504       3,648,680  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    33,794,274       1,687,181       (4,636,000 )     (99,750 )     674,828       31,420,533       3,222,619       1,687,338  
    $ 158,307,310     $ 30,127,086     $ (26,944,229 )   $ (815,348 )   $ 2,865,608     $ 163,540,427             $ 8,206,328  

 

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $43,388,099)

  $ 45,717,517  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $166,247,094)

    163,540,427  

Segregated cash with broker

    200,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    21,088,775  

Prepaid expenses

    56,917  

Receivables:

Dividends

    806,913  

Interest

    19,816  

Fund shares sold

    9,493  

Total assets

    231,439,858  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    13,245  

Segregated cash due to broker

    15,890,000  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    5,686,748  

Securities purchased

    794,879  

Management fees

    125,968  

Distribution and service fees

    43,595  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    11,023  

Transfer agent fees

    6,846  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,375  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,411  

Fund shares redeemed

    1,117  

Miscellaneous

    113,084  

Total liabilities

    22,691,291  

Net assets

  $ 208,748,567  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 223,467,334  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (14,718,767 )

Net assets

  $ 208,748,567  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 201,587,406  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,932,145  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.44  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 19.36  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 797,258  

Capital shares outstanding

    87,037  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.16  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 206,115  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,432  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.03  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,157,788  

Capital shares outstanding

    338,644  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.18  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,473)

  $ 758,374  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    8,206,328  

Interest

    315,376  

Total investment income

    9,280,078  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,565,264  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    504,956  

C-Class

    8,976  

P-Class

    567  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    195,736  

C-Class

    1,613  

P-Class

    538  

Institutional Class

    5,378  

Interest expense

    529,210  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    94,206  

Professional fees

    56,238  

Custodian fees

    17,404  

Line of credit fees

    11,717  

Trustees’ fees*

    11,560  

Miscellaneous

    91,141  

Total expenses

    3,094,504  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (87,068 )

Earnings credits applied

    (3,877 )

Total waived expenses

    (90,945 )

Net expenses

    3,003,559  

Net investment income

    6,276,519  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,358,525  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (815,348 )

Swap agreements

    (37,756,615 )

Futures contracts

    231,814  

Net realized loss

    (36,981,624 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    6,142,834  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    2,865,608  

Swap agreements

    61,878,961  

Futures contracts

    183,408  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    71,070,811  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    34,089,187  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 40,365,706  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 6,276,519     $ 1,667,535  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (36,981,624 )     60,035,690  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    71,070,811       (107,444,090 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    40,365,706       (45,740,865 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (57,362,413 )     (11,885,985 )

C-Class

    (480,274 )     (54,594 )

P-Class

    (80,505 )     (14,927 )

Institutional Class

    (1,403,582 )     (322,926 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (59,326,774 )     (12,278,432 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    2,166,582       4,911,344  

C-Class

    125,050       523,465  

P-Class

    7,830       123,406  

Institutional Class

    1,924,452       6,528,320  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    54,015,082       11,200,028  

C-Class

    480,152       54,594  

P-Class

    80,505       14,927  

Institutional Class

    1,391,827       301,038  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (23,234,130 )     (20,545,489 )

C-Class

    (520,369 )     (181,556 )

P-Class

    (102,107 )     (154,507 )

Institutional Class

    (1,714,715 )     (6,385,546 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    34,620,159       (3,609,976 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    15,659,091       (61,629,273 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    193,089,476       254,718,749  

End of year

  $ 208,748,567     $ 193,089,476  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    118,847       184,289  

C-Class

    13,926       32,562  

P-Class

    451       4,730  

Institutional Class

    110,833       245,318  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    3,255,882       394,367  

C-Class

    57,850       2,980  

P-Class

    4,957       534  

Institutional Class

    85,231       10,717  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,271,366 )     (788,816 )

C-Class

    (58,377 )     (10,107 )

P-Class

    (6,243 )     (5,888 )

Institutional Class

    (89,973 )     (254,438 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    2,222,018       (183,752 )

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.18     $ 27.35     $ 23.01     $ 20.48     $ 24.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .56       .18       .06       .17       .30  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.32       (5.02 )     6.46       2.70       (.72 )

Total from investment operations

    3.88       (4.84 )     6.52       2.87       (.42 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.22 )     (.08 )     (.19 )     (.31 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

    (6.40 )     (1.25 )     (1.99 )     (.03 )     (3.58 )

Total distributions

    (6.62 )     (1.33 )     (2.18 )     (.34 )     (3.88 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.44     $ 21.18     $ 27.35     $ 23.01     $ 20.48  

 

Total Returnb

    21.81 %     (18.94 %)     29.91 %     14.18 %     1.50 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 201,587     $ 186,957     $ 247,243     $ 204,428     $ 196,563  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.01 %     0.68 %     0.23 %     0.79 %     1.48 %

Total expensesc

    1.48 %     1.20 %     1.23 %     1.32 %     1.31 %

Net expensesd

    1.44 %     1.15 %     1.17 %     1.28 %     1.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    56 %     62 %     25 %     69 %     51 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.57     $ 18.03     $ 15.87     $ 14.22     $ 18.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .21       (.02 )     (.11 )     (.02 )     .08  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.93       (3.20 )     4.34       1.87       (.69 )

Total from investment operations

    2.14       (3.22 )     4.23       1.85       (.61 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.15 )           (.08 )     (.17 )      

Net realized gains

    (6.40 )     (1.24 )     (1.99 )     (.03 )     (3.58 )

Total distributions

    (6.55 )     (1.24 )     (2.07 )     (.20 )     (3.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.16     $ 13.57     $ 18.03     $ 15.87     $ 14.22  

 

Total Returnb

    20.81 %     (19.69 %)     28.69 %     13.11 %     0.60 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 797     $ 999     $ 869     $ 1,019     $ 973  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.14 %     (0.10 %)     (0.67 %)     (0.15 %)     0.58 %

Total expensesc

    2.32 %     2.10 %     2.15 %     2.24 %     2.23 %

Net expensesd

    2.28 %     2.04 %     2.09 %     2.20 %     2.19 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    56 %     62 %     25 %     69 %     51 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.83     $ 26.93     $ 22.69     $ 20.21     $ 24.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .53       .13       .02       .14       .29  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.25       (4.94 )     6.38       2.67       (.73 )

Total from investment operations

    3.78       (4.81 )     6.40       2.81       (.44 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.18 )     (.05 )     (.17 )     (.30 )     (.26 )

Net realized gains

    (6.40 )     (1.24 )     (1.99 )     (.03 )     (3.58 )

Total distributions

    (6.58 )     (1.29 )     (2.16 )     (.33 )     (3.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.03     $ 20.83     $ 26.93     $ 22.69     $ 20.21  

 

Total Return

    21.62 %     (19.09 %)     29.79 %     13.98 %     1.47 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 206     $ 255     $ 347     $ 224     $ 236  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.83 %     0.53 %     0.09 %     0.67 %     1.45 %

Total expensesc

    1.64 %     1.36 %     1.36 %     1.46 %     1.36 %

Net expensesd

    1.59 %     1.31 %     1.30 %     1.42 %     1.33 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    56 %     62 %     25 %     69 %     51 %

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.98     $ 27.10     $ 22.83     $ 20.31     $ 24.65  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .60       .23       .10       .21       .35  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.27       (4.97 )     6.40       2.70       (.75 )

Total from investment operations

    3.87       (4.74 )     6.50       2.91       (.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.27 )     (.14 )     (.24 )     (.36 )     (.36 )

Net realized gains

    (6.40 )     (1.24 )     (1.99 )     (.03 )     (3.58 )

Total distributions

    (6.67 )     (1.38 )     (2.23 )     (.39 )     (3.94 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.18     $ 20.98     $ 27.10     $ 22.83     $ 20.31  

 

Total Return

    22.06 %     (18.78 %)     30.12 %     14.44 %     1.74 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,158     $ 4,878     $ 6,260     $ 3,344     $ 3,747  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.23 %     0.88 %     0.38 %     1.01 %     1.73 %

Total expensesc

    1.27 %     1.00 %     1.06 %     1.08 %     1.09 %

Net expensesd

    1.23 %     0.95 %     0.99 %     1.04 %     1.06 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    56 %     62 %     25 %     69 %     51 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim StylePlusTM—Mid Growth Fund (“Fund”).The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 19.84%1, outperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index, the Fund’s benchmark, which returned 17.47%.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

Over the Reporting Period, 15%-25% of the total equity position was allocated to actively managed equity and 75%-85% to passive equity. Remaining Fund assets were invested in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds, short-term fixed-income investment companies advised by Guggenheim Investments, and the Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, whose objective is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital.

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund outperformed the Russell Mid Growth Index by 2.37% net of fees. The Fund performed better than the benchmark due to contributions from the active equity and active fixed income sleeves, offset by cost of derivatives and Fund fees and expenses.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The passive equity component, which accounted for 75%-85% of the Fund’s exposure to the broad equity market, consisted of equity index swaps and equity index futures. On average, the equity index futures accounted for 0%-5% of the overall exposure, with the remainder from equity index swaps. Both the swaps and futures benefited performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 17, 1969

C-Class

January 29, 1999

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

March 1, 2012

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

36.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

34.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

3.3%

United Therapeutics Corp.

0.5%

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

0.5%

H&R Block, Inc.

0.4%

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A

0.4%

Exelixis, Inc.

0.4%

UFP Industries, Inc.

0.4%

Olin Corp.

0.4%

Top Ten Total

77.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

19.84%

5.71%

9.14%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

14.14%

4.69%

8.61%

C-Class Shares

18.85%

4.78%

8.19%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

18.28%

4.78%

8.19%

Institutional Class Shares

20.02%

5.85%

9.25%

Russell Midcap Growth Index

17.47%

6.97%

9.94%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

19.40%

5.50%

7.40%

Russell Midcap Growth Index

17.47%

6.97%

8.68%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell Midcap Growth Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class, and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 23.9%

                 

Industrial - 7.3%

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    2,411     $ 300,146  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    2,386       244,327  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    873       226,334  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    1,500       224,715  

Owens Corning

    1,647       224,667  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    3,544       211,364  

Landstar System, Inc.

    1,181       208,966  

ITT, Inc.

    2,096       205,220  

Belden, Inc.

    2,106       203,334  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    1,053       191,425  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    1,064       183,880  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    1,078       183,594  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    709       170,309  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    2,125       159,715  

Boise Cascade Co.

    1,508       155,384  

AGCO Corp.

    1,299       153,646  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    652       150,162  

Masco Corp.

    2,756       147,308  

Hubbell, Inc.

    450       141,035  

Snap-on, Inc.

    523       133,396  

nVent Electric plc

    2,367       125,427  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    826       109,288  

Timken Co.

    1,457       107,075  

Universal Display Corp.

    594       93,252  

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

    695       79,112  

Toro Co.

    928       77,117  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    640       73,363  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    360       70,427  

Graco, Inc.

    962       70,111  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    645       66,512  

Total Industrial

            4,690,611  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 4.3%

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    1,344       303,360  

H&R Block, Inc.

    6,194       266,714  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    11,584       253,110  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    1,809       203,513  

Humana, Inc.

    342       166,390  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    1,259       162,965  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

    1,291       150,892  

Incyte Corp.*

    2,522       145,696  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    424       139,025  

Hologic, Inc.*

    1,993       138,314  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    521       128,156  

WEX, Inc.*

    600       112,854  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    1,583       109,987  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    470       93,577  

Encompass Health Corp.

    1,384       92,949  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    665       81,037  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    1,472       76,838  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,879     71,778  

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A*

    1,077       53,473  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    309       53,024  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            2,803,652  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 4.0%

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    435       223,629  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    587       200,595  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    1,959       192,276  

Gentex Corp.

    5,855       190,522  

Brunswick Corp.

    2,369       187,151  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    3,054       185,775  

Polaris, Inc.

    1,691       176,101  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    1,037       161,150  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    939       117,319  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    266       106,254  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    2,364       102,456  

DR Horton, Inc.

    948       101,882  

Watsco, Inc.

    231       87,253  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    1,099       87,106  

Crocs, Inc.*

    963       84,966  

Visteon Corp.*

    609       84,084  

Cummins, Inc.

    314       71,736  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    424       64,194  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    1,887       62,384  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    472       57,825  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    525       57,004  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,601,662  
                 

Technology - 3.1%

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    9,476       258,032  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    2,181       161,307  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    1,657       142,386  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    513       140,675  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    686       137,145  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,582       123,475  

Teradata Corp.*

    2,301       103,591  

Qualys, Inc.*

    676       103,123  

KLA Corp.

    221       101,364  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

    503       99,423  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    1,440       97,358  

Dynatrace, Inc.*

    1,848       86,357  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    318       74,507  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    619       71,736  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    3,031       68,501  

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*

    2,070       66,116  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    716       58,411  

Teradyne, Inc.

    466       46,814  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    217       44,900  

Total Technology

            1,985,221  
                 

Energy - 2.2%

Chord Energy Corp.

    1,385       224,467  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    34,484       222,422  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    9,402       212,297  

 

90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Range Resources Corp.

    5,447     $ 176,537  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    2,784       149,027  

Ovintiv, Inc.

    2,512       119,496  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    747       113,051  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    1,237       80,257  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    2,181       58,996  

Matador Resources Co.

    823       48,952  

Total Energy

            1,405,502  
                 

Financial - 1.5%

Cathay General Bancorp

    4,378       152,179  

International Bancshares Corp.

    3,422       148,310  

SouthState Corp.

    2,159       145,430  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    2,199       115,909  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    255       105,603  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    709       92,411  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,048       90,715  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    373       73,825  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    1,590       53,853  

Total Financial

            978,235  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.0%

Olin Corp.

    4,867       243,253  

NewMarket Corp.

    399       181,561  

Cabot Corp.

    1,325       91,783  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    238       62,411  

RPM International, Inc.

    487       46,172  

Total Basic Materials

            625,180  
                 

Communications - 0.5%

VeriSign, Inc.*

    693     140,354  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    392       106,718  

Calix, Inc.*

    1,155       52,945  

Gen Digital, Inc.

    2,359       41,707  

Total Communications

            341,724  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $14,736,411)

            15,431,787  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 74.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    972,777       23,628,764  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    913,348       22,166,962  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    218,083       2,126,306  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $48,352,340)

            47,922,032  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.1%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%2

    1,380,565       1,380,565  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $1,380,565)

            1,380,565  
                 

Total Investments - 100.0%

       

(Cost $64,469,316)

  $ 64,734,384  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.0%

    13,874  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 64,748,258  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    4       Dec 2023     $ 1,008,000     $ (33,850 )

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    4       Dec 2023       865,250       (37,561 )

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    3       Dec 2023       892,035       (38,000 )
                    $ 2,765,285     $ (109,411 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

 

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Russell MidCap Growth Index Total Return

Pay

 

5.61% (Federal

Funds Rate +

0.28%)

    At Maturity       01/29/24       10,714     $ 48,204,536     $ 5,149,352  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 15,431,787     $     $     $ 15,431,787  

Mutual Funds

    47,922,032                   47,922,032  

Money Market Fund

    1,380,565                   1,380,565  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          5,149,352             5,149,352  

Total Assets

  $ 64,734,384     $ 5,149,352     $     $ 69,883,736  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 109,411     $     $     $ 109,411  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2022, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 22,990,350     $ 12,577,433     $ (13,675,218 )   $ (460,982 )   $ 735,379     $ 22,166,962       913,348     $ 1,152,979  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    24,117,173       4,899,600       (5,623,812 )     (206,384 )     442,187       23,628,764       972,777       1,214,997  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,992,867       99,806                   33,633       2,126,306       218,083       99,791  
    $ 49,100,390     $ 17,576,839     $ (19,299,030 )   $ (667,366 )   $ 1,211,199     $ 47,922,032             $ 2,467,767  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $16,116,976)

  $ 16,812,352  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $48,352,340)

    47,922,032  

Segregated cash with broker

    216,898  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    5,149,352  

Prepaid expenses

    33,455  

Receivables:

Dividends

    235,676  

Fund shares sold

    8,801  

Interest

    6,796  

Total assets

    70,385,362  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    4,545  

Segregated cash due to broker

    3,570,000  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    1,704,842  

Securities purchased

    235,798  

Management fees

    40,635  

Distribution and service fees

    13,841  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    6,541  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    6,360  

Transfer agentfees

    3,912  

Trustees’ fees*

    465  

Fund shares redeemed

    196  

Miscellaneous

    49,969  

Total liabilities

    5,637,104  

Net assets

  $ 64,748,258  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 85,102,686  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (20,354,428 )

Net assets

  $ 64,748,258  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 63,225,247  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,170,593  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.13  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 30.58  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 556,155  

Capital shares outstanding

    51,078  

Net asset value per share

  $ 10.89  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 49,832  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,756  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.38  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 917,024  

Capital shares outstanding

    31,479  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.13  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $325)

  $ 192,560  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    2,467,767  

Interest

    93,700  

Total investment income

    2,754,027  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    494,887  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    160,785  

C-Class

    6,094  

P-Class

    177  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    77,327  

C-Class

    1,297  

P-Class

    349  

Institutional Class

    1,881  

Interest expense

    165,583  

Registration fees

    65,158  

Professional fees

    44,834  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    36,029  

Custodian fees

    16,225  

Trustees’ fees*

    13,944  

Line of credit fees

    2,187  

Miscellaneous

    12,836  

Total expenses

    1,099,593  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (5,144 )

Earnings credits applied

    (1,281 )

Total waived expenses

    (6,425 )

Net expenses

    1,093,168  

Net investment income

    1,660,859  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (116,923 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (667,366 )

Swap agreements

    (22,219,474 )

Futures contracts

    25,500  

Net realized loss

    (22,978,263 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,913,611  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    1,211,199  

Swap agreements

    27,974,037  

Futures contracts

    17,820  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    33,116,667  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    10,138,404  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 11,799,263  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,660,859     $ 324,608  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (22,978,263 )     17,885,118  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    33,116,667       (50,489,951 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    11,799,263       (32,280,225 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (18,424,696 )     (6,756,571 )

C-Class

    (356,411 )     (132,465 )

P-Class

    (34,001 )     (15,261 )

Institutional Class

    (258,969 )     (94,156 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (19,074,077 )     (6,998,453 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,044,582       1,567,712  

C-Class

    26,052       27,151  

P-Class

    5,957       30,227  

Institutional Class

    374,605       430,972  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    17,671,252       6,449,689  

C-Class

    298,799       107,727  

P-Class

    34,001       15,261  

Institutional Class

    250,941       89,198  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (15,576,440 )     (10,782,195 )

C-Class

    (213,354 )     (289,331 )

P-Class

    (80,078 )     (102,638 )

Institutional Class

    (508,296 )     (507,524 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    3,328,021       (2,963,751 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (3,946,793 )     (42,242,429 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    68,695,051       110,937,480  

End of year

  $ 64,748,258     $ 68,695,051  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    34,720       35,090  

C-Class

    2,227       1,116  

P-Class

    203       800  

Institutional Class

    13,235       10,243  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    659,621       131,225  

C-Class

    29,643       3,936  

P-Class

    1,299       315  

Institutional Class

    9,384       1,814  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (481,994 )     (256,009 )

C-Class

    (17,169 )     (11,608 )

P-Class

    (2,987 )     (2,436 )

Institutional Class

    (16,939 )     (12,632 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    231,243       (98,146 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 34.22     $ 52.73     $ 45.98     $ 39.64     $ 49.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .76       .16       (.02 )     .19       .45  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.07       (15.32 )     13.67       7.06       (1.58 )

Total from investment operations

    5.83       (15.16 )     13.65       7.25       (1.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.19 )           (.20 )     (.45 )     (.41 )

Net realized gains

    (10.73 )     (3.35 )     (6.70 )     (.46 )     (8.52 )

Total distributions

    (10.92 )     (3.35 )     (6.90 )     (.91 )     (8.93 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.13     $ 34.22     $ 52.73     $ 45.98     $ 39.64  

 

Total Returnb

    19.84 %     (30.68 %)     31.07 %     18.57 %     2.34 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 63,225     $ 67,014     $ 107,983     $ 89,469     $ 83,027  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.52 %     0.36 %     (0.04 %)     0.46 %     1.13 %

Total expensesc

    1.66 %     1.32 %     1.34 %     1.45 %     1.44 %

Net expensesd

    1.65 %     1.30 %     1.28 %     1.40 %     1.41 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    82 %     72 %     44 %     82 %     73 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.92     $ 30.92     $ 29.40     $ 25.66     $ 35.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .20       (.15 )     (.29 )     (.10 )     .08  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    2.50       (8.50 )     8.51       4.53       (1.68 )

Total from investment operations

    2.70       (8.65 )     8.22       4.43       (1.60 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.23 )      

Net realized gains

    (10.73 )     (3.35 )     (6.70 )     (.46 )     (8.52 )

Total distributions

    (10.73 )     (3.35 )     (6.70 )     (.69 )     (8.52 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.89     $ 18.92     $ 30.92     $ 29.40     $ 25.66  

 

Total Returnb

    18.85 %     (31.33 %)     29.88 %     17.53 %     1.46 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 556     $ 688     $ 1,327     $ 1,510     $ 1,683  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.66 %     (0.59 %)     (0.94 %)     (0.39 %)     0.30 %

Total expensesc

    2.49 %     2.25 %     2.26 %     2.32 %     2.27 %

Net expensesd

    2.48 %     2.23 %     2.20 %     2.28 %     2.24 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    82 %     72 %     44 %     82 %     73 %

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.58     $ 51.96     $ 45.45     $ 39.17     $ 49.12  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .64             (.07 )     .15       .41  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    4.96       (15.03 )     13.51       6.99       (1.58 )

Total from investment operations

    5.60       (15.03 )     13.44       7.14       (1.17 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.07 )           (.23 )     (.40 )     (.26 )

Net realized gains

    (10.73 )     (3.35 )     (6.70 )     (.46 )     (8.52 )

Total distributions

    (10.80 )     (3.35 )     (6.93 )     (.86 )     (8.78 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.38     $ 33.58     $ 51.96     $ 45.45     $ 39.17  

 

Total Return

    19.40 %     (30.90 %)     30.92 %     18.48 %     2.22 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 50     $ 109     $ 237     $ 116     $ 93  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.09 %     0.01 %     (0.14 %)     0.36 %     1.04 %

Total expensesc

    1.97 %     1.56 %     1.43 %     1.54 %     1.55 %

Net expensesd

    1.96 %     1.54 %     1.37 %     1.50 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    82 %     72 %     44 %     82 %     73 %

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 34.25     $ 52.71     $ 45.98     $ 39.64     $ 49.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .82       .22       .07       .24       .51  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.05       (15.33 )     13.65       7.09       (1.63 )

Total from investment operations

    5.87       (15.11 )     13.72       7.33       (1.12 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.26 )           (.29 )     (.53 )     (.52 )

Net realized gains

    (10.73 )     (3.35 )     (6.70 )     (.46 )     (8.52 )

Total distributions

    (10.99 )     (3.35 )     (6.99 )     (.99 )     (9.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.13     $ 34.25     $ 52.71     $ 45.98     $ 39.64  

 

Total Return

    20.02 %     (30.60 %)     31.26 %     18.79 %     2.42 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 917     $ 884     $ 1,390     $ 1,311     $ 972  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.72 %     0.50 %     0.14 %     0.58 %     1.28 %

Total expensesc

    1.49 %     1.20 %     1.17 %     1.26 %     1.31 %

Net expensesd

    1.49 %     1.18 %     1.11 %     1.22 %     1.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    82 %     72 %     44 %     82 %     73 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“Fund”).The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Evan Einstein, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Douglas Makin, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 15.69%1, underperforming the MSCI World Index (Net), the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 21.95% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

Global stocks over the past year initially benefited from more modest inflation readings, dovishness in the European Central Bank, and continued solid economic data from the U.S. But higher U.S. Treasury Bill yields, and the return of a more hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve eventually took their toll. The Fund’s positioning in lower-risk and higher-yielding stocks, compared with the Benchmark, contributed to its relative underperformance for the Reporting Period. The Fund’s strategy tends to create a bias toward value-oriented investments, which can be a drag on performance in up markets.

 

The leading detractor from return was security selection, with Information Technology, Communication Services, and Utilities sectors responsible for most of the relative underperformance. The Fund was also most underweight relative to the Benchmark in the Information Tech sector, which exacerbated the underperformance. An underweight in the Health Care sector and good selection in Materials were the largest positive contributors to the Fund’s return.

 

From a country perspective, the U.S. was the single largest relative detractor from return. Its impact is magnified as it is also the largest country represented in the Fund and the Benchmark. Canada, Israel, and the UK were the other leading detractors from return on a relative basis. Japan, the country with the second-largest weighting in the Fund, provided the largest positive relative contribution to return. This was due in part to the weakened currency, which translates to a boost to companies operating there. Although Europe as a whole was a detractor from return, Italy and Spain provided the large positive contributions.

 

The top individual contributors to the Fund were overweights in Sumitomo Corp. and tech companies Dell Technologies, Inc., Intel Corp., and Broadcom, Inc. The biggest detractors were an underweight in Technology company Nvidia Corp., and communication company Meta Platforms, Inc., and an overweight in SolarEdge Technologies, Inc (not held at 9/30/23).

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund uses currency contract futures to hedge non-U.S. dollar equity positions, which helps to reduce volatility. Their contribution to performance in aggregate was positive, as the currency futures were active for much of the Reporting Period and the dollar strengthened against other currencies for much of the Reporting Period as well.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

The continuing rise in interest rates and a historically wide valuation gap between growth and value sectors were among the factors that saw growth stocks solidly outperform value stocks over the Reporting Period. Compared with the Benchmark, the Fund is positioned more cautiously, as we anticipate continuing market volatility that defined much of the Reporting Period. We are also positioned for higher yield than the Benchmark as we aim to generate income.

 

The Fund was most overweight in the Industrials and Utilities sectors at the end of the Reporting Period, and most underweight in the Health Care, Communication Services, and Information Technology sectors. The currency hedge ended the Reporting Period with several active positions including the Japanese Yen and Euro as the U.S. dollar continued to strengthen.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of capital appreciation and income.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Country Diversification

 

Country

 

% of Long-Term
Investments

 

United States

    66.1 %

Japan

    8.1 %

Australia

    5.0 %

Canada

    4.4 %

United Kingdom

    2.9 %

Italy

    1.9 %

Spain

    1.9 %

Other

    9.7 %

Total Long-Term Investments

    100.0 %

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

October 1, 1993

C-Class

January 29, 1999

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

May 2, 2011

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Microsoft Corp.

3.0%

Apple, Inc.

2.7%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.9%

NVIDIA Corp.

1.6%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

1.6%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

1.5%

Amazon.com, Inc.

1.4%

Home Depot, Inc.

1.1%

Amgen, Inc.

1.1%

Walmart, Inc.

1.0%

Top Ten Total

16.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

15.69%

5.10%

6.13%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

10.19%

4.08%

5.61%

C-Class Shares

14.87%

4.31%

5.34%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

13.87%

4.31%

5.34%

Institutional Class Shares

15.97%

5.38%

6.40%

MSCI World Index (Net)

21.95%

7.26%

8.26%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

15.65%

5.09%

5.86%

MSCI World Index (Net)

21.95%

7.26%

7.62%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The MSCI World Index (Net) is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 97.0%

                 

Financial - 17.4%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    1,890     $ 662,067  

National Australia Bank Ltd.††

    21,450       398,188  

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd.††

    22,520       369,349  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,100       355,927  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.††

    43,570       352,665  

Credit Agricole S.A.††

    28,060       345,047  

Citigroup, Inc.

    8,370       344,258  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA††

    131,700       337,366  

Westpac Banking Corp.††

    24,660       333,328  

Banco Santander S.A.††

    87,380       332,802  

Public Storage REIT

    1,200       316,224  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA††

    23,070       304,206  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    3,100       300,855  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    2,690       290,601  

Swiss Life Holding AG††

    450       280,017  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    2,600       272,662  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    1,571       269,804  

AXA S.A.††

    7,000       207,715  

Amundi S.A.††,1

    3,490       196,053  

Legal & General Group plc††

    69,760       188,143  

ASX Ltd.††

    4,000       146,306  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.

    4,000       144,968  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. REIT

    3,030       138,016  

Chubb Ltd.

    661       137,607  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    9,000       137,430  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA††

    6,000       122,494  

Allianz AG††

    500       119,007  

Bank Hapoalim BM

    12,000       106,726  

Loews Corp.

    1,600       101,296  

Zurich Insurance Group AG††

    200       91,523  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    1,300       77,324  

Total Financial

            7,779,974  
                 

Technology - 16.6%

Microsoft Corp.

    4,306       1,359,619  

Apple, Inc.

    7,174       1,228,261  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1,630       709,034  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,889       459,380  

Dell Technologies, Inc. — Class C

    6,200       427,180  

CGI, Inc.*

    3,500       345,092  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    2,390       318,539  

Intel Corp.

    8,598       305,659  

Broadcom, Inc.

    352       292,364  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    1,300       279,305  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    2,300       255,438  

Lam Research Corp.

    400       250,708  

Ricoh Company Ltd.††

    27,920       240,894  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    2,400       236,616  

WiseTech Global Ltd.††

    5,000       207,543  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    2,800       189,672  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    300       147,750  

Seiko Epson Corp.††

    6,190       97,212  

KLA Corp.

    200     91,732  

Total Technology

            7,441,998  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.9%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    1,377       694,270  

Amgen, Inc.

    1,798       483,231  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    2,610       442,238  

Johnson & Johnson

    2,592       403,704  

Unilever plc††

    8,070       399,131  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.††

    15,900       365,830  

McKesson Corp.

    830       360,925  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,400       344,372  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    4,803       341,541  

Sysco Corp.

    4,860       321,003  

Imperial Brands plc††

    15,140       307,031  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.††

    47,468       252,032  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    1,200       241,260  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    3,100       233,802  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    4,300       217,107  

Seagen, Inc.*

    1,020       216,393  

Cencora, Inc. — Class A

    1,175       211,465  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    400       202,468  

Cintas Corp.

    390       187,594  

Pfizer, Inc.

    5,000       165,850  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    2,600       150,904  

Viatris, Inc.

    13,900       137,054  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    300       130,626  

CSL Ltd.††

    700       112,767  

Bunge Ltd.

    900       97,425  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    600       72,510  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            7,092,533  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 13.7%

Home Depot, Inc.

    1,609       486,176  

Walmart, Inc.

    2,900       463,797  

Sumitomo Corp.††

    19,900       397,166  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    1,860       386,582  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.††

    32,700       367,868  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    480       332,083  

General Motors Co.

    10,000       329,700  

Ford Motor Co.

    24,900       309,258  

Tesla, Inc.*

    1,200       300,264  

Aisin Corp.††

    7,500       283,390  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG††

    2,670       271,227  

Ferguson plc

    1,600       263,152  

Sekisui House Ltd.††

    12,930       257,327  

Target Corp.

    2,200       243,254  

Toromont Industries Ltd.

    2,900       236,256  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.††

    16,100       202,404  

Fastenal Co.

    3,700       202,168  

Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. — Class A

    1,529       164,460  

InterContinental Hotels Group plc††

    2,200       162,639  

Lear Corp.

    1,140       152,988  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Cummins, Inc.

    500     $ 114,230  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    200       112,992  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.††

    4,000       104,501  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            6,143,882  
                 

Industrial - 12.5%

AP Moller - Maersk A/S — Class B††

    220       395,766  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    2,390       372,529  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    1,538       354,217  

Waste Connections, Inc.

    2,500       335,750  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    3,010       326,063  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    789       322,670  

FedEx Corp.

    1,200       317,904  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    2,500       311,225  

Snap-on, Inc.

    1,090       278,015  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.††

    9,720       267,098  

Nippon Yusen K.K.††

    9,890       256,794  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    1,680       210,403  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    1,100       207,372  

CCL Industries, Inc. — Class B

    4,790       201,112  

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd.††

    5,600       191,106  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    1,500       171,945  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    1,980       166,300  

Garmin Ltd.

    1,400       147,280  

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios S.A.††

    4,000       143,822  

Obayashi Corp.††

    14,000       123,199  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    100       110,807  

Packaging Corporation of America

    624       95,815  

Owens Corning

    700       95,487  

Poste Italiane SpA††,1

    9,000       94,527  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    800       68,904  

Total Industrial

            5,566,110  
                 

Energy - 6.6%

Phillips 66

    3,840       461,376  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    2,720       411,645  

Valero Energy Corp.

    2,640       374,114  

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.††

    14,040       326,431  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    4,560       259,601  

Ampol Ltd.††

    9,800       211,574  

Chevron Corp.

    1,090       183,796  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    1,100       182,556  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.††

    40,000       157,446  

Galp Energia SGPS S.A. — Class B††

    9,000       133,330  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,000       117,580  

Imperial Oil Ltd.

    1,400       116,793  

Total Energy

            2,936,242  
                 

Communications - 5.7%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    6,435       848,455  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    4,838       615,006  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    4,830       222,953  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.††

    201,950       210,604  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    600       180,126  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    544       148,098  

Nice Ltd.*

    670     113,428  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    3,381       109,578  

WPP plc††

    12,240       109,016  

Total Communications

            2,557,264  
                 

Utilities - 4.8%

Duke Energy Corp.

    4,175       368,486  

DTE Energy Co.

    2,980       295,854  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    3,400       290,802  

Centrica plc††

    130,400       245,181  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.††

    46,000       222,175  

Southern Co.

    2,975       192,542  

Sempra

    2,400       163,272  

Emera, Inc.

    3,480       121,532  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,500       85,365  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    1,800       80,406  

Exelon Corp.

    2,010       75,958  

Total Utilities

            2,141,573  
                 

Basic Materials - 3.6%

Nippon Steel Corp.††

    15,350       359,624  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    3,788       358,724  

Nucor Corp.

    2,100       328,335  

International Paper Co.

    6,193       219,666  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    2,000       214,440  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    500       131,115  

Total Basic Materials

            1,611,904  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $42,704,413)

            43,271,480  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 1.7%

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

    5,623       387,538  

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

    894       382,167  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $790,541)

            769,705  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.5%

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund Institutional Shares, 5.22%2

    233,728       233,728  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $233,728)

            233,728  
                 

Total Investments - 99.0%

       

(Cost $43,728,682)

  $ 44,274,913  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.0%

    449,450  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 44,724,363  

 

102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    45       Dec 2023     $ 3,811,219     $ 89,824  

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    22       Dec 2023       2,917,062       53,750  

British Pound Futures Contracts

    19       Dec 2023       1,449,225       39,851  
                    $ 8,177,506     $ 183,425  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $290,580 (cost $321,146), or 0.6% of total net assets.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 31,670,616     $ 11,600,864     $     $ 43,271,480  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    769,705                   769,705  

Money Market Fund

    233,728                   233,728  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    183,425                   183,425  

Total Assets

  $ 32,857,474     $ 11,600,864     $     $ 44,458,338  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $43,728,682)

  $ 44,274,913  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $18,055)

    18,700  

Segregated cash with broker

    251,000  

Prepaid expenses

    41,152  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    789,153  

Foreign tax reclaims

    75,348  

Dividends

    64,065  

Interest

    803  

Fund shares sold

    530  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    500  

Total assets

    45,516,164  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    2,086  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    626,790  

Fund shares redeemed

    88,408  

Distribution and service fees

    10,483  

Management fees

    8,352  

Transfer agent fees

    5,417  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    5,327  

Distributions to shareholders

    4,765  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,163  

Miscellaneous

    39,010  

Total liabilities

    791,801  

Net assets

  $ 44,724,363  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 44,333,242  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    391,121  

Net assets

  $ 44,724,363  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 39,183,675  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,761,009  

Net asset value per share

  $ 14.19  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 14.90  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,644,621  

Capital shares outstanding

    228,255  

Net asset value per share

  $ 11.59  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 94,435  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,590  

Net asset value per share

  $ 14.33  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,801,632  

Capital shares outstanding

    199,037  

Net asset value per share

  $ 14.08  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $120,286)

  $ 1,373,153  

Interest

    9,232  

Total investment income

    1,382,385  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    320,156  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    99,384  

C-Class

    27,204  

P-Class

    195  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    62,339  

C-Class

    4,396  

P-Class

    314  

Institutional Class

    4,945  

Registration fees

    61,500  

Professional fees

    45,259  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    27,875  

Custodian fees

    16,370  

Trustees’ fees*

    12,731  

Line of credit fees

    1,574  

Miscellaneous

    13,641  

Total expenses

    697,883  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

       

A-Class

    (62,164 )

C-Class

    (4,381 )

P-Class

    (313 )

Institutional Class

    (4,929 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (71,170 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (142,957 )

Net expenses

    554,926  

Net investment income

    827,459  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (126,502 )

Futures contracts

    356,540  

Foreign currency transactions

    (33,285 )

Net realized gain

    196,753  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    5,652,331  

Futures contracts

    (101,241 )

Foreign currency translations

    6,933  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    5,558,023  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    5,754,776  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 6,582,235  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 827,459     $ 949,839  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    196,753       (159,738 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    5,558,023       (7,578,951 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    6,582,235       (6,788,850 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (722,703 )     (10,744,755 )

C-Class

    (29,606 )     (873,734 )

P-Class

    (1,387 )     (28,439 )

Institutional Class

    (62,449 )     (968,069 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (816,145 )     (12,614,997 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,839,546       1,877,448  

C-Class

    303,253       269,648  

P-Class

    23,194       3,577  

Institutional Class

    359,897       5,857,937  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    695,071       10,254,795  

C-Class

    29,606       870,099  

P-Class

    1,233       28,438  

Institutional Class

    62,113       962,451  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (4,132,861 )     (4,367,556 )

C-Class

    (536,800 )     (560,409 )

P-Class

    (275 )     (48,299 )

Institutional Class

    (3,906,719 )     (2,193,005 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (5,262,742 )     12,955,124  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    503,348       (6,448,723 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    44,221,015       50,669,738  

End of year

  $ 44,724,363     $ 44,221,015  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    130,111       126,711  

C-Class

    26,132       21,381  

P-Class

    1,612       242  

Institutional Class

    25,667       390,214  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    48,930       659,255  

C-Class

    2,549       68,252  

P-Class

    86       1,802  

Institutional Class

    4,415       62,780  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (292,035 )     (278,966 )

C-Class

    (47,251 )     (44,338 )

P-Class

    (18 )     (3,361 )

Institutional Class

    (293,795 )     (150,633 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (393,597 )     853,339  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.49     $ 18.73     $ 15.03     $ 15.26     $ 15.77  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .26       .29       .28       .20       .35  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.70       (1.97 )     3.79       (.12 )g     (.36 )

Total from investment operations

    1.96       (1.68 )     4.07       .08       (.01 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.25 )     (.34 )     (.34 )     (.27 )     (.37 )

Net realized gains

    (.01 )     (4.22 )     (.03 )     (.04 )     (.13 )

Total distributions

    (.26 )     (4.56 )     (.37 )     (.31 )     (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.19     $ 12.49     $ 18.73     $ 15.03     $ 15.26  

 

Total Returnb

    15.69 %     (13.44 %)     27.13 %     0.60 %     0.14 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 39,183     $ 35,905     $ 44,337     $ 37,911     $ 60,639  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.84 %     1.87 %     1.55 %     1.36 %     2.39 %

Total expensesc

    1.50 %     1.39 %     1.45 %     1.48 %     1.37 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.19 %     1.20 %     1.21 %     1.22 %     1.22 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    156 %     162 %     191 %     192 %     127 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.20     $ 16.03     $ 12.87     $ 13.06     $ 13.53  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .13       .14       .13       .08       .21  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.39       (1.56 )     3.24       (.10 )g     (.33 )

Total from investment operations

    1.52       (1.42 )     3.37       (.02 )     (.12 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.12 )     (.19 )     (.18 )     (.13 )     (.22 )

Net realized gains

    (.01 )     (4.22 )     (.03 )     (.04 )     (.13 )

Total distributions

    (.13 )     (4.41 )     (.21 )     (.17 )     (.35 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.59     $ 10.20     $ 16.03     $ 12.87     $ 13.06  

 

Total Returnb

    14.87 %     (14.11 %)     26.22 %     (0.13 %)     (0.69 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,645     $ 2,518     $ 3,230     $ 2,893     $ 3,366  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.10 %     1.12 %     0.81 %     0.67 %     1.64 %

Total expensesc

    2.25 %     2.20 %     2.28 %     2.40 %     2.28 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.94 %     1.95 %     1.96 %     1.97 %     1.97 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    156 %     162 %     191 %     192 %     127 %

 

106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.60     $ 18.91     $ 15.17     $ 15.38     $ 15.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .26       .29       .30       .20       .36  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.71       (1.99 )     3.80       (.11 )g     (.39 )

Total from investment operations

    1.97       (1.70 )     4.10       .09       (.03 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.23 )     (.39 )     (.33 )     (.26 )     (.38 )

Net realized gains

    (.01 )     (4.22 )     (.03 )     (.04 )     (.13 )

Total distributions

    (.24 )     (4.61 )     (.36 )     (.30 )     (.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.33     $ 12.60     $ 18.91     $ 15.17     $ 15.38  

 

Total Return

    15.65 %     (13.44 %)     27.10 %     0.66 %     0.06 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 94     $ 62     $ 118     $ 94     $ 129  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.80 %     1.82 %     1.61 %     1.36 %     2.38 %

Total expensesc

    1.74 %     1.62 %     1.53 %     1.56 %     1.44 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.19 %     1.20 %     1.21 %     1.22 %     1.22 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    156 %     162 %     191 %     192 %     127 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.40     $ 18.61     $ 14.94     $ 15.16     $ 15.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .28       .36       .33       .25       .39  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.70       (1.98 )     3.75       (.13 )g     (.37 )

Total from investment operations

    1.98       (1.62 )     4.08       .12       .02  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.29 )     (.37 )     (.38 )     (.30 )     (.44 )

Net realized gains

    (.01 )     (4.22 )     (.03 )     (.04 )     (.13 )

Total distributions

    (.30 )     (4.59 )     (.41 )     (.34 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.08     $ 12.40     $ 18.61     $ 14.94     $ 15.16  

 

Total Return

    15.97 %     (13.18 %)     27.38 %     0.92 %     0.40 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,802     $ 5,736     $ 2,985     $ 2,513     $ 3,458  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.99 %     2.36 %     1.82 %     1.66 %     2.67 %

Total expensesc

    1.24 %     1.13 %     1.21 %     1.50 %     1.17 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.94 %     0.95 %     0.96 %     0.97 %     0.97 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    156 %     162 %     191 %     192 %     127 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.01%

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.01%

0.02%

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.18%

1.20%

1.21%

1.22%

1.22%

 

C-Class

1.93%

1.95%

1.96%

1.97%

1.97%

 

P-Class

1.18%

1.20%

1.21%

1.22%

1.22%

 

Institutional Class

0.93%

0.95%

0.96%

0.97%

0.97%

 

g

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year does not agree with the aggregate net gain on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to the fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each Fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI”or the “Adviser”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund

Investment
Company Type

Alpha Opportunity Fund

Diversified

Large Cap Value Fund

Diversified

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

Diversified

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

Diversified

Small Cap Value Fund

Diversified

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

Diversified

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

Diversified

World Equity Income Fund

Diversified

 

At September 30, 2023, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”), which operate under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provide advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Funds operate as investment companies and, accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Funds with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Funds’ valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration,

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts. (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

Futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The value of swap agreements entered into by a Fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a pricing service provider.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) Short Sales

 

When a Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale.

 

Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

(c) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker

 

110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(d) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

(e) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(f) Foreign Taxes

 

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statements of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the respective Fund. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(h) Distributions

 

Dividends from net investment income are declared quarterly in the World Equity Income Fund and Risk Managed Real Estate Fund. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions of net investment income in the remaining Funds and distributions of net realized gains, if any, in all Funds are declared at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(j) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Funds may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Operations.

 

(k) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(l) Indemnifications

 

Under the Funds’ organizational documents, the Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and/or their affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategies, the Funds may utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures

 

112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Funds’ Schedules of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

Index exposure

  $ 3,477,681     $  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

Index exposure

    2,094,825        

World Equity Income Fund

Hedge

          2,620,951  

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a Fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Total return and custom basket swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as an index or custom basket of securities) for a fixed or variable interest rate. Total return and custom basket swaps will usually be computed based on the current value of the reference asset as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. When utilizing total return or custom basket swaps, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying reference asset declines in value.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of total return swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

Index exposure

  $ 166,465,138     $  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

Index exposure

    49,729,715        

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of custom basket swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

Hedge, Leverage

  $ 16,876,397     $ 33,610,031  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

Hedge

          24,885,511  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

Hedge, Leverage

    52,667,631       49,148,092  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Currency/Equity futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Equity swap contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $     $ 2,180,789     $     $ 2,180,789  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

          3,900,187             3,900,187  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

          10,413,513             10,413,513  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

          21,088,775             21,088,775  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

          5,149,352             5,149,352  

World Equity Income Fund

                183,425       183,425  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

  $     $ 3,333,686     $     $ 3,333,686  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    56,341                   56,341  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    109,411                   109,411  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives contracts as reported on the Schedules of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Currency/Equity futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Equity swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Funds’ Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Total

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $     $ 1,169,204     $     $ 1,169,204  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

          1,791,735             1,791,735  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

          (248,222 )           (248,222 )

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    231,814       (37,756,615 )           (37,524,801 )

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    25,500       (22,219,474 )           (22,193,974 )

World Equity Income Fund

                356,540       356,540  

 

114 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Total

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $     $ (1,078,261 )   $     $ (1,078,261 )

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

          (812,638 )           (812,638 )

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

          (1,512,665 )           (1,512,665 )

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    183,408       61,878,961             62,062,369  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    17,820       27,974,037             27,991,857  

World Equity Income Fund

                (101,241 )     (101,241 )

 

In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Funds use margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds as collateral.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Funds may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Funds may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

The Funds may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Funds.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Funds to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Funds in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Funds attempt to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 2,180,789     $       2,180,789                 $ 2,180,789  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

    3,900,187             3,900,187             (2,640,000 )     1,260,187  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

    10,413,513             10,413,513       (3,333,686 )     (3,533,030 )     3,546,797  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

Swap equity contacts

    21,088,775             21,088,775             (15,890,000 )     5,198,775  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

Swap equity contracts

    5,149,352             5,149,352             (3,570,000 )     1,576,352  

 

116 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 3,333,686     $     $ 3,333,686     $ (3,333,686 )   $     $  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The Funds have the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Custom basket swap agreements

  $     $ 770,000  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Custom basket swap agreements

          1,870,000  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund Total

 

 

            2,640,000  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Custom basket swap agreements

    730,000        

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Custom basket swap agreements

          3,533,030  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund Total

 

 

    730,000       3,533,030  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Futures contracts

    200,000        

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Total return swap agreements

          15,890,000  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund Total

 

 

    200,000       15,890,000  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Futures contracts

    216,898        

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Total return swap agreements

          3,570,000  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund Total

 

 

    216,898       3,570,000  

World Equity Income Fund

BofA Securities, Inc.

Futures contracts

    251,000        

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 — unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 — significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Funds pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at the annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Funds:

 

Fund

 

Management Fees
(as a % of Net Assets)

Alpha Opportunity Fund

    0.90%

Large Cap Value Fund

    0.65%

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    1.10%

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    0.75%

Small Cap Value Fund

    0.75%

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    0.75%

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    0.75%

World Equity Income Fund

    0.70%

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

Contractual expense limitation agreements for the following Funds provide that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund – A-Class

    1.76 %     05/31/17       02/01/25  

Alpha Opportunity Fund – C-Class

    2.51 %     05/31/17       02/01/25  

Alpha Opportunity Fund – P-Class

    1.76 %     05/31/17       02/01/25  

Alpha Opportunity Fund – Institutional Class

    1.51 %     05/31/17       02/01/25  

Large Cap Value Fund – A-Class

    1.15 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Large Cap Value Fund – C-Class

    1.90 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Large Cap Value Fund – P-Class

    1.15 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Large Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class

    0.90 %     06/05/13       02/01/25  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – A-Class

    1.65 %     02/26/16       02/01/25  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – C-Class

    2.40 %     02/26/16       02/01/25  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – P-Class

    1.65 %     02/26/16       02/01/25  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – Institutional Class

    1.40 %     02/26/16       02/01/25  

 

118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – A-Class

    1.30 %     03/26/14       02/01/25  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – C-Class

    2.05 %     03/26/14       02/01/25  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – P-Class

    1.30 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – Institutional Class

    1.10 %     03/26/14       02/01/25  

Small Cap Value Fund – A-Class

    1.30 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Small Cap Value Fund – C-Class

    2.05 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Small Cap Value Fund – P-Class

    1.30 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class

    1.05 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

World Equity Income Fund – A-Class

    1.22 %     08/15/13       02/01/25  

World Equity Income Fund – C-Class

    1.97 %     08/15/13       02/01/25  

World Equity Income Fund – P-Class

    1.22 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

World Equity Income Fund – Institutional Class

    0.97 %     08/15/13       02/01/25  

 

GI and GPIM are entitled to reimbursement by the Funds for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI and GPIM are entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI or GPIM. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

Fund

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Total

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

                               

A-Class

  $ 5,716     $ 4,189     $ 4,612     $ 14,517  

C-Class

    739       584       502       1,825  

P-Class

    2,910       971       1,774       5,655  

Institutional Class

                8,730       8,730  

Large Cap Value Fund

                               

A-Class

    115,360       99,071       106,239       320,670  

C-Class

    5,446       5,729       5,870       17,045  

P-Class

    961       796       522       2,279  

Institutional Class

    3,072       6,589       11,209       20,870  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

                               

A-Class

    20,606       7,180       2,380       30,166  

C-Class

    888       689       524       2,101  

P-Class

    15,753       6,928       3,895       26,576  

Institutional Class

    103,050       121,875       95,116       320,041  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

                               

A-Class

                1,314       1,314  

C-Class

          334       581       915  

P-Class

    834       6,841       4,114       11,789  

Institutional Class

                       

Small Cap Value Fund

                               

A-Class

    126,091       98,289       91,810       316,190  

C-Class

    24,783       14,817       10,065       49,665  

P-Class

    1,282       2,097       2,852       6,231  

Institutional Class

    38,236       44,992       44,148       127,376  

World Equity Income Fund

                               

A-Class

    103,050       78,363       111,813       293,226  

C-Class

    10,532       7,540       7,790       25,862  

P-Class

    336       408       411       1,155  

Institutional Class

    7,366       7,859       8,688       23,913  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped amounts from the Funds as follows:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 13,191  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    464  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    69,899  

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing fund level without regard to any expense cap in effect for the investing fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the investing Fund’s adviser waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds for the following Funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

  $ 87,068  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    5,144  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Funds’ securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

At September 30, 2023, GI and its affiliates owned over twenty percent of the outstanding shares of the Funds, as follows:

 

Fund

 

Percent of Outstanding
Shares Owned

Alpha Opportunity Fund

    77%

 

Note 6 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Return
of Capital

   

Total
Distributions

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 205,930     $     $     $ 205,930  

Large Cap Value Fund

    537,701       3,093,835             3,631,536  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    111,384                   111,384  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    9,734,314       18,153,953       2,638,803       30,527,070  

Small Cap Value Fund

    78,299       250,781             329,080  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    1,947,148       57,379,626             59,326,774  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    326,968       18,747,109             19,074,077  

World Equity Income Fund

    792,315       23,830             816,145  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 282,314     $     $ 282,314  

Large Cap Value Fund

    570,132       2,127,841       2,697,973  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    161,651             161,651  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    26,745,499       6,663,532       33,409,031  

Small Cap Value Fund

          31,116       31,116  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    8,865,934       3,412,498       12,278,432  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    5,134,467       1,863,986       6,998,453  

World Equity Income Fund

    10,456,355       2,158,642       12,614,997  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 199,681     $     $ 1,845,175     $ (26,871,858 )   $     $ (24,827,002 )

Large Cap Value Fund

    674,731       3,299,408       3,591,756                   7,565,895  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    1,115,104             1,449,889       (3,460,719 )           (895,726 )

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

                (40,222,768 )     (2,038,164 )     (3,129,119 )     (45,390,051 )

Small Cap Value Fund

    82,744       336,090       (178,262 )                 240,572  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    5,630,586             19,967,423       (40,316,776 )           (14,718,767 )

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    1,661,785             4,838,558       (26,854,771 )           (20,354,428 )

World Equity Income Fund

    104,682             419,842       (133,403 )           391,121  

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

  

Fund

 

Unlimited

   

Total Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

 

Short-Term

    Long-Term    

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ (21,038,059 )   $ (5,833,799 )   $ (26,871,858 )

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    (2,482,907 )     (977,812 )     (3,460,719 )

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    (681,926 )           (681,926 )

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    (3,525,878 )     (36,790,898 )     (40,316,776 )

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    (8,287,378 )     (18,567,393 )     (26,854,771 )

World Equity Income Fund

    (133,403 )           (133,403 )

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the following capital loss carryforward amounts were utilized:

 

Fund

 

Utilized

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 2,170,035  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    292,217  

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in real estate investment trusts, foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, and the “mark-to-market,” recharacterization, or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of securities sold short, dividends payable, distribution reclasses, and the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

Large Cap Value Fund

  $ 586,812     $ (586,812 )

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    343,965       (343,965 )

Small Cap Value Fund

    276,854       (276,854 )

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    1,510       (1,510 )

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 33,388,029     $ 3,477,912     $ (1,632,737 )   $ 1,845,175  

Large Cap Value Fund

    31,903,140       5,641,753       (2,049,997 )     3,591,756  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    50,385,958       4,292,020       (2,842,131 )     1,449,889  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    363,606,792       21,043,523       (61,266,291 )     (40,222,768 )

Small Cap Value Fund

    5,687,257       542,648       (720,910 )     (178,262 )

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    210,379,296       24,459,080       (4,491,657 )     19,967,423  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    65,045,178       6,267,654       (1,429,096 )     4,838,558  

World Equity Income Fund

    43,850,215       2,775,449       (2,350,751 )     424,698  

 

Note 7 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund

  $ 95,587,706     $ 94,307,655  

Large Cap Value Fund

    7,237,153       14,560,951  

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    19,393,835       13,393,114  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    87,875,632       126,514,132  

Small Cap Value Fund

    4,811,286       6,469,445  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    115,085,324       111,237,903  

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    52,051,581       60,527,262  

World Equity Income Fund

    70,849,087       75,533,420  

 

122 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 8 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Funds’ Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Funds did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 9 – Large Shareholder Risk

 

As of September 30, 2023, 77.3% of the Alpha Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) was held by Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund. The Fund may experience adverse effects if a large number of shares of the Fund are held by a single shareholder (e.g., an institutional investor, financial intermediary or another GI Fund). The Fund is subject to the risk that a redemption by those shareholders of all or a large portion of the Fund could cause the Fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times, or at a loss or depressed value, which could adversely impact the Fund’s performance and cause the value of a shareholder’s investment to decline. Redemptions of a large number of shares also may increase transaction costs or, by necessitating a sale of portfolio securities, have adverse tax consequences for shareholders. They also potentially limit the use of any capital loss carryforwards and certain other losses to offset future realized capital gains (if any) and may limit or prevent a Fund’s use of tax equalization.

 

Note 10 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Funds are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country, geographic region or industry could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Funds in a different country, geographic region, economy or industry and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Funds’ investments and performance of the Funds.

 

Note 11 – Subsequent Events

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund, Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Large Core Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund and Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund, Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Large Core Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund and Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (eight of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (eight of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, 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 their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

124 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Funds’ investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See the qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

 

Dividend
Received
Deduction

 

Qualified
Interest
Income

 

Qualified
Short-Term
Capital Gain

Alpha Opportunity Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     1.80 %     0.00 %

Large Cap Value Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     2.59 %     100.00 %

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund

    9.52 %     9.52 %     13.41 %     0.00 %

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    0.66 %     0.66 %     6.18 %     0.00 %

Small Cap Value Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     1.81 %     0.00 %

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    25.78 %     23.07 %     24.58 %     0.00 %

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    12.02 %     8.42 %     0.32 %     0.00 %

World Equity Income Fund

    100.00 %     62.10 %     1.34 %     0.00 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

Fund

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term capital
gain, using proceeds
from shareholder
redemptions:

 

Large Cap Value Fund

  $ 3,093,835     $ 584,434  

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund

    18,153,953        

Small Cap Value Fund

    250,781       276,663  

StylePlus—Large Core Fund

    57,379,626        

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund

    18,747,109        

World Equity Income Fund

    23,830        

 

Final regulations dated June 24, 2020 enable a regulated investment company to pay Section 199A dividends to its shareholders. Section 199A, enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, may allow non-corporate tax payers a deduction of up to 20% of qualified business income from flow-through entities, including dividends from real estate investment trusts. The qualifying percentages of Market Neutral Real Estate Fund’s and Risk Manage Real Estate Fund’s ordinary income and short-term capital gain distributions, if any, for the purpose of the Section 199A deduction was 39.28% and 80.09%, respectively.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds’ voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

126 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund (“Core Bond Fund”)*

Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund
(“Diversified Income Fund”)**

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund
(“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”)*

Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund
(“Limited Duration Fund”)**

Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund
(“Macro Opportunities Fund”)** 1

Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund
(“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund
(“Municipal Income Fund”)*

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund
(“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund
(“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund
(“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund
(“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund
(“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund
(“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund
(“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund
(“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

128 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

130 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

132 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm)(1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

134 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. . (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

136 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE - concluded

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

Since 2014
(Chief Legal Officer)

Since 2007
(Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

 

138 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

140 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

142 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund

   

Guggenheim High Yield Fund

   

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund

   

Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

SBINC-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

9

HIGH YIELD FUND

19

CORE BOND FUND

39

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

67

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

80

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

100

OTHER INFORMATION

101

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

111

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

117

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

120

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (the “Investment Advisers”) are pleased to present the shareholder report for a selection of our Funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Advisers are part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Advisers.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for each Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC,

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

Diversified Income Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the fund to greater volatility. ● Derivatives may pose risks in addition to and greater than those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments, including risks relating to leverage, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the fund’s other portfolio holdings, high price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty credit, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. ● Stock prices, especially stock prices of smaller companies, can be volatile as they reflect changes in the issuing company’s financial conditions and changes in the overall market ● Some asset-backed securities, including mortgage-backed securities, may have structures that make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices very volatile and they are subject to liquidity risk. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ●The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● Master limited partnerships(“MLPs”) are subject to certain risks inherent in the structure of MLPs, including tax risks, limited control and voting rights and potential conflicts of interest. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Fund’s investments and investment strategies, including investments in MLPs and certain investment vehicles, may be subject to special and complex federal income tax provisions that may adversely affect the fund and its distributions to shareholders. ● Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

High Yield Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund may invest in foreign securities which carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ●The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Core Bond Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ●Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Municipal Income Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ●The Fund will be significantly affected by events that affect the municipal bond market, which could include unfavorable legislative or political developments and adverse changes in the financial conditions of state and municipal issuers or the federal government in case it provides financial support to the municipality. Income from municipal bonds held by the Fund could be declared taxable because of changes in tax laws. The Fund may invest in securities that generate taxable income. A portion of the Fund’s otherwise tax-exempt dividends may be taxable to those shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax. ● Certain sectors of the municipal bond market have special risks that can affect them more significantly than the market as a whole. Because many municipal instruments are issued to finance similar projects, conditions in these industries can significantly affect the Fund and the overall municipal market. ● Municipalities currently experience budget shortfalls, which could cause them to default on their debt and thus subject the Fund to unforeseen losses. ● Like other funds that hold bonds and other fixed-income investments, the Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions, among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high-yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as reverse repurchase agreements, unfunded commitments, tender option bonds, and borrowings) may expose the Fund to many of the same risks as investments in derivatives and may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in municipal securities issued by issuers in a particular state, municipality or project, the Fund will be particularly sensitive to developments and events adversely affecting such state or municipality or with respect to a particular project. Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

*Index Definitions

 

Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index is a broad market performance benchmark for the tax-exempt bond market. The bonds included in this index must have a minimum credit rating of at least Baa.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index (LC) of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Funds’ costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Funds’ expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

                                       

Diversified Income Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.72 %     1.84 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,018.40     $ 3.64  

C-Class

    1.46 %     1.44 %     1,000.00       1,014.40       7.37  

P-Class

    0.70 %     1.85 %     1,000.00       1,018.50       3.54  

Institutional Class

    0.47 %     1.93 %     1,000.00       1,019.30       2.38  

High Yield Fund

                                       

A-Class

    1.15 %     2.46 %     1,000.00       1,024.60       5.84  

C-Class

    1.92 %     2.07 %     1,000.00       1,020.70       9.73  

P-Class

    1.16 %     2.56 %     1,000.00       1,025.60       5.89  

Institutional Class

    0.91 %     2.57 %     1,000.00       1,025.70       4.62  

R6-Class

    0.80 %     2.64 %     1,000.00       1,026.40       4.06  

Core Bond Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.92 %     (3.56 %)     1,000.00       964.40       4.53  

C-Class

    1.63 %     (3.94 %)     1,000.00       960.60       8.01  

P-Class

    0.87 %     (3.56 %)     1,000.00       964.40       4.28  

Institutional Class

    0.58 %     (3.43 %)     1,000.00       965.70       2.86  

Municipal Income Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.78 %     (5.28 %)     1,000.00       947.20       3.81  

C-Class

    1.54 %     (5.65 %)     1,000.00       943.50       7.50  

P-Class

    0.78 %     (5.28 %)     1,000.00       947.20       3.81  

Institutional Class

    0.53 %     (5.16 %)     1,000.00       948.40       2.59  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

 

                       

Diversified Income Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.72 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,021.46     $ 3.65  

C-Class

    1.46 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,017.75       7.38  

P-Class

    0.70 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.56       3.55  

Institutional Class

    0.47 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,022.71       2.38  

High Yield Fund

                                       

A-Class

    1.15 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,019.30       5.82  

C-Class

    1.92 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,015.44       9.70  

P-Class

    1.16 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,019.25       5.87  

Institutional Class

    0.91 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,020.51       4.61  

R6-Class

    0.80 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.06       4.05  

Core Bond Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.92 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,020.46       4.66  

C-Class

    1.63 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,016.90       8.24  

P-Class

    0.87 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,020.71       4.41  

Institutional Class

    0.58 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,022.16       2.94  

Municipal Income Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.78 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.16       3.95  

C-Class

    1.54 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,017.35       7.79  

P-Class

    0.78 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.16       3.95  

Institutional Class

    0.53 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,022.41       2.69  

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any. This ratio represents net expenses, which may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the period would be:

 

 

 

A-Class

C-Class

P-Class

Institutional
Class

R6-Class

 

Diversified Income Fund

0.71%

1.45%

0.70%

0.46%

N/A

 

High Yield Fund

1.12%

1.89%

1.14%

0.88%

0.77%

 

Core Bond Fund

0.76%

1.52%

0.77%

0.47%

N/A

 

Municipal Income Fund

0.77%

1.53%

0.77%

0.52%

N/A

 

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Portfolio Manager and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities; and Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 10.35%1 , outperforming the Bloomberg U.S.Aggregate Bond Index, the Fund’s primary benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 0.64% for the same period. The 70% Bloomberg U.S.Aggregate Bond Index / 30% MSCI World Index, the Fund’s secondary benchmark, returned 6.85%.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund outperformed its primary benchmark by almost 10 percentage points during the Reporting Period. On average, the Fund allocated 50% to fixed income, 40% to equity, 9% to closed-end funds, with the remainder in cash. The fixed-income component outperformed its benchmark by 8.17% and the equity component underperformed its benchmark by 7.25%. However, the Fund’s decision to overweight equity relative to the secondary benchmark was the main detractor in asset allocation. Overall, allocation effect and selection effect contributed 2.96% and 1.56%, respectively, before fees.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund maintained the same equity/fixed income allocation that it had during the Reporting Period, and some of the funds within each asset class. This is due to the Fund’s long-term approach to allocation decisions, in which few changes are made within a single Reporting Period.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to achieve high current income with consideration for capital appreciation.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

January 29, 2016

C-Class

January 29, 2016

P-Class

January 29, 2016

Institutional Class

January 29, 2016

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Guggenheim High Yield Fund — R6-Class

25.4%

Guggenheim RBP Large-Cap Market Fund — Institutional Class

19.3%

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — R6-Class

10.6%

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund — Institutional Class

9.6%

Guggenheim RBP Dividend Fund — Institutional Class

9.6%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.2%

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund — Institutional Class

5.1%

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund — Institutional Class

4.8%

ClearBridge MLP & Midstream Total Return Fund, Inc.

0.3%

KKR Income Opportunities Fund

0.3%

Top Ten Total

90.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(01/29/16)

A-Class Shares

10.35%

2.39%

4.00%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

5.95%

1.56%

3.45%

C-Class Shares

9.51%

1.63%

3.23%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

8.51%

1.63%

3.23%

P-Class Shares

10.34%

2.38%

3.99%

Institutional Class Shares

10.63%

2.64%

4.25%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

0.64%

0.10%

0.47%

70% Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index/30% MSCI World Index

6.85%

2.59%

3.58%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and MSCI World Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.00%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 89.6%

Guggenheim High Yield Fund — R6-Class1

    202,859     $ 1,908,905  

Guggenheim RBP Large-Cap Market Fund — Institutional Class1

    135,585       1,449,403  

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — R6-Class1

    32,515       798,232  

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund — Institutional Class1

    46,447       721,321  

Guggenheim RBP Dividend Fund — Institutional Class1

    60,265       719,569  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    39,734       387,411  

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund — Institutional Class1

    27,300       384,380  

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund — Institutional Class1

    12,950       362,587  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $7,262,607)

            6,731,808  
                 

CLOSED-END FUNDS - 9.1%

ClearBridge MLP & Midstream Total Return Fund, Inc.

    750       24,052  

KKR Income Opportunities Fund

    1,850       22,126  

Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.

    1,550       20,832  

PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund

    1,700       20,689  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

    1,600       20,192  

PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund

    1,145       19,786  

First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund

    1,500       19,725  

Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,650       19,553  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust

    1,600       19,296  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

    1,400       18,032  

abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund

    2,584       17,573  

Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, Inc.

    2,317       17,447  

Voya Infrastructure Industrials and Materials Fund

    1,850       17,445  

Blackstone Strategic Credit Fund

    1,550       17,034  

Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc.

    3,798       16,939  

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

    797       16,880  

Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund

    1,594       16,753  

Voya Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund

    3,400       16,660  

DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund

    1,400     16,408  

Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund

    1,370       16,399  

BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust

    2,100       15,981  

Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc.

    2,350       15,769  

Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund

    1,250       15,763  

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

    1,550       15,639  

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II

    908       15,599  

PIMCO High Income Fund

    3,500       15,470  

Royce Value Trust, Inc.

    1,195       15,380  

PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.

    1,300       15,314  

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund

    1,050       15,298  

Invesco High Income Trust II

    1,525       15,158  

Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund

    1,650       14,916  

John Hancock Income Securities Trust

    1,450       14,877  

Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund

    779       14,536  

BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust

    1,500       14,520  

John Hancock Investors Trust

    1,178       14,313  

Cohen & Steers REIT and Preferred and Income Fund, Inc.

    815       13,985  

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund

    1,450       13,949  

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

    1,650       13,695  

PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund

    1,150       13,662  

Reaves Utility Income Fund

    550       13,558  

Western Asset Mortgage Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,250       13,388  

Total Closed-End Funds

       

(Cost $776,541)

            684,591  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 1.3%

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.22%2

    99,375       99,375  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $99,375)

            99,375  
                 

Total Investments - 100.0%

       

(Cost $8,138,523)

  $ 7,515,774  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.0%

    3,473  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,519,247  

 

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 6,731,808     $     $     $ 6,731,808  

Closed-End Funds

    684,591                   684,591  

Money Market Fund

    99,375                   99,375  

Total Assets

  $ 7,515,774     $     $     $ 7,515,774  

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments, result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

   

Investment
Income

   

Capital
Gain
Distributions

 

Mutual Funds

                                                                       

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund — Institutional Class

  $ 704,685     $ 66,893     $ (32,991 )   $ (6,706 )   $ (10,560 )   $ 721,321       46,447     $ 31,945     $  

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — R6-Class

    747,554       63,082       (49,997 )     (2,284 )     39,877       798,232       32,515       63,149        

Guggenheim High Yield Fund — R6-Class

    1,837,726       122,675       (109,991 )     (15,973 )     74,468       1,908,905       202,859       122,934        

Guggenheim RBP Dividend Fund — Institutional Class

    685,303       22,783       (100,145 )     (16,045 )     127,673       719,569       60,265       10,793        

Guggenheim RBP Large-Cap Market Fund — Institutional Class

    1,383,590       82,845       (192,978 )     (63,804 )     239,750       1,449,403       135,585       5,578       40,807  

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund — Institutional Class

    337,666       49,212                   (24,291 )     362,587       12,950       11,759       15,483  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    367,906       18,298       (4,992 )     (128 )     6,327       387,411       39,734       18,296        

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund — Institutional Class

    344,667       8,186       (14,998 )     (5,053 )     51,578       384,380       27,300       7,974       212  
    $ 6,409,097     $ 433,974     $ (506,092 )   $ (109,993 )   $ 504,822     $ 6,731,808             $ 272,428     $ 56,502  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $875,916)

  $ 783,966  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $7,262,607)

    6,731,808  

Prepaid expenses

    35,550  

Receivables:

Dividends

    29,728  

Investment Adviser

    7,193  

Interest

    272  

Total assets

    7,588,517  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    2  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    28,758  

Professional fees

    23,559  

Insurance

    5,071  

Fund accounting fees

    4,414  

Transfer agent and maintenance fees

    2,137  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,733  

Distribution and service fees

    296  

Fund shares redeemed

    120  

Miscellaneous

    3,180  

Total liabilities

    69,270  

Net assets

  $ 7,519,247  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,288,286  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (769,039 )

Net assets

  $ 7,519,247  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 316,555  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,290  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.82  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%)

  $ 24.81  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 231,812  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,782  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.70  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 166,403  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,008  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.74  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,804,477  

Capital shares outstanding

    285,625  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.82  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 53,336  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    272,428  

Interest

    4,124  

Total investment income

    329,888  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    57,736  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    773  

C-Class

    2,392  

P-Class

    895  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    1,471  

C-Class

    1,191  

P-Class

    1,845  

Institutional Class

    21,982  

Registration fees

    61,533  

Professional fees

    38,404  

Trustees’ fees*

    13,495  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    12,233  

Custodian fees

    7,321  

Line of credit fees

    266  

Miscellaneous

    8,650  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    25  

C-Class

    24  

P-Class

    88  

Institutional Class

    527  

Total expenses

    230,851  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (4,132 )

C-Class

    (3,266 )

P-Class

    (4,916 )

Institutional Class

    (80,303 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (97,718 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (190,335 )

Net expenses

    40,516  

Net investment income

    289,372  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    12,914  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (109,993 )

Distributions received from affiliated investment companies

    56,502  

Net realized loss

    (40,577 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,622  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    504,822  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    512,444  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    471,867  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 761,239  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 289,372     $ 206,098  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (40,577 )     506,371  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    512,444       (1,949,416 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    761,239       (1,236,947 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (26,440 )     (13,926 )

C-Class

    (19,007 )     (22,111 )

P-Class

    (38,784 )     (9,123 )

Institutional Class

    (601,669 )     (277,436 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (685,900 )     (322,596 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    11,427       120,099  

C-Class

    1,000       628,708  

P-Class

    196,785       389,539  

Institutional Class

    38,754       583,577  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    26,440       13,926  

C-Class

    19,007       22,111  

P-Class

    38,784       9,123  

Institutional Class

    601,669       277,436  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (8,379 )     (126,698 )

C-Class

    (15,175 )     (551,222 )

P-Class

    (484,767 )     (72,266 )

Institutional Class

    (205,042 )     (206,918 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    220,503       1,087,415  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    295,842       (472,128 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    7,223,405       7,695,533  

End of year

  $ 7,519,247     $ 7,223,405  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    470       4,278  

C-Class

    42       22,058  

P-Class

    8,066       14,554  

Institutional Class

    1,591       20,354  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    1,118       503  

C-Class

    810       791  

P-Class

    1,647       339  

Institutional Class

    25,437       10,120  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (343 )     (4,685 )

C-Class

    (622 )     (22,244 )

P-Class

    (20,305 )     (2,623 )

Institutional Class

    (8,451 )     (7,812 )

Net increase in shares

    9,460       35,633  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.59     $ 28.45     $ 25.27     $ 26.99     $ 26.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .86       .71       .73       .81       .86  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.50       (4.55 )     3.30       (1.63 )     .50  

Total from investment operations

    2.36       (3.84 )     4.03       (.82 )     1.36  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.89 )     (.93 )     (.85 )     (.81 )     (.77 )

Net realized gains

    (1.24 )     (.09 )           (.09 )     (.30 )

Total distributions

    (2.13 )     (1.02 )     (.85 )     (.90 )     (1.07 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.82     $ 23.59     $ 28.45     $ 25.27     $ 26.99  

 

Total Returnb

    10.35 %     (13.94 %)     16.10 %     (3.06 %)     5.31 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 317     $ 284     $ 340     $ 267     $ 278  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.56 %     2.59 %     2.64 %     3.14 %     3.26 %

Total expensesc

    3.33 %     3.42 %     3.92 %     4.24 %     4.03 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.72 %     0.74 %     0.78 %     0.83 %     0.85 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    6 %     12 %     50 %     66 %     58 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.48     $ 28.36     $ 25.19     $ 27.00     $ 26.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .68       .47       .52       .60       .69  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.50       (4.49 )     3.29       (1.62 )     .46  

Total from investment operations

    2.18       (4.02 )     3.81       (1.02 )     1.15  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.72 )     (.77 )     (.64 )     (.70 )     (.54 )

Net realized gains

    (1.24 )     (.09 )           (.09 )     (.30 )

Total distributions

    (1.96 )     (.86 )     (.64 )     (.79 )     (.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.70     $ 23.48     $ 28.36     $ 25.19     $ 27.00  

 

Total Returnb

    9.51 %     (14.57 %)     15.24 %     (3.77 %)     4.50 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 232     $ 224     $ 254     $ 197     $ 816  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.82 %     1.70 %     1.89 %     2.26 %     2.59 %

Total expensesc

    4.10 %     4.04 %     4.68 %     4.86 %     4.74 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.46 %     1.49 %     1.52 %     1.58 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    6 %     12 %     50 %     66 %     58 %

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.59     $ 28.43     $ 25.25     $ 26.97     $ 26.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .86       .58       .73       .81       .85  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.51       (4.43 )     3.30       (1.63 )     .51  

Total from investment operations

    2.37       (3.85 )     4.03       (.82 )     1.36  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.98 )     (.90 )     (.85 )     (.81 )     (.79 )

Net realized gains

    (1.24 )     (.09 )           (.09 )     (.30 )

Total distributions

    (2.22 )     (.99 )     (.85 )     (.90 )     (1.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.74     $ 23.59     $ 28.43     $ 25.25     $ 26.97  

 

Total Return

    10.34 %     (13.95 %)     16.12 %     (3.03 %)     5.23 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 166     $ 415     $ 152     $ 128     $ 131  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.56 %     2.16 %     2.64 %     3.14 %     3.22 %

Total expensesc

    3.41 %     3.49 %     3.92 %     4.19 %     3.97 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.73 %     0.74 %     0.78 %     0.83 %     0.85 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    6 %     12 %     50 %     66 %     58 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.59     $ 28.44     $ 25.26     $ 26.98     $ 26.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .92       .69       .80       .87       .92  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.51       (4.46 )     3.30       (1.63 )     .49  

Total from investment operations

    2.43       (3.77 )     4.10       (.76 )     1.41  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.96 )     (.99 )     (.92 )     (.87 )     (.85 )

Net realized gains

    (1.24 )     (.09 )           (.09 )     (.30 )

Total distributions

    (2.20 )     (1.08 )     (.92 )     (.96 )     (1.15 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.82     $ 23.59     $ 28.44     $ 25.26     $ 26.98  

 

Total Return

    10.63 %     (13.74 %)     16.40 %     (2.82 %)     5.52 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,804     $ 6,300     $ 6,950     $ 5,965     $ 6,165  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.81 %     2.54 %     2.89 %     3.39 %     3.47 %

Total expensesc

    2.92 %     3.05 %     3.55 %     3.78 %     3.58 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.47 %     0.49 %     0.53 %     0.58 %     0.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    6 %     12 %     50 %     66 %     58 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.01%

 

C-Class

0.01%

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.02%

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.01%

0.00%*

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.72%

0.73%

0.77%

0.82%

0.85%

 

C-Class

1.46%

1.48%

1.51%

1.57%

1.59%

 

P-Class

0.72%

0.73%

0.77%

0.82%

0.85%

 

Institutional Class

0.47%

0.48%

0.52%

0.57%

0.60%

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals at SI, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Thomas J. Hauser, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and John Walsh, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 9.60%1, underperforming the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 10.28% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The Reporting Period benefitted from a strong snap-back following a difficult operating environment in the prior Reporting Period. Almost all sectors and rating categories generated positive returns over the Reporting Period, even as interest rates continued to climb.

 

Bottom-up fundamental credit analysis continues to be the main driver of the Fund’s performance. The largest contributing sectors to performance were Technology and Consumer Non-Cyclicals, in which the Fund benefited from strong security selection relative to the benchmark. The Fund’s allocation to bank loans was a meaningful contributor to performance as well, driven by higher base rates and price appreciation. This was offset by the Fund’s large underweight to the leisure subsector, predominantly cruise lines, which was one of the top-performing subsectors.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund invests in non-U.S. dollar denominated assets when the risk-return profile is favorable. The Fund entered forward foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge exchange rate risk for non-U.S. dollar denominated positions which had a negative impact to performance. Non-U.S. dollar denominated assets comprise less than 2% of the Fund.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund’s largest exposure is to high yield bonds, followed by a meaningful exposure to bank loans at about 15%. We continue to evaluate the relative value between high yield bonds and bank loans, potentially looking to shift the allocation as the relationship changes. The Fund remains positioned up-in-quality versus the benchmark, driven by an underweight to CCCs and distressed issuers. Overall, we remain nimble to take advantage of discounted levels in the secondary market and add selectively using our bottom-up credit approach.

 

The Benchmark’s yield ended the Reporting Period at 8.88%, amid higher U.S. Treasury yields. Yields in high yield are currently in the mid-60th percentile dating back to 1994. Notably, since 2000, yields are in the mid-80th percentile and since 2010 yields are in the mid-90th percentile. Even with heightened credit risk and rising risk of recession, we think current yields offer opportunities to find credits that are trading at favorable prices relative to their fundamentals and the risk of default/loss.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks high current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

BBB

4.1%

BB

46.1%

B

37.9%

CCC

6.0%

NR2

2.0%

Other Instruments

3.9%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

August 5, 1996

C-Class

May 1, 2000

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

July 11, 2008

R6-Class

May 15, 2017

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

CPI CG, Inc., 8.63%

1.3%

Terraform Global Operating, LP, 6.13%

1.2%

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp., 5.00%

1.1%

Upbound Group, Inc., 6.38%

1.1%

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc., 6.00%

1.0%

GrafTech Finance, Inc., 4.63%

1.0%

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH, 5.50%

0.9%

VZ Secured Financing BV, 5.00%

0.9%

Artera Services LLC, 9.03%

0.9%

JB Poindexter & Company, Inc., 7.13%

0.9%

Top Ten Total

10.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

9.60%

2.52%

4.05%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

5.23%

1.68%

3.54%

C-Class Shares

8.75%

1.70%

3.25%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

7.75%

1.70%

3.25%

Institutional Class Shares

9.78%

2.73%

4.30%

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

10.28%

2.96%

4.24%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

9.71%

2.48%

3.51%

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

10.28%

2.96%

3.86%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/15/17)

R6-Class Shares

10.00%

2.85%

2.99%

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

10.28%

2.96%

3.22%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class and R6-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures

Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 2, 2015.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 0.4%

                 

Utilities - 0.4%

TexGen Power LLC*,††

    26,665     $ 706,623  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

BP Holdco LLC*,†††,1

    23,711       30,456  

Vector Phoenix Holdings, LP*,†††

    23,711       1,458  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,825       378  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,825       378  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,825       308  

Targus , Inc.*,†††

    12,825       140  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    6,243       63  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    5,770       58  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,825        

Total Industrial

            33,239  
                 

Energy - 0.0%

Legacy Reserves, Inc.*,†††

    3,452       27,616  

Permian Production Partners LLC*,†††

    57,028       2,268  

Bruin E&P Partnership Units*,†††

    44,023       986  

Total Energy

            30,870  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Cengage Learning Holdings II, Inc.*,††

    2,107       20,280  

Save-A-Lot*,††

    17,185       3,299  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            23,579  
                 

Financial - 0.0%

Tensor Ltd.*,†††

    158,811       16  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $423,255)

            794,327  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 2.1%

Financial - 2.1%

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

5.95%2

    54,000       1,216,620  

Charles Schwab Corp.

4.00%*

    1,325,000       934,881  

Citigroup, Inc.

7.63%2

    775,000       756,092  

Assurant, Inc.

5.25% due 01/15/61

    30,000       585,000  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

7.50%2

    475,000       469,470  

Total Financial

            3,962,063  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC *,†††

    342,958       85,796  

U.S. Shipping Corp.*,†††

    14,718       2  

Total Industrial

            85,798  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $5,973,255)

            4,047,861  
                 

WARRANTS - 0.0%

Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp.

               

Expiring 03/31/263

    12,947       778  

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

               

Expiring 08/01/26

    4      

Total Warrants

       

(Cost $10,696)

            778  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 1.3%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%4

    2,517,574       2,517,574  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $2,517,574)

            2,517,574  
                 

 

   

Face
Amount
~

         

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 81.6%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.1%

               

CPI CG, Inc.

               

8.63% due 03/15/265

  2,572,000       2,533,909  

Upbound Group, Inc.

               

6.38% due 02/15/295,6

    2,281,000       2,024,387  

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH

               

5.50% due 01/15/285

    1,953,000       1,772,015  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

               

6.75% due 05/15/315

    675,000       651,017  

4.38% due 01/15/30

    625,000       537,578  

6.13% due 06/15/30

    275,000       257,826  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc.

               

3.38% due 08/31/275

    1,525,000       1,336,049  

Legends Hospitality Holding Company LLC / Legends Hospitality Co-Issuer, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/01/265

    1,250,000       1,225,000  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc. / KIK Custom Products, Inc.

               

7.00% due 12/31/275

    961,000       828,862  

5.00% due 12/31/265

    350,000       318,891  

Post Holdings, Inc.

               

4.63% due 04/15/305

    600,000       513,768  

5.50% due 12/15/295

    500,000       453,240  

Sotheby’s/Bidfair Holdings, Inc.

               

5.88% due 06/01/295

    1,200,000       963,000  

KeHE Distributors LLC / KeHE Finance Corp.

               

8.63% due 10/15/265

    956,000       954,955  

DaVita, Inc.

               

3.75% due 02/15/315

    1,225,000       930,705  

Carriage Services, Inc.

               

4.25% due 05/15/295

    1,075,000       919,537  

ADT Security Corp.

               

4.13% due 08/01/295

    1,050,000       887,785  

Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.

               

due 04/01/275,7

    1,210,000       859,100  

GTCR W-2 Merger Sub LLC

               

7.50% due 01/15/315

    850,000       851,190  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Medline Borrower, LP

               

5.25% due 10/01/295

    850,000     $ 734,652  

Williams Scotsman, Inc.

               

7.38% due 10/01/315

    725,000       721,045  

US Foods, Inc.

               

7.25% due 01/15/325

    700,000       699,293  

Bausch Health Companies, Inc.

               

4.88% due 06/01/285

    1,200,000       682,424  

Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I SARL / Endo US, Inc.

               

7.13% due 04/01/295,7

    950,000       672,125  

IQVIA, Inc.

               

6.50% due 05/15/305

    675,000       660,669  

BCP V Modular Services Finance II plc

               

4.75% due 10/30/285

EUR   736,000       650,804  

TriNet Group, Inc.

               

7.00% due 08/15/315

    650,000       643,500  

Albertsons Companies Incorporated / Safeway Inc / New Albertsons Limited Partnership / Albertsons LLC

               

5.88% due 02/15/285

    475,000       457,177  

6.50% due 02/15/285

    175,000       172,966  

Central Garden & Pet Co.

               

4.13% due 10/15/30

    711,000       592,771  

Grifols S.A.

               

4.75% due 10/15/285

    600,000       511,566  

WW International, Inc.

               

4.50% due 04/15/295

    690,000       484,725  

Fortrea Holdings, Inc.

               

7.50% due 07/01/305

    450,000       437,857  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

               

4.13% due 01/31/305

    425,000       363,438  

Sabre GLBL, Inc.

               

7.38% due 09/01/255

    320,000       310,982  

9.25% due 04/15/255

    31,000       30,380  

Garden Spinco Corp.

               

8.63% due 07/20/305

    300,000       313,157  

Service Corporation International

               

3.38% due 08/15/30

    325,000       261,950  

Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

               

6.63% due 11/01/255

    189,000       188,055  

Ingles Markets, Inc.

               

4.00% due 06/15/315

    75,000       61,594  

Endo Dac / Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc.

               

due 07/31/275,7

    171,000       11,970  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            28,481,914  
                 

Industrial - 13.8%

               

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.

               

6.00% due 02/01/265

    2,076,000       1,974,712  

GrafTech Finance, Inc.

               

4.63% due 12/15/285

    2,500,000       1,933,238  

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc.

               

9.75% due 07/15/285

    1,225,000       1,209,688  

5.25% due 07/15/285

    675,000       605,657  

Artera Services LLC

               

9.03% due 12/04/255

    1,807,842     1,667,734  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

               

7.75% due 07/15/285

    1,075,000       1,081,719  

4.55% due 10/01/24

    550,000       535,592  

TransDigm, Inc.

               

6.88% due 12/15/305

    575,000       563,813  

6.25% due 03/15/265

    500,000       491,290  

6.75% due 08/15/285

    425,000       418,408  

Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co.

               

7.88% due 08/15/265

    1,025,000       988,854  

9.25% due 04/15/275

    500,000       437,042  

Standard Industries, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/15/275

    900,000       834,256  

4.38% due 07/15/305

    550,000       455,509  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.

               

5.25% due 06/01/295

    1,525,000       1,250,801  

Enviri Corp.

               

5.75% due 07/31/275

    1,375,000       1,209,354  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

               

4.75% due 08/15/285

    1,375,000       1,175,268  

Ball Corp.

               

6.88% due 03/15/28

    600,000       603,628  

6.00% due 06/15/29

    425,000       412,598  

Masonite International Corp.

               

5.38% due 02/01/285

    850,000       790,602  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

               

6.38% due 06/15/325

    750,000       705,981  

4.25% due 02/01/325

    100,000       82,007  

Amsted Industries, Inc.

               

4.63% due 05/15/305

    900,000       762,066  

Emerald Debt Merger Sub LLC

               

6.63% due 12/15/305

    700,000       673,872  

Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer Incorporated/Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer LLC

               

4.00% due 10/15/275

    700,000       621,250  

Arcosa, Inc.

               

4.38% due 04/15/295

    700,000       610,892  

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

               

6.38% due 06/15/305

    575,000       552,259  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC / Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance plc

               

6.00% due 06/15/275

    500,000       480,484  

Sealed Air Corporation/Sealed Air Corp US

               

6.13% due 02/01/285

    475,000       460,047  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

               

5.95% due 02/01/37

    475,000       445,994  

Calderys Financing LLC

               

11.25% due 06/01/285

    425,000       435,330  

Summit Materials LLC / Summit Materials Finance Corp.

               

6.50% due 03/15/275

    425,000       414,943  

Stericycle, Inc.

               

5.38% due 07/15/245

    375,000       370,160  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

GXO Logistics, Inc.

               

2.65% due 07/15/31

    250,000     $ 189,680  

1.65% due 07/15/26

    175,000       153,769  

AmeriTex HoldCo Intermediate LLC

               

10.25% due 10/15/285

    300,000       296,625  

Clean Harbors, Inc.

               

6.38% due 02/01/315

    225,000       218,783  

Total Industrial

            26,113,905  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 12.7%

               

JB Poindexter & Company, Inc.

               

7.13% due 04/15/265

    1,650,000       1,605,160  

Hawaiian Brand Intellectual Property Ltd. / HawaiianMiles Loyalty Ltd.

               

5.75% due 01/20/265

    1,500,000       1,349,786  

Ferrellgas Limited Partnership / Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

               

5.38% due 04/01/265

    1,225,000       1,148,186  

CD&R Smokey Buyer, Inc.

               

6.75% due 07/15/255

    1,075,000       1,035,870  

PetSmart, Inc. / PetSmart Finance Corp.

               

4.75% due 02/15/285

    1,150,000       1,006,754  

Ritchie Bros Holdings, Inc.

               

6.75% due 03/15/285

    550,000       548,735  

7.75% due 03/15/315

    450,000       456,750  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.

               

4.13% due 07/01/295

    1,204,000       983,891  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

               

4.88% due 05/15/265

    1,050,000       962,599  

Scientific Games Holdings Limited Partnership/Scientific Games US FinCo, Inc.

               

6.63% due 03/01/305

    1,100,000       948,750  

Fertitta Entertainment LLC / Fertitta Entertainment Finance Company, Inc.

               

4.63% due 01/15/295

    1,100,000       932,250  

Crocs, Inc.

               

4.25% due 03/15/295

    1,094,000       905,145  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

               

4.00% due 08/15/295

    1,200,000       889,500  

United Airlines, Inc.

               

4.63% due 04/15/295

    1,025,000       881,019  

Wabash National Corp.

               

4.50% due 10/15/285

    1,025,000       863,420  

Allwyn Entertainment Financing UK plc

               

7.88% due 04/30/295

    825,000       833,250  

Air Canada

               

3.88% due 08/15/265

    900,000       816,802  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.

               

4.38% due 02/01/32

    1,050,000       788,229  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

               

3.88% due 10/15/315

    875,000       675,025  

Suburban Propane Partners Limited Partnership/Suburban Energy Finance Corp.

               

5.00% due 06/01/315

    800,000       667,784  

Newell Brands, Inc.

               

6.38% due 09/15/27

    500,000     476,991  

4.70% due 04/01/26

    200,000       188,479  

Ontario Gaming GTA, LP

               

8.00% due 08/01/305

    625,000       625,000  

Park River Holdings, Inc.

               

5.63% due 02/01/295

    675,000       514,669  

Michaels Companies, Inc.

               

5.25% due 05/01/285

    600,000       478,860  

Clarios Global, LP / Clarios US Finance Co.

               

8.50% due 05/15/275

    475,000       473,637  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/15/325

    550,000       455,696  

Evergreen Acqco 1 Limited Partnership / TVI, Inc.

               

9.75% due 04/26/285

    427,000       439,639  

Clarios Global, LP

               

6.75% due 05/15/255

    430,000       426,763  

Superior Plus, LP

               

4.25% due 05/18/285

CAD   550,000       357,587  

Clarios Global Limited Partnership / Clarios US Finance Co.

               

6.75% due 05/15/285

    350,000       341,688  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

               

6.25% due 07/01/255

    275,000       271,236  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

               

3.88% due 09/15/295

    275,000       226,996  

Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.

               

7.00% due 07/01/255

    215,000       214,455  

Allison Transmission, Inc.

               

4.75% due 10/01/275

    200,000       184,570  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            23,975,171  
                 

Communications - 11.9%

               

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

               

4.50% due 05/01/32

    1,850,000       1,451,969  

4.25% due 01/15/345

    975,000       717,871  

4.25% due 02/01/315

    400,000       318,415  

6.38% due 09/01/295

    275,000       256,428  

Altice France S.A.

               

5.13% due 07/15/295

    1,450,000       1,030,813  

5.50% due 10/15/295

    1,250,000       898,894  

8.13% due 02/01/275

    900,000       798,117  

McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.

               

5.75% due 08/01/285

    1,675,000       1,445,106  

8.00% due 08/01/295

    775,000       672,313  

CSC Holdings LLC

               

3.38% due 02/15/315

    1,025,000       698,473  

4.13% due 12/01/305

    975,000       690,021  

4.63% due 12/01/305

    950,000       505,071  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

               

3.63% due 01/15/295

    1,825,000       1,022,000  

4.25% due 07/01/285

    1,325,000       825,519  

VZ Secured Financing BV

               

5.00% due 01/15/325

    2,175,000       1,708,581  

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Vmed O2 UK Financing I plc

               

4.25% due 01/31/315

    1,125,000     $ 895,843  

4.75% due 07/15/315

    850,000       686,692  

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC

               

6.75% due 10/15/275

    1,417,000       1,301,514  

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes SARL

               

5.50% due 03/01/28

    1,400,000       1,260,000  

UPC Broadband Finco BV

               

4.88% due 07/15/315

    1,200,000       973,776  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.

               

4.13% due 07/01/305

    800,000       640,488  

5.50% due 07/01/295

    325,000       287,456  

3.88% due 09/01/315

    50,000       37,873  

AMC Networks, Inc.

               

4.25% due 02/15/29

    1,550,000       951,073  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

               

7.00% due 06/15/275

    975,000       931,125  

Match Group Holdings II LLC

               

4.63% due 06/01/285

    600,000       537,909  

Outfront Media Capital LLC / Outfront Media Capital Corp.

               

4.25% due 01/15/295

    550,000       436,436  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

               

4.00% due 03/01/275

    300,000       222,566  

Go Daddy Operating Company LLC / GD Finance Co., Inc.

               

3.50% due 03/01/295

    200,000       168,271  

Cengage Learning, Inc.

               

9.50% due 06/15/245

    101,000       101,084  

Total Communications

            22,471,697  
                 

Financial - 8.4%

               

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp.

               

5.00% due 08/15/285

    2,500,000       2,105,015  

United Wholesale Mortgage LLC

               

5.50% due 04/15/295

    1,475,000       1,246,375  

5.75% due 06/15/275

    675,000       610,943  

NFP Corp.

               

6.88% due 08/15/285

    1,425,000       1,220,766  

8.50% due 10/01/315

    600,000       600,911  

OneMain Finance Corp.

               

3.88% due 09/15/28

    1,225,000       983,237  

4.00% due 09/15/30

    750,000       562,766  

Hunt Companies, Inc.

               

5.25% due 04/15/295

    1,225,000       962,120  

Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc.

               

3.88% due 03/01/315

    875,000       697,699  

4.00% due 10/15/335

    350,000       264,314  

Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management, Inc.

               

10.50% due 12/15/305

    725,000       737,640  

8.50% due 03/15/305

    200,000       201,468  

HUB International Ltd.

               

7.00% due 05/01/265

    575,000       573,736  

5.63% due 12/01/295

    375,000       326,534  

Iron Mountain Information Management Services, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/15/325

    1,000,000     821,933  

SLM Corp.

               

3.13% due 11/02/26

    900,000       780,654  

USI, Inc.

               

6.88% due 05/01/255

    775,000       769,031  

Jane Street Group / JSG Finance, Inc.

               

4.50% due 11/15/295

    700,000       601,482  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

               

4.38% due 01/15/275

    550,000       479,738  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Company-Issuer

               

4.25% due 10/15/275

    475,000       425,286  

6.75% due 04/15/285

    50,000       48,253  

Kennedy-Wilson, Inc.

               

4.75% due 02/01/30

    450,000       335,752  

4.75% due 03/01/29

    150,000       115,126  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.

               

4.30% due 02/01/615

    750,000       442,795  

Total Financial

            15,913,574  
                 

Energy - 7.4%

               

Parkland Corp.

               

4.50% due 10/01/295

    1,275,000       1,091,814  

4.63% due 05/01/305

    1,100,000       937,727  

Global Partners Limited Partnership / GLP Finance Corp.

               

7.00% due 08/01/27

    1,200,000       1,169,390  

6.88% due 01/15/29

    900,000       837,603  

CVR Energy, Inc.

               

5.75% due 02/15/285

    1,725,000       1,561,122  

5.25% due 02/15/255

    250,000       243,882  

ITT Holdings LLC

               

6.50% due 08/01/295

    1,875,000       1,589,295  

NuStar Logistics, LP

               

5.63% due 04/28/27

    1,585,000       1,510,077  

Crestwood Midstream Partners Limited Partnership / Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp.

               

5.63% due 05/01/275

    1,250,000       1,198,046  

Holly Energy Partners Limited Partnership / Holly Energy Finance Corp.

               

6.38% due 04/15/275

    1,050,000       1,030,869  

EnLink Midstream LLC

               

5.38% due 06/01/29

    925,000       855,626  

TransMontaigne Partners Limited Partnership / TLP Finance Corp.

               

6.13% due 02/15/26

    1,000,000       853,750  

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC

               

6.25% due 01/15/305

    500,000       476,935  

Southwestern Energy Co.

               

5.38% due 02/01/29

    425,000       391,420  

Kinetik Holdings, LP

               

5.88% due 06/15/305

    350,000       328,125  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Basic Energy Services, Inc.

               

due 10/15/237

    1,175,000     $ 5,875  

Total Energy

            14,081,556  
                 

Basic Materials - 7.2%

               

Carpenter Technology Corp.

               

6.38% due 07/15/28

    1,425,000       1,374,362  

7.63% due 03/15/30

    650,000       650,813  

SCIL IV LLC / SCIL USA Holdings LLC

               

5.38% due 11/01/265

    1,650,000       1,507,636  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/01/285

    1,547,000       1,418,908  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

               

4.63% due 03/01/285

    790,000       689,820  

4.50% due 06/01/315

    725,000       574,293  

SK Invictus Intermediate II SARL

               

5.00% due 10/30/295

    1,350,000       1,081,930  

INEOS Finance plc

               

6.75% due 05/15/285

    1,100,000       1,029,002  

Ingevity Corp.

               

3.88% due 11/01/285

    1,150,000       948,198  

Novelis Corp.

               

4.75% due 01/30/305

    1,025,000       887,086  

Illuminate Buyer LLC / Illuminate Holdings IV, Inc.

               

9.00% due 07/01/285

    900,000       850,004  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

               

6.75% due 12/01/275

    875,000       828,993  

Valvoline, Inc.

               

3.63% due 06/15/315

    600,000       464,852  

4.25% due 02/15/305

    250,000       245,504  

Arsenal AIC Parent LLC

               

8.00% due 10/01/305

    675,000       671,638  

WR Grace Holdings LLC

               

4.88% due 06/15/275

    450,000       412,847  

Mirabela Nickel Ltd.

               

due 06/24/19†††,7,8

    278,115       13,211  

Total Basic Materials

            13,649,097  
                 

Technology - 3.3%

               

NCR Corp.

               

5.13% due 04/15/295

    1,250,000       1,101,323  

Boxer Parent Company, Inc.

               

7.13% due 10/02/255

    1,025,000       1,019,876  

Capstone Borrower, Inc.

               

8.00% due 06/15/305

    950,000       927,438  

Central Parent Incorporated / CDK Global, Inc.

               

7.25% due 06/15/295

    875,000       848,323  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp.

               

5.00% due 12/15/295

    925,000       797,477  

Qorvo, Inc.

               

3.38% due 04/01/315

    600,000       475,240  

Playtika Holding Corp.

               

4.25% due 03/15/295

    500,000       417,500  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

               

3.57% due 12/01/31

    300,000       247,092  

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

               

6.50% due 03/31/295

    250,000     221,083  

Central Parent LLC / CDK Global II LLC / CDK Financing Company, Inc.

               

8.00% due 06/15/295

    200,000       199,260  

Total Technology

            6,254,612  
                 

Utilities - 1.8%

               

Terraform Global Operating, LP

               

6.13% due 03/01/265

    2,280,000       2,237,250  

AmeriGas Partners Limited Partnership / AmeriGas Finance Corp.

               

5.50% due 05/20/25

    625,000       605,952  

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc

               

4.13% due 06/15/285

    400,000       345,127  

Clearway Energy Operating LLC

               

4.75% due 03/15/285

    175,000       156,513  

Total Utilities

            3,344,842  
                 

Total Corporate Bonds

       

(Cost $174,097,670)

    154,286,368  
 

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 14.6%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 3.1%

               

Quirch Foods Holdings LLC

               

10.45% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 10/27/27

    948,188       942,859  

Blue Ribbon LLC

               

11.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 05/08/28

    1,039,557       873,228  

Gibson Brands, Inc.

               

10.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 08/11/28

    854,775       709,463  

Moran Foods LLC

               

12.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 06/30/26†††

    472,753       430,371  

16.99% (6 Month Term SOFR + 11.50%, Rate Floor: 9.50%) due 12/31/26†††

    276,200       181,481  

Women’s Care Holdings, Inc.

               

10.05% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/17/28

    654,976       579,654  

Confluent Health LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 11/30/28

    493,013       467,539  

Balrog Acquisition, Inc.

               

9.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/05/28†††

    349,125       346,507  

PlayCore

               

9.38% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 03/29/27

    300,000       299,064  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc.

               

11.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 12/22/26

    294,750       294,567  

TGP Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/29/28

    235,454       214,499  

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Medline Borrower LP

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 10/23/28

    199,494     $ 198,835  

CHG PPC Parent LLC

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/08/28

    200,000       198,250  

Florida Food Products LLC

               

10.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/18/28

    221,625       188,935  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            5,925,252  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.9%

               

First Brands Group LLC

               

10.88% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/30/27

    1,268,467       1,249,597  

Alexander Mann

               

11.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 06/29/27

    958,848       934,877  

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

               

11.81% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 10/20/28

    913,936       796,075  

Holding SOCOTEC

               

9.56% (3 Month SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 06/02/28

    597,800       591,822  

ScribeAmerica Intermediate Holdco LLC (Healthchannels)

               

9.82% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/03/25

    742,618       545,082  

Accuride Corp.

               

12.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 10.57%) (in-kind rate was 1.62%) due 07/07/269

    490,444       427,912  

WW International, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 04/13/28

    491,625       369,540  

Sweetwater Sound

               

9.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/07/28†††

    348,034       336,723  

Flutter Financing B.V.

               

8.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 07/24/28

    297,000       297,149  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            5,548,777  
                 

Industrial - 2.6%

               

Dispatch Terra Acquisition LLC

               

9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/27/28

    1,173,612       1,079,723  

Aegion Corp.

               

10.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 05/17/28

    686,203       680,782  

Pelican Products, Inc.

               

9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/29/28

    647,603       611,985  

Barnes Group, Inc.

               

8.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 09/03/30

    600,000       600,300  

PECF USS Intermediate Holding III Corp.

               

9.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/15/28

    540,869     431,970  

ProAmpac PG Borrower LLC

               

due 09/26/28

    325,000       322,888  

Osmose Utility Services, Inc.

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/23/28

    316,957       314,184  

Charter Next Generation, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/01/27

    200,000       198,000  

Sundyne (Star US Bidco)

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/17/27

    196,938       196,260  

Anchor Packaging LLC

               

8.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/18/26

    148,962       147,332  

EMRLD Borrower LP

               

8.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 05/31/30

    139,172       138,911  

Brown Group Holding LLC

               

8.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 06/07/28

    134,632       133,257  

Total Industrial

            4,855,592  
                 

Technology - 2.2%

               

Datix Bidco Ltd.

               

8.68% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

GBP   1,300,000       1,556,403  

11.93% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26†††

GBP   650,000       776,774  

Park Place Technologies, LLC

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/27

    564,958       555,308  

Atlas CC Acquisition Corp.

               

9.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/25/28

    562,063       522,718  

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

               

9.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/29/28

    497,196       476,617  

24-7 Intouch, Inc.

               

10.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 08/25/25

    265,803       263,034  

Total Technology

            4,150,854  
                 

Financial - 1.7%

               

Franchise Group, Inc.

               

10.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 03/10/26

    938,947       857,963  

Teneo Holdings LLC

               

10.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/11/25

    470,426       469,721  

Osaic Holdings, Inc.

               

9.82% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/10/28

    450,000       449,298  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Eisner Advisory Group

               

10.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/28/28

    441,005     $ 439,902  

Cobham Ultra SeniorCo SARL

               

9.36% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/06/29

    398,003       395,348  

HarbourVest Partners, LP

               

8.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 04/20/30

    310,000       309,482  

Avison Young (Canada), Inc.

               

12.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 6.50%) due 01/31/26

    523,875       195,143  

Total Financial

            3,116,857  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.0%

               

LTI Holdings, Inc.

               

10.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/24/26

    739,485       721,611  

NIC Acquisition Corp.

               

9.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/29/27

    653,766       538,186  

Nouryon USA LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/03/28

    268,598       264,792  

9.35% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/03/28

    74,813       73,815  

DCG Acquisition Corp.

               

9.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/30/26

    246,212       243,519  

Total Basic Materials

            1,841,923  
                 

Communications - 0.5%

               

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.

               

10.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/14/26

    1,010,470       1,004,407  
                 

Energy - 0.3%

               

BANGL LLC

               

9.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 02/01/29

    543,000     537,912  

Permian Production Partners LLC

               

13.43% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 11.43%) (in-kind rate was 2.00%) due 11/24/25†††,9

    116,927       116,342  

Total Energy

            654,254  
                 

Utilities - 0.3%

               

Calpine Construction Finance Company, LP

               

7.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 07/31/30

    250,000       248,482  

TerraForm Power Operating LLC

               

7.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 05/21/29

    226,875       224,820  

Total Utilities

            473,302  
                 

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

       

(Cost $29,327,981)

    27,571,218  
 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 0.6%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 0.4%

WhiteHorse X Ltd.

               

2015-10A E, 10.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.56%, Rate Floor: 5.30%) due 04/17/27◊,5

    756,443       738,453  
                 

Infrastructure - 0.2%

               

Hotwire Funding LLC

               

2021-1, 4.46% due 11/20/515

    400,000       332,753  

Total Asset-Backed Securities

       

(Cost $1,087,767)

    1,071,206  
                 

Total Investments - 100.6%

       

(Cost $213,438,198)

  $ 190,289,332  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.6)%

    (1,190,208 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 189,099,124  

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts††

Counterparty

 

Currency

   

Type

   

Quantity

   

Contract
Amount

   

Settlement
Date

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    GBP       Sell       1,998,000       2,495,564 USD       10/16/23     $ 57,700  

Barclays Bank plc

    EUR       Sell       642,000       690,399 USD       10/16/23       11,160  

Bank of America, N.A.

    CAD       Sell       497,000       366,772 USD       10/16/23       679  
                                            $ 69,539  

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

~

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date.

3

Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

5

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $134,956,741 (cost $150,971,353), or 71.4% of total net assets.

6

All or a portion of this security has been physically segregated or earmarked in connection with reverse repurchase agreements. At September 30, 2023, the total market value of segregated or earmarked securities was $2,024,387— See Note 6.

7

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

8

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $13,211 (cost $252,369), or 0.0% of total net assets — See Note 10.

9

Payment-in-kind security.

 

CAD — Canadian Dollar

 

EUR — Euro

 

GBP — British Pound

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SARL — Société à Responsabilité Limitée

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SONIA — Sterling Overnight Index Average

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $     $ 730,202     $ 64,125     $ 794,327  

Preferred Stocks

          3,962,063       85,798       4,047,861  

Warrants

    778                   778  

Money Market Fund

    2,517,574                   2,517,574  

Corporate Bonds

          154,273,157       13,211       154,286,368  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          23,826,617       3,744,601       27,571,218  

Asset-Backed Securities

          1,071,206             1,071,206  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          69,539             69,539  

Total Assets

  $ 2,518,352     $ 183,932,784     $ 3,907,735     $ 190,358,871  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of the period end, reverse repurchase agreements of $1,479,698 are categorized as Level 2 within the disclosure hierarchy — See Note 6.

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending Balance at
September 30, 2023

 

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Inputs

 

Input Range

   

Weighted Average*

 

Assets:

       

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

  $ 61,918  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

    2.7x-8.1x       3.7x  

Common Stocks

    2,191  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

           

Common Stocks

    16  

Third Party Pricing

Trade Price

           

Corporate Bonds

    13,211  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

           

Preferred Stocks

    85,796  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

    4.9x        

Preferred Stocks

    2  

Model Price

Purchase Price

           

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    2,945,029  

Yield Analysis

Yield

    11.2%-39.1%       14.8 %

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    799,572  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

           

Total Assets

  $ 3,907,735  

 

 

               

 

*

Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.

 

Significant changes in a quote, yield, liquidation value or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security. Any remaining Level 3 securities held by the Fund and excluded from the table above, were not considered material to the Fund.

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had securities with a total value of $338,177 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to a lack of observable inputs and had securities with a total value of $4,872,665 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Corporate
Bonds

   

Senior Floating
Rate Interests

   

Common
Stocks

   

Preferred
Stocks

   

Total Assets

   

Unfunded Loan
Commitments

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 378,860     $ 12,689,191     $ 130,253     $     $ 13,198,304     $ (12,748 )

Purchases/(Receipts)

          719,019       1,673             720,692        

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

          (5,761,285 )     (35,013 )           (5,796,298 )     1,803  

Amortization of premiums/discounts

          50,517                   50,517       (321 )

Mergers

          (924,625 )     1,370       923,255              

Total realized gains (losses) including in earnings

          (163,598 )     30,657             (132,941 )     3,268  

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    (15,398 )     1,319,619       (64,815 )     (837,457 )     401,949       7,998  

Transfers into Level 3

    13,211       324,966                   338,177        

Transfers out of Level 3

    (363,462 )     (4,509,203 )                 (4,872,665 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 13,211     $ 3,744,601     $ 64,125     $ 85,798     $ 3,907,735     $  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $     $ 225,294     $ (36,916 )   $ (837,457 )   $ (649,079 )   $  

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

 

Common Stocks

                                                       

BP Holdco LLC *

  $ 14,378     $     $     $     $ 16,078     $ 30,456       23,711  

Targus Group International Equity, Inc. *

    32,255             (34,485 )     30,129       (27,899 )            
    $ 46,633     $     $ (34,485 )   $ 30,129     $ (11,821 )   $ 30,456          

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $213,429,825)

  $ 190,258,876  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $8,373)

    30,456  

Foreign currency, at value (cost 875)

    865  

Cash

    65,746  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    69,539  

Prepaid expenses

    36,616  

Receivables:

Interest

    2,925,390  

Securities sold

    348,564  

Fund shares sold

    197,162  

Dividends

    9,844  

Foreign tax reclaims

    4,934  

Total assets

    193,947,992  
         

Liabilities:

Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9)(commitment fees received $—)

     

Reverse repurchase agreements (Note 6)

    1,479,698  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    2,438,223  

Fund shares redeemed

    545,096  

Distributions to shareholders

    116,292  

Management fees

    91,058  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    48,770  

Distribution and service fees

    18,250  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    5,802  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,359  

Due to Investment Adviser

    1,178  

Miscellaneous

    101,142  

Total liabilities

    4,848,868  

Net assets

  $ 189,099,124  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 244,197,765  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (55,098,641 )

Net assets

  $ 189,099,124  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 44,845,663  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,754,576  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.43  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%)

  $ 9.82  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,417,005  

Capital shares outstanding

    990,002  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.51  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,205,235  

Capital shares outstanding

    551,651  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.44  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 127,649,434  

Capital shares outstanding

    16,612,921  

Net asset value per share

  $ 7.68  
         

R6-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,981,787  

Capital shares outstanding

    210,514  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.41  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 153,147  

Interest from securities of unaffiliated issuers

    13,176,479  

Total investment income

    13,329,626  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,106,317  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    111,343  

C-Class

    101,122  

P-Class

    12,564  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    53,245  

C-Class

    13,039  

P-Class

    7,611  

Institutional Class

    138,989  

R6-Class

    589  

Registration fees

    99,511  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    84,432  

Professional fees

    78,105  

Interest expense

    40,352  

Trustees’ fees*

    19,307  

Custodian fees

    15,547  

Line of credit fees

    10,970  

Miscellaneous

    39,011  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    18,544  

C-Class

    3,546  

P-Class

    577  

Institutional Class

    36,305  

Total expenses

    1,991,026  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (14,511 )

C-Class

    (2,464 )

P-Class

    (1,432 )

Institutional Class

    (11,083 )

R6-Class

    (143 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (57,160 )

Earning credits

    (4,050 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (90,843 )

Net expenses

    1,900,183  

Net investment income

    11,429,443  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  (4,220,224 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    30,129  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (252,159 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (3,166 )

Net realized loss

    (4,445,420 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    9,988,852  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (11,821 )

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (70,079 )

Foreign currency translations

    1,197  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    9,908,149  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    5,462,729  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 16,892,172  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 11,429,443     $ 14,291,090  

Net realized loss on investments

    (4,445,420 )     (3,627,492 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    9,908,149       (41,448,065 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    16,892,172       (30,784,467 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (2,681,360 )     (2,597,694 )

C-Class

    (531,795 )     (553,044 )

P-Class

    (302,555 )     (247,398 )

Institutional Class

    (7,690,867 )     (7,588,631 )

R6-Class

    (126,227 )     (2,498,200 )

Return of capital

               

A-Class

    (27,032 )     (89,963 )

C-Class

    (5,361 )     (19,153 )

P-Class

    (3,050 )     (8,568 )

Institutional Class

    (77,534 )     (262,809 )

R6 Class

    (1,273 )     (86,517 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (11,447,054 )     (13,951,977 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    4,413,398       5,952,402  

C-Class

    1,181,267       657,102  

P-Class

    1,437,731       1,402,958  

Institutional Class

    39,343,841       43,343,283  

R6-Class

    2,663       2,433,069  

Redemption fees collected

               

A-Class

    133       751  

C-Class

    29       195  

P-Class

    15       73  

Institutional Class

    387       2,141  

R6-Class

    6       796  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    2,472,792       2,442,802  

C-Class

    524,910       555,783  

P-Class

    305,110       255,966  

Institutional Class

    6,336,875       6,418,053  

R6-Class

    127,232       2,584,717  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (7,261,678 )     (11,072,154 )

C-Class

    (2,518,867 )     (5,286,119 )

P-Class

    (1,100,898 )     (2,043,886 )

Institutional Class

    (35,208,501 )     (78,495,447 )

R6-Class

    (113,880 )     (122,325,066 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    9,942,565       (153,172,581 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    15,387,683       (197,909,025 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    173,711,441       371,620,466  

End of year

  $ 189,099,124     $ 173,711,441  
                 

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    466,658       579,055  

C-Class

    123,430       62,888  

P-Class

    152,312       143,033  

Institutional Class

    5,099,917       5,262,893  

R6-Class

    283       225,179  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    261,165       242,943  

C-Class

    54,963       54,648  

P-Class

    32,203       25,590  

Institutional Class

    821,359       780,797  

R6-Class

    13,463       242,535  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (767,705 )     (1,087,791 )

C-Class

    (264,048 )     (509,028 )

P-Class

    (116,881 )     (199,930 )

Institutional Class

    (4,570,555 )     (9,508,654 )

R6-Class

    (12,038 )     (11,811,894 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    1,294,526       (15,497,736 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.14     $ 10.98     $ 10.37     $ 10.90     $ 11.04  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .57       .56       .49       .57       .64  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .30       (1.86 )     .63       (.50 )     (.12 )

Total from investment operations

    .87       (1.30 )     1.12       .07       .52  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.57 )     (.52 )     (.48 )     (.60 )     (.66 )

Return of capital

    (.01 )     (.02 )     (.03 )            

Total distributions

    (.58 )     (.54 )     (.51 )     (.60 )     (.66 )

Redemption fees collected

    b      b      b      b      b 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.43     $ 9.14     $ 10.98     $ 10.37     $ 10.90  

 

Total Returnc

    9.60 %     (12.10 %)     11.02 %     0.84 %     4.99 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 44,846     $ 43,822     $ 55,550     $ 53,997     $ 67,916  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    6.07 %     5.46 %     4.51 %     5.44 %     5.94 %

Total expensesd

    1.22 %     1.14 %     1.07 %     1.21 %     1.27 %

Net expensese,f,g

    1.16 %     1.10 %     1.05 %     1.20 %     1.26 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     42 %     86 %     81 %     61 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.22     $ 11.07     $ 10.46     $ 10.99     $ 11.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .51       .47       .40       .49       .56  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .29       (1.85 )     .64       (.49 )     (.12 )

Total from investment operations

    .80       (1.38 )     1.04             .44  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.50 )     (.45 )     (.40 )     (.53 )     (.59 )

Return of capital

    (.01 )     (.02 )     (.03 )            

Total distributions

    (.51 )     (.47 )     (.43 )     (.53 )     (.59 )

Redemption fees collected

    b      b      b      b      b 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.51     $ 9.22     $ 11.07     $ 10.46     $ 10.99  

 

Total Returnc

    8.75 %     (12.76 %)     10.04 %     0.09 %     4.12 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,417     $ 9,915     $ 16,242     $ 16,437     $ 21,935  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    5.30 %     4.55 %     3.67 %     4.68 %     5.17 %

Total expensesd

    1.97 %     1.94 %     1.91 %     2.00 %     2.03 %

Net expensese,f,g

    1.92 %     1.90 %     1.89 %     1.99 %     2.02 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     42 %     86 %     81 %     61 %

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.14     $ 10.98     $ 10.38     $ 10.91     $ 11.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .57       .55       .48       .57       .64  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .30       (1.85 )     .62       (.50 )     (.12 )

Total from investment operations

    .87       (1.30 )     1.10       .07       .52  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.56 )     (.52 )     (.47 )     (.60 )     (.66 )

Return of capital

    (.01 )     (.02 )     (.03 )            

Total distributions

    (.57 )     (.54 )     (.50 )     (.60 )     (.66 )

Redemption fees collected

    b      b      b      b      b 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.44     $ 9.14     $ 10.98     $ 10.38     $ 10.91  

 

Total Return

    9.71 %     (12.13 %)     10.80 %     0.80 %     4.98 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,205     $ 4,426     $ 5,660     $ 5,837     $ 8,170  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    6.07 %     5.37 %     4.40 %     5.42 %     5.93 %

Total expensesd

    1.22 %     1.28 %     1.20 %     1.26 %     1.30 %

Net expensese,f,g

    1.16 %     1.15 %     1.16 %     1.25 %     1.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     42 %     86 %     81 %     61 %

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 7.45     $ 8.94     $ 8.45     $ 8.88     $ 9.01  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .49       .47       .41       .48       .54  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .23       (1.50 )     .51       (.39 )     (.10 )

Total from investment operations

    .72       (1.03 )     .92       .09       .44  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.48 )     (.44 )     (.40 )     (.52 )     (.57 )

Return of capital

    (.01 )     (.02 )     (.03 )            

Total distributions

    (.49 )     (.46 )     (.43 )     (.52 )     (.57 )

Redemption fees collected

    b      b      b      b      b 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.68     $ 7.45     $ 8.94     $ 8.45     $ 8.88  

 

Total Return

    9.78 %     (11.80 %)     11.14 %     1.14 %     5.15 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 127,649     $ 113,644     $ 167,486     $ 171,641     $ 180,442  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    6.32 %     5.63 %     4.71 %     5.67 %     6.17 %

Total expensesd

    0.95 %     0.95 %     0.88 %     0.98 %     0.99 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.91 %     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.96 %     0.97 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     42 %     86 %     81 %     61 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

R6-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.12     $ 10.97     $ 10.36     $ 10.89     $ 11.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .61       .50       .52       .60       .68  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .29       (1.77 )     .63       (.49 )     (.12 )

Total from investment operations

    .90       (1.27 )     1.15       .11       .56  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.60 )     (.56 )     (.51 )     (.64 )     (.70 )

Return of capital

    (.01 )     (.02 )     (.03 )            

Total distributions

    (.61 )     (.58 )     (.54 )     (.64 )     (.70 )

Redemption fees collected

    b      b      b      b      b 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.41     $ 9.12     $ 10.97     $ 10.36     $ 10.89  

 

Total Return

    10.00 %     (11.91 %)     11.35 %     1.19 %     5.39 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,982     $ 1,905     $ 126,683     $ 127,037     $ 151,558  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    6.43 %     4.70 %     4.80 %     5.79 %     6.31 %

Total expensesd

    0.84 %     0.75 %     0.77 %     0.85 %     0.89 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.80 %     0.75 %     0.76 %     0.85 %     0.88 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     42 %     86 %     81 %     61 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Redemption fees collected are less than $0.01 per share.

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

d

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

f

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.04%

0.01%

0.00%*

0.05%

0.05%

 

C-Class

0.04%

0.00%*

0.01%

0.04%

0.05%

 

P-Class

0.01%

0.04%

0.04%

0.02%

0.01%

 

Institutional Class

0.03%

0.02%

0.01%

0.02%

0.02%

 

R6-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

g

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.13%

1.09%

1.03%

1.12%

1.15%

 

C-Class

1.89%

1.89%

1.87%

1.90%

1.91%

 

P-Class

1.13%

1.14%

1.14%

1.16%

1.16%

 

Institutional Class

0.88%

0.87%

0.83%

0.87%

0.88%

 

R6-Class

0.77%

0.75%

0.74%

0.77%

0.77%

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Core Bond Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals at SI, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan L. Serdensky, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 1.46% 1, outperforming the Bloomberg U.S.Aggregate Bond Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 0.64% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund outperformed the Benchmark by 82 basis points. Carry, or earned income, remained a consistent source of relative performance for the Fund. Spreads also added to performance relative to the Benchmark. Credit selection within corporates, the Fund’s allocation to securitized credit, and an underweight to Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) drove most of the active performance versus the Benchmark. Duration detracted from performance as the Fund was positioned modestly overweight duration while the curve bear steepened. Bear steepening refers to yield-curve widening due to long-term rates increasing more than short-term rates, amid a period of falling bond prices and rising yields.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund used interest rate futures, forwards, options, and swaps to help manage duration positioning, foreign exchange risk, and credit exposure. Over the reporting period, performance from interest rate swaps, caps, and swaptions detracted from performance, and performance from SOFR futures was positive (SOFR is Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which measures the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury Securities). Options on equities, which functioned as hedges to the Fund’s credit positioning, detracted from performance and performance from credit default swaps and credit default swap index (CDX) positions was negative. In addition, the Fund hedged non-USD exposure with foreign-exchange derivatives, which had a negative impact on performance over the Reporting Period.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Over the past several quarters the Fund has increasingly prioritized diversification, quality, and liquidity as recession concerns continued to persist. To that end, the Fund has steadily moved up-in-quality and positioned more defensively, uniquely, without having to sacrifice yield due to the flatness of the yield curve and the lack of any material decompression witnessed in credit spreads with respect to quality. While spreads for many credit sectors have reverted to long-term-average levels, certain segments remain dislocated and offer attractive relative value. Structured credit spreads are especially cheap, particularly when analyzed in the context of broader fixed income spread levels. Specifically, the basis between structured credit spreads and investment-grade corporate spreads currently sits north of the 90th percentile of historically observed data.

 

Structured credit is the Fund’s largest allocation. Spreads continued their rebound, but broadly remain wide, both compared to similarly rated investment-grade corporate credit and in an absolute sense. Furthermore, the lower dollar prices of these assets following the rise in interest rates sets up the potential for higher total return opportunities than typically exists in the asset class. With much of its active buying base largely coming from income-focused accounts, structured credit spreads should continue to compress from the resetting higher of yields and the resulting increased interest that comes with it. Within securitized credit, we continue to focus on opportunities senior in the capital structure with sufficient credit enhancement and often unique structural features that limit cash flow variability or extension concerns. We believe the focus on superior structures will be paramount in helping mitigate mark-to-market risks that could emerge should volatility rise.

 

The corporate credit allocation, represents roughly 22% of the Fund’s holdings. Investment-grade-rated credit makes up 19% of that allocation while 3% is below-investment-grade rated. While in our view, overall corporate credit spreads are trading around fair value levels, there remain both idiosyncratic opportunities and risks across certain issuers and industries given tighter credit conditions across capital markets. Primary market offerings have priced at especially attractive levels, as many investors have pulled back from lending activities. The Fund has employed modestly sized credit hedges to protect the portfolio from potential spread widening.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund had a duration of 6.5 years, unchanged versus the end of the previous Reporting Period. During the period, however, we shifted more total duration during the selloff, we did continue to shift more of the Fund’s duration concentration toward the front end and belly of the curve. While we feel that much of the move in the long end of the Treasury curve has been driven by technical factors and current yields are above levels justified by fundamentals (e.g. inflation expectations, growth expectations, term premium, etc.), the path to those technical factors dissipating in the near term is unclear. Our conviction on the future path of rates is higher at the front end of the curve at this point in the cycle. On a related note, interest rate volatility has remained elevated, which has presented the Fund with opportunities to tactically add to positions in Agency RMBS, locking in spreads, both static and option adjusted, that are near 15-year wides.

 

Despite another volatile quarter for fixed income returns, our broader macroeconomic views from a fundamental perspective remain consistent. We continue to expect inflation to moderate with time and view the market’s increasingly optimistic expectations of a soft landing as misguided. To that end, we continue to emphasize a defensive tilt to our positioning. From a valuation perspective, the recent move higher in interest rates does potentially present an interesting opportunity to extend duration further, but as we noted, the technical backdrop (particularly at the long end of the curve) is fairly precarious at the moment. Our conviction on the future path of rates is higher on the front end of the curve at this point in the cycle, which informed our shift in curve positioning. However, with the yield curve having steepened out, investors can now “lock-in” roughly similar yields to what they are able to earn in overnight rates, which may be a catalyst for some of the nearly $2 trillion growth in money market funds to move back into fixed income. Looking further out into the economic future, we believe the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy could ultimately shepherd in a recession in the next 6-18 months, which we believe will likely be met with lower rates. Ultimately, the current path of weakening growth, high prices, and high interest rates appears unsustainable, and we are already starting to see signs of pressure on consumers and levered corporate borrowers, which could call into question any soft-landing narrative.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results..

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide current income.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

AAA

51.6%

AA

7.1%

A

17.3%

BBB

19.1%

BB

1.6%

B

0.4%

CC

0.1%

C

0.1%

NR2

0.8%

Other Instruments

1.9%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

August 15, 1985

C-Class

May 1, 2000

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

January 29, 2013

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.63%

7.8%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.88%

5.8%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.13%

4.7%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.50%

3.8%

U.S. Treasury Bonds, due 05/15/53

2.8%

Fannie Mae, 5.50% due 05/01/53

2.8%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.63%

1.4%

Fannie Mae, 5.00% due 06/01/53

1.2%

Fannie Mae, 5.00% due 05/01/53

1.0%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.38%

0.9%

Top Ten Total

32.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

1.46%

0.05%

2.18%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(2.60%)

(0.76%)

1.68%

C-Class Shares

0.68%

(0.69%)

1.43%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

(0.29%)

(0.69%)

1.43%

Institutional Class Shares

1.80%

0.34%

2.46%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

0.64%

0.10%

1.13%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

1.50%

0.05%

1.34%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

0.64%

0.10%

0.55%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only: performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculated performance for the periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 0.0%

                 

Communications - 0.0%

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    31,926     $ 14,721  
                 

Financial - 0.0%

Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd. — Class A*,†††

    622,890       62  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

Constar International Holdings LLC*,†††

    68        
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $318,263)

            14,783  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 1.6%

Financial - 1.6%

Charles Schwab Corp.

4.00%

    8,500,000       5,997,354  

MetLife, Inc.

3.85%

    3,520,000       3,256,307  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

3.75%

    3,900,000       3,163,264  

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.90%

    3,250,000       2,838,382  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

3.65%2

    2,350,000       2,051,169  

Bank of America Corp.

6.13%

    1,650,000       1,580,903  

Markel Group, Inc.

6.00%

    1,360,000       1,312,837  

Kuvare US Holdings, Inc.

7.00%3

    1,000,000       1,052,805  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

5.13% due 11/25/60

    48,000       745,440  

Assurant, Inc.

5.25% due 01/15/61

    38,000       741,000  

Depository Trust & Clearing Corp.

3.38%2,3

    1,000,000       740,437  

Lincoln National Corp.

9.25%2

    644,000       663,315  

First Republic Bank

4.25%

    77,975       8  

Total Financial

            24,143,221  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

Constar International Holdings LLC*,†††

    7        
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $31,237,477)

            24,143,221  
                 

WARRANTS - 0.0%

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

               

Expiring 09/16/26

    6,510       1,465  

Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp.

               

Expiring 03/31/261

    8,300       498  

Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd.

               

Expiring 07/24/25*,†††

    69,210       7  

Total Warrants

       

(Cost $21,927)

            1,970  

MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.2%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%4

    2,271,130       2,271,130  

Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.23%4

    1,586,284       1,586,284  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $3,857,414)

            3,857,414  
                 
   

Face
Amount
~

         

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 32.1%

U.S. Treasury Notes

3.88% due 08/15/33

  95,300,000       90,043,609  

4.13% due 07/31/2816

    73,650,000       72,061,922  

3.50% due 01/31/2812

    61,817,000       58,994,185  

3.63% due 05/15/26

    22,000,000       21,325,391  

4.38% due 08/31/28

    14,500,000       14,356,133  

2.75% due 02/15/28

    8,370,000       7,740,942  

3.75% due 06/30/30

    5,340,000       5,068,411  

3.38% due 05/15/3316

    4,130,000       3,745,394  

4.13% due 06/15/26

    260,000       255,186  

U.S. Treasury Notes

               

4.63% due 09/30/28

    121,000,000       121,217,422  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

due 05/15/538,9

    164,480,000       43,551,995  

3.00% due 08/15/52

    16,000,000       11,658,750  

due 02/15/528,9

    29,980,000       8,166,154  

due 02/15/468,9

    22,605,000       7,574,924  

2.88% due 05/15/52

    10,000,000       7,090,234  

due 05/15/448,9

    19,265,000       7,016,364  

4.00% due 11/15/52

    5,300,000       4,697,539  

1.88% due 11/15/51

    8,000,000       4,459,062  

due 11/15/448,9,12

    4,520,000       1,604,392  

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds

1.25% due 04/15/2814

    3,974,412       3,779,844  

1.38% due 07/15/3314

    1,942,487       1,796,004  

Total U.S. Government Securities

(Cost $533,351,500)

            496,203,857  
                 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 24.5%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 14.8%

LoanCore Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-CRE5 C, 7.80% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 2.35%) due 07/15/36◊,3

    7,500,000       7,010,106  

2021-CRE4 D, 7.93% (30 Day Average SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.61%) due 07/15/35◊,3

    4,426,000       4,125,496  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-CRE6 C, 7.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.30%) due 11/15/38◊,3

  4,000,000     $ 3,811,546  

2021-CRE4 C, 7.13% (30 Day Average SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.81%) due 07/15/35◊,3

    1,000,000       971,776  

Octagon Investment Partners 49 Ltd.

               

2021-5A B, 7.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 01/15/33◊,3

    8,500,000       8,395,450  

2021-5A C, 7.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.31%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 01/15/33◊,3

    7,450,000       7,244,404  

Woodmont Trust

               

2020-7A A1A, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 01/15/32◊,3

    12,000,000       11,966,848  

2020-7A B, 8.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 01/15/32◊,3

    3,750,000       3,668,723  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXX, LP

               

2020-3A A, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 01/15/33◊,3

    13,500,000       13,453,212  

2020-3A B, 8.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 01/15/33◊,3

    2,000,000       1,967,421  

LCCM Trust

               

2021-FL3 A, 6.90% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 11/15/38◊,3

    6,000,000       5,863,291  

2021-FL3 AS, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.91%) due 11/15/38◊,3

    3,950,000       3,745,892  

2021-FL2 C, 7.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 12/13/38◊,3

    3,100,000       2,829,631  

Dryden 36 Senior Loan Fund

               

2020-36A CR3, 7.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.31%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 04/15/29◊,3

    8,000,000       7,931,896  

Madison Park Funding XLVIII Ltd.

               

2021-48A B, 7.03% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 04/19/33◊,3

    4,000,000       3,964,800  

2021-48A C, 7.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 04/19/33◊,3

    4,000,000       3,955,188  

MF1 Multifamily Housing Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-FL6 D, 8.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.55%) due 07/16/36◊,3

    4,000,000       3,807,214  

2021-FL6 C, 7.30% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 07/16/36◊,3

    3,400,000       3,211,757  

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2021-1A A2, 6.84% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.51%) due 04/20/29◊,3

    2,000,000     1,984,311  

2021-1A B, 7.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 2.06%) due 04/20/29◊,3

    2,000,000       1,979,243  

2021-3A C, 8.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.76%) due 07/20/29◊,3

    2,000,000       1,965,066  

2021-2A C, 8.04% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.66%) due 05/20/29◊,3

    1,000,000       986,154  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 33M Ltd.

               

2021-33A AR2, 7.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.12%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 08/25/33◊,3

    6,500,000       6,242,286  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd.

               

2021-16A A1R2, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.87%, Rate Floor: 1.61%) due 07/25/33◊,3

    4,000,000       3,975,144  

2021-16A A2R2, 7.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 07/25/33◊,3

    2,000,000       1,940,101  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/20/32◊,3

    5,500,000       5,439,950  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXII, LP

               

2021-2A A, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.88%, Rate Floor: 1.88%) due 04/22/33◊,3

    4,250,000       4,197,749  

2021-2A C, 8.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.11%, Rate Floor: 3.11%) due 04/22/33◊,3

    1,250,000       1,204,505  

AMMC CLO XIV Ltd.

               

2021-14A A2R2, 7.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 07/25/29◊,3

    5,332,385       5,330,252  

Cerberus Loan Funding XLII LLC

               

2023-3A A1, 7.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 2.48%) due 09/13/35◊,3

    3,750,000       3,749,737  

2023-3A B, 8.78% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.35%, Rate Floor: 3.35%) due 09/13/35◊,3

    1,250,000       1,249,893  

THL Credit Lake Shore MM CLO I Ltd.

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 04/15/33◊,3

    4,250,000       4,191,981  

Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd.

               

2021-9A A2TR, 7.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 10/15/33◊,3

    3,250,000       3,164,925  

2021-9A A1TR, 7.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 10/15/33◊,3

    1,000,000       981,243  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC

               

2021-1A A1A2, 7.29% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.96%) due 07/20/33◊,3

  3,750,000     $ 3,717,811  

BSPDF Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 C, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 10/15/36◊,3

    4,000,000       3,709,869  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 36M Ltd.

               

2018-36A A, 6.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/31◊,3

    3,722,023       3,699,691  

Owl Rock CLO IV Ltd.

               

2021-4A A1R, 7.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 08/20/33◊,3

    3,750,000       3,693,708  

PFP Ltd.

               

2021-7 D, 7.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.51%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 04/14/38◊,3

    3,749,813       3,501,277  

Cerberus Loan Funding XL LLC

               

2023-1A A, 7.71% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 03/22/35◊,3

    3,500,000       3,499,799  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO V Ltd.

               

2021-5A A1R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/20/31◊,3

    3,207,310       3,167,868  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXIII, LP

               

2021-3A B, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 07/23/33◊,3

    2,000,000       1,930,635  

2021-3A A, 7.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.82%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 07/23/33◊,3

    1,250,000       1,231,138  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXI, LP

               

2021-1A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/15/32◊,3

    3,025,262       3,012,407  

GoldenTree Loan Management US CLO 1 Ltd.

               

2021-9A C, 7.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 01/20/33◊,3

    3,000,000       2,933,833  

KREF Funding V LLC

               

7.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 06/25/26◊,†††

    2,840,938       2,817,778  

0.15% due 06/25/26†††,5

    21,818,182       15,055  

BXMT Ltd.

               

2020-FL2 A, 6.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.01%, Rate Floor: 1.01%) due 02/15/38◊,3

    2,896,986       2,753,049  

VOYA CLO

               

2021-2A A2AR, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 06/07/30◊,3

    2,550,000     2,532,915  

Palmer Square CLO 2023-4 Ltd.

               

2023-4A C, due 10/20/33◊,3

    2,250,000       2,250,000  

Apres Static CLO Ltd.

               

2020-1A A2R, 7.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/28◊,3

    2,000,000       1,991,621  

MidOcean Credit CLO VII

               

2020-7A BR, 7.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/29◊,3

    2,000,000       1,964,200  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 40 Ltd.

               

2021-40A C, 7.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 04/16/33◊,3

    2,000,000       1,956,779  

ACRES Commercial Realty Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 AS, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 01/15/37◊,3

    2,000,000       1,951,724  

Magnetite XXIX Ltd.

               

2021-29A C, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 01/15/34◊,3

    2,000,000       1,946,532  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund IX LLC

               

2021-9A A2R, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 11/18/31◊,3

    2,000,000       1,943,225  

ACRES Commercial Realty Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 AS, 7.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 06/15/36◊,3

    2,000,000       1,926,802  

FS Rialto

               

2021-FL3 C, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 11/16/36◊,3

    2,000,000       1,882,224  

Canyon Capital CLO Ltd.

               

2018-1A A2R, 7.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 01/30/31◊,3

    1,900,000       1,868,150  

BRSP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 C, 7.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 08/19/38◊,3

    2,000,000       1,835,700  

Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd.

               

2018-11A A1T, 6.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/31◊,3

    1,819,878       1,809,448  

OCP CLO Ltd.

               

2020-4A A2RR, 7.06% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.45%) due 04/24/29◊,3

    1,500,000       1,490,550  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Golub Capital Partners CLO 54M L.P

               

2021-54A B, 7.48% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 08/05/33◊,3

  1,500,000     $ 1,423,599  

STWD Ltd.

               

2019-FL1 D, 7.80% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.46%, Rate Floor: 2.46%) due 07/15/38◊,3

    1,459,000       1,329,331  

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2023-1A B, due 07/20/31◊,3

    1,250,000       1,256,621  

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2023-4A B, 8.10% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 07/24/31◊,3

    1,000,000       1,006,817  

Owl Rock CLO XIII LLC

               

2023-13A B, 8.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.35%, Rate Floor: 3.35%) due 09/20/35◊,3

    1,000,000       999,821  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVIII, LP

               

2022-2A A1, 8.06% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 10/15/34◊,3

    1,000,000       999,102  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXV, LP

               

2021-5A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 09/22/33◊,3

    1,000,000       991,011  

Owl Rock CLO II Ltd.

               

2021-2A ALR, 7.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 04/20/33◊,3

    1,000,000       983,346  

Owl Rock CLO I Ltd.

               

2019-1A A, 7.44% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 05/20/31◊,3

    986,802       983,164  

Northwoods Capital XII-B Ltd.

               

2018-12BA B, 7.52% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 06/15/31◊,3

    1,000,000       971,600  

BSPRT Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL7 C, 7.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.41%) due 12/15/38◊,3

    1,000,000       955,308  

KREF

               

2021-FL2 C, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 02/15/39◊,3

    1,000,000       937,028  

NewStar Fairfield Fund CLO Ltd.

               

2018-2A A1N, 6.86% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.53%, Rate Floor: 1.27%) due 04/20/30◊,3

    922,122       913,811  

Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund

               

2015-37A Q, due 01/15/313,6

    1,000,000       732,245  

ACRE Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL4 D, 8.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.71%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 12/18/37◊,3

    773,000       711,125  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 17 Ltd.

               

2017-17A A1R, 7.26% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/30◊,3

    604,218     601,643  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVI, LP

               

2021-6A A, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/22/33◊,3

    161,421       160,942  

Marathon CLO V Ltd.

               

2017-5A A2R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/27◊,3

    117,522       117,383  

Babson CLO Ltd.

               

2014-IA SUB, due 07/20/253,6

    633,344       14,757  

Treman Park CLO Ltd.

               

2015-1A COM, due 10/20/283,6

    162,950       1,636  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

               

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/216,7

    700,000       70  

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations

    229,631,339  
                 

Financial - 2.3%

Project Onyx I

               

due 01/26/27†††15

    5,700,000       5,700,248  

HV Eight LLC

               

7.10% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/31/27◊,†††

EUR   4,400,000       4,653,622  

Strategic Partners Fund VIII LP

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 03/10/26◊,†††

    4,583,099       4,560,941  

KKR Core Holding Company LLC

               

4.00% due 08/12/31†††

    5,122,847       4,429,135  

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2023-1, 7.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 03/04/24◊,†††,3

    3,050,000       3,050,000  

HarbourVest Structured Solutions IV Holdings, LP

               

7.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 2.45%) due 09/15/26◊,†††

    1,736,198       1,736,495  

6.05% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 2.45%) due 09/15/26◊,†††

EUR   1,000,000       1,057,740  

Project Onyx II

               

due 01/26/27†††15

    1,900,000       1,899,931  

Ceamer Finance LLC

               

6.92% due 11/15/37†††

    1,987,290       1,894,690  

Lightning A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    1,736,222       1,576,302  

Thunderbird A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    1,711,333       1,553,553  

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2024-1, due 10/15/2415

    1,175,000       1,175,000  

Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd.

               

4.18% due 04/07/28†††

    756,775       716,740  

Nassau LLC

               

2019-1, 3.98% due 08/15/343

    654,696       618,915  

Station Place Securitization Trust

               

2024-1, due 10/15/2415

    575,000       575,000  

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Aesf Vi Verdi, LP

               

6.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 11/25/24◊,†††

EUR 103,023     $ 110,598  

Total Financial

    35,308,910  
                 

Whole Business - 2.2%

Arbys Funding LLC

               

2020-1A, 3.24% due 07/30/503

    6,547,500       5,798,950  

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC

               

2017-1A, 4.12% due 07/25/473

    5,103,000       4,721,020  

2021-1A, 3.15% due 04/25/513

    1,124,125       905,642  

Taco Bell Funding LLC

               

2016-1A, 4.97% due 05/25/463

    3,515,625       3,388,261  

2021-1A, 2.29% due 08/25/513

    1,404,975       1,147,637  

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.39% due 04/25/513

    4,154,375       3,429,275  

2019-1A, 3.88% due 10/25/493

    962,500       878,813  

ServiceMaster Funding LLC

               

2020-1, 2.84% due 01/30/513

    3,801,840       3,210,346  

Five Guys Funding LLC

               

2017-1A, 4.60% due 07/25/473

    3,102,750       3,046,475  

Sonic Capital LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.19% due 08/20/513

    1,734,600       1,393,177  

2020-1A, 4.34% due 01/20/503

    969,167       837,088  

2020-1A, 3.85% due 01/20/503

    751,104       679,649  

Applebee’s Funding LLC / IHOP Funding LLC

               

2019-1A, 4.72% due 06/05/493

    1,732,500       1,610,528  

DB Master Finance LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.79% due 11/20/513

    1,965,000       1,514,915  

Wendy’s Funding LLC

               

2019-1A, 3.78% due 06/15/493

    1,321,260       1,223,952  

Wingstop Funding LLC

               

2022-1A, 3.73% due 03/05/523

    347,375       303,783  

Total Whole Business

    34,089,511  
                 

Transport-Aircraft - 1.6%

AASET Trust

               

2021-1A, 2.95% due 11/16/413

    3,555,584       3,128,985  

2021-2A, 2.80% due 01/15/473

    2,476,849       2,117,177  

2020-1A, 3.35% due 01/16/403

    901,859       784,617  

2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/423

    42,488       37,389  

Navigator Aircraft ABS Ltd.

               

2021-1, 2.77% due 11/15/463

    3,052,083       2,648,445  

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust

               

2021-1A, 3.47% due 01/15/463

    2,771,088       2,556,273  

Lunar Structured Aircraft Portfolio Notes

               

2021-1, 2.64% due 10/15/463

    2,066,031       1,771,105  

AASET US Ltd.

               

2018-2A, 4.45% due 11/18/383

    2,035,210       1,769,572  

MACH 1 Cayman Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.47% due 10/15/393

    1,920,801       1,617,737  

Sprite Ltd.

               

2021-1, 3.75% due 11/15/463

    1,749,440       1,568,167  

Sapphire Aviation Finance II Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 3.23% due 03/15/403

    1,605,912       1,358,907  

Falcon Aerospace Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/393

    1,025,140     927,783  

2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/423

    157,722       147,433  

Raspro Trust

               

2005-1A, 6.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/24◊,3

    984,943       978,598  

MAPS Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/433

    985,632       883,491  

Slam 2021-1 Ltd.

               

2021-1A, 2.43% due 06/15/463

    859,400       731,023  

Sapphire Aviation Finance I Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/403

    769,353       641,325  

WAVE LLC

               

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/443

    719,910       593,112  

Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust

               

2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/433

    526,869       479,021  

Total Transport-Aircraft

    24,740,160  
                 

Net Lease - 1.4%

CF Hippolyta Issuer LLC

               

2022-1A, 6.11% due 08/15/623

    2,687,109       2,592,812  

2020-1, 2.28% due 07/15/603

    674,589       592,306  

SVC ABS LLC

               

2023-1A, 5.15% due 02/20/533

    3,240,521       3,018,883  

CARS-DB4, LP

               

2020-1A, 3.81% due 02/15/503

    2,224,219       1,777,621  

2020-1A, 4.95% due 02/15/503

    1,500,000       1,203,424  

CMFT Net Lease Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1, 3.44% due 07/20/513

    3,570,000       2,626,388  

STORE Master Funding I-VII

               

2016-1A, 3.96% due 10/20/463

    2,501,232       2,303,465  

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series

               

2020-1A, 2.26% due 11/20/503

    2,500,000       2,213,759  

CF Hippolyta LLC

               

2020-1, 2.60% due 07/15/603

    2,479,789       1,943,240  

Capital Automotive REIT

               

2020-1A, 3.48% due 02/15/503

    1,235,677       1,084,082  

2021-1A, 2.76% due 08/15/513

    996,458       716,880  

AFN ABSPROP001 LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.21% due 05/20/513

    1,629,658       1,318,953  

Total Net Lease

    21,391,813  
                 

Single Family Residence - 0.6%

FirstKey Homes Trust

               

2020-SFR2, 2.67% due 10/19/373

    2,250,000       2,047,943  

2020-SFR2, 4.00% due 10/19/373

    1,400,000       1,290,230  

2020-SFR2, 4.50% due 10/19/373

    1,350,000       1,250,921  

2020-SFR2, 3.37% due 10/19/373

    900,000       822,587  

Tricon Residential 2023-SFR1 Trust

               

2023-SFR1, 5.10% due 07/17/403

    2,722,000       2,538,943  

Home Partners of America Trust

               

2021-3, 2.80% due 01/17/413

    920,614       773,150  

Home Partners of America Trust

               

2021-2, 2.40% due 12/17/263

    481,325       420,918  

Total Single Family Residence

    9,144,692  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Infrastructure - 0.5%

VB-S1 Issuer LLC - VBTEL

               

2022-1A, 4.29% due 02/15/523

  2,500,000     $ 2,177,496  

Stack Infrastructure Issuer LLC

               

2023-1A, 5.90% due 03/25/483

    1,000,000       951,979  

2020-1A, 1.89% due 08/25/453

    1,000,000       907,740  

Hotwire Funding LLC

               

2021-1, 2.31% due 11/20/513

    2,000,000       1,756,420  

Vantage Data Centers Issuer LLC

               

2019-1A, 3.19% due 07/15/443

    1,127,021       1,094,560  

Aligned Data Centers Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.94% due 08/15/463

    1,150,000       1,005,949  

Total Infrastructure

    7,894,144  
                 

Transport-Container - 0.5%

MC Ltd.

               

2021-1, 2.63% due 11/05/353

    3,300,822       2,867,079  

Textainer Marine Containers VII Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 2.73% due 08/21/453

    3,061,294       2,780,626  

CLI Funding VI LLC

               

2020-1A, 2.08% due 09/18/453

    1,176,400       1,016,041  

TIF Funding II LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.65% due 02/20/463

    750,503       621,214  

Total Transport-Container

    7,284,960  
                 

Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.4%

Anchorage Credit Funding 4 Ltd.

               

2021-4A AR, 2.72% due 04/27/393

    7,250,000       6,261,988  

Automotive - 0.1%

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC

               

2023-8A, 6.66% due 02/20/30†††,3

    1,600,000       1,587,096  

Insurance - 0.1%

CHEST

               

7.13% due 03/15/43†††

    1,000,000       972,691  

Total Asset-Backed Securities

(Cost $397,040,825)

    378,307,304  
 

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 21.8%

Financial - 11.4%

Pershing Square Holdings Ltd.

               

3.25% due 10/01/31

    6,200,000       4,494,053  

3.25% due 11/15/30

    4,000,000       3,024,656  

Nippon Life Insurance Co.

               

2.75% due 01/21/512,3

    8,150,000       6,411,014  

BPCE S.A.

               

2.28% due 01/20/322,3

    8,200,000       6,134,366  

Reliance Standard Life Global Funding II

               

2.75% due 05/07/253

    5,989,000       5,630,924  

Wilton RE Ltd.

               

6.00% 2,3,10

    6,237,000       5,479,017  

Blue Owl Capital GP LLC

               

7.21% due 08/22/43†††

    5,000,000       4,920,044  

GA Global Funding Trust

               

1.63% due 01/15/263

    5,450,000       4,864,654  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.

               

4.13% due 12/15/512,3

    5,800,000       4,768,383  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

               

5.00% due 06/15/27

    5,036,000     4,730,307  

GLP Capital Limited Partnership / GLP Financing II, Inc.

               

4.00% due 01/15/31

    4,650,000       3,871,203  

5.30% due 01/15/29

    900,000       834,318  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

               

2.52% due 04/22/312

    2,210,000       1,791,380  

4.49% due 03/24/312

    1,600,000       1,464,994  

2.96% due 05/13/312

    1,093,000       898,036  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

               

4.50% due 02/15/313

    1,917,000       1,576,662  

5.25% due 07/15/303

    1,283,000       1,120,887  

5.63% due 07/15/323

    1,000,000       863,302  

Allianz SE

               

3.20% 2,3,10

    5,000,000       3,550,527  

PartnerRe Finance B LLC

               

4.50% due 10/01/502

    4,040,000       3,426,473  

FS KKR Capital Corp.

               

2.63% due 01/15/27

    2,150,000       1,841,139  

3.25% due 07/15/27

    1,800,000       1,549,892  

Safehold GL Holdings LLC

               

2.85% due 01/15/32

    2,428,000       1,783,521  

2.80% due 06/15/31

    1,931,000       1,443,137  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

               

2.87% due 01/14/332,3

    2,150,000       1,624,965  

2.69% due 06/23/322,3

    2,000,000       1,532,337  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

               

2.75% due 10/15/32

    2,720,000       2,030,217  

2.63% due 10/15/31

    1,400,000       1,063,880  

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.

               

3.38% due 03/03/31

    2,500,000       2,032,097  

5.63% due 08/16/32

    1,000,000       934,010  

Ares Finance Company II LLC

               

3.25% due 06/15/303

    3,660,000       2,962,990  

Maple Grove Funding Trust I

               

4.16% due 08/15/513

    4,750,000       2,954,130  

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

               

3.62% due 06/03/303

    3,570,000       2,903,873  

Host Hotels & Resorts, LP

               

3.50% due 09/15/30

    3,385,000       2,806,568  

Assurant, Inc.

               

2.65% due 01/15/32

    2,300,000       1,681,642  

4.90% due 03/27/28

    1,100,000       1,051,143  

First American Financial Corp.

               

4.00% due 05/15/30

    3,180,000       2,693,111  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

               

3.40% due 06/15/30

    3,085,000       2,621,544  

2.45% due 03/15/31

    70,000       53,973  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

               

4.35% due 04/30/503

    3,687,000       2,634,223  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

               

3.15% due 06/15/30

    3,070,000       2,541,590  

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc.

               

3.88% due 03/01/313

  3,150,000     $ 2,511,715  

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America

               

8.50% due 08/01/323

    2,450,000       2,387,715  

Corebridge Financial, Inc.

               

3.90% due 04/05/32

    1,600,000       1,346,394  

6.88% due 12/15/522

    1,000,000       957,990  

OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.

               

4.25% due 10/15/503

    3,620,000       2,295,383  

UBS Group AG

               

2.10% due 02/11/322,3

    2,950,000       2,182,853  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

               

7.00% due 04/01/28

    2,050,000       2,131,133  

Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.

               

3.38% due 04/15/812,3

    2,500,000       2,077,712  

Belrose Funding Trust

               

2.33% due 08/15/303

    2,780,000       2,071,662  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.67% due 05/27/292

    2,100,000       2,064,835  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp.

               

5.00% due 08/15/283

    2,450,000       2,062,915  

Standard Chartered plc

               

4.64% due 04/01/312,3

    2,250,000       2,024,178  

Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities LLC

               

5.30% due 08/01/503

    2,164,746       1,773,099  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

               

5.88% 2,3,10

    1,750,000       1,663,455  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

               

3.60% due 11/15/31

    2,250,000       1,653,417  

Manulife Financial Corp.

               

2.48% due 05/19/27

    1,800,000       1,625,408  

Westpac Banking Corp.

               

3.02% due 11/18/362

    1,200,000       887,842  

2.96% due 11/16/40

    805,000       489,586  

2.67% due 11/15/352

    295,000       221,008  

Americo Life, Inc.

               

3.45% due 04/15/313

    2,060,000       1,486,380  

KKR Group Finance Company VIII LLC

               

3.50% due 08/25/503

    2,360,000       1,472,167  

Bank of America Corp.

               

2.59% due 04/29/312

    1,800,000       1,446,464  

Trustage Financial Group, Inc.

               

4.63% due 04/15/323

    1,750,000       1,444,138  

HS Wildcat LLC

               

3.83% due 12/31/50†††

    1,992,848       1,413,757  

Dyal Capital Partners III

               

4.40% due 06/15/40†††

    1,750,000       1,406,583  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

               

2.57% due 11/25/352,3

    1,800,000       1,332,569  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen

               

5.88% due 05/23/422,3

    1,350,000     1,300,072  

Brookfield Finance, Inc.

               

3.50% due 03/30/51

    1,250,000       777,475  

4.70% due 09/20/47

    650,000       506,262  

AmFam Holdings, Inc.

               

2.81% due 03/11/313

    1,750,000       1,266,932  

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

               

2.47% due 12/13/292,3

    1,400,000       1,156,105  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

               

2.33% due 08/21/303

    1,500,000       1,134,153  

Global Atlantic Finance Co.

               

3.13% due 06/15/313

    1,582,000       1,127,580  

Lincoln National Corp.

               

4.38% due 06/15/50

    1,580,000       1,082,453  

Brookfield Capital Finance LLC

               

6.09% due 06/14/33

    1,100,000       1,068,901  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.44% due 02/22/342

    1,100,000       1,049,108  

Societe Generale S.A.

               

2.89% due 06/09/322,3

    1,300,000       983,609  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

               

7.25% due 09/15/28

    950,000       949,199  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

               

3.70% due 10/01/502

    1,160,000       943,411  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

               

2.22% due 09/17/31

    1,050,000       796,596  

Fort Moore Family Communities LLC

               

6.09% due 01/15/513

    874,640       764,545  

Apollo Management Holdings, LP

               

2.65% due 06/05/303

    930,000       748,179  

Central Storage Safety Project Trust

               

4.82% due 02/01/387

    852,800       711,207  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.25% due 05/30/29

    700,000       659,290  

Protective Life Corp.

               

3.40% due 01/15/303

    740,000       623,962  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

               

2.38% due 03/15/31

    800,000       618,138  

Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co.

               

3.80% due 04/29/613

    950,000       567,448  

Western & Southern Life Insurance Co.

               

3.75% due 04/28/613

    850,000       513,867  

Kemper Corp.

               

2.40% due 09/30/30

    675,000       498,810  

Assured Guaranty US Holdings, Inc.

               

3.60% due 09/15/51

    800,000       490,210  

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc.

               

5.50% due 05/01/253

    400,000       390,503  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA

               

4.66% due 08/22/282,3

    400,000       379,804  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

               

2.50% due 09/01/30

    480,000       367,909  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Brookfield Finance LLC / Brookfield Finance, Inc.

               

3.45% due 04/15/50

  470,000     $ 285,498  

Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC

               

6.75% due 05/15/283

    296,000       273,090  

Nasdaq, Inc.

               

5.95% due 08/15/53

    200,000       186,816  

KKR Group Finance Company III LLC

               

5.13% due 06/01/443

    100,000       82,781  

Total Financial

    175,329,453  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.6%

Hyatt Hotels Corp.

               

5.38% due 04/23/25

    3,950,000       3,906,038  

5.75% due 04/23/30

    3,010,000       2,918,042  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

               

3.70% due 01/15/31

    7,340,000       6,112,634  

Whirlpool Corp.

               

4.60% due 05/15/5016

    6,145,000       4,789,526  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

               

7.00% due 05/01/253

    3,014,000       3,046,720  

Alt-2 Structured Trust

               

2.95% due 05/14/31†††

    3,199,620       2,794,194  

Smithsonian Institution

               

2.70% due 09/01/44

    4,000,000       2,479,599  

British Airways Class A Pass Through Trust

               

4.25% due 11/15/323

    1,980,278       1,774,831  

2.90% due 03/15/353

    798,906       661,433  

Delta Air Lines Inc. / SkyMiles IP Ltd.

               

4.50% due 10/20/253

    2,360,000       2,292,264  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC / Mileage Plus Intellectual Property Assets Ltd.

               

6.50% due 06/20/273

    1,912,500       1,894,908  

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.

               

5.14% due 03/15/52

    1,650,000       1,226,017  

6.41% due 03/15/26

    600,000       599,899  

Ferguson Finance plc

               

3.25% due 06/02/303

    1,204,000       1,020,507  

4.65% due 04/20/323

    600,000       538,735  

United Airlines Class A Pass Through Trust

               

5.80% due 01/15/36

    1,450,000       1,409,531  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

               

4.10% due 04/15/50

    1,541,000       958,390  

American Airlines Class AA Pass Through Trust

               

3.20% due 06/15/28

    697,000       626,917  

Steelcase, Inc.

               

5.13% due 01/18/29

    637,000       565,309  

JB Poindexter & Company, Inc.

               

7.13% due 04/15/263

    200,000       194,565  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    39,810,059  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.1%

Altria Group, Inc.

               

3.40% due 05/06/30

    2,510,000       2,145,714  

3.70% due 02/04/51

    2,350,000       1,461,172  

4.45% due 05/06/50

    390,000       276,260  

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

               

2.63% due 09/13/313

    2,400,000     1,720,820  

5.20% due 04/01/293

    1,200,000       1,096,046  

3.00% due 10/15/303

    970,000       741,477  

CoStar Group, Inc.

               

2.80% due 07/15/303

    4,130,000       3,327,720  

Global Payments, Inc.

               

2.90% due 05/15/30

    1,620,000       1,328,119  

2.90% due 11/15/31

    1,650,000       1,294,378  

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS Luxembourg SARL

               

6.75% due 03/15/343

    2,200,000       2,140,578  

BAT Capital Corp.

               

3.98% due 09/25/50

    2,800,000       1,757,286  

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS USA Finance, Inc.

               

3.00% due 05/15/32

    1,750,000       1,320,168  

4.38% due 02/02/52

    600,000       398,747  

Royalty Pharma plc

               

3.55% due 09/02/50

    2,690,000       1,644,126  

Triton Container International Ltd.

               

3.15% due 06/15/313

    2,100,000       1,583,098  

California Institute of Technology

               

3.65% due 09/01/19

    2,000,000       1,224,424  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV

               

2.43% due 07/01/313

    1,500,000       1,223,464  

Yale-New Haven Health Services Corp.

               

2.50% due 07/01/50

    2,250,000       1,206,893  

Quanta Services, Inc.

               

2.90% due 10/01/30

    1,464,000       1,194,097  

Universal Health Services, Inc.

               

2.65% due 10/15/30

    1,320,000       1,028,832  

Transurban Finance Company Pty Ltd.

               

2.45% due 03/16/313

    1,300,000       1,027,198  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

               

7.13% due 08/01/393

    650,000       689,650  

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

               

3.56% due 10/01/49

    1,000,000       685,726  

OhioHealth Corp.

               

3.04% due 11/15/50

    1,000,000       650,069  

Children’s Hospital Corp.

               

2.59% due 02/01/50

    1,000,000       573,532  

Children’s Health System of Texas

               

2.51% due 08/15/50

    1,000,000       556,559  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.

               

3.13% due 02/15/293

    250,000       205,049  

Triton Container International Limited / TAL International Container Corp.

               

3.25% due 03/15/32

    200,000       149,563  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    32,650,765  
                 

Industrial - 1.7%

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

               

3.00% due 01/15/29

    3,800,000       3,216,546  

FLNG Liquefaction 3 LLC

               

3.08% due 06/30/39†††

    4,109,105       3,086,442  

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

TD SYNNEX Corp.

               

2.65% due 08/09/31

  2,142,000     $ 1,592,653  

2.38% due 08/09/28

    1,600,000       1,314,812  

Vontier Corp.

               

2.95% due 04/01/31

    3,450,000       2,660,906  

Flowserve Corp.

               

3.50% due 10/01/30

    1,810,000       1,509,049  

2.80% due 01/15/32

    1,150,000       879,917  

Owens Corning

               

3.88% due 06/01/30

    2,380,000       2,102,382  

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

               

4.00% due 03/25/32

    2,050,000       1,747,576  

Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund

               

6.77% due 08/04/28†††

    1,550,000       1,507,777  

Stadco LA, LLC

               

3.75% due 05/15/56†††

    2,000,000       1,267,001  

Amcor Flexibles North America, Inc.

               

2.63% due 06/19/30

    1,230,000       992,971  

IP Lending V Ltd.

               

5.13% due 04/02/26†††, 3

    1,050,000       976,500  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

               

5.70% due 08/14/33

    1,000,000       965,115  

Cellnex Finance Company S.A.

               

3.88% due 07/07/413

    1,372,000       950,577  

HEICO Corp.

               

5.35% due 08/01/33

    1,000,000       947,106  

Boeing Co.

               

5.81% due 05/01/50

    700,000       633,862  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

               

4.10% due 05/15/21

    600,000       389,803  

Total Industrial

    26,740,995  
                 

Energy - 1.2%

BP Capital Markets plc

               

4.88% 2,10

    7,310,000       6,530,925  

ONEOK, Inc.

               

6.05% due 09/01/33

    3,800,000       3,733,237  

Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd.

               

3.25% due 09/30/403

    2,986,000       2,172,632  

Targa Resources Partners Limited Partnership / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.

               

6.88% due 01/15/29

    2,158,000       2,160,068  

Magellan Midstream Partners, LP

               

3.95% due 03/01/50

    2,000,000       1,338,647  

Midwest Connector Capital Company LLC

               

4.63% due 04/01/293

    1,050,000       959,678  

NuStar Logistics, LP

               

6.38% due 10/01/30

    534,000       505,837  

6.00% due 06/01/26

    200,000       194,043  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.

               

6.20% due 03/09/26

    700,000       698,850  

Greensaif Pipelines Bidco SARL

               

6.51% due 02/23/423

    400,000       392,173  

Greensaif Pipelines Bidco SARL

               

6.13% due 02/23/383

    350,000     341,530  

Total Energy

    19,027,620  
                 

Technology - 1.2%

Broadcom, Inc.

               

4.93% due 05/15/373

    2,306,000       1,987,603  

4.15% due 11/15/30

    1,702,000       1,507,517  

3.19% due 11/15/363

    217,000       155,803  

Entegris Escrow Corp.

               

4.75% due 04/15/293

    3,700,000       3,326,331  

Oracle Corp.

               

3.95% due 03/25/51

    2,128,000       1,458,840  

5.55% due 02/06/53

    1,510,000       1,323,007  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

               

3.57% due 12/01/31

    2,600,000       2,141,464  

Leidos, Inc.

               

2.30% due 02/15/31

    1,750,000       1,345,799  

5.75% due 03/15/33

    500,000       479,180  

4.38% due 05/15/30

    200,000       179,043  

MSCI, Inc.

               

3.63% due 11/01/313

    1,300,000       1,063,500  

CGI, Inc.

               

2.30% due 09/14/31

    1,300,000       975,753  

Fiserv, Inc.

               

5.63% due 08/21/33

    1,000,000       968,944  

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

               

5.95% due 08/04/33

    700,000       682,920  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

               

5.63% due 07/15/52

    750,000       680,930  

Foundry JV Holdco LLC

               

5.88% due 01/25/343

    400,000       382,101  

Total Technology

    18,658,735  
                 

Communications - 0.9%

British Telecommunications plc

               

4.88% due 11/23/812,3

    2,900,000       2,326,448  

4.25% due 11/23/812,3

    500,000       438,260  

9.63% due 12/15/30

    150,000       176,675  

Paramount Global

               

4.95% due 05/19/50

    2,490,000       1,686,599  

2.90% due 01/15/27

    450,000       398,900  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital

               

3.90% due 06/01/52

    3,350,000       2,002,894  

Vodafone Group plc

               

4.13% due 06/04/812

    2,550,000       1,968,931  

Virgin Media Secured Finance plc

               

4.50% due 08/15/303

    2,350,000       1,941,334  

Rogers Communications, Inc.

               

4.55% due 03/15/52

    2,000,000       1,458,841  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

               

4.25% due 07/01/283

    2,175,000       1,355,097  

CSC Holdings LLC

               

4.13% due 12/01/303

    600,000       424,629  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes SARL

               

5.50% due 03/01/28

  200,000     $ 180,000  

Altice France S.A.

               

5.13% due 01/15/293

    250,000       177,757  

Total Communications

    14,536,365  
                 

Utilities - 0.4%

AES Corp.

               

3.95% due 07/15/303

    1,760,000       1,516,979  

NRG Energy, Inc.

               

2.45% due 12/02/273

    1,750,000       1,483,417  

Alexander Funding Trust

               

1.84% due 11/15/233

    950,000       943,720  

Brooklyn Union Gas Co.

               

6.39% due 09/15/333

    800,000       784,726  

Enel Finance International N.V.

               

5.00% due 06/15/323

    850,000       768,976  

Alexander Funding Trust II

               

7.47% due 07/31/283

    450,000       450,590  

Total Utilities

    5,948,408  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.3%

Anglo American Capital plc

               

5.63% due 04/01/303

    1,800,000       1,738,394  

3.95% due 09/10/503

    970,000       659,290  

2.63% due 09/10/303

    250,000       199,710  

Newcrest Finance Pty Ltd.

               

3.25% due 05/13/303

    1,653,000       1,405,434  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

               

2.63% due 08/15/31

    1,200,000       920,783  

Total Basic Materials

    4,923,611  

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $418,991,509)

    337,626,011  
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 19.9%

Government Agency - 14.3%

Fannie Mae

               

5.50% due 05/01/53

    45,330,852       43,824,311  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    21,742,548       20,521,845  

5.00% due 05/01/53

    17,702,978       16,708,766  

5.00% due 04/01/53

    13,169,246       12,429,371  

4.00% due 06/01/52

    7,113,176       6,370,092  

5.00% due 08/01/53

    5,875,944       5,545,814  

2.81% due 05/01/51

    8,250,000       5,434,978  

4.00% due 07/01/52

    5,900,403       5,270,353  

2.00% due 03/01/52

    4,680,274       3,576,951  

2.50% due 10/01/51

    3,906,391       3,118,302  

2.36% due 08/01/50

    4,451,644       2,822,257  

3.00% due 03/01/52

    3,181,680       2,638,947  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    2,162,178       2,042,284  

2.78% due 05/01/51

    2,653,229       1,859,971  

2.59% due 06/01/51

    2,400,024       1,672,863  

2.32% due 02/01/51

    2,008,909       1,344,613  

2.00% due 09/01/50

    2,031,298     1,314,198  

2.40% due 03/01/40

    2,000,000       1,280,619  

2.11% due 10/01/50

    1,795,566       1,182,425  

2.27% due 02/01/51

    1,672,983       1,112,792  

2.39% due 02/01/51

    1,392,878       943,172  

4.24% due 08/01/48

    998,910       828,433  

3.83% due 05/01/49

    1,000,000       800,189  

2.58% due 10/01/51

    1,164,405       798,778  

3.46% due 08/01/49

    932,237       739,024  

2.99% due 01/01/40

    1,000,000       700,388  

2.68% due 04/01/50

    933,248       671,971  

4.07% due 05/01/49

    749,994       637,026  

4.37% due 10/01/48

    699,952       616,080  

2.27% due 10/01/41

    1,000,000       611,942  

1.76% due 08/01/40

    1,000,000       605,410  

4.25% due 05/01/48

    615,372       530,620  

due 12/25/439

    713,373       515,019  

Freddie Mac

               

5.50% due 06/01/53

    12,946,444       12,523,613  

5.00% due 04/01/53

    12,963,466       12,235,917  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    11,232,614       10,602,977  

due 08/01/53

    8,337,495       7,970,850  

4.00% due 02/01/53

    7,920,146       7,114,360  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    5,660,084       5,345,790  

5.00% due 03/01/53

    4,418,072       4,171,903  

4.00% due 10/01/52

    3,121,027       2,787,603  

4.00% due 04/01/52

    2,004,273       1,798,925  

1.98% due 05/01/50

    1,337,086       850,359  

4.00% due 01/15/46

    637       635  

Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust

               

2.00% due 05/25/60

    3,227,905       2,452,423  

2.00% due 11/25/59

    1,237,216       938,335  

Fannie Mae-Aces

               

1.59% (WAC) due 03/25/35◊,5

    17,538,255       1,730,550  

Ginnie Mae

               

6.00% due 06/20/47†††

    1,150,000       1,150,806  

FARM Mortgage Trust

               

2.18% (WAC) due 01/25/51◊,3

    853,698       675,094  

Total Government Agency

    221,419,944  
                 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - 2.4%

RCKT Mortgage Trust 2023-CES2

               

2023-CES2, 6.81% (WAC) due 09/25/43◊,3

    4,000,000       3,994,391  

Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-NMR1, 2.50% (WAC) due 11/25/60◊,3

    4,800,000       3,646,384  

GCAT Trust

               

2022-NQM3, 4.35% (WAC) due 04/25/67◊,3

    3,183,444       2,847,419  

CFMT LLC

               

2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/37

    2,778,865       2,486,858  

COLT Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-2, 2.38% (WAC) due 08/25/66◊,3

    4,000,000       2,188,944  

GCAT Trust

               

2023-NQM3, 6.89% (WAC) due 08/25/68◊,†††,3

    2,000,000       1,992,235  

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

GCAT 2023-NQM3 Trust

               

2023-NQM3, 7.34% (WAC) due 08/25/68◊,†††,3

  2,000,000     $ 1,992,174  

PRPM LLC

               

2021-RPL2, 2.93% (WAC) due 10/25/51◊,3

    2,472,000       1,866,656  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM2

               

2023-NQM2, 4.50% due 05/25/623,11

    1,873,702       1,694,714  

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust

               

2022-NQM2, 4.02% (WAC) due 03/25/67◊,3

    888,474       779,728  

2022-NQM2, 4.20% (WAC) due 03/25/67◊,3

    888,474       769,457  

OBX Trust

               

2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/623,11

    879,845       865,220  

2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/623,11

    595,038       591,482  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-1

               

2023-1, 4.75% due 09/26/673,11

    1,526,091       1,420,744  

Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust

               

2020-1, 2.41% (WAC) due 02/25/50◊,3

    714,234       658,962  

2020-1, 2.56% (WAC) due 02/25/50◊,3

    714,234       658,650  

SPS Servicer Advance Receivables Trust

               

2020-T2, 1.83% due 11/15/553

    1,250,000       1,126,073  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust

               

2021-HE1, 6.82% (30 Day Average SOFR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/70◊,3

    1,000,000       978,605  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2023-CES1

               

2023-CES1, 6.75% (WAC) due 07/25/63◊,3

    958,421       954,169  

CSMC Trust

               

2018-RPL9, 3.85% (WAC) due 09/25/57◊,3

    773,362       735,324  

2020-NQM1, 1.72% due 05/25/653,11

    222,909       197,242  

PRPM 2023-RCF1 LLC

               

2023-RCF1, 4.00% due 06/25/533,11

    947,890       892,549  

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust

               

2007-1, 2.08% due 05/25/475

    6,017,564       841,773  

Securitized Asset-Backed Receivables LLC Trust

               

2006-HE2, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 07/25/36

    1,406,043       550,324  

Verus Securitization Trust

               

2019-4, 2.85% due 11/25/593,11

    520,817       496,461  

MFRA Trust

               

2021-INV1, 2.29% (WAC) due 01/25/56◊,3

    700,000       495,477  

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2019-6A, 3.50% (WAC) due 09/25/59◊,3

    445,516       398,540  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust

               

2020-1, 2.77% (WAC) due 12/25/59◊,3

    315,186       289,446  

RALI Series Trust

               

2006-QO2, 5.87% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 02/25/46

    1,487,218       286,955  

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust

               

2003-5, 2.49% (WAC) due 11/25/33

    221,291       189,893  

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust

               

2006-AR9, 5.47% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/46

    234,802     186,855  

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust

               

2020-NQM1, 1.79% (WAC) due 09/27/60◊,3

    191,372       168,671  

Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2020-1, 2.68% (WAC) due 01/26/60◊,3

    129,469       121,330  

UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract

               

1997-2, 7.38% due 10/15/28

    21,628       21,370  

Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

    37,385,075  
                 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities - 2.4%

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2020-GSA2, 2.34% due 12/12/53

    8,000,000       5,652,049  

2020-GC45, 0.78% (WAC) due 02/13/53◊,5

    18,757,813       542,478  

2019-GC42, 0.93% (WAC) due 09/10/52◊,5

    14,831,119       502,627  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2021-NYAH, 7.29% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 1.84%) due 06/15/38◊,3

    4,000,000       3,448,058  

2016-JP3, 3.55% (WAC) due 08/15/49

    4,000,000       2,908,677  

DBGS Mortgage Trust

               

2018-C1, 4.80% (WAC) due 10/15/51

    7,000,000       5,930,435  

CD Mortgage Trust

               

2017-CD4, 3.95% (WAC) due 05/10/50

    4,750,000       3,864,623  

2016-CD1, 1.50% (WAC) due 08/10/49◊,5

    2,088,214       56,870  

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2021-VOLT, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 09/15/36◊,3

    3,450,000       3,289,551  

SMRT

               

2022-MINI, 7.28% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 1.95%) due 01/15/39◊,3

    2,000,000       1,915,951  

Life Mortgage Trust

               

2021-BMR, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 03/15/38◊,3

    1,965,940       1,901,725  

GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust

               

2020-DUNE, 6.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.46%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 12/15/36◊,3

    1,000,000       977,243  

2020-UPTN, 3.35% (WAC) due 02/10/37◊,3

    1,000,000       879,122  

Extended Stay America Trust

               

2021-ESH, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 07/15/38◊,3

    1,045,536       1,028,472  

BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust

               

2019-B14, 0.90% (WAC) due 12/15/62◊,5

    19,662,951       545,788  

2018-B6, 0.56% (WAC) due 10/10/51◊,5

    28,930,608       365,547  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2019-GC43, 0.74% (WAC) due 11/10/52◊,5

  19,821,486     $ 558,022  

2016-GC37, 1.82% (WAC) due 04/10/49◊,5

    2,812,757       85,250  

2016-C2, 1.81% (WAC) due 08/10/49◊,5

    2,192,743       75,492  

2016-P5, 1.52% (WAC) due 10/10/49◊,5

    1,559,959       47,966  

COMM Mortgage Trust

               

2015-CR24, 0.83% (WAC) due 08/10/48◊,5

    36,945,247       357,253  

2015-CR26, 1.04% (WAC) due 10/10/48◊,5

    8,188,771       106,622  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2019-C15, 1.19% (WAC) due 03/15/52◊,5

    12,053,454       453,128  

SG Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2016-C5, 2.02% (WAC) due 10/10/48◊,5

    7,794,546       269,111  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C2, 1.22% (WAC) due 08/15/50◊,5

    7,949,822       253,004  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

               

2016-UB11, 1.58% (WAC) due 08/15/49◊,5

    5,766,880       184,772  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2016-C2, 1.63% (WAC) due 06/15/49◊,5

    6,238,287       175,595  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2016-NXS5, 1.57% (WAC) due 01/15/59◊,5

    3,251,045       84,220  

2016-C37, 0.95% (WAC) due 12/15/49◊,5

    2,642,311       47,077  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2016-C3, 1.14% (WAC) due 01/10/48◊,5

    5,288,890       93,661  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    36,600,389  
                 

Military Housing - 0.8%

Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds Resecuritization Trust Certificates

               

2015-R1, 4.66% (WAC) due 11/25/55◊,3

    6,846,420       5,252,520  

2015-R1, 4.44% (WAC) due 11/25/52◊,3

    2,766,395       2,249,206  

2015-R1, 0.70% (WAC) due 11/25/55◊,3,5

    10,020,257       640,764  

Capmark Military Housing Trust

               

2006-RILY, 6.15% due 07/10/51†††,3

    2,238,364       1,925,077  

2007-ROBS, 6.06% due 10/10/52†††,3

    451,218       387,390  

2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/52†††,3

    265,462       222,232  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp.

               

2007-HCKM, 6.11% due 08/10/52†††,3

    1,418,618       1,311,445  

Total Military Housing

    11,988,634  
                 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

(Cost $350,883,671)

    307,394,042  
 

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 1.3%

Industrial - 0.5%

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC

               

10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27

    6,337,500       6,575,854  

SkyMiles IP Ltd.

               

9.08% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 10/20/27

    1,445,000       1,495,040  

Air Canada

               

9.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/11/28

    444,761       444,668  

Total Industrial

    8,515,562  
                 

Technology - 0.3%

Datix Bidco Ltd.

               

8.68% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

GBP   2,900,000     3,471,975  

RLDatix

               

9.53% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

    1,252,544       1,229,122  

Total Technology

    4,701,097  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.3%

Amaya Holdings BV

               

6.36% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 07/21/26

EUR   4,000,000       4,227,937  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.1%

Southern Veterinary Partners LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/05/27

    1,057,214       1,049,612  

HAH Group Holding Co. LLC

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/29/27

    261,388       257,684  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    1,307,296  
                 

Financial - 0.1%

Citadel Securities, LP

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 07/29/30

    947,625       944,668  
                 

Energy - 0.0%

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC

               

8.04% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.63%, Rate Floor: 2.63%) due 08/19/26

    444,419       440,344  
                 

Communications - 0.0%

Radiate Holdco LLC

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 09/25/26

    161,506       131,721  

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

(Cost $21,193,661)

    20,268,625  
 

FEDERAL AGENCY BONDS†† - 1.0%

Tennessee Valley Authority Principal Strips

due 06/15/388,9

    9,400,000       4,215,646  

due 01/15/488,9

    9,700,000       2,489,534  

due 01/15/388

    4,000,000       1,840,236  

due 06/15/358,9

    1,583,000       855,995  

due 12/15/428,9

    1,600,000       546,899  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

3.51% due 06/11/40

    3,300,000       2,603,099  

Tennessee Valley Authority

4.25% due 09/15/65

    2,450,000       1,953,892  

5.38% due 04/01/56

    600,000       594,158  

U.S. International Development Finance Corp.

due 01/17/268

    800,000       806,136  

Total Federal Agency Bonds

(Cost $24,641,407)

            15,905,595  
                 

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 0.8%

Texas - 0.3%

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.29% due 09/01/40

  2,100,000     $ 1,477,389  

2.78% due 09/01/34

    700,000       521,611  

2.69% due 09/01/33

    500,000       379,082  

2.57% due 09/01/32

    475,000       366,201  

2.41% due 09/01/31

    450,000       352,712  

Grand Parkway Transportation Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.31% due 10/01/49

    1,500,000       1,011,588  

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Revenue Bonds

               

2.92% due 11/01/50

    1,000,000       673,356  

Total Texas

    4,781,939  
                 

California - 0.2%

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

7.14% due 08/15/47

    1,200,000       1,257,684  

2.68% due 02/01/39

    1,200,000       816,454  

Total California

    2,074,138  
                 

New York - 0.1%

Westchester County Local Development Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.85% due 11/01/50

    2,700,000       1,787,557  
                 

Virginia - 0.1%

City of Manassas Virginia General Obligation Unlimited

               

2.00% due 01/01/40

    1,700,000       1,100,595  
                 

Idaho - 0.1%

Boise State University Revenue Bonds

               

3.06% due 04/01/40

    1,150,000       835,037  
                 

Mississippi - 0.0%

Medical Center Educational Building Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

2.92% due 06/01/41

    1,000,000       682,956  
                 

Ohio - 0.0%

County of Franklin Ohio Revenue Bonds

               

2.88% due 11/01/50

    1,000,000       604,169  
                 

Alabama - 0.0%

Auburn University Revenue Bonds

               

2.68% due 06/01/50

    1,000,000       593,426  
                 

Illinois - 0.0%

State of Illinois General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.65% due 12/01/38

    444,444       426,966  

Total Municipal Bonds

(Cost $17,738,366)

    12,886,783  
 

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DEBT†† - 0.2%

Panama Government International Bond

4.50% due 01/19/63

    2,600,000     $ 1,677,627  

4.50% due 04/16/50

    1,450,000       984,992  

Total Foreign Government Debt

(Cost $4,205,162)

            2,662,619  
                 

SENIOR FIXED RATE INTERESTS††† - 0.2%

Industrial - 0.2%

CTL Logistics

               

2.65% due 10/10/42

    3,526,004       2,572,239  

Total Senior Fixed Rate Interests

(Cost $3,526,004)

    2,572,239  
                 
   

Contracts/
Notional
Value

         

OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0%

Call Options on:

Interest Rate Options

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

USD   34,200,000       68,477  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

USD   33,900,000       67,877  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

USD   17,150,000       34,339  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

USD   13,950,000       27,932  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

USD   34,250,000       21,461  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.10

USD   34,200,000       21,430  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

USD   16,800,000       10,527  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

USD   13,950,000       8,741  

Total OTC Options Purchased

(Cost $846,473)

            260,784  
                 

Total Investments - 103.6%

(Cost $1,807,853,659)

    1,602,105,247  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Contracts/
Notional
Value

   

Value

 

OTC INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN††13 - (0.0)%

Put Swaptions on:

Interest Rate Swaptions

Barclays Bank plc 5-Year Interest Rate Swap Expiring October 2023 with exercise rate of 3.93%

    24,400,000     $ (487,166 )

Total OTC Interest Rate Swaptions Written

                 

(Premiums received $168,360)

            (487,166 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.6)%

    (54,859,783 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,546,758,298  

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

Protection
Premium
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount
~

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1

5.00%

    Quarterly       06/20/28       12,700,000     $ (199,058 )   $ 53,104     $ (252,162 )

BofA Securities, Inc.

ICE

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1

1.00%

    Quarterly       12/20/27     EUR 14,500,000       (202,134 )     (112,978 )     (89,156 )
                                  $ (401,192 )   $ (59,874 )   $ (341,318 )

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements††

 

Counterparty

Exchange

Floating
Rate
Type

Floating
Rate Index

 

Fixed
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

4.35%

Annually

10/3/2028

  $ 80,000,000     $ 660     $ 660     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

3.40%

Annually

04/04/28

    32,100,000       (1,318,963 )     323       (1,319,286 )

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

2.78%

Annually

07/18/27

    77,800,000       (4,613,040 )     409       (4,613,449 )
                                    $ (5,931,343 )   $ 1,392     $ (5,932,735 )

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts††

Counterparty

 

Currency

   

Type

   

Quantity

   

Contract
Amount

   

Settlement Date

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Barclays Bank plc

    EUR       Sell       9,504,000       10,220,487 USD       10/16/23     $ 165,205  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    GBP       Sell       2,962,000       3,699,630 USD       10/16/23       85,539  
                                            $ 250,744  

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

OTC Interest Rate Swaptions Written

Counterparty/
Description

 

Floating
Rate Type

   

Floating
Rate Index

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Fixed
Rate

   

Expiration
Date

   

Exercise
Rate

   

Swaption
Notional
Amount

   

Swaption
Value

 

Put

                                                               

Barclays Bank plc 5-Year Interest Rate Swap

Pay

SOFR

    Annual       3.93 %     10/16/23       3.93 %   $ 24,400,000     $ (487,166 )

 

~

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

2

Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date.

3

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $555,686,984 (cost $619,722,761), or 35.9% of total net assets.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

5

Security is an interest-only strip.

6

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

7

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $711,277 (cost $871,193), or 0.0% of total net assets — See Note 10.

8

Zero coupon rate security.

9

Security is a principal-only strip.

10

Perpetual maturity.

11

Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2023. See table below for additional step information for each security.

12

All or a portion of this security is pledged as interest rate swap collateral at September 30, 2023.

13

Swaptions — See additional disclosure in the swaptions table above for more information on swaptions.

14

Face amount of security is adjusted for inflation.

15

Security is unsettled at period end and does not have a stated effective rate.

16

All or a portion of this security has been physically segregated or earmarked in connection with reverse repurchase agreements. At September 30, 2023, the total market value of segregated or earmarked securities was $80,596,842— See Note 6.

 

BofA — Bank of America

 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 40 Index Version 1

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

 

CMS — Constant Maturity Swap

 

CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury

 

EUR — Euro

 

EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate

 

GBP — British Pound

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1 — iTraxx Europe Series 38 Index Version 1

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SARL — Société à Responsabilité Limitée

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SONIA — Sterling Overnight Index Average

 

WAC — Weighted Average Coupon

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 14,721     $     $ 62     $ 14,783  

Preferred Stocks

          24,143,221       *     24,143,221  

Warrants

    1,963             7       1,970  

Money Market Funds

    3,857,414                   3,857,414  

U.S. Government Securities

          496,203,857             496,203,857  

Asset-Backed Securities

          339,974,689       38,332,615       378,307,304  

Corporate Bonds

          320,253,713       17,372,298       337,626,011  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          298,412,683       8,981,359       307,394,042  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          15,567,528       4,701,097       20,268,625  

Federal Agency Bonds

          15,905,595             15,905,595  

Municipal Bonds

          12,886,783             12,886,783  

Foreign Government Debt

          2,662,619             2,662,619  

Senior Fixed Rate Interests

                2,572,239       2,572,239  

Options Purchased

          260,784             260,784  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          250,744             250,744  

Total Assets

  $ 3,874,098     $ 1,526,522,216     $ 71,959,677     $ 1,602,355,991  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Swaptions Written

  $     $ 487,166     $     $ 487,166  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          341,318             341,318  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements**

          5,932,735             5,932,735  

Total Liabilities

  $     $ 6,761,219     $     $ 6,761,219  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of the period end, reverse repurchase agreements of $59,394,748 are categorized as Level 2 within the disclosure hierarchy — See Note 6.

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Valuation Technique

   

Unobservable Inputs

   

Input Range

   

Weighted Average*

 

Assets:

                                       

Asset-Backed Securities

  $ 24,432,043  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

           

Asset-Backed Securities

    9,248,421  

Yield Analysis

Yield

    6.6%-7.8%       7.0 %

Asset-Backed Securities

    3,065,055  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

           

Asset-Backed Securities

    1,587,096  

Model Price

Purchase Price

           

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    5,135,215  

Model Price

Purchase Price

           

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    3,846,144  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

           

Common Stocks

    62  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

           

Corporate Bonds

    8,681,560  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

           

Corporate Bonds

    4,920,043  

Model Price

Purchase Price

           

Corporate Bonds

    2,794,195  

Yield Analysis

Yield

    6.7 %      

Corporate Bonds

    976,500  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

           

Senior Fixed Rate Interests

    2,572,239  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

           

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    4,701,097  

Yield Analysis

Yield

    11.2 %      

Warrants

    7  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

           

Total Assets

  $ 71,959,677  

 

 

               

 

*

Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.

 

Significant changes in a quote, yield or liquidation value would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security. Any remaining Level 3 securities held by the Fund and excluded from the table above, were not considered material to the Fund.

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes.For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not have any securities transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 and had securities with a total value of $440,414 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

   

Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations

   

Corporate
Bonds

   

Senior
Floating
Rate
Interests

   

Warrants

   

Common
Stocks

   

Senior
Fixed
Rate
Interests

   

Total
Assets

   

Unfunded
Loan
Commitments

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 26,064,883     $ 4,110,384     $ 22,901,392     $ 5,218,034     $ 7     $ 62     $ 2,788,277     $ 61,083,039     $ (84,249 )

Purchases/(Receipts)

    20,157,536       5,147,084       6,550,000       12,525                         31,867,145        

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

    (7,585,650 )     (54,335 )     (12,187,048 )     (397,377 )                 (113,465 )     (20,337,875 )     110  

Amortization of premiums/discounts

    72,880       (14,785 )     3,785       63,624                         125,504        

Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

    (36,737 )           (1,525,822 )                             (1,562,559 )      

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    (340,227 )     (206,989 )     1,629,991       244,635                   (102,573 )     1,224,837       84,139  

Transfers into Level 3

                                                     

Transfers out of Level 3

    (70 )                 (440,344 )                       (440,414 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 38,332,615     $ 8,981,359     $ 17,372,298     $ 4,701,097     $ 7     $ 62     $ 2,572,239     $ 71,959,677     $  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $ (340,003 )   $ (206,989 )   $ (327,610 )   $ 272,542     $     $     $ (102,573 )   $ (704,633 )   $  

 

Step Coupon Bonds

 

The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a range of rates and corresponding dates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate Reset Date

 

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-1 4.75% due 09/26/67

    5.75 %     01/01/27  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM2, 4.50% due 05/25/62

    5.50 %     02/01/27  

CSMC Trust 2020-NQM1, 1.72% due 05/25/65

    2.72 %     09/26/24  

OBX Trust 2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/62

    7.10 %     10/01/26  

OBX Trust 2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/62

    7.45 %     11/01/26  

PRPM 2023-RCF1 LLC, 4.00% due 06/25/53

    5.00 %     06/25/27  

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 2.85% due 11/25/59

    3.85 %     10/26/23  

 

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $1,807,853,659)

  $ 1,602,105,247  

Cash

    2,415,823  

Foreign currency, at value (cost 126,660)

    126,476  

Segregated cash with broker

    913,043  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    53,104  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    1,392  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    250,744  

Prepaid expenses

    86,167  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    123,627,532  

Interest

    13,431,911  

Fund shares sold

    4,735,236  

Dividends

    12,469  

Foreign tax reclaims

    2,236  

Total assets

    1,747,761,380  
         

Liabilities:

Unfunded loan commitments at value ( Note 9) (commitments fees received $—)

     

Reverse repurchase agreements (Note 6)

    59,394,748  

Options written, at value (premiums received $168,360)

    487,166  

Segregated cash due to broker

    200,652  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    112,978  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    134,340,809  

Fund shares redeemed

    4,598,729  

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

    660,695  

Management fees

    451,147  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    366,706  

Distribution and service fees

    48,883  

Distributions to shareholders

    44,332  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    24,088  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    15,809  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,077  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    42  

Miscellaneous

    254,221  

Total liabilities

    201,003,082  

Net assets

  $ 1,546,758,298  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 1,875,792,584  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (329,034,286 )

Net assets

  $ 1,546,758,298  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 117,099,801  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,527,213  

Net asset value per share

  $ 15.56  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%)

  $ 16.21  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 22,026,807  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,422,112  

Net asset value per share

  $ 15.49  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 28,884,719  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,855,147  

Net asset value per share

  $ 15.57  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,378,746,971  

Capital shares outstanding

    88,747,852  

Net asset value per share

  $ 15.54  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 827,998  

Interest (net of foreign withholding tax of $18,108)

    65,161,242  

Total investment income

    65,989,240  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    5,175,537  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    289,602  

C-Class

    213,296  

P-Class

    94,265  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    143,945  

C-Class

    23,030  

P-Class

    84,494  

Institutional Class

    1,141,735  

Interest expense

    885,433  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    550,331  

Professional fees

    151,955  

Line of credit fees

    86,444  

Custodian fees

    58,517  

Trustees’ fees*

    30,122  

Miscellaneous

    270,998  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    10,796  

C-Class

    1,752  

P-Class

    1,061  

Institutional Class

    24,518  

Total expenses

    9,237,831  

Less:

Expense reimbursed by adviser:

A-Class

    (65,894 )

C-Class

    (7,886 )

P-Class

    (56,381 )

Institutional Class

    (768,096 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (418,250 )

Earnings credits applied

    (23,053 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (1,339,560 )

Net expenses

    7,898,271  

Net investment income

    58,090,969  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  (77,549,432 )

Swap agreements

    (3,378,716 )

Futures contracts

    441,718  

Options purchased

    (2,469,939 )

Options written

    260,104  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (633,512 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (66,875 )

Net realized loss

    (83,396,652 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    37,871,237  

Swap agreements

    (562,113 )

Options purchased

    (3,923,380 )

Options written

    765,696  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    41,478  

Foreign currency translations

    (678 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    34,192,240  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (49,204,412 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 8,886,557  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 58,090,969     $ 41,195,372  

Net realized loss on investments

    (83,396,652 )     (32,706,882 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    34,192,240       (281,501,636 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    8,886,557       (273,013,146 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (4,628,669 )     (5,310,242 )

C-Class

    (690,054 )     (886,223 )

P-Class

    (1,494,786 )     (3,202,815 )

Institutional Class

    (49,253,737 )     (53,683,559 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (56,067,246 )     (63,082,839 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    27,585,227       25,104,560  

C-Class

    9,484,399       3,987,535  

P-Class

    6,643,720       23,865,120  

Institutional Class

    875,193,068       846,789,895  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    4,189,176       4,975,780  

C-Class

    610,361       789,061  

P-Class

    1,488,895       3,202,815  

Institutional Class

    46,738,789       50,481,098  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (23,834,759 )     (39,064,313 )

C-Class

    (8,402,408 )     (11,198,757 )

P-Class

    (32,056,257 )     (45,775,520 )

Institutional Class

    (582,763,645 )     (914,366,168 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    324,876,566       (51,208,894 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    277,695,877       (387,304,879 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,269,062,421       1,656,367,300  

End of year

  $ 1,546,758,298     $ 1,269,062,421  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    1,708,895       1,393,708  

C-Class

    586,868       219,121  

P-Class

    410,906       1,227,313  

Institutional Class

    54,190,672       47,258,448  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    259,787       268,662  

C-Class

    38,033       42,495  

P-Class

    92,259       172,067  

Institutional Class

    2,904,961       2,738,168  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,470,307 )     (2,163,532 )

C-Class

    (523,605 )     (613,680 )

P-Class

    (1,981,473 )     (2,510,695 )

Institutional Class

    (36,342,037 )     (51,037,587 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    19,874,959       (3,005,512 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.95     $ 20.06     $ 20.53     $ 18.94     $ 18.33  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .67       .46       .44       .37       .41  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.41 )     (3.84 )     (.01 )     1.63       .63  

Total from investment operations

    .26       (3.38 )     .43       2.00       1.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.65 )     (.47 )     (.47 )     (.41 )     (.43 )

Net realized gains

          (.26 )     (.43 )            

Total distributions

    (.65 )     (.73 )     (.90 )     (.41 )     (.43 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.56     $ 15.95     $ 20.06     $ 20.53     $ 18.94  

 

Total Returnb

    1.46 %     (17.30 %)     2.09 %     10.68 %     5.72 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 117,100     $ 112,084     $ 151,026     $ 218,856     $ 149,442  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.12 %     2.53 %     2.20 %     1.87 %     2.23 %

Total expensesc

    0.92 %     0.82 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.89 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.83 %     0.78 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.80 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    88 %     49 %     103 %     126 %     77 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.88     $ 19.97     $ 20.45     $ 18.86     $ 18.25  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .55       .33       .29       .22       .28  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.42 )     (3.83 )     (.03 )     1.64       .62  

Total from investment operations

    .13       (3.50 )     .26       1.86       .90  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.52 )     (.33 )     (.31 )     (.27 )     (.29 )

Net realized gains

          (.26 )     (.43 )            

Total distributions

    (.52 )     (.59 )     (.74 )     (.27 )     (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.49     $ 15.88     $ 19.97     $ 20.45     $ 18.86  

 

Total Returnb

    0.68 %     (17.90 %)     1.34 %     9.86 %     4.96 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 22,027     $ 20,970     $ 33,407     $ 33,163     $ 22,531  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.39 %     1.78 %     1.46 %     1.13 %     1.50 %

Total expensesc

    1.66 %     1.61 %     1.61 %     1.62 %     1.67 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.59 %     1.53 %     1.54 %     1.54 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    88 %     49 %     103 %     126 %     77 %

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.96     $ 20.07     $ 20.55     $ 18.96     $ 18.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .66       .46       .44       .36       .41  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.41 )     (3.84 )     (.02 )     1.64       .63  

Total from investment operations

    .25       (3.38 )     .42       2.00       1.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.64 )     (.47 )     (.47 )     (.41 )     (.42 )

Net realized gains

          (.26 )     (.43 )            

Total distributions

    (.64 )     (.73 )     (.90 )     (.41 )     (.42 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.57     $ 15.96     $ 20.07     $ 20.55     $ 18.96  

 

Total Return

    1.50 %     (17.30 %)     2.04 %     10.67 %     5.77 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 28,885     $ 53,203     $ 89,223     $ 60,534     $ 50,258  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.10 %     2.49 %     2.17 %     1.86 %     2.24 %

Total expensesc

    1.01 %     0.94 %     0.90 %     0.91 %     0.93 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.82 %     0.78 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.80 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    88 %     49 %     103 %     126 %     77 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

CORE BOND FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.92     $ 20.03     $ 20.51     $ 18.91     $ 18.30  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .71       .52       .50       .42       .47  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.40 )     (3.85 )     (.03 )     1.65       .62  

Total from investment operations

    .31       (3.33 )     .47       2.07       1.09  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.69 )     (.52 )     (.52 )     (.47 )     (.48 )

Net realized gains

          (.26 )     (.43 )            

Total distributions

    (.69 )     (.78 )     (.95 )     (.47 )     (.48 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.54     $ 15.92     $ 20.03     $ 20.51     $ 18.91  

 

Total Return

    1.80 %     (17.09 %)     2.34 %     11.07 %     6.03 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,378,747     $ 1,082,805     $ 1,382,711     $ 1,139,109     $ 613,571  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.43 %     2.84 %     2.49 %     2.17 %     2.52 %

Total expensesc

    0.65 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.58 %     0.62 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.55 %     0.49 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    88 %     49 %     103 %     126 %     77 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.01%

0.01%

0.01%

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.76%

0.77%

0.78%

0.78%

0.79%

 

C-Class

1.52%

1.52%

1.53%

1.53%

1.54%

 

P-Class

0.76%

0.77%

0.78%

0.78%

0.79%

 

Institutional Class

0.47%

0.48%

0.49%

0.49%

0.50%

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Fund”). Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of GPIM; Allen Li, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of GPIM; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager of GPIM; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of GPIM; and Evan L. Serdensky, Director and Portfolio Manager of GPIM. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 1.67%1, underperforming the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 2.66% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

Negative absolute returns during most of calendar 2022 drove a bout of tax-related selling near the end of that year. After the tax-related selling subsided, buyers heavily reinvested into tax exempts at the start of 2023, tempted by the higher all-in yields on offer. Lower-quality bonds that had underperformed subsequently snapped back, outperforming higher quality credits. For the Reporting Period, bonds rated Baa returned 3.63% whereas bonds rated Aaa and Aa—where the Fund has greater weighting—returned 1.83% and 2.49%, respectively.

 

At the sector level, high quality assets such as tax-exempt agency commercial mortgage-backed securities contributed to the underperformance. Tax-exempt closed-end funds, with their levered duration profile and exposure to short-term funding costs, also came under pressure and lagged cash bonds.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

During the reporting period, the Fund used interest rate swaps to help manage duration positioning. Over the period, interest rate swaps contributed to performance.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

We continue to emphasize security selection of high-quality municipal issuers in the current environment. While most municipalities entered 2023 with high fund reserves and prudent budget planning, a slowing economic environment should favor the high quality, long duration securities that are overweight in the Fund. We remain focused on structural creditworthiness that can endure macroeconomic volatility while generating tax-exempt income that is competitive with high quality taxable bond markets.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide current income with an emphasis on income exempt from federal income tax, while also considering capital appreciation.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

AAA

38.2%

AA

43.5%

A

12.3%

BBB

2.4%

BB

0.8%

NR2

0.1%

Other Instruments

2.7%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

April 28, 2004

C-Class

January 13, 2012

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

January 13, 2012

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

El Camino Healthcare District General Obligation Unlimited

4.8%

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates Revenue Bonds, 2.49%

4.1%

Denton County Housing Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds, 2.15%

3.5%

Freddie Mac Multifamily, 1.90%

3.4%

Stockton Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

3.2%

Ysleta Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited, 4.00%

3.0%

Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority Revenue Bonds, 1.83%

2.7%

Freddie Mac Multifamily Variable Rate Certificate Revenue Bonds, 3.15%

2.5%

New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.00%

2.5%

Bexar County Hospital District General Obligation Limited, 5.00%

2.5%

Top Ten Total

32.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares~

1.67%

(0.47%)

1.69%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(2.40%)

(1.28%)

1.19%

C-Class Shares

0.91%

(1.21%)

0.92%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

(0.07%)

(1.21%)

0.92%

Institutional Class Shares

1.93%

(0.22%)

1.93%

Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index

2.66%

1.05%

2.29%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

1.58%

(0.49%)

0.44%

Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index

2.66%

1.05%

1.59%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

~

Effective January 13, 2012, the Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of the TS&W/Claymore Tax-Advantage Balanced Fund (“TYW”), a registered closed-end management investment company. The A-Class performance prior to that date reflects performance of TYW.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.6%

Dreyfus AMT-Free Tax Exempt Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 3.96%1

    1,075,834     $ 1,075,619  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $1,075,619)

            1,075,619  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 92.6%

California - 28.5%

               

El Camino Healthcare District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/292

  $ 2,500,000       1,959,602  

Stockton Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/332

    2,000,000       1,299,744  

due 08/01/372

    810,000       417,946  

due 08/01/422

    250,000       94,478  

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates Revenue Bonds

               

2.49% due 07/25/35

    2,128,341       1,663,721  

San Diego Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 07/01/392

    1,000,000       453,818  

due 07/01/462

    1,360,000       426,698  

College of the Sequoias Tulare Area Improvement District No. 3 General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/423,5

    1,000,000       699,575  

Newport Mesa Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/392

    1,300,000       617,542  

Sonoma Valley Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

4.00% due 08/01/44

    600,000       555,380  

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.25% due 08/15/52

    500,000       520,575  

Sierra Joint Community College District School Facilities District No. 1 General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/312

    705,000       513,560  

Compton Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 06/01/402

    1,000,000       407,260  

Delhi Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 08/01/44

    250,000       254,892  

Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority Revenue Bonds

               

due 10/01/512

    500,000       240,917  

Upland Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/382

    400,000       195,218  

M-S-R Energy Authority Revenue Bonds

               

6.13% due 11/01/29

  175,000     182,505  

El Monte Union High School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 06/01/432

    500,000       177,692  

Westside Elementary School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 08/01/48

    155,000       158,324  

Rio Hondo Community College District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/292

    200,000       158,117  

Freddie Mac Multifamily VRD Certificates Revenue Bonds

               

2.40% due 10/15/29

    150,000       131,205  

Coast Community College District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/402

    250,000       106,287  

City of Los Angeles Department of Airports Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 05/15/44

    100,000       103,394  

Buena Park School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 08/01/47

    100,000       102,306  

Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran’s Farm & Home Purchase Program Revenue Bonds

               

3.45% due 12/01/39

    110,000       91,551  

Roseville Joint Union High School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/01/302

    100,000       75,938  

Total California

            11,608,245  
                 

Texas - 20.1%

               

Denton County Housing Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

2.15% due 11/01/38

    2,000,000       1,407,762  

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 01/01/45

    1,250,000       1,256,797  

Ysleta Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

4.00% due 08/15/52

    1,400,000       1,212,194  

Bexar County Hospital District General Obligation Limited

               

5.00% due 02/15/47

    1,000,000       1,005,879  

Cleveland Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

4.00% due 02/15/52

    1,000,000       859,983  

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue Bonds

               

due 01/01/362

    1,000,000       569,268  

Southwest Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 02/01/422

    500,000       203,934  

United Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 08/15/49

    200,000       203,038  

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

Lindale Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 02/15/49

  $ 200,000     $ 203,017  

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

4.00% due 08/15/33

    200,000       196,774  

Arlington Higher Education Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/46

    200,000       179,064  

Grand Parkway Transportation Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 10/01/43

    175,000       178,094  

Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Revenue Bonds

               

due 11/15/532

    1,000,000       174,256  

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition and Supply Corporation I Revenue Bonds

               

6.25% due 12/15/26

    115,000       117,406  

Mansfield Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 02/15/44

    100,000       101,826  

Hutto Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 08/01/49

    100,000       101,380  

University of North Texas System Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 04/15/44

    100,000       101,316  

City of Arlington Texas Special Tax Revenue Special Tax

               

5.00% due 02/15/48

    100,000       100,150  

Tarrant County Health Facilities Development Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

6.00% due 09/01/24

    5,000       5,040  

Leander Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 08/15/242

    5,000       2,848  

Total Texas

            8,180,026  
                 

New York - 3.7%

               

New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 06/15/49

    1,000,000       1,015,462  

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds

               

4.00% due 08/01/43

    250,000       221,028  

New York Transportation Development Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/34

    200,000       198,063  

New York Power Authority Revenue Bonds

               

4.00% due 11/15/45

    100,000       91,195  

Total New York

            1,525,748  
                 

Ohio - 3.7%

               

Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority Revenue Bonds

               

1.83% due 09/01/38

    1,600,000       1,116,010  

County of Miami Ohio Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 08/01/33

  200,000     206,901  

American Municipal Power, Inc. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 02/15/41

    200,000       200,240  

Total Ohio

            1,523,151  
                 

Tennessee - 3.4%

               

Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County Health & Educational Facilities Board Revenue Bonds

               

2.25% due 07/01/45

    1,500,000       898,543  

City of Shelbyville & Bedford County Health Educational & Housing Facility Board Revenue Bonds

               

2.21% due 06/01/38

    498,820       346,758  

Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County Health & Educational Facilities Board Revenue Bonds

               

2.48% due 12/01/37

    200,000       146,045  

Total Tennessee

            1,391,346  
                 

Arizona - 3.4%

               

Arizona Industrial Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

2.12% due 07/01/37

    1,143,357       801,061  

Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 01/01/41

    250,000       251,069  

Salt Verde Financial Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/32

    200,000       201,579  

Pinal County Elementary School District No. 4 Casa Grande General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 07/01/37

    100,000       103,948  

Total Arizona

            1,357,657  
                 

Oregon - 3.2%

               

Clackamas & Washington Counties School District No. 3 General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 06/15/482

    2,000,000       508,382  

due 06/15/502

    400,000       90,556  

due 06/15/492

    350,000       83,844  

Salem-Keizer School District No. 24J General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 06/15/402

    1,250,000       512,368  

University of Oregon Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 04/01/48

    100,000       101,032  

Total Oregon

            1,296,182  
                 

Colorado - 3.1%

               

E-470 Public Highway Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 09/01/36

    650,000       689,435  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

City & County of Denver Colorado Airport System Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/28

  $ 200,000     $ 206,352  

City & County of Denver Colorado Pledged Excise Tax Revenue Bonds

               

due 08/01/302

    200,000       145,090  

Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 03/01/47

    110,000       111,361  

Colorado School of Mines Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/47

    100,000       101,435  

Total Colorado

            1,253,673  
                 

Virginia - 2.9%

               

Freddie Mac Multifamily Variable Rate Certificate Revenue Bonds

               

3.15% due 10/15/36

    1,285,000       1,028,747  

Loudoun County Economic Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

due 07/01/492

    500,000       134,084  

Total Virginia

            1,162,831  
                 

North Carolina - 2.3%

               

Inlivian Revenue Bonds

               

2.02% due 04/01/42

    1,000,000       625,113  

North Carolina Central University Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 04/01/44

    300,000       305,443  

Total North Carolina

            930,556  
                 

West Virginia - 2.3%

               

West Virginia University Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 10/01/41

    600,000       621,060  

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 06/01/42

    300,000       298,890  

Total West Virginia

            919,950  
                 

Illinois - 2.2%

               

City of Chicago Illinois Wastewater Transmission Revenue Bonds

               

5.25% due 01/01/42

    400,000       407,323  

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 10/01/38

    250,000       272,014  

University of Illinois Revenue Bonds

               

6.00% due 10/01/29

    200,000       200,323  

Total Illinois

            879,660  
                 

Washington - 1.9%

               

Yakima & Kittitas Counties School District No. 119 Selah General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.00% due 12/01/42

    200,000       205,281  

County of King Washington Sewer Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/42

    200,000       203,838  

Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 11/01/41

  200,000     202,688  

Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District Revenue Bonds

               

4.00% due 07/01/48

    210,000       172,775  

Total Washington

            784,582  
                 

New Jersey - 1.4%

               

New Jersey Turnpike Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 01/01/31

    300,000       314,570  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 06/01/28

    250,000       257,197  

Total New Jersey

            571,767  
                 

Oklahoma - 1.3%

               

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 08/15/28

    350,000       335,518  

Oklahoma City Airport Trust Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/30

    200,000       204,334  

Total Oklahoma

            539,852  
                 

North Dakota - 1.3%

               

City of Grand Forks North Dakota Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/33

    500,000       529,001  
                 

Michigan - 1.1%

               

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 11/15/47

    200,000       197,385  

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

3.35% due 12/01/34

    200,000       178,714  

Flint Hospital Building Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/25

    100,000       99,027  

Total Michigan

            475,126  
                 

Missouri - 0.8%

               

Industrial Development Authority of the City of State Louis Missouri Revenue Bonds

               

2.22% due 12/01/38

    487,166       337,547  
                 

Arkansas - 0.8%

               

County of Baxter Arkansas Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 09/01/26

    330,000       332,001  
                 

Louisiana - 0.6%

               

City of Shreveport Louisiana Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/35

    250,000       257,408  

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 05/15/26

  $ 5,000     $ 5,087  

Total Louisiana

            262,495  
                 

Alaska - 0.6%

               

University of Alaska Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 10/01/40

    260,000       256,407  
                 

South Carolina - 0.5%

               

Charleston County Airport District Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/43

    200,000       201,771  
                 

Nebraska - 0.5%

               

Central Plains Energy Project Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 09/01/29

    200,000       201,587  
                 

Vermont - 0.5%

               

Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Financing Agency Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 12/01/46

    200,000       190,006  
                 

Connecticut - 0.4%

               

New Haven Housing Authority Revenue Bonds

               

2.26% due 05/01/38

    243,833       171,133  
                 

Massachusetts - 0.4%

               

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 10/01/34

    150,000       153,594  
                 

Pennsylvania - 0.3%

               

Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/15/32

    100,000       104,931  
                 

Rhode Island - 0.3%

               

Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 05/15/42

    100,000       104,058  
                 

Florida - 0.3%

               

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 10/01/32

  100,000     102,915  
                 

Montana - 0.3%

               

Montana State Board of Regents Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 11/15/43

    100,000       101,532  
                 

Kansas - 0.2%

               

University of Kansas Hospital Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 09/01/48

    100,000       100,460  
                 

Iowa - 0.2%

               

PEFA, Inc. Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 09/01/264

    100,000       99,759  
                 

New Mexico - 0.0%

               

City of Albuquerque New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/25

    20,000       19,984  

Total New Mexico

            19,984  
                 

Maryland - 0.0%

               

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds

               

5.00% due 07/01/27

    5,000       5,067  

Total Municipal Bonds

       

(Cost $46,738,772)

    37,674,600  
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 3.4%

Government Agency - 3.4%

               

Freddie Mac Multifamily

               

1.90% due 11/25/37

    1,932,178       1,376,893  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       

(Cost $1,979,574)

    1,376,893  
                 

Total Investments - 98.6%

       

(Cost $49,793,965)

  $ 40,127,112  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.4%

    568,699  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 40,695,811  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements††

 

Counterparty

Exchange

Floating
Rate
Type

Floating
Rate Index

 

Fixed
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)

   

Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Receive

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.26%

1.67%

Quarterly

09/27/51

  $ 2,550,000     $ 1,115,738     $ (752 )   $ 1,116,490  

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Receive

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

3.26%

Annually

05/24/53

    1,150,000       149,000       317       148,683  

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Receive

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

3.14%

Annually

04/12/33

    1,000,000       87,577       293       87,284  

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Receive

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

3.45%

Annually

06/06/33

    800,000       51,689       296       51,393  
                                    $ 1,404,004     $ 154     $ 1,403,850  

 

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

2

Zero coupon rate security.

3

Security is a step up/down bond with a 6.85% coupon rate until 08/01/2032.

4

The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, allows the holder to tender the security upon a rate reset, and is not based upon a set reference rate and spread.

5

Security has no current coupon. However, a coupon rate will come into effect at a future rate reset date.

 

BofA — Bank of America

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Money Market Fund

  $ 1,075,619     $     $     $ 1,075,619  

Municipal Bonds

          37,674,600             37,674,600  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          1,376,893             1,376,893  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements**

          1,403,850             1,403,850  

Total Assets

  $ 1,075,619     $ 40,455,343     $     $ 41,530,962  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $49,793,965)

  $ 40,127,112  

Segregated cash with broker

    387,498  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    906  

Prepaid expenses

    41,774  

Receivables:

Interest

    250,008  

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

    22,169  

Fund shares sold

    5,006  

Total assets

    40,834,473  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    6,840  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on interest rate swap agreements

    752  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    54,947  

Professional fees

    30,048  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    12,358  

Distribution and service fees

    6,842  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    4,713  

Distributions to shareholders

    3,201  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,586  

Management fees

    1,251  

Miscellaneous

    16,124  

Total liabilities

    138,662  

Net assets

  $ 40,695,811  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 49,865,292  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (9,169,481 )

Net assets

  $ 40,695,811  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 28,908,722  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,683,907  

Net asset value per share

  $ 10.77  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%)

  $ 11.22  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 847,110  

Capital shares outstanding

    78,713  

Net asset value per share

  $ 10.76  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 114,418  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,630  

Net asset value per share

  $ 10.76  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 10,825,561  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,004,926  

Net asset value per share

  $ 10.77  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 116,351  

Interest

    1,352,764  

Total investment income

    1,469,115  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    258,691  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    102,858  

C-Class

    10,649  

P-Class

    366  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    36,994  

C-Class

    1,503  

P-Class

    596  

Institutional Class

    9,988  

Registration fees

    58,107  

Professional fees

    49,075  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    30,229  

Trustees’ fees*

    14,700  

Custodian fees

    3,785  

Line of credit fees

    3,410  

Interest expense

    215  

Miscellaneous

    23,462  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    1,462  

C-Class

    80  

P-Class

    4  

Institutional Class

    219  

Total expenses

    606,393  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (37,157 )

C-Class

    (1,502 )

P-Class

    (593 )

Institutional Class

    (9,965 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (168,527 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (217,744 )

Net expenses

    388,649  

Net investment income

    1,080,466  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,990,408 )

Swap agreements

    1,202,369  

Net realized loss

    (788,039 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    1,319,419  

Swap agreements

    (514,901 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    804,518  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    16,479  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,096,945  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

75 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,080,466     $ 1,185,769  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (788,039 )     798,322  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    804,518       (13,026,308 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,096,945       (11,042,217 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (1,453,969 )     (1,171,658 )

C-Class

    (31,189 )     (24,004 )

P-Class

    (4,574 )     (3,881 )

Institutional Class

    (364,176 )     (235,117 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,853,908 )     (1,434,660 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,606,381       4,529,943  

C-Class

    346,333       540,692  

P-Class

    846,126       8,594  

Institutional Class

    12,725,440       4,638,825  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    1,328,775       1,073,119  

C-Class

    30,159       22,692  

P-Class

    4,569       3,881  

Institutional Class

    359,627       231,198  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (19,006,404 )     (15,257,098 )

C-Class

    (581,224 )     (929,727 )

P-Class

    (867,839 )     (70,519 )

Institutional Class

    (6,514,995 )     (11,258,625 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (7,723,052 )     (16,467,025 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (8,480,015 )     (28,943,902 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    49,175,826       78,119,728  

End of year

  $ 40,695,811     $ 49,175,826  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    316,903       341,411  

C-Class

    30,364       41,372  

P-Class

    75,140       690  

Institutional Class

    1,120,796       366,434  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    117,206       86,038  

C-Class

    2,659       1,798  

P-Class

    404       310  

Institutional Class

    31,729       18,207  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,700,924 )     (1,183,904 )

C-Class

    (51,290 )     (77,700 )

P-Class

    (76,692 )     (5,573 )

Institutional Class

    (569,408 )     (911,726 )

Net decrease in shares

    (703,113 )     (1,322,643 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 76

 

 

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.97     $ 13.46     $ 13.23     $ 13.12     $ 12.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .23       .23       .25       .26       .30  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.04 )     (2.44 )     .23       .11       .70  

Total from investment operations

    .19       (2.21 )     .48       .37       1.00  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.25 )     (.22 )     (.23 )     (.26 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

    (.14 )     (.06 )     (.02 )           (.04 )

Total distributions

    (.39 )     (.28 )     (.25 )     (.26 )     (.34 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.77     $ 10.97     $ 13.46     $ 13.23     $ 13.12  

 

Total Returnb

    1.67 %     (16.67 %)     3.67 %     2.85 %     8.13 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 28,909     $ 43,354     $ 63,359     $ 62,583     $ 42,512  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.06 %     1.84 %     1.82 %     1.95 %     2.31 %

Total expensesc

    1.20 %     1.18 %     1.17 %     1.21 %     1.34 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.78 %     0.79 %     0.80 %     0.81 %     0.81 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     14 %     22 %     58 %     30 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.96     $ 13.45     $ 13.22     $ 13.11     $ 12.45  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .15       .14       .15       .16       .21  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.04 )     (2.45 )     .23       .11       .69  

Total from investment operations

    .11       (2.31 )     .38       .27       .90  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.17 )     (.12 )     (.13 )     (.16 )     (.20 )

Net realized gains

    (.14 )     (.06 )     (.02 )           (.04 )

Total distributions

    (.31 )     (.18 )     (.15 )     (.16 )     (.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.76     $ 10.96     $ 13.45     $ 13.22     $ 13.11  

 

Total Returnb

    0.91 %     (17.23 %)     2.91 %     2.09 %     7.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 847     $ 1,063     $ 1,769     $ 2,177     $ 1,981  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.30 %     1.08 %     1.08 %     1.23 %     1.63 %

Total expensesc

    2.00 %     1.97 %     1.97 %     1.97 %     2.12 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.54 %     1.54 %     1.55 %     1.56 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     14 %     22 %     58 %     30 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.97     $ 13.45     $ 13.22     $ 13.13     $ 12.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .23       .23       .25       .26       .29  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.05 )     (2.43 )     .23       .09       .72  

Total from investment operations

    .18       (2.20 )     .48       .35       1.01  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.25 )     (.22 )     (.23 )     (.26 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

    (.14 )     (.06 )     (.02 )           (.04 )

Total distributions

    (.39 )     (.28 )     (.25 )     (.26 )     (.34 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.76     $ 10.97     $ 13.45     $ 13.22     $ 13.13  

 

Total Return

    1.58 %     (16.61 %)     3.67 %     2.69 %     8.20 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 114     $ 129     $ 220     $ 202     $ 207  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.04 %     1.81 %     1.83 %     1.96 %     2.25 %

Total expensesc

    1.51 %     1.47 %     1.38 %     1.40 %     1.55 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.78 %     0.79 %     0.80 %     0.81 %     0.81 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     14 %     22 %     58 %     30 %

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.97     $ 13.46     $ 13.23     $ 13.13     $ 12.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .26       .26       .28       .29       .33  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.03 )     (2.44 )     .24       .10       .71  

Total from investment operations

    .23       (2.18 )     .52       .39       1.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.29 )     (.25 )     (.27 )     (.29 )     (.33 )

Net realized gains

    (.14 )     (.06 )     (.02 )           (.04 )

Total distributions

    (.43 )     (.31 )     (.29 )     (.29 )     (.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.77     $ 10.97     $ 13.46     $ 13.23     $ 13.13  

 

Total Return

    1.93 %     (16.46 %)     3.93 %     3.03 %     8.48 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 10,826     $ 4,629     $ 12,772     $ 13,406     $ 13,970  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.30 %     2.04 %     2.08 %     2.23 %     2.59 %

Total expensesc

    0.96 %     0.98 %     0.96 %     1.00 %     1.08 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.53 %     0.54 %     0.55 %     0.56 %     0.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     14 %     22 %     58 %     30 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.00%*

0.02%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.01%

0.01%

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.00%*

0.01%

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.00%*

0.01%

0.00%*

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.77%

0.78%

0.79%

0.80%

0.80%

 

C-Class

1.53%

1.53%

1.54%

1.55%

1.55%

 

P-Class

0.77%

0.78%

0.79%

0.80%

0.80%

 

Institutional Class

0.52%

0.53%

0.54%

0.55%

0.55%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each Fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI” or the “Adviser”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds.

 

As of January 1, 2012, A-Class, C-Class and Institutional Class shares of High Yield Fund are subject to a 2% redemption fee when shares are redeemed or exchanged within 90 days of purchase.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund Name

Investment
Company Type

Diversified Income Fund

Diversified

High Yield Fund

Diversified

Core Bond Fund

Diversified

Municipal Income Fund

Diversified

 

Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”), which operate under the name Guggenheim Investments, provide advisory services. Security Investors, LLC (or the “Adviser”) provides advisory services to High Yield Fund, Core Bond Fund and Municipal Income Fund and GPIM (or the “Adviser”) provides advisory services to Diversified Income Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor of the Funds’ shares. GI and GFD are affiliated entities. GPIM, an affiliate of GI, serves as investment sub-advisor (the “Sub-Advisor”) to the Municipal Income Fund and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Pursuant to an investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Security Investors, LLC (“SI”) and Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC (“GPA”), that was in effect during a portion of the Reporting Period, GPA was engaged to provide investment subadvisory services to High Yield Fund, Core Bond Fund, and Municipal Income Fund. GPA operated as an investment sub-advisor to these Funds from April 29, 2022 to December 22, 2022.

 

GPA, under the oversight of the Board and SI, assisted SI in the supervision and direction of the investment strategies of High Yield Fund, Core Bond Fund, and Municipal Income Fund in accordance with their investment policies. As compensation for its services, SI paid GPA a fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.005% of the average daily net assets of High Yield Fund, Core Bond Fund, and Municipal Income Fund.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Funds operate as investment companies and, accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the share class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Funds with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Funds’ valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by pricing service providers, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

CLOs, CDOs, MBS, ABS, and other structured finance securities are generally valued using a pricing service provider.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by a pricing service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued using a price provided by a pricing service.

 

Futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

Interest rate swap agreements entered into by a fund are valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded.

 

Other swap agreements entered into by a fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a pricing service provider.

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedules of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Funds. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

Inflation-Indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these securities is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond however, interest will be paid based on a principal value which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is recognized as a component of Interest on the Fund’s Statements of Operations, even though principal is not received until maturity.

 

(c) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments

 

Senior floating rate interests in which the Trust invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Funds’ Schedules of Investments.

 

The Funds invest in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”). A portion of the Funds’ investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations (“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Funds may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Recently, many new or reissued obligations have not featured traditional covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Funds may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in (or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations. The Funds are subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to) obligations, including that obligations may not be considered

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

“securities” and, as a result, the Funds may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

(d) Interest on When-Issued Securities

 

The Funds may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Funds on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Funds actually take delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Funds will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, they may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

(e) Short Sales

 

When a Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Fund maintains a segregated account of cash and/or securities as collateral for short sales.

 

(f) Options

 

Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.

 

When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).

 

The Fund may purchase and write swaptions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of the Funds’ holdings, as a duration management technique or to protect against an increase in the price of securities it anticipates purchasing at a later date. The purchaser and writer of a swaption is buying or granting the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate swap agreement at any time before the expiration of the options. The swaptions are forward premium swaptions which have extended settlement dates.

 

(g) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(h) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(i) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(j) Foreign Taxes

 

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statements of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(k) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.

 

Certain Funds may receive other income from investments in senior loan interests including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received by the Funds and included in interest income on the Funds’ Statements of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included in realized gain on investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations at the end of the commitment period.

 

(l) Distributions

 

The Funds declare dividends from investment income daily, except for the Diversified Income Fund, which declares monthly. Each Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(m) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(n) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Funds may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Operations.

 

(o) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(p) Indemnifications

 

Under the Funds’ organizational documents, the Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and/or their affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

(q) Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

 

The Funds may acquire an interest in a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) in an initial public offering or a secondary market transaction. SPAC investments carry many of the same risks as investments in initial public offering securities, such as erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. An investment in a SPAC is typically subject to a higher risk of dilution by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC and interests in SPACs may be illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. SPAC investments are also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger and that the SPAC may have limited time in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets. Because SPACs are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Funds invest will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategies, the Funds may utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Options Purchased and Written

 

A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of call/put options purchased on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Core Bond Fund

Duration, Hedge, Income

  $ 165,333,333     $ 13,392,165  

 

The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of call/put options written on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Core Bond Fund

Income, Hedge

  $ 2,282     $ 28,657,500  

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Funds’ Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Core Bond Fund

Duration, Hedge

  $ 18,219,750     $  

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing OTC swaps, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a Fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Funds with another party for their respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of interest rate swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Pay Floating Rate

   

Receive Floating Rate

 

Core Bond Fund

Duration, Hedge, Income

  $ 116,800,000     $  

Municipal Income Fund

Duration, Hedge

    1,600,000       6,315,833  

 

Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. A fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of credit default swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Protection Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

Core Bond Fund

Index exposure, Hedge

  $     $ 18,283,333  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.

 

The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Funds may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Value

 

Fund

Use

 

Purchased

   

Sold

 

High Yield Fund

Hedge

  $ 49,868     $ 4,243,632  

Core Bond Fund

Hedge

    139,218       13,304,545  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Currency forward contracts

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

Credit default swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Interest rate option contracts

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value

Options written, at value

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total
Value at
September 30,
2023

 

High Yield Fund

  $     $       69,539     $     $     $ 69,539  

Core Bond Fund

                250,744       260,784             511,528  

Municipal Income Fund

    1,403,850                               1,403,850  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total
Value at
September 30,
2023

 

Core Bond Fund

  $ 5,932,735     $ 341,318           $     $ 487,166     $ 6,761,219  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives contracts as reported on the Schedules of Investments. For centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Interest rate futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

Currency forward contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Interest rate option contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options purchased

 

Net realized gain (loss) on options written

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written

Credit /Interest rate swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Funds’ Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total

 

High Yield Fund

  $     $     $     $     $     $ (252,159 )   $     $     $ (252,159 )

Core Bond Fund

    441,718       (2,949,536 )     (429,180 )     1,330,928       (2,469,939 )     (633,512 )           (1,070,824 )     (5,780,345 )

Municipal Income Fund

          1,202,369                                           1,202,369  
                                                                         

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total

 

High Yield Fund

  $     $     $     $     $     $ (70,079 )   $     $     $ (70,079 )

Core Bond Fund

          (220,795 )     (341,318 )     625,047       (3,337,691 )     41,478       (585,689 )     140,649       (3,678,319 )

Municipal Income Fund

          (514,901 )                                         (514,901 )

 

In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Funds use margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds as collateral.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Funds.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Funds to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Funds in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Funds attempt to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

High Yield Fund

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 69,539     $     $ 69,539     $     $     $ 69,539  

Core Bond Fund

Options purchased

    260,784             260,784       (89,338 )     (51,786 )     119,660  

Core Bond Fund

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    250,744             250,744       (165,205 )     (85,539 )      

 

                                   

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

 

Instrument

   

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Core Bond Fund

Options written

  $ 487,166     $     $ 487,166     $ (254,543 )   $     $ 232,623  

 

1

Exchange traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The Funds have the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Core Bond Fund

BofA Securities, Inc.

Credit default swap agreements

  $ 442,673     $  
 

BofA Securities, Inc.

Interest rate swap agreements

    470,370        
 

Goldman Sachs International

Options

          100,000  

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, Options

          100,652  

 

 

 

    913,043       200,652  

Municipal Income Fund

BofA Securities, Inc.

Interest rate swap agreements

    387,498        

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Funds’ investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Funds’ assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.

 

Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Funds’ assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Funds may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates. Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Funds pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at the annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Funds:

 

Fund

 

Management Fees
(as a % of Net Assets)

 

Diversified Income Fund

    0.75 %

High Yield Fund

    0.60 %

Core Bond Fund

    0.39 %

Municipal Income Fund

    0.50 %

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

The investment advisory contract for the Funds provide that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

Diversified Income Fund - A-Class

    1.30 %     01/29/16       02/01/25  

Diversified Income Fund - C-Class

    2.05 %     01/29/16       02/01/25  

Diversified Income Fund - P-Class

    1.30 %     01/29/16       02/01/25  

Diversified Income Fund - Institutional Class

    1.05 %     01/29/16       02/01/25  

High Yield Fund - A-Class

    1.16 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

High Yield Fund - C-Class

    1.91 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

High Yield Fund - P-Class

    1.16 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

High Yield Fund - Institutional Class

    0.91 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

High Yield Fund - R6-Class

    0.91 %     05/15/17       02/01/25  

Core Bond Fund - A-Class

    0.79 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Core Bond Fund - C-Class

    1.54 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Core Bond Fund - P-Class

    0.79 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Core Bond Fund - Institutional Class

    0.50 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Municipal Income Fund - A-Class

    0.80 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Municipal Income Fund - C-Class

    1.55 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

Municipal Income Fund - P-Class

    0.80 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Municipal Income Fund - Institutional Class

    0.55 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

Fund

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund
Total

 

Diversified Income Fund

                               

A-Class

  $ 8,022     $ 7,429     $ 6,440     $ 21,891  

C-Class

    5,885       13,460       5,060       24,405  

P-Class

    3,708       5,940       7,594       17,242  

Institutional Class

    164,958       140,525       130,966       436,449  

High Yield Fund

                               

A-Class

                7,986       7,986  

C-Class

          1,069       2,464       3,533  

P-Class

    1,534       5,764       1,432       8,730  

Institutional Class

          38,336       11,083       49,419  

R6-Class

          151       143       294  

Core Bond Fund

                               

A-Class

    98,028       35,811       66,528       200,367  

C-Class

    23,013       19,268       7,997       50,278  

P-Class

    82,001       114,700       56,610       253,311  

Institutional Class

    1,336,675       1,278,995       773,981       3,389,651  

Municipal Income Fund

                               

A-Class

    233,041       204,036       158,775       595,852  

C-Class

    7,997       6,810       4,657       19,464  

P-Class

    1,251       1,160       1,024       3,435  

Institutional Class

    57,993       39,988       37,249       135,230  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped amounts from the Funds as follows:

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 664  

High Yield Fund

    58,972  

Core Bond Fund

    38,127  

Municipal Income Fund

    1,765  

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing fund level without regard to any expense cap in effect for the investing fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 43,079  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Funds’ securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

At September 30, 2023, GI and its affiliates owned over twenty percent of the outstanding shares of the Funds, as follows:

 

Fund

Percent of Outstanding
Shares Owned

Diversified Income Fund

91%

 

Note 6 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

Each of the Funds may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds entered into reverse repurchase agreements:

 

Fund

 

Number of Days
Outstanding

   

Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Average Balance
Outstanding

   

Average
Interest Rate

 

High Yield Fund

    365     $ 1,479,698     $ 1,445,178       2.79 %

Core Bond Fund

    199       59,394,748       40,269,175       4.03 %

Municipal Income Fund

    2       *     1,087,500       3.60 %

 

*

As of September 30, 2023, the Municipal Income Fund had no open reverse repurchase agreements.

 

The following table presents reverse repurchase agreements that are subject to netting arrangements and offset in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

High Yield Fund

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

  $ 1,479,698     $     $ 1,479,698     ($ 1,479,698 )   $     $  

Core Bond Fund

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

    59,394,748             59,394,748       (59,394,748 )            

 

As of September 30, 2023, the High Yield Fund and Core Bond Fund had $1,479,698 and $59,394,748, respectively, in reverse repurchase agreements outstanding with various counterparties. Details of the reverse repurchase agreement by counterparty is as follows:

 

Fund

Counterparty

Interest Rate(s)

 

Maturity Date

   

Face Value

 

High Yield Fund

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

3.25%*

Open Maturity

  $ 1,479,698  

Core Bond Fund

Bank of Montreal

5.37%*

Open Maturity

  $ 39,182,846  

Core Bond Fund

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

5.37%*

Open Maturity

    16,997,605  

Core Bond Fund

RBC Capital Markets LLC

(0.50%)*

Open Maturity

    3,214,297  

 

 

 

 

  $ 59,394,748  

 

*

The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, subject to approval by the Adviser, and is not based upon a set reference rate and spread. Rate indicated is the rate effective as of September 30, 2023.

 

The following is a summary of the remaining contractual maturities of the reverse repurchase agreement outstanding as of year-end, as aggregated by asset class of the related collateral pledged by the Funds:

 

Fund

Asset Type

 

Overnight and
Continuous

   

Total

 

High Yield Fund

Corporate Bonds

  $ 1,479,698     $ 1,479,698  

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for reverse repurchase agreements

 

  $ 1,479,698     $ 1,479,698  

Core Bond Fund

U.S. Treasury Notes

  $ 56,180,451     $ 56,180,451  

 

Corporate Bonds

  $ 3,214,297     $ 3,214,297  

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for reverse repurchase agreements

 

  $ 59,394,748     $ 59,394,748  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 7 - Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Tax-Exempt
Income

   

Return of
Capital

   

Total
Distributions

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 667,521     $ 18,379     $     $     $ 685,900  

High Yield Fund

    11,332,804                   114,250       11,447,054  

Core Bond Fund

    56,067,246                         56,067,246  

Municipal Income Fund

    832,530             1,021,378             1,853,908  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Tax-Exempt
Income

   

Return of
Capital

   

Total
Distributions

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 291,747     $ 30,849     $     $     $ 322,596  

High Yield Fund

    13,484,967                   467,010       13,951,977  

Core Bond Fund

    49,456,388       13,626,451                   63,082,839  

Municipal Income Fund

          316,286       1,118,374             1,434,660  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 5,466     $     $ (712,499 )   $ (38,729 )   $ (23,277 )   $ (769,039 )

High Yield Fund

                (23,387,520 )     (30,675,979 )     (1,035,142 )     (55,098,641 )

Core Bond Fund

    3,887,176             (213,539,742 )     (113,575,802 )     (5,805,918 )     (329,034,286 )

Municipal Income Fund

    75,057 *           (8,263,004 )     (892,965 )     (88,569 )     (9,169,481 )

 

*

For Municipal Income Fund, the amount shown includes Undistributed Tax-Exempt Income of $75,057.

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

   

Total
Capital Loss

 

Fund

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Carryforward

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $     $ (38,729 )   $ (38,729 )

High Yield Fund

    (2,024,650 )     (28,633,270 )     (30,657,920 )

Core Bond Fund

    (51,378,194 )     (62,197,608 )     (113,575,802 )

Municipal Income Fund

          (892,965 )     (892,965 )

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in swap agreements, partnerships, real estate investment trusts, and CLO securities, foreign currency gains and losses, the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives, losses deferred due to wash sales, the deferral of qualified late-year losses, reclassification of distributions paid or dividends received, dividends payable, and the disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of bond premium/discount amortization, paydown reclasses, income accruals on certain investments, and the “mark-to-market” of certain investments denominated in foreign currencies. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

Core Bond Fund

  $ 230,503     $ (230,503 )

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 8,228,273     $ 163,628     $ (876,127 )   $ (712,499 )

High Yield Fund

    213,672,827       507,762       (23,891,257 )     (23,383,495 )

Core Bond Fund

    1,808,877,919             (213,533,891 )     (213,533,891 )

Municipal Income Fund

    49,793,966       1,541,737       (9,804,741 )     (8,263,004 )

 

Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds have elected to treat net capital losses and certain ordinary losses realized between November 1 and September 30 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. The Funds have also elected to treat certain ordinary losses realized between January 1 and September 30 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the following losses reflected in the accompanying financial statements were deferred for U.S. federal income tax purposes until October 1, 2023:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary

   

Capital

 

High Yield Fund

  $ (18,059 )   $  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 8 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 478,419     $ 507,991  

High Yield Fund

    56,095,691       54,050,834  

Core Bond Fund

    1,355,065,244       1,102,025,109  

Municipal Income Fund

    5,263,930       13,096,118  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Core Bond Fund

  $ 717,570,361     $ 444,878,832  

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds did not engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 9 – Unfunded Loan Commitments

 

Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, certain Funds held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023. The Funds are obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.

 

Fund

 

Borrower

   

Maturity Date

   

Face Amount

   

Value

 

High Yield Fund

    Wellsky       11/ 24/23     $ 421,000     $  
                                 

Core Bond Fund

    Lightning A       03/01/37       1,663,778        
      Thunderbird A       03/01/37       1,688,667        
                            $  

 

Note 10– Restricted Securities

 

The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:

 

Fund

Restricted Securities

 

Acquisition Date

   

Cost

   

Value

 

High Yield Fund

                       
 

Mirabela Nickel Ltd.

                       
 

9.50% due 06/24/192

    12/31/13     $ 252,369     $ 13,211  

Core Bond Fund

                         
 

Central Storage Safety Project Trust

                       
 

4.82% due 02/01/38

    03/20/18     $ 871,193     $ 711,207  
 

Copper River CLO Ltd.

                       
 

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/211

    05/09/14             70  
              $ 871,193     $ 711,277  

 

1

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

2

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

 

98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 11 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Funds’ Statements of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Funds did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 12 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Funds are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Funds in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Funds’ investments and performance of the Funds.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

Following the period covered by this report, the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund approved the liquidation of the Fund, effective on or about January 23, 2024. In connection with the liquidation, the Fund will close to new shareholders effective on or about December 22, 2023, and it will be closed to additional investments by existing shareholders on or about January 16, 2024. The Fund will deviate from its investment objective prior to the liquidation.

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund, Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund and Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund, Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund and Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (four of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (four of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, 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 their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents; when replies were not received from brokers or paying agents, we performed other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Funds’ investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Municipal Income Fund designates $1,021,378 as tax-exempt interest income according to IRC Section 852(b)(5)(A).

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See the qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

   

Qualified
Short-Term
Capital Gain

 

Diversified Income Fund

    7.56 %     1.98 %     46.50 %     100.00 %

High Yield Fund

    0.98 %     0.72 %     92.90 %     0.00 %

Core Bond Fund

    1.50 %     1.29 %     83.61 %     0.00 %

Municipal Income Fund

    0.00 %     0.00 %     14.85 %     100.00 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

Fund

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term capital
gain, using proceeds
from shareholder
redemptions:

 

Diversified Income Fund

  $ 18,379     $  

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds’ voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

 

102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund
(“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Core Bond Fund
(“Core Bond Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund
(“Diversified Income Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund
(“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

● Guggenheim High Yield Fund
(“High Yield Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund
(“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund
(“Limited Duration Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund
(“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1

● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund
(“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund
(“Municipal Income Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund
(“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund
(“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

● Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund
(“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund
(“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund
(“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund
(“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund
(“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund
(“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

 

Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007 (Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

114 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

116 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017, is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

 

118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

SBMCV-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

3

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

5

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

8

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

36

OTHER INFORMATION

38

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

52

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

62

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

66

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means investors could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. ● Investments in small- and/or mid-sized company securities may present additional risks such as less predictable earnings, higher volatility and less liquidity than larger, more established companies. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

Russell 2500® Value Index measures the performance of the small-to mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31,
2023

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

A-Class

1.16%

(1.08%)

$1,000.00

$989.20

$5.78

C-Class

2.02%

(1.49%)

1,000.00

985.10

10.05

P-Class

1.25%

(1.12%)

1,000.00

988.80

6.23

Institutional Class

0.90%

(0.98%)

1,000.00

990.20

4.49

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

A-Class

1.16%

5.00%

$1,000.00

$1,019.25

$5.87

C-Class

2.02%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.94

10.20

P-Class

1.25%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.80

6.33

Institutional Class

0.90%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,020.56

4.56

 

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Chris Phalen, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 12.65%1, outperforming the Russell 2500 Value Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 11.34% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

The market began the Reporting Period with steady strength, as a buoyant economy helped build expectations that a highly anticipated recession would be pushed further out and that perhaps the Fed could do the unthinkable and engineer a soft landing. Once the banking crisis hit in March, leadership in equities shifted away from the value area and growth stocks once again caught the market’s interest. As the year progressed, the continued strong jobs market accompanied by increasing fiscal deficits and treasury issuance caused a significant rise in interest rates. These events have begun to dampen stock performance, as equity returns for the broad market were lower in Q3. A flight to safety from growing geopolitical risks has yet to dampen the trend toward rising interest rates in the government debt market.

 

The Fund had a solid year as it outperformed its Benchmark by 131 basis points. The most significant positive contributor to the strategy was its overweighting in Industrials, where the Fund had an average weighing of 23% versus 18.6% for the Benchmark. This sector managed to gain more than 30% during the year. Infrastructure companies geared towards the reindustrialization of America provided some of the best gains, as Terex Corp. (+95%), EnerSys (+64%), Altra Industrial Motion Corp. (+83% on a takeover by Regal Rexnord Corp.) and H&E Equipment Services, Inc (+56%) all provided significant contributions.

 

Stock selection in Health Care was much better than the Benchmark (+2.8% versus a negative 5%). This provided the second-most meaningful boost for relative performance. Encompass Health Corp., which operates inpatient rehab facilities at hospitals, gained almost 50%. Favorable Medicare rate reimbursement in the Spring, coupled with solid earnings results that were driven by favorable volumes as well as expense benefits, led to several good earnings reports over the Reporting Period. A looser labor market coming off COVID allowed the company to save from

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

lower usage of contract labor. Integer Holdings Corp., a large contract manufacturer for medical device componentry, gained 26%. Earnings during the year were largely favorable, as supply chain issues began to subside, aiding margins and boosting sales. Relative to other subindustries in Health Care, these two names represent situations that avoid the funding issues that higher interest rates pose for many small cap biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and they also sidestep the fear among companies in the space that diet drugs could potentially reduce demand.

 

Stock selection in Consumer Staples was the third-most significant relative performance contributor, as the +25% return in the sector easily outpaced the 12% gain in the Benchmark. Bunge Ltd. gained 34%. The company’s business benefitted from high demand for biodiesel/ethanol that helped margins and volume of processed soybeans throughout the year. The market also reacted favorably to the company’s merger with Viterra.

 

On the negative side, stock selection in Financials was the largest drawback, as the Fund lost 134 basis points from its position in SVB Financial. For the Financials sector as a whole, performance was a negative 6.3% versus a positive 0.5% in the Benchmark. The unprecedented collapse of SVB Financial Group was unique in the speed with which it occurred and the fact that its failure did not produce many credit-related issues. The other bank holdings in the strategy outperformed the Benchmark, alleviating the damage that selection posed to the strategy from the banking industry.

 

The second-largest headwind for performance during the Reporting Period was a significant underweight in the Consumer Discretionary sector. This sector gained 21.8%, and the Fund had an average weighting of 3.8% versus 11.5% for the Benchmark. We have been concerned about the impact higher rates would have on spending, and the headwinds diminishing stimulus funds would create for aggregate demand. Most companies in the sector continue to have high margins, which should contract in the quarters ahead; we moved our weighting lower as the year progressed.

 

The third most significant detractor to performance was in Energy stock selection. The Fund’s holdings in this sector gained 18% versus 26.3% for the Benchmark. Essentially, the Fund lacked exposure to the higher-beta energy service and drilling industries that performed the best. Additionally, a large weighting in Pioneer Natural Resources Co. detracted from return, as this position only gained 14%, while smaller, more operationally levered exploration and production companies performed better. An above-average weighting to this sector, however, served to completely offset the selection headwind; overall, Energy was neutral to relative performance.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

In many ways, the environment is similar to last year. The geopolitical outlook seems to have become less favorable, and the Fed, while still hawkish, is much later in the game of fighting inflation. However, it remains unclear how long “higher for longer” will really be. Reversing several decades of shifting production from low-cost Asian countries to higher-cost locations closer to

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

end markets could provide many years of stubbornly high inflation that may serve to restrain equity appreciation. The murkiness of the economic outlook has not improved, yet equity prices are higher.

 

At the beginning of the Reporting Period, our three largest active weights were in Industrials (+561 basis points), Materials (+422 basis points) and Consumer Staples (+303 basis points). At the end of the Reporting Period, they were in Materials (+419 basis points), Energy (+349 basis points) and Industrials (+280 basis points).

 

At the beginning of the Reporting Period, our largest underweights were in Consumer Discretionary (-533 basis points), Financials (-381 basis points) and Real Estate (-374 basis points). At the end of the Reporting Period, they were in Consumer Discretionary (-957 basis points), Real Estate (-528 basis points) and Financials (-246 basis points). So, while there is not much change in leadership, we have boosted exposure to the sectors that we like and lessened exposure to those we don’t. Cash at the end of the Reporting Period was less than 1%.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 1, 1997

C-Class

January 29, 1999

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

January 3, 2020

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

3.7%

Unum Group

2.8%

Ingredion, Inc.

2.4%

Bunge Ltd.

2.3%

Kirby Corp.

2.1%

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

2.0%

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

2.0%

Markel Group, Inc.

2.0%

Encompass Health Corp.

1.8%

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

1.7%

Top Ten Total

22.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

12.65%

5.56%

7.05%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

7.32%

4.53%

6.53%

C-Class Shares

11.67%

4.68%

6.20%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

10.67%

4.68%

6.20%

Institutional Class Shares1

12.91%

5.87%

7.38%

Russell 2500 Value Index

11.34%

3.99%

6.95%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

12.57%

5.48%

7.35%

Russell 2500 Value Index

11.34%

3.99%

6.09%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2500 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to difference in fee structures.

1

The Institutional Class shares commenced operations on January 3, 2020 in connection with the reorganization of the SMid Cap Value Institutional Fund. The performance of the Institutional Class shares of the Fund for periods prior to January 3, 2020 reflects the performance of the Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Institutional Fund. The returns for the SMid Cap Value Institutional Fund have not been restated to reflect the fees and expenses applicable to the Institutional Class shares of the Fund. The SMid Cap Value Institutional Fund commenced operations on July 11, 2008.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.1%

                 

Industrial - 24.7%

Kirby Corp.*

    90,242     $ 7,472,038  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    37,616       7,358,818  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    279,720       6,232,162  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    99,408       4,985,311  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    11,570       4,727,271  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    161,297       4,475,992  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    42,919       4,425,807  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    141,380       4,402,573  

Johnson Controls International plc

    76,754       4,084,080  

Arcosa, Inc.

    55,422       3,984,842  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    96,209       3,568,392  

Coherent Corp.*

    106,220       3,467,021  

Terex Corp.

    56,576       3,259,909  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    160,895       3,150,324  

Daseke, Inc.*

    576,933       2,959,666  

Esab Corp.

    41,571       2,919,116  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    174,887       2,715,995  

EnerSys

    26,876       2,544,351  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    9,911       2,451,188  

AZEK Company, Inc.*

    73,980       2,200,165  

Plexus Corp.*

    22,485       2,090,655  

Sonoco Products Co.

    34,129       1,854,911  

GATX Corp.

    16,707       1,818,223  

Stoneridge, Inc.*

    82,637       1,658,525  

NVE Corp.

    11,642       956,274  

Total Industrial

            89,763,609  
                 

Financial - 20.7%

Unum Group

    205,355       10,101,412  

Markel Group, Inc.*

    4,955       7,296,188  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    108,788       5,937,649  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    82,644       5,077,647  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    83,797       4,935,643  

Old Republic International Corp.

    178,191       4,800,466  

First Merchants Corp.

    169,562       4,717,215  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    122,785       4,497,615  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    269,332       3,283,157  

First American Financial Corp.

    57,283       3,235,917  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    191,498       2,937,579  

Sun Communities, Inc. REIT

    24,554       2,905,720  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    27,079       2,710,608  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    61,227       2,579,494  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    49,893       2,185,313  

UMB Financial Corp.

    34,410       2,135,140  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. REIT

    46,248       2,106,597  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    61,975       1,722,905  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    49,223       1,358,063  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*

    6,026       850,751  

Total Financial

            75,375,079  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.1%

Ingredion, Inc.

    87,551       8,615,018  

Bunge Ltd.

    77,683       8,409,185  

Encompass Health Corp.

    96,089       6,453,337  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    66,598       5,286,549  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    53,596     $ 4,203,534  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    100,456       4,027,281  

Enovis Corp.*

    63,654       3,356,476  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    37,516       2,785,563  

ICF International, Inc.

    19,374       2,340,573  

LivaNova plc*

    39,390       2,082,943  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    15,093       1,839,233  

Azenta, Inc.*

    33,889       1,700,889  

Certara, Inc.*

    109,254       1,588,553  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    7,906       1,023,353  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    101,303       975,548  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    54,688,035  
                 

Energy - 9.7%

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    58,145       13,347,185  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    40,485       6,270,317  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    98,302       4,457,996  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

    165,250       3,060,430  

Equities Corp.

    73,308       2,974,838  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    112,598       1,866,875  

Range Resources Corp.

    56,484       1,830,646  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    116,563       1,613,231  

HydroGen Corp.*,†††,1

    1,265,700       2  

Total Energy

            35,421,520  
                 

Technology - 8.1%

Teradyne, Inc.

    59,776       6,005,097  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A*

    213,537       5,814,613  

Science Applications International Corp.

    54,403       5,741,693  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    45,214       4,166,922  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    50,130       4,089,605  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    433,833       1,687,610  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    11,320       1,311,875  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    19,914       758,723  

Total Technology

            29,576,138  
                 

Basic Materials - 7.3%

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    22,854       5,993,004  

Huntsman Corp.

    189,411       4,621,628  

Westlake Corp.

    36,815       4,589,726  

Nucor Corp.

    24,912       3,894,991  

Avient Corp.

    109,330       3,861,536  

Ashland, Inc.

    41,548       3,393,641  

Total Basic Materials

            26,354,526  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 6.0%

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    75,691       7,429,072  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    105,031       4,536,289  

Whirlpool Corp.

    28,650       3,830,505  

Lear Corp.

    14,734       1,977,303  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    68,189       1,558,118  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    141,095       1,274,088  

Lakeland Industries, Inc.

    82,219       1,239,040  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    21,844,415  
                 

Utilities - 5.6%

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    84,650       6,237,012  

OGE Energy Corp.

    186,889       6,229,011  

Evergy, Inc.

    100,936       5,117,455  

Black Hills Corp.

    52,292       2,645,452  

Total Utilities

            20,228,930  
                 

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Communications - 1.9%

Fox Corp. — Class B

    126,041     $ 3,640,064  

Ciena Corp.*

    47,396       2,239,935  

Luna Innovations, Inc.*

    148,908       872,601  

Total Communications

            6,752,600  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $317,740,239)

            360,004,852  
                 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS††† - 0.0%

Industrial - 0.0%

Thermoenergy Corp.*,2

    1,652,084       5  
                 

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $1,577,635)

            5  
                 

RIGHTS - 0.1%

Basic Materials - 0.1%

Pan American Silver Corp.

    516,551       276,355  

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

            276,355  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.9%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%3

    3,277,134       3,277,134  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $3,277,134)

            3,277,134  
                 

Total Investments - 100.1%

       

(Cost $322,595,008)

  $ 363,558,346  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)%

    (194,708 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 363,363,638  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) — Stock issued by a company in the secondary market as a means of raising capital more quickly and less expensively than through registration of a secondary public offering.

3

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 360,004,850     $     $ 2     $ 360,004,852  

Rights

    276,355                   276,355  

Money Market Fund

    3,277,134                   3,277,134  

Convertible Preferred Stocks

                5       5  

Total Assets

  $ 363,558,339     $     $ 7     $ 363,558,346  

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments, result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

 

Common Stocks

                                                       

HydroGen Corp.*

  $ 2     $     $     $     $     $ 2       1,265,700  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $322,592,477)

  $ 363,558,344  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,531)

    2  

Cash

    8,943  

Prepaid expenses

    26,482  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    3,576,772  

Dividends

    471,071  

Fund shares sold

    28,689  

Interest

    16,550  

Foreign tax reclaims

    302  

Total assets

    367,687,155  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    3,439,960  

Fund shares redeemed

    532,857  

Management fees

    210,673  

Distribution and service fees

    62,502  

Transfer agent fees

    24,383  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    6,750  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,202  

Due to Investment Adviser

    103  

Miscellaneous

    45,087  

Total liabilities

    4,323,517  

Net assets

  $ 363,363,638  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

    310,948,816  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    52,414,822  

Net assets

  $ 363,363,638  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 273,173,335  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,853,728  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.78  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 36.51  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,205,261  

Capital shares outstanding

    199,312  

Net asset value per share

  $ 21.10  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,306,066  

Capital shares outstanding

    153,977  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.46  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 80,678,976  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,961,332  

Net asset value per share

  $ 8.10  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 8,249,663  

Interest from securities of unaffiliated issuers

    302,690  

Total investment income

    8,552,353  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    2,917,656  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    726,214  

C-Class

    49,840  

P-Class

    14,795  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    292,070  

C-Class

    10,280  

P-Class

    9,684  

Institutional Class

    75,490  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    167,998  

Professional fees

    66,853  

Trustees’ fees*

    17,861  

Line of credit fees

    12,977  

Custodian fees

    8,328  

Miscellaneous

    114,551  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    11,105  

C-Class

    2,027  

P-Class

    302  

Institutional Class

    35,535  

Total expenses

    4,533,566  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (59,194 )

C-Class

    (2,172 )

P-Class

    (104 )

Institutional Class

    (1,842 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (121,236 )

Earnings credits applied

    (572 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (185,120 )

Net expenses

    4,348,446  

Net investment income

    4,203,907  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    12,000,716  

Net realized gain

    12,000,716  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    29,280,726  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    29,280,726  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    41,281,442  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 45,485,349  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 4,203,907     $ 4,089,634  

Net realized gain on investments

    12,000,716       35,337,758  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    29,280,726       (69,238,366 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    45,485,349       (29,810,974 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (15,287,730 )     (21,330,395 )

C-Class

    (400,511 )     (847,652 )

P-Class

    (319,757 )     (452,599 )

Institutional Class

    (17,898,014 )     (20,988,300 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (33,906,012 )     (43,618,946 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    9,197,883       11,484,211  

C-Class

    485,848       480,284  

P-Class

    151,281       1,019,491  

Institutional Class

    21,824,839       19,826,586  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    14,853,499       20,707,053  

C-Class

    379,175       813,998  

P-Class

    319,757       452,599  

Institutional Class

    13,919,483       16,362,390  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (32,127,530 )     (41,110,959 )

C-Class

    (2,161,822 )     (4,830,625 )

P-Class

    (1,145,194 )     (1,852,112 )

Institutional Class

    (29,487,889 )     (23,566,323 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (3,790,670 )     (213,407 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    7,788,667       (73,643,327 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    355,574,971       429,218,298  

End of year

  $ 363,363,638     $ 355,574,971  
                 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    253,740       307,454  

C-Class

    22,243       19,865  

P-Class

    4,170       27,573  

Institutional Class

    2,544,475       1,899,357  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    428,425       569,188  

C-Class

    17,903       35,484  

P-Class

    9,303       12,544  

Institutional Class

    1,726,983       1,634,604  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (898,347 )     (1,104,633 )

C-Class

    (98,361 )     (200,888 )

P-Class

    (32,403 )     (50,585 )

Institutional Class

    (3,417,401 )     (2,235,401 )

Net increase in shares

    560,730       914,562  

 

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.58     $ 38.00     $ 26.27     $ 30.52     $ 36.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .37       .36       .19       .46       .22  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.75       (3.16 )     11.54       (3.37 )     (1.89 )

Total from investment operations

    4.12       (2.80 )     11.73       (2.91 )     (1.67 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.22 )     (.10 )           (.26 )     (.03 )

Net realized gains

    (1.70 )     (2.52 )           (1.04 )     (3.98 )

Return of capital

                      (.04 )      

Total distributions

    (1.92 )     (2.62 )           (1.34 )     (4.01 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.78     $ 32.58     $ 38.00     $ 26.27     $ 30.52  

 

Total Returnb

    12.65 %     (8.08 %)     44.65 %     (10.25 %)     (2.51 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 273,173     $ 262,943     $ 315,323     $ 243,072     $ 335,806  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.05 %     0.96 %     0.53 %     1.64 %     0.72 %

Total expensesc

    1.20 %     1.19 %     1.20 %     1.25 %     1.23 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.15 %     1.18 %     1.19 %     1.24 %     1.23 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     39 %     34 %     41 %     45 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.41     $ 24.85     $ 17.32     $ 20.48     $ 26.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .04       .01       (.06 )     .16       (.02 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    2.35       (1.93 )     7.59       (2.22 )     (1.57 )

Total from investment operations

    2.39       (1.92 )     7.53       (2.06 )     (1.59 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.03 )      

Net realized gains

    (1.70 )     (2.52 )           (1.04 )     (3.98 )

Return of capital

                      (.03 )      

Total distributions

    (1.70 )     (2.52 )           (1.10 )     (3.98 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.10     $ 20.41     $ 24.85     $ 17.32     $ 20.48  

 

Total Returnb

    11.67 %     (8.85 %)     43.48 %     (10.95 %)     (3.35 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,205     $ 5,256     $ 10,015     $ 14,276     $ 31,221  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.18 %     0.04 %     (0.27 %)     0.86 %     (0.11 %)

Total expensesc

    2.10 %     2.09 %     2.05 %     2.14 %     2.07 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    2.02 %     2.02 %     2.02 %     2.07 %     2.06 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     39 %     34 %     41 %     45 %

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.30     $ 37.67     $ 26.06     $ 30.25     $ 35.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .34       .33       .15       .46       .19  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.71       (3.12 )     11.46       (3.37 )     (1.88 )

Total from investment operations

    4.05       (2.79 )     11.61       (2.91 )     (1.69 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.19 )     (.06 )           (.20 )     (.02 )

Net realized gains

    (1.70 )     (2.52 )           (1.04 )     (3.98 )

Return of capital

                      (.04 )      

Total distributions

    (1.89 )     (2.58 )           (1.28 )     (4.00 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.46     $ 32.30     $ 37.67     $ 26.06     $ 30.25  

 

Total Return

    12.57 %     (8.16 %)     44.55 %     (10.30 %)     (2.61 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,306     $ 5,584     $ 6,907     $ 7,662     $ 14,165  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.96 %     0.90 %     0.43 %     1.64 %     0.63 %

Total expensesc

    1.27 %     1.30 %     1.32 %     1.33 %     1.35 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.24 %     1.26 %     1.28 %     1.31 %     1.32 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     39 %     34 %     41 %     45 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Period
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.98     $ 12.42     $ 8.57     $ 10.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .11       .12       .08       .11  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.04       (.82 )     3.77       (1.74 )

Total from investment operations

    1.15       (.70 )     3.85       (1.63 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.33 )     (.22 )            

Net realized gains

    (1.70 )     (2.52 )            

Total distributions

    (2.03 )     (2.74 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.10     $ 8.98     $ 12.42     $ 8.57  

 

Total Return

    12.91 %     (7.93 %)     44.92 %     (15.98 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 80,679     $ 81,792     $ 96,973     $ 60,783  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.26 %     1.14 %     0.70 %     1.87 %

Total expensesc

    0.98 %     1.03 %     1.06 %     1.09 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.94 %     1.01 %     1.02 %     1.03 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     39 %     34 %     41 %

 

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

SMID CAP VALUE FUND

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.00%*

0.01%

0.00%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.04%

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.01%

 

P-Class

0.01%

0.02%

0.07%

0.01%

0.04%

 

Institutional Class

0.04%

0.00%*

0.00%

0.00%*,g

N/A

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

1.15%

1.18%

1.19%

1.24%

1.23%

 

C-Class

2.02%

2.02%

2.01%

2.07%

2.06%

 

P-Class

1.23%

1.25%

1.28%

1.30%

1.32%

 

Institutional Class

0.94%

1.01%

1.02%

1.03%g

N/A

 

g

Since commencement of operations: January 3, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI” or the “Adviser”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the SMid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Security Investors, LLC which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI” or the “Adviser”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor of the Fund’s shares. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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.

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the share class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

(b) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(c) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(d) Distributions

 

Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(e) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(f) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

 

(g) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(h) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

Limit

Effective Date

Contract End Date

A-Class

1.30%1

01/03/20

02/01/25

C-Class

2.05%1

01/03/20

02/01/25

P-Class

1.30%1

01/03/20

02/01/25

Institutional Class

1.05% 

01/03/20

02/01/25

 

1

Prior to January 3, 2020, the expense limit for A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares of the Fund was 1.42%, 2.12% and

1.32%, respectively.

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment are presented in the following table:

 

Fund

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund
Total

 

A-Class

  $     $ 380     $ 59,194     $ 59,574  

C-Class

    4,260       4,648       2,172       11,080  

P-Class

    2,971       2,276       104       5,351  

Institutional Class

    17,378       17,866       1,842       37,086  

 

During the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped $48,969 from the Fund.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 3 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 5,582,517     $ 28,323,495     $ 33,906,012  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 14,921,805     $ 28,697,141     $ 43,618,946  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 
    $ 2,717,162     $ 8,857,857     $ 40,839,803     $     $ 52,414,822  

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to losses deferred due to wash sales, reclassification of distributions, and distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

 

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 
    $ 2,911,897     $ (2,911,897 )

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 322,718,543     $ 67,489,581     $ (26,649,778 )   $ 40,839,803  

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements.

 

The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 107,867,915     $ 132,206,442  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 6 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. The Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of its allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 7 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 8 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers;

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See the qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

 

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

   

Qualified
Short-Term
Capital Gain

 
      100.00 %     100.00 %     1.58 %     100.00 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

 

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term capital
gain, using proceeds from
shareholder redemptions:

 
    $ 28,323,495     $ 2,911,871  

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim High Yield Fund
(“High Yield Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Core Bond Fund
(“Core Bond Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1

 

● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”)*

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Independent Trustees:

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Independent Trustees - continued

     

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Independent Trustees - continued

     

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Independent Trustees - continued

     

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Independent Trustees - continued

     

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Independent Trustees - concluded

     

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

Interested Trustee:

   

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

 

Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007
(Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Officers

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

CSF-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

3

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

4

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

6

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

19

OTHER INFORMATION

20

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

26

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

32

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

35

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Fund”). The report covers the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

Concinnity Advisors, LP, serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”).

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

Capital Stewardship Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ●An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means an investor could lose money ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value ● The Fund is subject to risk that stocks in which the Fund invests may underperform the equity markets as a whole ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

                               
      1.00 %     1.64 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,016.40     $ 5.05  

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

                               
      1.00 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.05     $ 5.06  

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invest.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Fund”). Concinnity Advisors, LP serves as the Fund’s unaffiliated sub-adviser. The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Peter Derby, Portfolio Manager at Concinnity. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund Institutional Class returned 14.62%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 21.62% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund underperformed its Benchmark by 7 percentage points. The contribution from sector allocation effect and security selection effect were 0.06% and -5.92%, respectively.

 

Across the 11 S&P sectors, relatively speaking, the Industrials sector detracted 2.09%. The Real Estate sector contributed 0.65%.

 

The top individual contributors to return were Microsoft Corp., Apple, Inc., and Alphabet, Inc. - Class A. The top individual detractors were Dollar General Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., and Pfizer, Inc.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

As of end of the Reporting Period, the Fund was fully invested, with less than 1% in cash or cash equivalents. Relative to its Benchmark, the Fund was overweight in the Information Technology sector and Industrials sector by 7.0% and 4.4%, respectively. The Fund was underweight in the Consumer Staples and the Communication Services sectors by 4.6% and 4.4%, respectively.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Inception Date: September 26, 2014

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Apple, Inc.

5.8%

Microsoft Corp.

5.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.

2.8%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

2.8%

Home Depot, Inc.

2.6%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

2.1%

Valero Energy Corp.

2.0%

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

1.9%

Lockheed Martin Corp.

1.9%

Texas Instruments, Inc.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

29.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/26/14)

Capital Stewardship Fund

14.62%

7.23%

8.48%

S&P 500 Index

21.62%

9.92%

11.00%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Technology - 26.9%

Apple, Inc.

    62,141     $ 10,639,161  

Microsoft Corp.

    32,170       10,157,678  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    21,182       3,368,150  

NVIDIA Corp.

    7,462       3,245,895  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    20,803       2,310,381  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    11,356       1,572,238  

KLA Corp.

    3,098       1,420,929  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    51,152       1,392,869  

NetApp, Inc.

    18,290       1,387,845  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    17,194       1,169,708  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    4,888       1,145,258  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    16,855       1,141,758  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    1,945       1,087,177  

Dell Technologies, Inc. — Class C

    14,677       1,011,245  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    4,404       946,199  

Lam Research Corp.

    1,488       932,634  

VMware, Inc. — Class A*

    5,596       931,622  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,103       916,130  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    1,769       871,233  

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A*

    5,508       841,457  

Intuit, Inc.

    977       499,188  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    6,427       449,504  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    2,703       287,978  

HP, Inc.

    10,813       277,894  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    1,288       266,500  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    1,292       261,992  

Adobe, Inc.*

    500       254,950  

Playtika Holding Corp.*

    24,998       240,731  

Total Technology

            49,028,304  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 16.4%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    7,742       3,903,439  

Humana, Inc.

    5,040       2,452,061  

McKesson Corp.

    5,385       2,341,667  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    19,574       2,015,143  

Amgen, Inc.

    6,768       1,818,968  

Pfizer, Inc.

    54,049       1,792,805  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    28,640       1,662,266  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    21,971       1,646,507  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    6,273       1,543,032  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    5,772       1,303,722  

Biogen, Inc.*

    5,027       1,291,989  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    13,197       995,318  

AbbVie, Inc.

    6,257       932,669  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,390       831,098  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    12,987       759,220  

Block, Inc. — Class A*

    15,644       692,403  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    4,709       686,855  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    1,542       671,418  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    9,334       663,741  

General Mills, Inc.

    7,720       494,003  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    832     446,892  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    725       366,973  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    368       302,849  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    2,221       270,651  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            29,885,689  
                 

Industrial - 14.4%

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    15,344       3,533,877  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    8,299       3,393,959  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    24,087       2,761,093  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    12,534       1,953,675  

Deere & Co.

    5,176       1,953,319  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    22,910       1,924,211  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    13,805       1,826,540  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    6,303       1,720,719  

Jabil, Inc.

    11,835       1,501,743  

Avnet, Inc.

    20,191       973,004  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    8,814       880,166  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    10,046       865,262  

Waste Management, Inc.

    5,627       857,780  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    4,541       838,904  

General Dynamics Corp.

    2,497       551,762  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    403       446,552  

Union Pacific Corp.

    1,364       277,751  

Total Industrial

            26,260,317  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 13.0%

Home Depot, Inc.

    15,748       4,758,416  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    35,520       2,630,256  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    3,527       2,440,120  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    10,464       2,174,838  

Cummins, Inc.

    8,873       2,027,125  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    4,854       1,938,930  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    42,171       1,702,443  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    11,195       1,398,703  

Lear Corp.

    6,025       808,555  

Walmart, Inc.

    4,960       793,253  

Tesla, Inc.*

    3,145       786,942  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    5,186       785,160  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    4,609       716,238  

Gentex Corp.

    17,703       576,056  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    599       176,903  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            23,713,938  
                 

Communications - 12.2%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    40,703       5,174,165  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    38,811       5,078,808  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    34,933       1,877,998  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    7,078       1,433,507  

F5, Inc.*

    8,734       1,407,397  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    5,147       1,401,219  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    4,368       1,311,317  

eBay, Inc.

    25,487       1,123,722  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    2,539       1,110,203  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    33,027       892,720  

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A*

    11,398     $ 848,923  

TELUS Corp.

    42,095       687,833  

Total Communications

            22,347,812  
                 

Energy - 7.9%

Valero Energy Corp.

    25,133       3,561,598  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    24,776       2,913,162  

Phillips 66

    20,908       2,512,096  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    11,555       1,917,668  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    14,104       1,787,823  

Chevron Corp.

    9,913       1,671,530  

Total Energy

            14,363,877  
                 

Financial - 7.2%

Capital One Financial Corp.

    22,289       2,163,148  

Citigroup, Inc.

    37,970       1,561,706  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    20,446       1,449,826  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    7,216       1,178,445  

Discover Financial Services

    13,030       1,128,789  

Progressive Corp.

    6,819       949,887  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    14,731       887,690  

Bank of Montreal

    9,826       829,019  

Synchrony Financial

    24,272       741,995  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    1,830       724,515  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    2,458       565,365  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,595       376,327  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    998       189,919  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    1,605       168,316  

American Express Co.

    1,090       162,617  

Total Financial

            13,077,564  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.6%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    7,265     778,953  

Ecolab, Inc.

    4,563       772,972  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    2,632       690,189  

Nucor Corp.

    4,044       632,280  

Total Basic Materials

            2,874,394  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $173,142,647)

            181,551,895  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 0.8%

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

    3,375       1,442,745  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $1,462,073)

            1,442,745  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.2%

Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%1

    317,001       317,001  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $317,001)

            317,001  
                 

Total Investments - 100.6%

       

(Cost $174,921,721)

  $ 183,311,641  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.6)%

    (1,013,091 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 182,298,550  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 181,551,895     $     $     $ 181,551,895  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1,442,745                   1,442,745  

Money Market Fund

    317,001                   317,001  

Total Assets

  $ 183,311,641     $     $     $ 183,311,641  

 

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $174,921,721)

  $ 183,311,641  

Prepaid expenses

    9,877  

Receivables:

Dividends

    102,326  

Foreign tax reclaims

    22,165  

Interest

    1,668  

Total assets

    183,447,677  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    8,456  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    960,364  

Management fees

    138,677  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    10,503  

Transfer agent fees/maintenance fees

    2,067  

Trustees’ fees*

    582  

Miscellaneous

    28,478  

Total liabilities

    1,149,127  

Net assets

  $ 182,298,550  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 174,592,849  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    7,705,701  

Net assets

  $ 182,298,550  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 182,298,550  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,666,529  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.35  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $29,015)

  $ 3,256,087  

Interest

    21,490  

Total investment income

    3,277,577  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,653,704  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    25,004  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    84,121  

Professional fees

    45,102  

Trustees’ fees*

    13,538  

Custodian fees

    12,501  

Miscellaneous

    14,631  

Total expenses

    1,848,601  

Less:

       

Earnings credits applied

    (3,111 )

Net expenses

    1,845,490  

Net investment income

    1,432,087  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    512,684  

Net realized gain

    512,684  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    22,342,898  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    22,342,898  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    22,855,582  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 24,287,669  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,432,087     $ 1,870,301  

Net realized gain on investments

    512,684       3,056,329  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    22,342,898       (35,592,196 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    24,287,669       (30,665,566 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders

    (291,687 )     (54,426,863 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

          106,639,651  

Distributions reinvested

    289,248       54,379,479  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (8,455,439 )     (135,570,764 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (8,166,191 )     25,448,366  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    15,829,791       (59,644,063 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    166,468,759       226,112,822  

End of year

  $ 182,298,550     $ 166,468,759  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

          3,780,096  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

    10,990       1,772,473  

Shares redeemed

    (311,973 )     (4,747,908 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (300,983 )     804,661  

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.89     $ 36.69     $ 31.08     $ 28.23     $ 31.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .21       .27       .25       .28       .33  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    3.29       (4.05 )     7.28       3.43       .05  

Total from investment operations

    3.50       (3.78 )     7.53       3.71       .38  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.04 )     (.18 )     (.28 )     (.39 )     (.32 )

Net realized gains

          (8.84 )     (1.64 )     (.47 )     (3.06 )

Total distributions

    (.04 )     (9.02 )     (1.92 )     (.86 )     (3.38 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.35     $ 23.89     $ 36.69     $ 31.08     $ 28.23  

 

Total Return

    14.62 %     (15.74 %)     25.11 %     13.31 %     3.56 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 182,299     $ 166,469     $ 226,113     $ 206,751     $ 210,053  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.78 %     0.90 %     0.70 %     0.96 %     1.23 %

Total expensesb

    1.01 %     1.02 %     1.02 %     1.04 %     1.05 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    164 %     162 %     154 %     147 %     131 %

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization, and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or “the Adviser”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments, provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Concinnity Advisors, LP (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the subadviser to the Fund.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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 following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

(b) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(c) Distributions

 

Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(d) Expenses

 

Certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(e) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

 

(f) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(g) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 2 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 3 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 291,687     $     $ 291,687  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 38,843,524     $ 15,583,339     $ 54,426,863  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 
    $ 1,432,087     $     $ 6,924,764     $ (651,150 )   $ 7,705,701  

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

 

            Unlimited        

 

 

       

Short Term

   

Long Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 
        $ (651,150 )   $   $ (651,150)

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to losses deferred due to wash sales and distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

 

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 
    $ 58,096     $ (58,096 )

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 176,386,877     $ 13,969,457     $ (7,044,693 )   $ 6,924,764  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 300,984,785     $ 307,776,017  

 

Note 6 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 7 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.    

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentage qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1). See the qualified interest income column in the table below.

 

 

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

 
      100.00 %     100.00 %     1.40 %

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”) on behalf of Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund” or the “Fund”), a series of the Trust, and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Concinnity Advisors, LP (“Concinnity” or the “Sub-Adviser”) and GPIM on behalf of the Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Investment Advisory Agreement,” the “Agreements”).

 

GPIM, is an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm(“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to collectively as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes GPIM, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Fund, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE report, noting that the peer group identified by FUSE included 11 other large blend funds with similar pricing characteristics.

 

In addition, Guggenheim and Concinnity provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”).

 

The Committee considered the circumstances unique to Capital Stewardship Fund, including its organizational history. In this connection, the assets of Guggenheim Concinnity Master Strategy Fund SPC, a Cayman Islands exempted segregated portfolio company which relied on the exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” provided by Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Predecessor Fund”), and for which GPIM served as investment adviser and Concinnity served as investment sub-adviser, were reorganized with and into Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Reorganization”). The Predecessor Fund was a master fund in a set of unregistered

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

offshore and domestic master-feeder funds (collectively, the “Private Funds”), which had certain bank investors. The investors issued notes that provided coupon payments based on the after-tax return of the Private Funds and the notes, in turn, were held by a single holder affiliated with Guggenheim. The Reorganization enabled the bank investors and the noteholder to continue to benefit from the strategies previously offered by the Private Funds by converting the Predecessor Fund into a registered investment company structure that pursues the same investment strategies, because Capital Stewardship Fund’s investment objective and strategies are, in all material respects, the same as those of the Predecessor Fund. The Board had authorized the launch of Capital Stewardship Fund on the condition that it not be offered to other investors unless and until such time as the Board determines to permit additional sales. The Committee considered the foregoing and the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of the Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the Agreements for the Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee noted that the Adviser delegated certain, but not all, portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser. Unlike many traditional sub-advisory arrangements, the Sub-Adviser does not execute trades for the Fund’s portfolio. Rather, the Sub-Adviser provides a list of eligible investments to the Adviser based on the Sub-Adviser’s proprietary screening methodology, and the Adviser selects investments and engages in securities transactions for the Fund. In this connection, the Committee considered the scope of services provided by each of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, and took into account the Adviser’s responsibility to oversee the Sub-Adviser and information provided by Guggenheim describing the Adviser’s processes and activities for providing oversight of sub-advisers (including Concinnity), including information regarding Guggenheim’s Sub-Advisory Oversight Working Group.

 

The Committee also considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Fund, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Fund. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including Capital Stewardship Fund. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Fund included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Fund, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s and Concinnity’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, custodian and other service providers to the Fund. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Fund and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of the Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received investment returns for the Fund for the five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, noting the Fund’s inception date of September 26, 2014. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of the Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying the Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing the Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

The Committee took into account the roles and responsibilities of each of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser in implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, including the manner in which the relationship between the advisory firms differs in certain respects from traditional fund management structures with an adviser and an unaffiliated sub-adviser. The Committee noted that the Sub-Adviser uses its proprietary research methodology system to identify a list of companies eligible for investment by the Fund. From that list, the Adviser selects, based on desired factor tilts and subject to a risk management process, a portfolio composed of a sub-set of the eligible companies compiled by the Sub-Adviser. The Adviser retains the responsibility for executing the trades based on the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the universe of funds identified by FUSE. The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 63rd and 61st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund’s investment results were consistent with its investment objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable and that the Adviser had appropriately reviewed and monitored the Sub-Adviser’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee1 and total net expense ratio to the peer group identified by FUSE. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of the Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure the Fund is able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Fund.

 

1

The “net effective management fee” for the Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee also noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not provide advisory services to other clients that have investment strategies similar to those of the Fund and, as a result, the Committee did not consider it relevant to compare the Fund’s advisory fees to the advisory fees charged to other clients of Guggenheim.

 

The Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee and the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the fourth quartile (both in the 100th percentile) of its peer group and the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (91st percentile) of its peer group. In evaluating the foregoing, the Committee considered that the Fund was launched to accommodate certain bank clients that were invested in an unregistered private fund (previously defined as the Predecessor Fund) with a unique investment strategy. Accordingly, in evaluating the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee considered the sophistication of the Fund’s bank client investors and the Fund’s purpose.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Fund, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for the Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate (noting the negative rate reported with respect to the Fund), including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability with respect to the Guggenheim funds generally, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the Adviser with respect to the Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided and noted the negative profitability rate to Guggenheim Investments with respect to the Fund.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Fund and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Adviser derives any such “fall-out” benefits.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund were appropriate and that the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: With respect to economies of scale, the Committee considered that the Fund is not made available to retail investors and has limited inflows of assets. The Committee concluded that the advisory fee schedule reflected an appropriate level of sharing of any economies of scale.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the Fund’s advisory fee was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Sub-Adviser, the Committee considered the Fund’s investment objective and Concinnity’s investment strategy and method for implementing such investment strategy, including, but not limited to, the investment decision processes employed for the Fund. The Committee also noted the Sub-Adviser’s experience in implementing the investment strategy. In addition, the Committee took into account the information provided by the Sub-Adviser regarding, among other things: its current advisory services and clients and the principal activities in which it is engaged; the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel responsible for providing services to the Fund; the Sub-Adviser’s evaluation of its success in meeting the Fund’s investment objective; the Fund’s portfolio construction process and the sources of information generally relied upon by the Sub-Adviser in providing investment advisory, statistical and research services to the Fund; and the Sub-Adviser’s process, in collaboration with Guggenheim, for portfolio risk management.

 

With respect to the Sub-Adviser’s resources and its ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee noted that the Sub-Adviser provided its tax return filing. The Committee also considered the Sub-Adviser’s statement that it is an ongoing viable business enterprise that currently has the resources necessary to provide the contracted-for services to the Fund. In further assessing the Sub-Adviser’s resources, as well as the nature and quality of the services it provides, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s statement that,

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

given the limited scope of services provided by Concinnity and its role in the Fund’s management, and Guggenheim’s oversight of such services, the Sub-Adviser’s resources are sufficient to provide the contracted-for services to the Fund. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the Fund’s performance, as described above, and based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, concluded that the investment performance of the Sub-Adviser was acceptable.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee noted that the sub-advisory fees payable to Concinnity are paid by GPIM and do not impact the advisory fee paid by the Fund (which the Committee concluded to be reasonable). The Committee reviewed the total amount of sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Adviser for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year, noting that the sub-advisory fees paid by GPIM to Concinnity are the product of arm’s-length negotiations between GPIM and Concinnity. The Committee considered the allocation of the advisory fee charged to the Fund between GPIM and Concinnity in light of the nature, extent and quality of the investment advisory services provided by GPIM and Concinnity.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by the Sub-Adviser from its relationship with the Fund, the Committee considered Concinnity’s size and partnership structure, the aggregate management fees paid to Concinnity and the methodology used to calculate its profitability. The Committee also considered that no other benefits to the Sub-Adviser as a result of its relationship with the Fund were reported.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the benefits realized by the Sub-Adviser from its relationship with the Fund were appropriate and that the Sub-Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Investment Advisory Agreement – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the Fund’s sub-advisory fee was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of the Agreements is in the best interest of the Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014

(Trustee)


Since 2020

(Chair of the Valuation
Oversight
Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

     

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019

(Trustee)

 

Since 2020

(Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019

(Trustee)

 

Since 2020

(Chair of
the Audit
Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

       

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018

(Trustee)

 

Since 2014
(Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007
(Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim

Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC

and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

MO-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

9

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

74

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

103

OTHER INFORMATION

105

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

119

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

128

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

132

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks in which the Fund invests may never be realized or the stock may decline in value. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The use of short selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. Theoretically, stocks sold short have the risk of unlimited losses. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ●The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ●A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for the commodity-linked structured notes the Fund invests in, and there can be no assurance that a highly liquid secondary market will develop. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility as commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity such as droughts, floods, weather, embargos, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. ●The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ●The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ●The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ●You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

A-Class

    1.33 %     1.43 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,014.30     $ 6.72  

C-Class

    2.08 %     1.05 %     1,000.00       1,010.50       10.48  

P-Class

    1.32 %     1.42 %     1,000.00       1,014.20       6.67  

Institutional Class

    0.91 %     1.63 %     1,000.00       1,016.30       4.60  

R6-Class

    0.92 %     1.63 %     1,000.00       1,016.30       4.65  

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

A-Class

    1.33 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,018.40     $ 6.73  

C-Class

    2.08 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,014.64       10.50  

P-Class

    1.32 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,018.45       6.68  

Institutional Class

    0.91 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,020.51       4.61  

R6-Class

    0.92 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,020.46       4.66  

 

1

This ratio represents annualized net expenses, which may include short interest expense. Excluding these expenses, the operating expense ratios for the Fund would be 1.32%, 2.08%, 1.32%, 0.91% and 0.91% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class, respectively. Excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals at GPIM, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan L. Serdensky, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 7.09%1. The comparison index is the ICE BofA 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (“Index”), which returned 4.50% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund generated positive performance with an absolute return of 7.09%. Carry, or earned income, remained a consistent source of positive performance for the Fund. Spreads also contributed, as the credit selection and allocation within corporates and structured credit led to positive performance. Duration detracted from performance, as the yield curve bear steepened. Bear steepening refers to yield-curve widening due to long-term rates increasing more than short-term rates, amid a period of falling bond prices and rising yields. The macro sleeve, which consists of various credit and equity hedges and commodity exposure, contributed to performance.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund used interest rate futures, options, swaptions, and swaps to help manage duration, generate additional yield, and for hedging purposes. Credit default swaps and total return swaps were used to both obtain and hedge existing Index exposure. Forward foreign currency contracts and currency options were used for hedging and income producing purposes. The Fund also employed futures, options, total return swaps and interest rate swaps opportunistically for speculative purposes. Over the Reporting Period, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, and interest rate curve caps detracted from performance while performance from futures was incrementally positive. Options on equities, which functioned as hedges to the Fund’s credit positioning, detracted from performance. Performance from credit default swaps was a minor detractor. In addition, the Fund hedged non-USD exposure with foreign-exchange derivatives, which had a negative impact on performance over the Reporting Period. Futures and options on various commodities contributed to performance over the Reporting Period.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Over the past several quarters the Fund has increasingly prioritized diversification, quality, and liquidity as recession concerns continued to persist. The Fund has steadily moved up-in-quality and more defensively, uniquely, without having to sacrifice yield due to the move higher in interest rates. While spreads for many credit sectors have recovered to long-term-average levels, certain segments remain dislocated and offer attractive relative value. Structured credit spreads are especially cheap, with valuations currently north of the 90th percentile versus current corporate spreads.

 

The corporate credit allocation, which represents roughly 42% of the Fund’s holdings, has increasingly shifted to higher quality. About 32% is below-investment-grade-rated, weighted towards BB-rated high yield bonds, and 10% is investment-grade-rated. While in our view, overall corporate credit spreads are trading around fair value levels, there remain both idiosyncratic opportunities and risks across certain issuers and industries given tighter credit conditions across capital markets. Primary market offerings have priced at especially attractive levels as many investors have pulled back from lending activities. The Fund has employed modestly sized credit hedges to protect the portfolio from potential spread widening.

 

Structured credit, the second largest allocation in the Fund, represents roughly 29% of the Fund’s holdings. Spreads continued their rebound, but broadly remain wide, both compared to similarly rated investment-grade corporate credit and in an absolute sense. Furthermore, the lower dollar prices of these assets following the rise in interest rates sets up the potential for higher total return opportunities than typically exists in the asset class. With much of its active buying base largely coming from income-focused accounts, structured credit spreads should continue to compress from the resetting higher of yields and the resulting increased interest that comes with it. Within securitized credit, we continue to focus on opportunities senior in the capital structure with sufficient credit enhancement and often unique structural features that limit cash flow variability or extension concerns. We believe the focus on superior structures will be paramount in helping mitigate mark-to-market risks that could emerge should volatility rise.

 

At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund had a duration of 2.5 years. Interest rate volatility remains elevated, which has presented the Fund with opportunities to tactically add to positions in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), locking in spreads, both static and option adjusted, that are near 15-year wides. Lastly, the Fund ended the period with 11% in cash and cash equivalents. Elevated yields on short duration products have made it more attractive to hold higher balances of liquidity with the added benefit of giving the Fund dry powder to take advantage of future market opportunities.

 

Despite the quarter ended September 30, 2023 continuing a trend of volatility for fixed income returns, our broader macroeconomic views from a fundamental perspective remain consistent. We continue to expect inflation to moderate with time and view the market’s increasingly optimistic expectations of a soft landing as misguided. Looking further out into the economic future, we believe the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy could ultimately shepherd in a recession in the next

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

6-18 months, which we believe will likely be met with lower rates. Ultimately, the current path of weakening growth, high prices, and high interest rates appears unsustainable, and we are already starting to see signs of pressure on consumers and levered corporate borrowers, which could call into question any soft-landing narrative.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust and Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II, and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by Guggenheim Investments. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee but that fee is waived by the respective investee fund. For the Reporting Period, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles contributed to Fund performance.

 

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of current income and capital appreciation.

 

Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

November 30, 2011

C-Class

November 30, 2011

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

November 30, 2011

R6-Class

March 13, 2019

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class

2.1%

Fannie Mae, 5.50% due 05/01/53

1.8%

Fannie Mae, 5.00% due 05/01/53

1.3%

Freddie Mac, 5.50% due 02/01/53

0.9%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

0.8%

VanEck Gold Miners ETF

0.7%

BP Capital Markets plc, 4.88%

0.6%

FS Rialto, 7.95%

0.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

0.6%

Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd., 8.37%

0.6%

Top Ten Total

10.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

AAA

11.7%

AA

1.4%

A

11.5%

BBB

18.1%

BB

14.4%

B

14.5%

CCC

2.6%

CC

3.1%

C

0.0%*

NR2

5.8%

Other Instruments

16.9%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

*

Less than 0.1%.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

7.09%

1.68%

3.10%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

2.82%

0.85%

2.60%

C-Class Shares

6.25%

0.92%

2.33%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

5.25%

0.92%

2.33%

Institutional Class Shares

7.47%

2.08%

3.49%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

4.50%

1.72%

1.12%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

7.09%

1.68%

2.58%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

4.50%

1.72%

1.32%

 

 

 

1 Year

Since
Inception
(03/13/19)

R6-Class Shares

 

7.51%

2.41%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

 

4.50%

1.67%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and R6-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 0.2%

                 

Utilities - 0.1%

Texgen Power LLC*,††

    180,169     $ 4,774,478  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.1%

ATD New Holdings, Inc.*,††

    42,478       1,529,208  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

Schur Flexibles GesmbH*,††

    1,661       592,190  

BP Holdco LLC*,†††,1

    37,539       48,218  

Vector Phoenix Holdings, LP*,†††

    37,539       2,306  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    74,424       744  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    68,788       688  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,773       377  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,773       377  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,773       307  

API Heat Transfer Parent LLC*,†††

    1,763,707       176  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,773       140  

Targus, Inc.*,†††

    12,773       1  

Total Industrial

            645,524  
                 

Financial - 0.0%

Checkers Holdings, Inc.*,†††

    158,620       631,308  

Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd. — Class A*,†††,2

    6,864,930       686  

Tensor Ltd.*,†††

    1,173,803       117  

Total Financial

            632,111  
                 

Technology - 0.0%

Qlik Technologies, Inc. - Class A*,†††

    177       286,885  

Qlik Technologies, Inc. - Class B*,†††

    43,738       4  

Total Technology

            286,889  
                 

Communications - 0.0%

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    503,817       232,310  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Cengage Learning Holdings II, Inc.*,††

    21,660       208,478  

Save-A-Lot*,††

    22,703       4,359  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    212,837  
                 

Energy - 0.0%

Permian Production Partners LLC*,†††

    573,522       22,811  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $11,441,249)

            8,336,168  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 5.1%

Financial - 4.2%

Citigroup, Inc.

3.88%

    30,600,000       26,112,284  

4.00%

    13,100,000       11,459,241  

7.38%

    1,400,000       1,358,455  

Markel Group, Inc.

6.00%

    29,050,000       28,042,598  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

4.95%

    24,550,000       23,105,508  

4.30%

    296,404       4,478,664  

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.90%

    25,750,000       22,488,719  

Kuvare US Holdings, Inc.

7.00% due 02/17/513

    19,150,000       20,161,216  

Bank of America Corp.

4.38%

    13,850,000       11,606,977  

6.13%

    5,800,000       5,557,112  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

4.13%

    20,500,000       16,767,520  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

3.75%

    20,550,000       16,667,969  

Charles Schwab Corp.

4.00%

    18,700,000       13,194,178  

MetLife, Inc.

3.85%

    12,200,000       11,286,064  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

7.13% due 10/15/52

    300,400       7,852,456  

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Jackson Financial, Inc.

8.00%

    284,000     $ 7,114,200  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

5.13% due 11/25/60

    324,000       5,031,720  

Assurant, Inc.

5.25% due 01/15/61

    258,000       5,031,000  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

4.60%

    246,000       4,014,720  

PartnerRe Ltd.

4.88%

    122,848       2,246,890  

First Republic Bank

4.25%

    803,675       80  

4.50%

    238,300       71  

Total Financial

            243,577,642  
                 

Communications - 0.5%

AT&T Mobility II LLC *,†††

    27,000       27,000,000  
                 

Government - 0.4%

CoBank ACB

4.25%

    20,000,000       15,900,000  

Farmer Mac

5.75%

    378,000       8,421,840  

Total Government

            24,321,840  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC *,†††

    4,088,802       1,022,876  

API Heat Transfer Intermediate*,†††

    218       99,036  

Total Industrial

            1,121,912  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $373,135,490)

            296,021,394  
                 

WARRANTS - 0.0%

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

               

Expiring 08/01/26*

    128,004       28,801  

Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp. — Class A

               

Expiring 03/31/26*,2

    192,759       11,566  

Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd. — Class A

               

Expiring 07/24/25*,†††,2

    762,770       76  

Total Warrants

       

(Cost $455,536)

            40,443  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 0.7%

VanEck Gold Miners ETF

    1,430,590       38,497,177  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $54,624,676)

            38,497,177  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 4.8%

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class1

    5,207,287       122,839,898  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    5,010,206       48,849,509  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    1,372,225       33,331,353  

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund — Institutional Class1

    1,061,130       29,711,644  

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund — Institutional Class1

    1,017,008       29,045,744  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    791,418       19,207,708  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $292,086,492)

            282,985,856  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 2.1%

Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.23%4

    119,127,495     $ 119,127,495  

Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury Cash Reserves Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.20%4

    2,422,158       2,422,158  

Western Asset Institutional U.S. Treasury Reserves — Institutional Shares, 5.23%4

    668,623       668,623  

Total Money Market Funds

       

(Cost $122,218,276)

            122,218,276  

 

   

Face
Amount
~

         

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 29.9%

Financial - 9.7%

               

Pershing Square Holdings Ltd.

               

3.25% due 10/01/313

    33,500,000       24,282,381  

3.25% due 11/15/30

    15,100,000       11,418,076  

NFP Corp.

               

6.88% due 08/15/283

    28,700,000       24,586,665  

7.50% due 10/01/303

    4,150,000       3,985,358  

4.88% due 08/15/283

    3,950,000       3,477,402  

Wilton RE Ltd.

               

6.00% 3,5,6

    31,350,000       27,540,034  

GLP Capital Limited Partnership / GLP Financing II, Inc.

               

4.00% due 01/15/31

    22,640,000       18,848,178  

5.30% due 01/15/29

    6,950,000       6,442,790  

Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc.

               

3.88% due 03/01/313

    21,650,000       17,263,060  

2.88% due 10/15/263

    8,750,000       7,706,037  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

               

5.63% due 07/15/323

    25,025,000       21,604,133  

4.50% due 02/15/313

    925,000       760,779  

CBS Studio Center

               

8.31% (30 Day Average SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/09/24◊,†††

    22,000,000       22,000,000  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.

               

4.30% due 02/01/613

    36,940,000       21,809,121  

Host Hotels & Resorts, LP

               

3.50% due 09/15/30

    24,000,000       19,898,861  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp.

               

5.00% due 08/15/283

    23,000,000       19,366,143  

FS KKR Capital Corp.

               

3.25% due 07/15/27

    21,000,000       18,082,075  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.42% due 02/22/296

    18,050,000       17,666,133  

LPL Holdings, Inc.

               

4.00% due 03/15/293

    14,788,000       12,893,100  

4.38% due 05/15/313

    5,500,000       4,704,988  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

               

4.38% due 01/15/273

    19,000,000       16,572,777  

Global Atlantic Finance Co.

               

4.70% due 10/15/513,6

    22,350,000       16,166,207  

United Wholesale Mortgage LLC

               

5.50% due 04/15/293

    7,150,000       6,041,750  

5.50% due 11/15/253

    6,300,000       5,992,419  

5.75% due 06/15/273

    4,550,000       4,118,205  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

               

5.72% due 09/14/336

    16,800,000       16,149,519  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

               

4.35% due 04/30/503

    21,150,000       15,110,883  

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Hampton Roads PPV LLC

               

6.62% due 06/15/533

    16,560,000     $ 13,410,399  

Sherwood Financing plc

               

4.50% due 11/15/263

  EUR 13,600,000       12,510,965  

Lloyds Banking Group plc

               

5.87% due 03/06/296

    12,100,000       11,831,311  

Kennedy-Wilson, Inc.

               

5.00% due 03/01/31

    14,669,000       10,700,805  

4.75% due 02/01/30

    250,000       186,529  

4.75% due 03/01/29

    25,000       19,188  

Hunt Companies, Inc.

               

5.25% due 04/15/293

    13,700,000       10,760,037  

Corebridge Financial, Inc.

               

6.88% due 12/15/526

    10,750,000       10,298,392  

First American Financial Corp.

               

4.00% due 05/15/30

    11,760,000       9,959,428  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.67% due 05/27/296

    9,850,000       9,685,057  

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/01/263

    9,810,000       9,163,484  

Jane Street Group / JSG Finance, Inc.

               

4.50% due 11/15/293

    9,650,000       8,291,855  

OneMain Finance Corp.

               

4.00% due 09/15/30

    7,250,000       5,440,074  

9.00% due 01/15/29

    2,200,000       2,192,894  

OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.

               

4.25% due 10/15/503

    11,550,000       7,323,668  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

               

5.88% 3,5,6

    7,550,000       7,176,622  

SLM Corp.

               

3.13% due 11/02/26

    7,714,000       6,691,075  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

               

8.13% due 10/31/826

    6,300,000       6,267,580  

PartnerRe Finance B LLC

               

4.50% due 10/01/506

    6,460,000     5,478,964  

Blue Owl Capital GP LLC

               

7.11% due 08/22/43†††

    5,000,000       4,975,137  

Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC

               

6.75% due 05/15/283

    5,303,000       4,892,548  

Bank of Nova Scotia

               

8.63% due 10/27/826

    4,650,000       4,637,542  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

               

5.00% due 06/15/27

    4,813,000       4,520,844  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

               

7.25% due 09/15/28

    3,600,000       3,596,964  

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America

               

8.50% due 08/01/323

    3,000,000       2,923,732  

SBA Communications Corp.

               

3.13% due 02/01/29

    3,100,000       2,585,624  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

               

5.13% due 03/01/526

    2,750,000       2,368,147  

Atlas Mara Ltd.

               

due 12/31/21†††,7,8

    4,642,499       2,154,120  

Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management, Inc.

               

10.50% due 12/15/303

    1,700,000       1,729,638  

Iron Mountain Information Management Services, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/15/323

    1,726,000       1,418,655  

Total Financial

    567,678,352  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Communications - 4.3%

British Telecommunications plc

               

4.88% due 11/23/813,6

    28,200,000     $ 22,622,705  

4.25% due 11/23/813,6

    5,250,000       4,601,725  

McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.

               

8.00% due 08/01/293

    22,634,000       19,634,995  

5.75% due 08/01/283

    4,600,000       3,968,650  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

               

4.25% due 07/01/283

    19,794,000       12,332,321  

3.75% due 07/15/293

    7,600,000       4,248,036  

3.88% due 11/15/293

    2,600,000       2,395,384  

Altice France S.A.

               

5.13% due 07/15/293

    13,250,000       9,419,502  

5.50% due 10/15/293

    11,760,000       8,456,794  

Virgin Media Finance plc

               

5.00% due 07/15/303

    21,400,000       16,821,019  

UPC Broadband Finco BV

               

4.88% due 07/15/313

    20,200,000       16,391,896  

CSC Holdings LLC

               

4.13% due 12/01/303

    20,672,000       14,629,866  

4.63% due 12/01/303

    2,715,000       1,443,438  

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC

               

5.13% due 07/15/293

    16,250,000       13,071,409  

Vodafone Group plc

               

5.13% due 06/04/816

    16,875,000       11,449,482  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

               

4.50% due 06/01/333

    14,265,000       10,914,712  

Cable One, Inc.

               

4.00% due 11/15/303

    12,575,000       9,579,635  

Rogers Communications, Inc.

               

4.55% due 03/15/52

    9,800,000       7,148,322  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.

               

4.13% due 07/01/303

    8,900,000       7,125,429  

Paramount Global

               

4.95% due 05/19/50

    10,340,000     7,003,788  

Match Group Holdings II LLC

               

4.63% due 06/01/283

    7,700,000       6,903,165  

Virgin Media Secured Finance plc

               

4.50% due 08/15/303

    7,950,000       6,567,491  

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes SARL

               

5.50% due 03/01/28

    7,000,000       6,300,000  

AMC Networks, Inc.

               

4.25% due 02/15/29

    10,200,000       6,258,672  

VZ Secured Financing BV

               

5.00% due 01/15/323

    6,830,000       5,365,337  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

               

7.00% due 06/15/273

    3,750,000       3,581,250  

Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes IV DAC

               

5.00% due 07/15/283

    3,650,000       3,149,659  

Radiate Holdco LLC / Radiate Finance, Inc.

               

4.50% due 09/15/263

    3,518,000       2,672,502  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital

               

3.90% due 06/01/52

    3,500,000       2,092,576  

TripAdvisor, Inc.

               

7.00% due 07/15/253

    1,800,000       1,796,580  

Ziggo BV

               

4.88% due 01/15/303

    1,685,000       1,372,692  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

               

4.00% due 03/01/273

    700,000       519,320  

Cengage Learning, Inc.

               

9.50% due 06/15/243

    241,000       241,200  

Total Communications

    250,079,552  
                 

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Industrial - 3.2%

IP Lending I LLC

               

4.00% due 09/08/25†††,3

    15,347,531     $ 14,151,958  

XPO, Inc.

               

6.25% due 06/01/283

    14,085,000       13,627,940  

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc.

               

5.25% due 07/15/283

    9,081,000       8,148,111  

9.75% due 07/15/283

    5,350,000       5,283,125  

Artera Services LLC

               

9.03% due 12/04/253

    14,385,000       13,270,163  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.

               

5.25% due 06/01/293

    15,785,000       12,946,819  

Boeing Co.

               

5.81% due 05/01/50

    12,010,000       10,875,262  

TransDigm, Inc.

               

6.75% due 08/15/283

    7,000,000       6,891,420  

6.88% due 12/15/303

    4,050,000       3,971,204  

Standard Industries, Inc.

               

4.38% due 07/15/303

    6,200,000       5,134,834  

3.38% due 01/15/313

    6,552,000       5,064,571  

Flowserve Corp.

               

3.50% due 10/01/30

    10,270,000       8,562,393  

IP Lending X Ltd.

               

7.75% due 07/02/29†††,3

    8,400,000       8,271,244  

Dyal Capital Partners IV

               

3.65% due 02/22/41†††

    10,950,000       8,208,218  

Arcosa, Inc.

               

4.38% due 04/15/293

    9,400,000       8,203,403  

GrafTech Finance, Inc.

               

4.63% due 12/15/283

    10,000,000       7,732,950  

Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer Incorporated/Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer LLC

               

4.00% due 10/15/273

    7,943,000       7,049,412  

GrafTech Global Enterprises, Inc.

               

9.88% due 12/15/283

    6,520,000       6,177,700  

Atkore, Inc.

               

4.25% due 06/01/313

    6,875,000     5,779,847  

Deuce FinCo plc

               

5.50% due 06/15/273

  GBP 5,350,000       5,723,425  

TopBuild Corp.

               

3.63% due 03/15/293

    5,550,000       4,726,964  

SCIL IV LLC / SCIL USA Holdings LLC

               

9.50% due 07/15/28

  EUR 3,500,000       3,769,008  

Enviri Corp.

               

5.75% due 07/31/273

    4,075,000       3,584,085  

Adevinta ASA

               

3.00% due 11/15/27

  EUR 3,433,000       3,540,386  

TK Elevator US Newco, Inc.

               

5.25% due 07/15/273

    3,000,000       2,749,585  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

               

4.75% due 08/15/283

    1,890,000       1,615,459  

AmeriTex HoldCo Intermediate LLC

               

10.25% due 10/15/283

    1,450,000       1,433,687  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

               

6.38% due 06/15/323

    800,000       753,047  

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.

               

6.00% due 02/01/263

    525,000       499,385  

Total Industrial

    187,745,605  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 3.0%

Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc.

               

4.00% due 05/01/313

    15,900,000       13,366,755  

3.63% due 02/15/323

    4,150,000       3,345,713  

5.75% due 05/01/283

    525,000       507,530  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC / Mileage Plus Intellectual Property Assets Ltd.

               

6.50% due 06/20/273

    14,775,000       14,639,092  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

JB Poindexter & Company, Inc.

               

7.13% due 04/15/263

    11,875,000     $ 11,552,287  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

               

7.00% due 05/01/253

    10,536,000       10,650,380  

Suburban Propane Partners Limited Partnership/Suburban Energy Finance Corp.

               

5.00% due 06/01/313

    11,350,000       9,474,186  

5.88% due 03/01/27

    660,000       630,300  

Evergreen Acqco 1 Limited Partnership / TVI, Inc.

               

9.75% due 04/26/283

    7,874,000       8,107,070  

1011778 BC ULC / New Red Finance, Inc.

               

4.00% due 10/15/303

    9,333,000       7,755,478  

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.

               

6.41% due 03/15/26

    7,200,000       7,198,796  

British Airways Class A Pass Through Trust

               

4.25% due 11/15/323

    7,434,575       6,663,264  

Hyatt Hotels Corp.

               

5.75% due 04/23/30

    6,530,000       6,330,502  

Hawaiian Brand Intellectual Property Ltd. / HawaiianMiles Loyalty Ltd.

               

5.75% due 01/20/263

    6,645,000       5,979,549  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

               

9.00% due 02/15/313

    6,100,000       5,814,188  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

               

3.88% due 09/15/293

    7,025,000       5,798,716  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.

               

4.13% due 07/01/293

    6,975,000       5,699,865  

Boyne USA, Inc.

               

4.75% due 05/15/293

    5,484,000       4,796,609  

American Airlines Class AA Pass Through Trust

               

3.58% due 01/15/28

    2,172,067     1,992,090  

3.35% due 10/15/29

    1,167,022       1,039,085  

3.65% due 02/15/29

    1,017,023       920,922  

3.15% due 02/15/32

    972,170       832,478  

Ontario Gaming GTA, LP

               

8.00% due 08/01/303

    4,175,000       4,175,000  

Superior Plus Limited Partnership / Superior General Partner, Inc.

               

4.50% due 03/15/293

    4,800,000       4,171,248  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

               

4.63% due 11/15/293

    4,472,000       3,840,912  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.

               

4.13% due 05/15/293

    4,117,000       3,520,035  

Allwyn Entertainment Financing UK plc

               

7.88% due 04/30/293

    3,450,000       3,484,500  

Station Casinos LLC

               

4.63% due 12/01/313

    3,800,000       3,039,556  

Scientific Games Holdings Limited Partnership/Scientific Games US FinCo, Inc.

               

6.63% due 03/01/303

    3,500,000       3,018,750  

Ritchie Bros Holdings, Inc.

               

6.75% due 03/15/283

    2,950,000       2,943,215  

Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.

               

7.00% due 07/01/253

    2,757,000       2,750,014  

Air Canada Class A Pass Through Trust

               

5.25% due 04/01/293

    2,561,246       2,471,384  

PetSmart, Inc. / PetSmart Finance Corp.

               

4.75% due 02/15/283

    2,800,000       2,451,227  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Air Canada

               

4.63% due 08/15/293

  CAD 3,550,000     $ 2,299,092  

Acushnet Co.

               

7.38% due 10/15/283

    1,500,000       1,511,250  

United Airlines, Inc.

               

4.63% due 04/15/293

    1,700,000       1,461,202  

Aramark Services, Inc.

               

6.38% due 05/01/253

    1,200,000       1,219,128  

CD&R Smokey Buyer, Inc.

               

6.75% due 07/15/253

    950,000       915,420  

United Airlines Class AA Pass Through Trust

               

4.15% due 08/25/31

    945,045       856,378  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

               

4.38% due 08/15/283

    700,000       628,728  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    177,851,894  
                 

Energy - 3.0%

BP Capital Markets plc

               

4.88%5,6

    39,360,000       35,165,145  

ITT Holdings LLC

               

6.50% due 08/01/293

    38,952,000       33,016,639  

Midwest Connector Capital Company LLC

               

4.63% due 04/01/293

    18,763,000       17,148,999  

Targa Resources Partners Limited Partnership / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.

               

6.88% due 01/15/29

    12,632,000       12,644,103  

4.88% due 02/01/31

    5,000,000       4,478,248  

Parkland Corp.

               

4.63% due 05/01/303

    20,000,000       17,049,588  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

               

7.95% due 06/15/39

    12,735,000       13,805,203  

4.50% due 07/15/44

    2,850,000       2,007,341  

NuStar Logistics, LP

               

6.38% due 10/01/30

    14,506,000       13,740,954  

5.63% due 04/28/27

    450,000       428,729  

Global Partners Limited Partnership / GLP Finance Corp.

               

6.88% due 01/15/29

    7,750,000     7,212,693  

7.00% due 08/01/27

    2,200,000       2,143,882  

Kinetik Holdings, LP

               

5.88% due 06/15/303

    6,100,000       5,718,750  

DT Midstream, Inc.

               

4.13% due 06/15/293

    5,250,000       4,541,468  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.

               

6.20% due 03/09/26

    3,300,000       3,294,578  

Holly Energy Partners Limited Partnership / Holly Energy Finance Corp.

               

6.38% due 04/15/273

    2,689,000       2,640,006  

TransMontaigne Partners Limited Partnership / TLP Finance Corp.

               

6.13% due 02/15/26

    700,000       597,625  

Basic Energy Services, Inc.

               

due 10/15/238

    1,438,000       7,190  

Total Energy

    175,641,141  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.6%

Medline Borrower, LP

               

5.25% due 10/01/293

    7,200,000       6,222,933  

3.88% due 04/01/293

    6,596,000       5,576,407  

DaVita, Inc.

               

4.63% due 06/01/303

    8,678,000       7,125,691  

3.75% due 02/15/313

    4,892,000       3,716,742  

US Foods, Inc.

               

4.75% due 02/15/293

    6,550,000       5,854,180  

6.88% due 09/15/283

    3,875,000       3,866,862  

Bausch Health Companies, Inc.

               

4.88% due 06/01/283

    15,600,000       8,871,505  

Sotheby’s/Bidfair Holdings, Inc.

               

5.88% due 06/01/293

    9,400,000       7,543,500  

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH

               

5.50% due 01/15/283

    8,085,000       7,335,762  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS USA Finance, Inc.

               

4.38% due 02/02/52

    6,500,000     $ 4,319,755  

3.75% due 12/01/31

    3,400,000       2,723,536  

Option Care Health, Inc.

               

4.38% due 10/31/293

    7,736,000       6,681,970  

BCP V Modular Services Finance II plc

               

4.75% due 10/30/283

  EUR 7,000,000       6,189,711  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc.

               

3.38% due 08/31/273

    6,861,000       6,010,904  

HealthEquity, Inc.

               

4.50% due 10/01/293

    6,555,000       5,646,314  

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

               

3.00% due 10/15/303

    7,000,000       5,350,863  

WW International, Inc.

               

4.50% due 04/15/293

    6,985,000       4,906,963  

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS Luxembourg SARL

               

6.75% due 03/15/343

    4,500,000       4,378,455  

Central Garden & Pet Co.

               

4.13% due 04/30/313

    5,300,000       4,321,052  

ADT Security Corp.

               

4.88% due 07/15/323

    5,150,000       4,300,250  

Chrome Bidco

               

3.50% due 05/31/283

  EUR 4,800,000       4,199,922  

Carriage Services, Inc.

               

4.25% due 05/15/293

    4,575,000       3,913,379  

GTCR W-2 Merger Sub LLC

               

7.50% due 01/15/313

    3,875,000       3,880,425  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

               

4.00% due 09/01/28

    4,575,000       3,711,469  

CAB SELAS

               

3.38% due 02/01/283

  EUR 4,100,000       3,616,142  

Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I SARL / Endo US, Inc.

               

due 04/01/293,8

    4,400,000     3,113,000  

Legends Hospitality Holding Company LLC / Legends Hospitality Co-Issuer, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/01/263

    2,775,000       2,719,500  

CPI CG, Inc.

               

8.63% due 03/15/263

    2,750,000       2,709,272  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc. / KIK Custom Products, Inc.

               

7.00% due 12/31/273

    3,061,000       2,640,113  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.

               

3.13% due 02/15/293

    2,825,000       2,317,051  

Williams Scotsman, Inc.

               

7.38% due 10/01/313

    1,950,000       1,939,361  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

               

4.38% due 06/15/283

    1,770,000       1,586,005  

Fortrea Holdings, Inc.

               

7.50% due 07/01/303

    1,570,000       1,527,634  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

               

4.63% due 06/15/28

    975,000       877,648  

5.13% due 11/01/27

    550,000       511,849  

Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.

               

due 04/01/273,8

    1,825,000       1,295,750  

Upbound Group, Inc.

               

6.38% due 02/15/293

    1,450,000       1,286,875  

Altria Group, Inc.

               

4.45% due 05/06/50

    1,670,000       1,182,960  

Performance Food Group, Inc.

               

6.88% due 05/01/253

    304,000       303,620  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    154,275,330  
                 

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Technology - 1.7%

AthenaHealth Group, Inc.

               

6.50% due 02/15/303

    26,650,000     $ 22,292,917  

Qorvo, Inc.

               

3.38% due 04/01/313

    9,225,000       7,306,810  

4.38% due 10/15/29

    7,833,000       6,888,629  

NCR Corp.

               

5.25% due 10/01/303

    10,325,000       8,897,912  

5.13% due 04/15/293

    3,850,000       3,392,076  

6.13% due 09/01/293

    25,000       25,638  

TeamSystem SpA

               

7.41% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/15/28

  EUR 11,750,000       12,300,412  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

               

3.57% due 12/01/31

    14,000,000       11,530,960  

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

               

3.88% due 09/01/283

    11,800,000       10,571,620  

Boxer Parent Company, Inc.

               

6.50% due 10/02/25

  EUR 5,500,000       5,762,002  

Playtika Holding Corp.

               

4.25% due 03/15/293

    5,850,000       4,884,750  

Twilio, Inc.

               

3.88% due 03/15/31

    4,000,000       3,252,331  

Central Parent LLC / CDK Global II LLC / CDK Financing Company, Inc.

               

8.00% due 06/15/293

    3,050,000       3,038,715  

MSCI, Inc.

               

3.88% due 02/15/313

    883,000       748,082  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.

               

5.75% due 08/15/263

    400,000       387,788  

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

               

6.50% due 03/31/293

    200,000       176,866  

Total Technology

    101,457,508  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.7%

Alcoa Nederland Holding BV

               

5.50% due 12/15/273

    15,125,000     14,367,145  

6.13% due 05/15/283

    7,450,000       7,173,470  

4.13% due 03/31/293

    4,900,000       4,335,589  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

               

4.50% due 06/01/313

    13,250,000       10,495,705  

4.63% due 03/01/283

    650,000       567,574  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

               

1.23% due 10/01/253

    11,950,000       10,711,958  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/01/283

    11,280,000       10,346,016  

SCIL IV LLC / SCIL USA Holdings LLC

               

5.38% due 11/01/263

    10,375,000       9,479,832  

SK Invictus Intermediate II SARL

               

5.00% due 10/30/293

    11,525,000       9,236,481  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

               

6.38% due 07/15/28

    8,315,000       8,019,526  

HB Fuller Co.

               

4.25% due 10/15/28

    5,250,000       4,632,600  

Novelis Sheet Ingot GmbH

               

3.38% due 04/15/29

  EUR 4,500,000       4,103,018  

Arsenal AIC Parent LLC

               

8.00% due 10/01/303

    3,800,000       3,781,076  

Ingevity Corp.

               

3.88% due 11/01/283

    1,000,000       824,520  

Mirabela Nickel Ltd.

               

due 06/24/19†††,7.8

    1,885,418       89,557  

Total Basic Materials

    98,164,067  
                 

Utilities - 0.7%

AES Corp.

               

3.95% due 07/15/303

    9,760,000       8,412,339  

Terraform Global Operating, LP

               

6.13% due 03/01/263

    8,285,000       8,129,656  

Alexander Funding Trust II

               

7.47% due 07/31/283

    7,750,000       7,760,151  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Clearway Energy Operating LLC

               

3.75% due 02/15/313

    9,409,000     $ 7,421,806  

NRG Energy, Inc.

               

7.00% due 03/15/333

    6,950,000       6,714,914  

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc

               

4.13% due 06/15/283

    1,550,000       1,337,367  

Total Utilities

    39,776,233  
                 

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $2,076,639,641)

    1,752,669,682  
                 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 21.1%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 11.9%

LoanCore Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-CRE4 D, 7.93% (30 Day Average SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.61%) due 07/15/35◊,3

    20,500,000       19,108,151  

2021-CRE6 D, 8.30% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.96%, Rate Floor: 2.85%) due 11/15/38◊,3

    11,300,000       9,886,463  

2021-CRE5 D, 8.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 07/15/36◊,3

    8,250,000       7,535,833  

2019-CRE2 AS, 6.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 05/15/36◊,3

    6,999,941       6,849,005  

2022-CRE7 D, 8.41% (30 Day Average SOFR + 3.10%, Rate Floor: 3.10%) due 01/17/37◊,3

    6,400,000       6,014,888  

Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd.

               

2021-9A CR, 8.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.06%, Rate Floor: 2.80%) due 10/15/33◊,3

    35,000,000       33,262,835  

2021-9A DR, 9.52% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.21%, Rate Floor: 3.95%) due 10/15/33◊,3

    7,750,000       6,897,182  

2021-9A A2TR, 7.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 10/15/33◊,3

    2,950,000       2,872,778  

FS Rialto

               

2021-FL3 D, 7.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 11/16/36◊,3

    36,500,000       34,037,429  

2021-FL2 D, 8.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 2.91%) due 05/16/38◊,3

    8,850,000       8,277,683  

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2022-1A B, 7.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 04/15/30◊,3

    26,200,000       25,492,770  

2021-3A C, 8.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.76%) due 07/20/29◊,3

    8,300,000       8,155,026  

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2022-1A C, 7.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 04/15/30◊,3

    3,400,000     $ 3,221,157  

LCCM Trust

               

2021-FL3 C, 8.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.71%, Rate Floor: 2.71%) due 11/15/38◊,3

    28,865,000       27,243,029  

2021-FL2 D, 8.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.01%, Rate Floor: 3.01%) due 12/13/38◊,3

    5,750,000       5,309,850  

BXMT Ltd.

               

2020-FL2 C, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.76%) due 02/15/38◊,3

    15,640,000       13,300,509  

2020-FL3 D, 8.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 2.91%) due 11/15/37◊,3

    7,350,000       6,408,611  

2020-FL2 D, 7.40% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 2.06%) due 02/15/38◊,3

    8,000,000       6,404,439  

ACRES Commercial Realty Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 D, 8.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.21%, Rate Floor: 3.21%) due 01/15/37◊,3

    8,350,000       7,601,741  

2021-FL1 D, 8.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.76%) due 06/15/36◊,3

    7,250,000       6,641,300  

2021-FL2 C, 8.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.76%) due 01/15/37◊,3

    6,500,000     6,023,475  

2021-FL2 B, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.36%) due 01/15/37◊,3

    3,500,000       3,391,568  

Cerberus Loan Funding XLII LLC

               

2023-3A C, 9.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.15%, Rate Floor: 4.15%) due 09/13/35◊,3

    21,550,000       21,547,869  

Fontainbleau Vegas

               

10.98% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.65%, Rate Floor: 5.65%) due 01/31/26◊,†††

    21,100,820       21,100,820  

MidOcean Credit CLO VII

               

2020-7A CR, 7.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.46%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/29◊,3

    21,000,000       20,723,023  

Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd.

               

2018-36A C, 7.73% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/31◊,3

    20,000,000       18,782,642  

BSPDF Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 D, 8.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 10/15/36◊,3

    19,975,000       18,073,252  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

BSPRT Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL6 D, 8.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.11%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/15/36◊,3

    18,425,000     $ 16,417,541  

2021-FL7 D, 8.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.86%) due 12/15/38◊,3

    1,600,000       1,500,972  

Voya CLO Ltd.

               

2021-2A CR, 9.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.86%, Rate Floor: 3.60%) due 06/07/30◊,3

    16,500,000       15,844,531  

2013-1A INC, due 10/15/303,9

    28,970,307       1,681,726  

Anchorage Capital CLO 6 Ltd.

               

2021-6A DRR, 9.02% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.71%, Rate Floor: 3.45%) due 07/15/30◊,3

    17,350,000       17,332,038  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd.

               

2021-49A D, 9.44% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.85%, Rate Floor: 3.85%) due 08/26/33◊,3

    18,100,000       16,271,364  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXX, LP

               

2020-3A C, 9.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.65%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.50%/3.65%) due 01/15/33◊,3

    14,500,000       14,112,138  

STWD Ltd.

               

2022-FL3 D, 8.06% (30 Day Average SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 11/15/38◊,3

    11,900,000     10,739,082  

2021-FL2 D, 8.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 2.80%) due 04/18/38◊,3

    3,750,000       3,317,325  

Cerberus Loan Funding XL LLC

               

2023-1A C, 9.71% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.40%, Rate Floor: 4.40%) due 03/22/35◊,3

    12,750,000       12,529,420  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 32 Ltd.

               

2021-32A DR, 8.28% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.96%, Rate Floor: 2.70%) due 01/20/32◊,3

    11,500,000       11,119,719  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund IX LLC

               

2021-9A BR, 8.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 11/18/31◊,3

    11,550,000       11,099,731  

Atlas Senior Loan Fund IX Ltd.

               

2018-9A C, 7.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 04/20/28◊,3

    10,250,000       10,184,583  

2018-9A SUB, due 04/20/283,9

    9,600,000       237,034  

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Diamond CLO Ltd.

               

2021-1A DR, 9.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.66%, Rate Floor: 3.66%) due 04/25/29◊,3

    5,500,000     $ 5,387,819  

2018-1A D, 9.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.96%, Rate Floor: 3.70%) due 07/22/30◊,3

    4,181,292       4,154,521  

2021-1A CR, 8.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.66%) due 04/25/29◊,3

    448,217       446,752  

GoldenTree Loan Management US CLO 1 Ltd.

               

2021-9A D, 8.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.16%, Rate Floor: 2.90%) due 01/20/33◊,3

    9,950,000       9,587,319  

KREF Funding V LLC

               

7.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 06/25/26◊,†††

    9,588,167       9,510,001  

0.15% due 06/25/26†††,10

    73,636,363       50,809  

THL Credit Lake Shore MM CLO I Ltd.

               

2021-1A CR, 8.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.26%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 04/15/33◊,3

    9,900,000       9,408,316  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd.

               

2021-16A CR2, 8.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.16%, Rate Floor: 2.90%) due 07/25/33◊,3

    9,300,000       8,965,318  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVI, LP

               

2021-6A B, 7.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 11/22/33◊,3

    9,000,000     8,918,728  

BCC Middle Market CLO LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 10/15/33◊,3

    9,000,000       8,884,703  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO V Ltd.

               

2021-5A BR, 8.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.16%, Rate Floor: 2.90%) due 04/20/31◊,3

    9,200,000       8,843,923  

Magnetite XXIX Ltd.

               

2021-29A D, 8.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 01/15/34◊,3

    8,800,000       8,621,073  

Venture XIV CLO Ltd.

               

2020-14A CRR, 7.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.51%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 08/28/29◊,3

    8,000,000       7,993,600  

CIFC Funding Ltd.

               

2021-2A DR, 8.69% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.36%, Rate Floor: 3.10%) due 04/20/30◊,3

    8,100,000       7,974,205  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO VII, LP

               

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-7A BR, 8.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.81%, Rate Floor: 2.55%) due 10/20/31◊,3

    7,950,000     $ 7,651,961  

Madison Park Funding XLVIII Ltd.

               

2021-48A D, 8.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.26%, Rate Floor: 3.26%) due 04/19/33◊,3

    7,500,000       7,372,703  

Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund

               

2015-37A Q, due 01/15/313,9

    9,500,000       6,956,331  

FS Rialto Issuer LLC

               

2022-FL5 C, 9.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.92%, Rate Floor: 3.92%) due 06/19/37◊,3

    6,950,000       6,796,639  

ACRE Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL4 D, 8.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.71%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 12/18/37◊,3

    7,350,000       6,761,667  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXIII, LP

               

2021-3A C, 8.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.06%, Rate Floor: 2.80%) due 07/23/33◊,3

    5,900,000       5,661,135  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC

               

2021-1A C2, 8.59% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.26%, Rate Floor: 3.26%) due 07/20/33◊,3

    5,550,000       5,273,482  

CHCP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 D, 8.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.11%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 02/15/38◊,3

    5,500,000     5,234,404  

WhiteHorse X Ltd.

               

2015-10A E, 10.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.56%, Rate Floor: 5.30%) due 04/17/27◊,3

    5,022,785       4,903,329  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXV, LP

               

2021-5A C, 8.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 09/22/33◊,3

    5,150,000       4,893,697  

Octagon Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2014-1A SUB, due 11/18/313,9

    19,435,737       4,773,475  

Wind River CLO Ltd.

               

2018-1A ARR, 6.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.31%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 07/18/31◊,3

    3,983,606       3,959,013  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 40 Ltd.

               

2021-40A D, 8.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.01%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 04/16/33◊,3

    4,050,000       3,924,318  

Dryden 50 Senior Loan Fund

               

2017-50A SUB, due 07/15/303,9

    7,895,000       2,766,092  

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

HGI CRE CLO Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 D, 7.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 09/17/36◊,3

    1,600,000     $ 1,490,227  

2021-FL2 E, 7.90% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.56%, Rate Floor: 2.56%) due 09/17/36◊,3

    1,200,000       1,119,860  

Denali Capital CLO XI Ltd.

               

2018-1A BRR, 7.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 10/20/28◊,3

    2,500,000       2,493,118  

BDS Ltd.

               

2021-FL9 E, 8.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.71%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 11/16/38◊,3

    2,700,000       2,485,484  

KVK CLO Ltd.

               

2013-1A SUB, due 01/14/283,9

    11,900,000       2,111,369  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd.

               

2012-3A SUB, due 01/14/323,9

    6,400,000       1,696,000  

2013-3X SUB, due 10/15/309

    4,938,326       346,374  

Goldentree Loan Management US CLO 4 Ltd.

               

2021-4A DR, 8.76% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.41%, Rate Floor: 3.15%) due 04/24/31◊,3

    2,000,000       1,966,762  

BNPP IP CLO Ltd.

               

2014-2A E, 10.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.51%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/30/25◊,3

    6,226,382     1,874,639  

Dryden 41 Senior Loan Fund

               

2015-41A SUB, due 04/15/313,9

    11,700,000       1,826,698  

PFP Ltd.

               

2021-7 E, 8.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.11%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 04/14/38◊,3

    1,789,911       1,684,760  

AMMC CLO XI Ltd.

               

2012-11A SUB, due 04/30/313,9

    5,650,000       1,521,364  

Hull Street CLO Ltd.

               

2014-1A D, 9.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.86%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/26◊,3

    1,417,814       1,416,571  

Marathon CLO V Ltd.

               

2017-5A A2R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/27◊,3

    930,801       929,703  

2013-5A SUB, due 11/21/273,9

    5,500,000       196,240  

Great Lakes CLO Ltd.

               

2014-1A SUB, due 10/15/293,9

    1,500,000       577,082  

Venture XIII CLO Ltd.

               

2013-13A SUB, due 09/10/293,9

    13,790,000       415,658  

Dryden Senior Loan Fund

               

due 01/15/319

    1,897,598       274,404  

Babson CLO Ltd.

               

2014-IA SUB, due 07/20/253,9

    11,595,061       270,165  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Treman Park CLO Ltd.

               

2015-1A SUB, due 10/20/283,9

    18,918,010     $ 189,937  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

               

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/217,9

    8,150,000       815  

West CLO Ltd.

               

2013-1A SUB, due 11/07/253,9

    5,300,000       530  

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations

    697,113,625  
                 

Transport-Aircraft - 3.2%

KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd.

               

2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/423

    27,962,846       23,183,995  

AASET Trust

               

2021-1A, 2.95% due 11/16/413

    17,403,650       15,315,560  

2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/423

    3,122,867       2,748,088  

2021-2A, 3.54% due 01/15/473

    3,314,648       2,651,950  

2020-1A, 4.34% due 01/16/403

    3,751,347       1,932,392  

Raspro Trust

               

2005-1A, 6.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/24◊,3

    15,020,380       14,923,618  

GAIA Aviation Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.97% due 12/15/443,11

    11,201,010       10,070,212  

2019-1, 5.19% due 12/15/443,11

    5,043,991       4,136,300  

Falcon Aerospace Ltd.

               

2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/423

    7,770,694       7,263,735  

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/393

    4,196,239       3,797,726  

2017-1, 6.30% due 02/15/423

    3,313,090       2,880,722  

Sprite Ltd.

               

2021-1, 3.75% due 11/15/463

    15,550,581     13,939,264  

Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust

               

2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/433

    9,103,123       8,276,410  

2019-1A, 3.97% due 04/15/393

    5,494,769       4,886,578  

AASET US Ltd.

               

2018-2A, 4.45% due 11/18/383

    10,649,355       9,259,388  

JOL Air Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.97% due 04/15/443

    9,602,364       8,654,707  

Sapphire Aviation Finance I Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/403

    9,567,958       7,975,754  

Labrador Aviation Finance Ltd.

               

2016-1A, 4.30% due 01/15/423

    8,623,240       7,265,545  

Sapphire Aviation Finance II Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 4.34% due 03/15/403

    8,811,255       6,300,224  

2020-1A, 3.23% due 03/15/403

    512,525       433,694  

WAVE LLC

               

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/443

    6,435,994       5,302,422  

Project Silver

               

2019-1, 3.97% due 07/15/443

    5,796,713       4,914,338  

Navigator Aircraft ABS Ltd.

               

2021-1, 3.57% due 11/15/463

    5,570,424       4,556,997  

Lunar Structured Aircraft Portfolio Notes

               

2021-1, 3.43% due 10/15/463

    5,084,559       4,169,694  

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

MACH 1 Cayman Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.47% due 10/15/393

    3,782,345     $ 3,185,567  

MAPS Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/433

    3,134,703       2,809,854  

Slam Ltd.

               

2021-1A, 3.42% due 06/15/463

    3,093,840       2,583,418  

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust

               

2021-1A, 6.66% due 01/15/463

    2,538,516       2,088,981  

Total Transport-Aircraft

    185,507,133  
                 

Financial - 2.6%

HarbourVest Structured Solutions IV Holdings, LP

               

7.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 2.45%) due 09/15/26◊,†††

    21,755,302       21,759,027  

6.05% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 2.45%) due 09/15/26◊,†††

  EUR 12,900,000       13,644,847  

KKR Core Holding Company LLC

               

4.00% due 08/12/31◊,†††

    23,809,039       20,584,932  

Project Onyx I

               

due 01/26/27◊,†††

    17,250,000       17,250,752  

Lightning A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    17,770,745       16,133,915  

Thunderbird A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    17,516,000       15,901,075  

Ceamer Finance LLC

               

6.92% due 11/15/37†††

    10,979,778       10,468,159  

3.69% due 03/24/31†††

    5,502,233       5,104,836  

Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd.

               

4.18% due 04/07/28†††

    11,578,656     10,966,117  

Nassau LLC

               

2019-1, 3.98% due 08/15/343

    10,867,958       10,273,987  

Project Onyx II

               

due 01/26/27◊,†††

    5,750,000       5,749,792  

Lightning B

               

7.50% due 03/01/37†††

    3,574,575       3,203,068  

Thunderbird B

               

7.50% due 03/01/37†††

    3,523,333       3,157,151  

Aesf Vi Verdi, LP

               

6.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 11/25/24◊,†††

  EUR 432,695       464,512  

Total Financial

    154,662,170  
                 

Infrastructure - 1.2%

VB-S1 Issuer LLC - VBTEL

               

2022-1A, 5.27% due 02/15/523

    39,650,000       32,920,023  

Hotwire Funding LLC

               

2023-1A, 8.84% due 05/20/533

    20,000,000       18,765,912  

2021-1, 4.46% due 11/20/513

    11,750,000       9,774,628  

Vault DI Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.80% due 07/15/463

    7,150,000       6,212,701  

Blue Stream Issuer LLC

               

2023-1A, 6.90% due 05/20/533

    3,400,000       3,162,389  

Total Infrastructure

    70,835,653  
                 

Whole Business - 0.7%

TSGE

               

2017-1, 6.25% due 09/25/31†††

    38,374,659       31,596,349  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Applebee’s Funding LLC / IHOP Funding LLC

               

2019-1A, 4.72% due 06/05/493

    9,742,590     $ 9,056,692  

Taco Bell Funding LLC

               

2016-1A, 4.97% due 05/25/463

    2,648,438       2,552,490  

Wendy’s Funding LLC

               

2018-1A, 3.88% due 03/15/483

    377,000       337,541  

Total Whole Business

    43,543,072  
                 

Net Lease - 0.7%

CARS-DB4, LP

               

2020-1A, 4.95% due 02/15/503

    27,799,000       22,302,651  

CARS-DB7, LP

               

2023-1A, 6.50% due 09/15/53†††,3

    11,300,000       10,866,626  

SVC ABS LLC

               

2023-1A, 5.55% due 02/20/533

    5,941,323       5,404,092  

Total Net Lease

    38,573,369  
                 

Single Family Residence - 0.6%

FirstKey Homes Trust

               

2020-SFR2, 4.00% due 10/19/373

    13,550,000       12,487,584  

2020-SFR2, 4.50% due 10/19/373

    13,250,000       12,277,563  

2020-SFR2, 3.37% due 10/19/373

    8,550,000       7,814,575  

Total Single Family Residence

    32,579,722  
                 

Insurance - 0.1%

CHEST

               

7.13% due 03/15/43†††

    6,000,000       5,836,144  
                 

Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.1%

Anchorage Credit Funding 4 Ltd.

               

2021-4A CR, 3.52% due 04/27/393

    4,250,000       3,491,349  

Total Asset-Backed Securities

(Cost $1,315,553,143)

    1,232,142,237  

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 15.2%

Government Agency - 7.1%

Fannie Mae

               

5.50% due 05/01/53

    110,754,191     107,134,417  

5.00% due 05/01/53

    83,417,363       78,736,786  

5.00% due 08/01/53

    23,018,780       21,725,510  

2.00% due 03/01/52

    18,463,224       14,110,721  

2.50% due 10/01/51

    15,537,780       12,403,134  

3.00% due 03/01/52

    12,612,159       10,460,771  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    8,470,253       8,000,572  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    7,694,210       7,265,301  

Freddie Mac

               

5.50% due 02/01/53

    57,318,990       55,535,182  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    29,626,035       28,004,182  

5.00% due 02/01/53

    26,455,107       25,003,208  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    22,173,153       20,941,917  

5.00% due 03/01/53

    19,958,985       18,846,899  

due 08/01/5315

    9,925,590       9,489,107  

Total Government Agency

    417,657,707  
                 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - 6.4%

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

               

2023-1, 8.81% (SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/01/28◊,3

    26,422,498       26,404,441  

JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust

               

2006-WMC4, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 12/25/36

    20,892,135       10,747,911  

2006-WMC3, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 08/25/36

    8,265,365       5,688,900  

2006-HE3, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 11/25/36

    5,025,238       4,315,946  

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2006-WMC4, 5.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 12/25/36

    7,191,257     $ 3,699,223  

2006-WMC4, 5.51% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.08%) due 12/25/36

    3,040,715       1,563,901  

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2006-M3, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 10/25/36

    19,153,214       10,409,979  

2006-M3, 5.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.35%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 10/25/36

    31,546,676       9,294,505  

2006-M3, 5.53% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.10%) due 10/25/36

    13,114,535       3,864,101  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust

               

2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/703,11

    24,929,582       22,337,508  

WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series

               

2007-HE2, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.47%) due 04/25/37

    23,588,544       8,760,446  

2007-HE2, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 04/25/37

    17,974,262       6,675,382  

2007-HE4, 5.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/47

    6,566,368     4,536,429  

2007-HE4, 5.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 07/25/47

    1,968,187       1,138,296  

RALI Series Trust

               

2006-QO6, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 06/25/46

    30,674,404       7,046,619  

2007-QO2, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 02/25/47

    12,871,924       4,528,844  

2006-QO8, 5.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.51%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 10/25/46

    3,386,740       3,114,122  

2006-QO6, 5.89% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.57%, Rate Floor: 0.46%) due 06/25/46

    7,981,062       1,876,927  

2006-QO6, 5.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.52%) due 06/25/46

    5,035,370       1,200,519  

2006-QO2, 5.97% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.65%, Rate Floor: 0.54%) due 02/25/46

    5,947,913       1,178,926  

2006-QO2, 6.11% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.79%, Rate Floor: 0.68%) due 02/25/46

    3,182,638       652,407  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2006-QO2, 5.87% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 02/25/46

    213,333     $ 41,162  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-6, 5.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.61%, Rate Floor: 0.50%) due 07/25/36

    13,711,155       5,230,007  

2006-8, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 09/25/36

    16,366,940       4,441,335  

2006-1, 5.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 02/25/36

    3,686,909       2,922,026  

2006-4, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 05/25/36

    9,796,801       2,746,645  

2006-6, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 07/25/36

    4,269,488       1,628,555  

2006-8, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 09/25/36

    4,435,133       1,202,978  

2006-6, 5.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 07/25/36

    2,471,516       942,605  

OBX Trust

               

2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/623,11

    7,689,727       7,559,891  

2023-NQM2, 6.80% due 01/25/623,11

    6,456,463     6,399,685  

2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/623,11

    4,311,241       4,215,401  

American Home Mortgage Assets Trust

               

2006-6, 5.64% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.32%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 12/25/46

    7,340,183       5,958,329  

2006-1, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 05/25/46

    6,209,397       5,125,745  

2006-3, 5.57% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.94%, Rate Floor: 0.94%) due 10/25/46

    4,943,739       3,328,491  

Morgan Stanley IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust

               

2006-2, 5.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 11/25/36

    21,596,796       7,411,010  

2006-2, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 11/25/36

    18,991,265       6,517,059  

NYMT Loan Trust

               

2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/623,11

    13,168,804       12,704,096  

GCAT Trust

               

2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/673,11

    8,863,141       8,580,861  

2023-NQM2, 6.60% due 11/25/673,11

    3,066,395       3,027,246  

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust

               

2006-HE8, 5.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 10/25/36

    18,823,538     $ 8,014,923  

2006-HE6, 5.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 09/25/36

    4,299,857       1,503,816  

2007-HE4, 5.66% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.34%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 02/25/37

    3,740,313       1,142,861  

IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust

               

2007-HE1, 5.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 05/25/37

    23,723,441       5,608,497  

2007-HE1, 5.66% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.34%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 05/25/37

    16,807,725       3,973,410  

GSAMP Trust

               

2007-NC1, 5.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/46

    17,972,959       9,371,972  

Master Asset-Backed Securities Trust

               

2006-WMC3, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 08/25/36

    9,973,076       3,566,182  

2006-HE3, 5.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 08/25/36

    9,392,819     2,808,595  

2006-HE3, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 08/25/36

    7,897,118       2,361,357  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

               

2007-AMC3, 5.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 03/25/37

    9,673,269       7,863,044  

GSAA Home Equity Trust

               

2006-3, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 03/25/36

    10,077,377       5,295,940  

2006-9, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 06/25/36

    7,295,418       2,162,395  

2007-7, 5.97% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.65%, Rate Floor: 0.54%) due 07/25/37

    396,829       361,901  

CFMT LLC

               

2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/37◊,7

    8,650,000       7,140,481  

OSAT Trust

               

2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/653,11

    7,318,995       6,708,660  

PRPM LLC

               

2023-1, 6.88% (WAC) due 02/25/28◊,3

    6,052,590       6,034,621  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2007-FRE1, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/37

    6,383,948     $ 5,906,147  

First NLC Trust

               

2007-1, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 08/25/37◊,3

    6,440,216       3,176,941  

2007-1, 5.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.07%) due 08/25/37◊,3

    4,883,822       2,409,290  

Lehman XS Trust Series

               

2006-18N, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 12/25/36

    3,687,508       3,488,686  

2006-10N, 5.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.53%, Rate Floor: 0.42%) due 07/25/46

    2,331,108       2,077,792  

Argent Securities Trust

               

2006-W5, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 06/25/36

    8,759,684       5,556,293  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust Series

               

2007-HE2, 5.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.53%, Rate Floor: 0.42%) due 02/25/37

    6,888,161       2,025,819  

2007-HE2, 5.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.52%) due 02/25/37

    4,986,041     1,466,393  

2007-HE2, 5.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.35%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 02/25/37

    3,964,415       1,165,890  

2007-HE2, 6.27% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 02/25/37

    1,613,261       474,427  

Alternative Loan Trust

               

2007-OA7, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 05/25/47

    6,020,995       5,044,754  

WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series Trust

               

2007-HE1, 5.66% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.34%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 01/25/37

    7,169,000       3,259,381  

2007-HE4, 5.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/47

    2,756,565       1,594,276  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/623,11

    4,686,300       4,644,824  

Verus Securitization Trust

               

2022-8, 6.13% due 09/25/673,11

    4,593,102       4,502,876  

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series

               

2007-ASP1, 6.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.87%, Rate Floor: 0.76%) due 03/25/37

    10,488,114     $ 4,361,044  

HSI Asset Securitization Corporation Trust

               

2007-HE1, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 01/25/37

    5,661,445       3,900,601  

Finance of America HECM Buyout

               

2022-HB2, 6.00% (WAC) due 08/01/32◊,3

    3,850,000       3,460,690  

CSMC Trust

               

2020-RPL5, 3.02% (WAC) due 08/25/60◊,3

    3,385,382       3,323,603  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-FF16, 5.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.53%, Rate Floor: 0.42%) due 12/25/36

    7,396,342       3,036,859  

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust

               

2006-AR9, 5.47% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/46

    3,686,392       2,933,619  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-9AR, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 08/25/36

    8,124,451     2,103,637  

Alliance Bancorp Trust

               

2007-OA1, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 07/25/37

    1,932,111       1,599,126  

Nomura Resecuritization Trust

               

2015-4R, 2.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.54%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/36◊,3

    1,424,043       1,313,537  

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

               

2010-R5, 3.47% due 06/26/36

    491,004       445,083  

Asset-Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2006-HE5, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/36

    58,558       57,893  

Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

    376,266,595  
                 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities - 1.4%

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2021-VOLT, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 09/15/36◊,3

    19,750,000       18,831,491  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2019-XL, 7.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.30%) due 10/15/36◊,3

    1,989,000     $ 1,956,269  

GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust

               

2020-UPTN, 3.35% (WAC) due 02/10/37◊,3

    8,256,000       7,196,605  

2020-DUNE, 7.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 12/15/36◊,3

    7,340,000       6,952,764  

2020-DUNE, 7.36% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 12/15/36◊,3

    2,750,000       2,633,559  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2021-NYAH, 8.09% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.64%) due 06/15/38◊,3

    15,000,000       12,661,117  

BX Trust

               

2023-DELC, 8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.34%, Rate Floor: 3.34%) due 05/15/38◊,3

    10,650,000       10,643,320  

SMRT

               

2022-MINI, 7.28% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 1.95%) due 01/15/39◊,3

    10,000,000       9,579,754  

MHP

               

2022-MHIL, 7.94% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.61%) due 01/15/27◊,3

    8,744,927     8,218,402  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    78,673,281  
                 

Military Housing - 0.3%

Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds Resecuritization Trust Certificates

               

2015-R1, 0.70% (WAC) due 11/25/52◊,3,10

    153,215,699       8,805,168  

2015-R1, 0.70% (WAC) due 11/25/55◊,3,10

    63,794,122       4,079,437  

Capmark Military Housing Trust

               

2007-AET2, 6.06% due 10/10/52†††,3

    5,472,411       4,986,289  

Total Military Housing

    17,870,894  
                 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

(Cost $1,045,793,313)

    890,468,477  
                 

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 12.6%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 3.5%

Women’s Care Holdings, Inc.

               

10.05% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/17/28

    30,676,344       27,148,564  

Mission Veterinary Partners

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/27/28

    21,021,000       20,784,514  

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Quirch Foods Holdings LLC

               

10.45% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 10/27/27

    15,177,709     $ 15,092,411  

Dhanani Group, Inc.

               

11.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 06/10/27†††

    14,365,909       14,222,250  

PetIQ LLC

               

9.84% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 04/13/28†††

    14,174,004       13,890,524  

Blue Ribbon LLC

               

11.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 05/08/28

    16,024,615       13,460,677  

LaserAway Intermediate Holdings II LLC

               

11.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 10/14/27

    12,315,180       12,084,270  

Southern Veterinary Partners LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/05/27

    11,253,371       11,172,460  

HAH Group Holding Co. LLC

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/29/27

    10,714,873     10,556,479  

Sigma Holding BV (Flora Food)

               

7.41% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/02/25

  EUR 9,050,637       9,532,406  

Nidda Healthcare Holding GmbH

               

7.31% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/21/26

  EUR 7,897,239       8,276,861  

Florida Food Products LLC

               

10.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/18/28

    8,756,447       7,464,871  

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC

               

9.58% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 05/23/25

    4,936,394       4,303,943  

9.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.69%, Rate Floor: 3.69%) due 05/23/25

    3,525,934       3,063,649  

EyeCare Partners LLC

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/15/28

    8,003,125       5,495,506  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/18/27

    2,128,650     $ 1,485,797  

Gibson Brands, Inc.

               

10.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 08/11/28

    8,154,750       6,768,442  

Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I SARL

               

14.50% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 03/27/28

    7,653,125       5,457,673  

Confluent Health LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 11/30/28

    5,472,444       5,189,683  

Medical Solutions Parent Holdings, Inc.

               

8.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 11/01/28

    2,240,362       2,163,944  

Resonetics LLC

               

9.63% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/28/28

    1,770,949       1,735,530  

Heritage Grocers Group LLC

               

12.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 08/01/29

    1,695,729     1,694,321  

Moran Foods LLC

               

12.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 06/30/26†††

    624,540       568,551  

16.99% (6 Month Term SOFR + 11.50%, Rate Floor: 9.50%) 12/31/26†††

    364,879       239,749  

Weber-Stephen Products LLC

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/29/27

    418,625       377,549  

TGP Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/29/28

    211,730       192,886  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    202,423,510  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 3.4%

MB2 Dental Solutions LLC

               

11.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 7.00%) due 01/29/27†††

    31,459,499       31,098,350  

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Zephyr Bidco Ltd.

               

9.97% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/23/25

  GBP 20,850,000     $ 25,067,111  

12.72% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 7.50%) due 07/23/26

  GBP 1,540,417       1,750,174  

FR Refuel LLC

               

10.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 11/08/28†††

    20,936,496       20,360,743  

Alexander Mann

               

11.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 06/29/27

    16,065,952       15,664,303  

First Brands Group LLC

               

10.88% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/30/27

    14,234,504       14,025,332  

Pacific Bells LLC

               

10.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/28

    12,035,361       11,866,144  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

               

8.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/17/28

    9,836,567       9,796,630  

NFM & J LLC

               

11.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 11/30/27†††

    8,278,833       8,082,212  

The Facilities Group

               

11.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 11/30/27†††

    7,638,581     7,457,166  

Holding SOCOTEC

               

9.56% (3 Month SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 06/02/28

    7,007,000       6,936,930  

BCP V Modular Services Holdings IV Ltd.

               

8.40% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.43%, Rate Floor: 4.43%) due 12/15/28

  EUR 6,400,000       6,342,206  

Camin Cargo Control, Inc.

               

11.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 6.50%) due 06/04/26†††

    6,510,852       6,250,418  

Packers Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/09/28

    9,196,441       5,425,900  

Accuride Corp.

               

12.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 10.57%) (in-kind rate was 1.62%) due 07/07/2612

    5,891,708       5,140,516  

Galls LLC

               

12.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 01/31/25†††

    3,911,995       3,814,195  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

12.14% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%) and (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%), Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 01/31/24†††

    208,932     $ 203,709  

Flamingo

               

7.46% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 03/27/28

  EUR 4,045,312       3,991,543  

ScribeAmerica Intermediate Holdco LLC (Healthchannels)

               

9.82% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/03/25

    4,663,808       3,423,235  

Congruex Group LLC

               

11.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 05/03/29

    2,766,659       2,718,242  

SHO Holding I Corp.

               

10.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 04/26/24

    3,566,084       2,365,490  

10.86% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.23%, Rate Floor: 5.23%) due 04/29/24

    50,787       33,689  

ImageFIRST Holdings LLC

               

10.47% ((3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%) and (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%), Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 04/27/28

    2,084,951     2,066,708  

Adevinta ASA

               

6.47% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 06/26/28

  EUR 1,834,444       1,937,582  

Orion Group

               

11.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/19/27†††

    1,422,183       1,394,836  

11.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/19/27

    95,997       86,818  

Checkers Holdings, Inc.

               

14.70% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 8.70%) (in-kind rate was 6.00%) due 05/31/28†††,12

    1,226,012       1,226,012  

12.70% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 8.70%) (in-kind rate was 4.00%) due 06/16/27†††,12

    176,527       176,527  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

EG Finco Ltd.

               

10.00% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 02/07/28

  GBP 568,500     $ 641,577  

10.00% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 02/07/25†††

  GBP 147,675       172,963  

CD&R Firefly Bidco Ltd.

               

9.29% (3 Month GBP SONIA + 4.36%, Rate Floor: 4.36%) due 06/23/25

  GBP 441,031       524,357  

Verisure Holding AB

               

6.97% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/27/28

  EUR 370,000       386,460  

WW International, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 04/13/28

    100,000       75,167  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    200,503,245  
                 

Technology - 1.8%

Sitecore Holding III A/S

               

10.94% (3 Month EURIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 7.00%) due 03/12/26†††

  EUR 9,030,493       9,478,952  

11.81% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/12/26†††

    7,442,790       7,388,189  

11.81% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/09/26†††

    1,459,661     1,448,953  

Avalara, Inc.

               

12.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 10/19/28†††

    16,000,000       15,805,219  

Datix Bidco Ltd.

               

9.53% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

    9,112,505       8,942,101  

11.93% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26†††

  GBP 4,225,000       5,049,031  

8.68% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

  GBP 1,000,000       1,197,233  

12.78% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26†††

    461,709       452,244  

Aston FinCo SARL

               

9.96% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 10/09/26

  GBP 12,708,638       13,140,611  

Polaris Newco LLC

               

8.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 06/04/26†††

    13,153,185       12,271,684  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Finastra

               

12.71% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 09/13/29†††

    7,669,000     $ 7,600,532  

12.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 09/13/29†††

    204,542       179,480  

RLDatix

               

9.53% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

    3,400,533       3,336,943  

8.68% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 10/28/24†††

  GBP 2,313,216       2,769,459  

12.78% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26†††

    912,001       893,305  

Sitecore USA, Inc.

               

11.81% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/12/26†††

    4,219,206       4,188,253  

Team.Blue Finco SARL

               

7.06% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.20%, Rate Floor: 3.20%) due 03/30/28

  EUR 4,026,144       4,146,626  

Greenway Health LLC

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 02/16/24†††

    3,400,504       3,145,466  

Atlas CC Acquisition Corp.

               

9.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/25/28

    3,053,602     2,839,850  

24-7 Intouch, Inc.

               

10.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 08/25/25

    2,198,128       2,175,223  

Total Technology

    106,449,354  
                 

Industrial - 1.6%

United Airlines, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/21/28

    19,788,520       19,793,072  

Minerva Bidco Ltd.

               

9.55% (3 Month GBP SONIA + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 07/30/25

  GBP 11,000,000       13,331,011  

CapStone Acquisition Holdings, Inc.

               

10.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 11/12/27†††

    12,395,788       12,109,431  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC

               

10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27

    11,437,500       11,867,664  

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Dispatch Terra Acquisition LLC

               

9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/27/28

    10,163,242     $ 9,350,183  

Valcour Packaging LLC

               

9.40% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/04/28

    6,205,500       4,977,680  

Saverglass

               

7.72% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.90%, Rate Floor: 3.90%) due 02/19/29

  EUR 3,700,000       3,902,743  

Integrated Power Services Holdings, Inc.

               

9.93% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%) and (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 3.50%), Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 11/22/28†††

    3,450,468       3,352,311  

ILPEA Parent, Inc.

               

9.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 06/22/28†††

    3,320,576       3,295,671  

Air Canada

               

9.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/11/28

    3,228,633       3,227,955  

TK Elevator Midco GmbH

               

6.86% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/29/27

  EUR 1,941,980     1,936,718  

EMRLD Borrower LP

               

8.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 05/31/30

    1,903,486       1,899,927  

API Heat Transfer

               

16.65% (1 Month Term SOFR, Rate Floor: 0.00%) (in-kind rate was 16.65%) due 01/01/24†††,12

    1,556,370       1,427,562  

16.43% (1 Month Term SOFR, Rate Floor: 0.00%) (in-kind rate was 16.43%) due 10/31/23†††,12

    277,673       277,673  

Merlin Buyer, Inc.

               

9.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/14/28

    367,731       360,148  

Total Industrial

    91,109,749  
                 

Communications - 1.2%

Syndigo LLC

               

9.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 12/15/27

    22,269,750       20,766,542  

Simon & Schuster

               

due 09/26/30

    13,400,000       13,299,500  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Xplornet Communications, Inc.

               

9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/02/28

    15,173,185     $ 11,850,258  

FirstDigital Communications LLC

               

9.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/17/26†††

    10,550,000       10,239,603  

Radiate Holdco LLC

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 09/25/26

    7,587,936       6,188,569  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/09/27

    6,146,447       5,005,114  

Flight Bidco, Inc.

               

12.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 7.61%, Rate Floor: 7.61%) due 07/23/26

    1,000,000       965,000  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 11/22/28

    982,500       963,007  

Total Communications

    69,277,593  
                 

Financial - 0.8%

Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc.

               

10.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.35%, Rate Floor: 5.35%) due 11/24/28†††

    12,668,032     12,544,114  

10.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.35%, Rate Floor: 5.35%) due 11/25/26†††

    6,044,863       5,985,733  

Eisner Advisory Group

               

10.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/28/28

    12,040,204       12,010,103  

HighTower Holding LLC

               

9.61% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/21/28

    6,952,053       6,934,672  

Duff & Phelps

               

9.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/09/27

    4,290,779       4,179,048  

Worldpay

               

due 09/21/30

    3,000,000       2,998,140  

Asurion LLC

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/20/28

    2,094,737       2,031,895  

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Teneo Holdings LLC

               

10.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/11/25

    979,276     $ 977,807  

Total Financial

    47,661,512  
                 

Energy - 0.2%

BANGL LLC

               

9.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 02/01/29

    10,050,000       9,955,832  

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC

               

8.04% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.63%, Rate Floor: 2.63%) due 08/19/26

    2,888,724       2,862,234  

Permian Production Partners LLC

               

13.43% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 11.43%) (in-kind rate was 2.00%) due 11/24/25†††,12

    1,155,234       1,149,458  

Total Energy

    13,967,524  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.1%

LTI Holdings, Inc.

               

10.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/24/26

    3,845,320       3,752,378  

Arsenal AIC Parent LLC

               

9.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/19/30

    3,400,000       3,390,072  

Schur Flexibles GmbH

               

9.59% (6 Month EURIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 09/28/27

  EUR 787,500     599,556  

Total Basic Materials

    7,742,006  
                 

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

(Cost $787,179,578)

    739,134,493  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 4.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

5.28% due 10/10/2313

    109,903,000       109,774,535  

5.28% due 10/17/2313

    88,115,000       87,921,422  

5.28% due 10/26/2313

    19,000,000       18,933,078  

5.27% due 10/03/2313

    13,720,000       13,717,995  

5.27% due 10/19/2313

    5,675,000       5,660,823  

5.27% due 10/10/2313

    3,780,000       3,775,582  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

(Cost $239,747,805)

            239,783,435  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 2.9%

Federal Home Loan Bank

5.20% due 10/02/2313

    170,612,000       170,587,356  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

(Cost $170,587,356)

            170,587,356  
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 0.7%

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds

1.25% due 04/15/2816

    15,795,740       15,022,458  

1.38% due 07/15/3316

    7,457,943       6,895,538  

U.S. Treasury Notes

4.63% due 02/28/25

    21,000,000       20,809,688  

Total U.S. Government Securities

(Cost $43,818,598)

            42,727,684  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

CONVERTIBLE BONDS†† - 0.4%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.3%

Block, Inc.

               

due 05/01/2614

    21,951,000     $ 18,329,085  
                 

Communications - 0.1%

Cable One, Inc.

               

due 03/15/2614

    5,750,000       4,703,500  

Total Convertible Bonds

(Cost $24,071,427)

    23,032,585  
                 

SENIOR FIXED RATE INTERESTS†† - 0.0%

Industrial - 0.0%

Schur Flexibles GmbH

               

13.41% due 09/30/26

  EUR 413,156       416,489  

9.59% due 09/30/26

  EUR 286,149       288,458  

13.27% due 09/30/26

  EUR 73,033       73,622  

Total Industrial

    778,569  
                 

Total Senior Fixed Rate Interests

(Cost $786,010)

    778,569  
                 
   

Notional
Value
~

         

OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0%

Call Options on:

Interest Rate Options

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    164,200,000       328,771  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    162,650,000       325,668  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.10

    164,200,000       102,889  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

    164,200,000     $ 102,889  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    82,100,000       164,386  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    66,950,000       134,051  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

    80,550,000       50,473  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

    66,950,000       41,952  

Total OTC Options Purchased

(Cost $4,060,737)

            1,251,079  
                 

Total Investments - 99.8%

(Cost $6,562,199,327)

  5,840,674,911  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.2%

    14,316,852  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 5,854,991,763  

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

 

Protection
Premium Rate

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1

    5.00%       Quarterly       06/20/28  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

ICE

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1

    1.00%       Quarterly       12/20/27  

 

Notional
Amount
~

 

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid (Received)

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

57,400,000

  $ (899,679 )   $ 237,705     $ (1,137,384 )

EUR 253,900,000

    (3,539,444 )     (1,356,909 )     (2,182,535 )
    $ (4,439,123 )   $ (1,119,204 )   $ (3,319,919 )

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements††

Counterparty

Exchange

Floating
Rate Type

Floating
Rate Index

 

Fixed
Rate

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

    2.78%  

Annually

07/18/27

 

Notional
Amount

 

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

$ 332,150,000

  $ (19,694,359 )   $ 1,228     $ (19,695,587 )

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts††

Counterparty

 

Currency

   

Type

   

Quantity

   

Contract
Amount

   

Settlement
Date

   

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Barclays Bank plc

    EUR       Sell       116,360,000       125,132,148 USD       10/16/23     $ 2,022,651  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    GBP       Sell       58,230,000       72,731,075 USD       10/16/23       1,681,604  

Bank of America, N.A.

    CAD       Sell       3,173,000       2,341,585 USD       10/16/23       4,339  

BNP Paribas

    EUR       Buy       470,000       502,802 USD       10/16/23       (5,539 )
                                            $ 3,703,055  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

~

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

3

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $2,520,681,674 (cost $2,845,986,920), or 43.1% of total net assets.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

5

Perpetual maturity.

6

Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date.

7

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $9,384,973 (cost $15,537,123), or 0.2% of total net assets — See Note 10.

8

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

9

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

10

Security is an interest-only strip.

11

Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2023. See table below for additional step information for each security.

12

Payment-in-kind security.

13

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

14

Zero coupon rate security.

15

Security is unsettled at period end and does not have a stated effective rate.

16

Face amount of security is adjusted for inflation.

 

CAD — Canadian Dollar

 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 40 Index Version 1

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

 

CMS — Constant Maturity Swap

 

CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury

 

EUR — Euro

 

EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate

 

GBP — British Pound

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1 — iTraxx Europe Series 38 Index Version 1

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

PPV — Public-Private Venture

 

REMIC — Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

 

SARL — Société à Responsabilité Limitée

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SONIA — Sterling Overnight Index Average

 

WAC — Weighted Average Coupon

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 232,310     $ 7,108,713     $ 995,145     $ 8,336,168  

Preferred Stocks

          267,899,482       28,121,912       296,021,394  

Warrants

    40,367             76       40,443  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    38,497,177                   38,497,177  

Mutual Funds

    282,985,856                   282,985,856  

Money Market Funds

    122,218,276                   122,218,276  

Corporate Bonds

          1,692,819,448       59,850,234       1,752,669,682  

Asset-Backed Securities

          1,008,793,305       223,348,932       1,232,142,237  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          885,482,188       4,986,289       890,468,477  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          495,447,688       243,686,805       739,134,493  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          239,783,435             239,783,435  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          170,587,356             170,587,356  

U.S. Government Securities

          42,727,684             42,727,684  

Convertible Bonds

          23,032,585             23,032,585  

Senior Fixed Rate Interests

          778,569             778,569  

Options Purchased

          1,251,079             1,251,079  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          3,708,594             3,708,594  

Total Assets

  $ 443,973,986     $ 4,839,420,126     $ 560,989,393     $ 5,844,383,505  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 3,319,919     $     $ 3,319,919  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements**

          19,695,587             19,695,587  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          5,539             5,539  

Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9)

                1,990,229       1,990,229  

Total Liabilities

  $     $ 23,021,045     $ 1,990,229     $ 25,011,274  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending
Balance at
September 30,
2023

 

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable
Inputs

 

Input
Range

   

Weighted
Average*

 

Assets:

                           

Asset-Backed Securities

  $ 128,479,571  

Yield Analysis

Yield

6.2%-12.0%

8.3%

Asset-Backed Securities

    83,951,926  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Asset-Backed Securities

    10,866,626  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Asset-Backed Securities

    50,809  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    4,986,289  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Common Stocks

    631,308  

Yield Analysis

Yield

14.2%

Common Stocks

    361,652  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

2.7x-17.6x

14.7x

Common Stocks

    2,068  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

Common Stocks

    117  

Third Party Pricing

Trade Price

Corporate Bonds

    22,000,000  

Yield Analysis

Yield

6.7%

Corporate Bonds

    16,479,462  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Category

 

Ending
Balance at
September 30,
2023

 

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable
Inputs

 

Input
Range

   

Weighted
Average*

 

Corporate Bonds

  $ 14,241,515  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Corporate Bonds

    7,129,257  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Preferred Stocks

    27,000,000  

Third Party Pricing

Trade Price

Preferred Stocks

    1,121,912  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

4.8x-4.9x

4.9x

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    152,446,672  

Yield Analysis

Yield

10.3%-39.1%

11.7%

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    48,265,243  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    38,981,215  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    3,814,195  

Model Price

Market Comparable Yields

14.5%

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    179,480  

Third Party Pricing

Trade Price

Warrants

    76  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

Total Assets

  $ 560,989,393  

 

 

 

 

                             

Liabilities:

                           

Unfunded Loan Commitments

  $ 1,990,229  

Model Price

Purchase Price

 

*

Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.

 

Significant changes in a quote, yield, market comparable yields, liquidation value or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had securities with a total value of $3,664,326 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to a lack of observable inputs and had securities with a total value of $96,849,928 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

   

Assets

 

 

 

Asset-Backed
Securities

   

Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations

   

Corporate
Bonds

   

Senior
Floating Rate
Interests

   

Warrants

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 249,933,932     $ 14,043,263     $ 116,766,054     $ 475,030,632     $ 76  

Purchases/(Receipts)

    81,206,332             13,400,000       60,572,023        

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

    (103,527,866 )     (8,894,741 )     (71,555,460 )     (211,072,421 )      

Amortization of premiums/discounts

    270,604       (6,610 )     47,305       1,400,666        

Corporate actions

                      (9,679,742 )      

Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

    (3,598,868 )     (1,133,205 )     (2,996,492 )     (7,121,870 )      

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    (934,387 )     977,582       6,405,552       25,525,579        

Transfers into Level 3

                89,557       3,574,769        

Transfers out of Level 3

    (815 )           (2,306,282 )     (94,542,831 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 223,348,932     $ 4,986,289     $ 59,850,234     $ 243,686,805     $ 76  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $ (8,143,384 )   $ (148,194 )   $ 318,903     $ 3,541,571     $  

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Common
Stocks

   

Preferred
Stocks

   

Senior
Fixed Rate
Interests

   

Total
Assets

   

Unfunded
Loan
Commitments

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 801,687     $     $ 2,750,527     $ 859,326,171     $ (2,356,646 )

Purchases/(Receipts)

    632,974       27,000,000             182,811,329       (2,788,541 )

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

    (34,345 )           (2,801,412 )     (397,886,245 )     2,441,815  

Amortization of premiums/discounts

                4,225       1,716,190       205,188  

Corporate actions

    14,343       9,665,399                    

Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

    29,321             (132,088 )     (14,953,202 )     491,175  

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    (448,835 )     (8,543,487 )     178,748       23,160,752       16,780  

Transfers into Level 3

                      3,664,326        

Transfers out of Level 3

                      (96,849,928 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 995,145     $ 28,121,912     $     $ 560,989,393     $ (1,990,229 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $ (421,735 )   $ (8,543,487 )   $     $ (13,396,326 )   $ (260,399 )

 

Step Coupon Bonds

 

The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a range of rates and corresponding dates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, except GAIA Aviation Ltd. which is scheduled to decrease.

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate
Reset Date

   

Future Reset Rate

   

Future Reset Date

 

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/70

    6.13 %     01/30/25              

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust 2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/62

    9.17 %     09/25/25       10.17 %     09/25/26  

GAIA Aviation Ltd. 2019-1, 3.97% due 12/15/44

    2.00 %     11/15/26              

GAIA Aviation Ltd. 2019-1, 5.19% due 12/15/44

    2.00 %     10/15/26              

GCAT Trust 2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/67

    6.71 %     10/01/26              

GCAT Trust 2023-NQM2, 6.60% due 11/25/67

    7.60 %     01/01/27              

NYMT Loan Trust 2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/62

    8.25 %     07/01/25       9.25 %     07/01/26  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate
Reset Date

   

Future Reset Rate

   

Future Reset Date

 

OBX Trust 2023-NQM2, 6.80% due 01/25/62

    7.80 %     02/01/27              

OBX Trust 2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/62

    7.10 %     10/01/26              

OBX Trust 2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/62

    7.45 %     11/01/26              

OSAT Trust 2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/65

    5.12 %     06/25/24       6.12 %     06/25/25  

Verus Securitization Trust 2022-8, 6.13% due 09/25/67

    7.13 %     10/01/26              

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2022, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Common Stocks

                               

BP Holdco LLC*

  $ 22,763     $     $     $  

Targus Group International Equity, Inc.*

    32,125             (34,346 )     29,321  

Mutual Funds

                               

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund — Institutional Class

    24,848,949       168,796              

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class

          123,105,870              

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund — Institutional Class

    67,397,011       3,642,869       (40,000,000 )     2,012,260  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    18,015,885       963,101              

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    17,512,927       15,586,600              

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    45,783,897       2,292,942              
    $ 173,613,557     $ 145,760,178     $ (40,034,346 )   $ 2,041,581  

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Security Name

 

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

   

Investment
Income

   

Capital Gain
Distributions

 

Common Stocks

                                       

BP Holdco LLC*

  $ 25,455     $ 48,218       37,539     $     $  

Targus Group International Equity, Inc.*

    (27,100 )                        

Mutual Funds

                                       

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund — Institutional Class

    4,027,999       29,045,744       1,017,008       168,796        

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class

    (265,972 )     122,839,898       5,207,287       3,086,883        

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund — Institutional Class

    (3,340,496 )     29,711,644       1,061,130       1,155,898       2,486,971  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    228,722       19,207,708       791,418       963,349        

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    231,826       33,331,353       1,372,225       1,476,117        

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    772,670       48,849,509       5,010,206       2,292,585        
    $ 1,653,104     $ 283,034,074             $ 9,143,628     $ 2,486,971  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $6,270,099,580)

  $ 5,557,640,837  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $292,099,747)

    283,034,074  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $187,977)

    188,332  

Cash

    1,069,903  

Segregated cash with broker

    3,327,828  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    237,705  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    1,228  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    3,708,594  

Prepaid expenses

    313,026  

Receivables:

Interest

    49,656,606  

Securities sold

    20,274,260  

Fund shares sold

    9,520,585  

Dividends

    1,890,315  

Investment Adviser

    8,781  

Total assets

    5,930,872,074  
         

Liabilities:

Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9) (commitment fees received $2,585,615)

  $ 1,990,229  

Segregated cash due to broker

    4,892,000  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    1,356,909  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    5,539  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    34,990,602  

Fund shares redeemed

    21,126,798  

Management fees

    3,791,134  

Distributions to shareholders

    3,083,939  

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

    1,609,059  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    804,429  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    169,730  

Distribution and service fees

    157,390  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    47,467  

Due to Investment Adviser

    15,658  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,352  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    741  

Miscellaneous

    1,834,335  

Total liabilities

    75,880,311  

Net assets

  $ 5,854,991,763  
         

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (concluded)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 6,933,442,850  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,078,451,087 )

Net assets

  $ 5,854,991,763  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 280,275,264  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,845,565  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.66  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%)

  $ 24.65  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 103,332,244  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,370,346  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.64  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 54,987,356  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,323,042  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.67  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,228,679,911  

Capital shares outstanding

    220,670,197  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.69  
         

R6-Class:

Net assets

  $ 187,716,988  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,924,469  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.69  

 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 7,196,247  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    9,143,628  

Interest from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $28,250)

    386,175,069  

Total investment income

    402,514,944  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    51,846,776  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    758,150  

C-Class

    1,224,521  

P-Class

    221,459  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    355,648  

C-Class

    155,734  

P-Class

    238,753  

Institutional Class

    4,876,017  

R6-Class

    7,131  

Interest expense

    6,740,407  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    2,396,713  

Professional fees

  $ 637,193  

Line of credit fees

    400,407  

Custodian fees

    330,326  

Trustees’ fees*

    105,414  

Miscellaneous

    641,943  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    155,426  

C-Class

    53,643  

P-Class

    4,865  

Institutional Class

    214,539  

R6-Class

    9,128  

Total expenses

    71,374,193  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

       

A-Class

    (5,449 )

C-Class

    (2,265 )

P-Class

    (96,205 )

Institutional Class

    (4,699,183 )

R6-Class

    (5,082 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (3,327,899 )

Earnings credits applied

    (152,273 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (8,288,356 )

Net expenses

    63,085,837  

Net investment income

    339,429,107  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (concluded)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (217,639,400 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    2,041,581  

Distributions received from affiliated investment companies

    2,486,971  

Swap agreements

    4,724,292  

Futures contracts

    15,935,361  

Options purchased

    (30,312,894 )

Options written

    54,585,910  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (26,211,908 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (16,466,026 )

Net realized loss

    (210,856,113 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    341,220,997  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    1,653,104  

Swap agreements

    (22,035,486 )

Futures contracts

    2,600,964  

Options purchased

    (26,705,217 )

Options written

    3,029,686  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (5,969,967 )

Foreign currency translations

    (1,275,787 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    292,518,294  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    81,662,181  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 421,091,288  

 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 339,429,107     $ 288,548,755  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (210,856,113 )     28,394,110  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    292,518,294       (1,144,746,402 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    421,091,288       (827,803,537 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (16,952,857 )     (14,450,678 )

C-Class

    (5,928,309 )     (5,329,080 )

P-Class

    (4,987,662 )     (6,862,970 )

Institutional Class

    (310,664,175 )     (271,453,423 )

R6-Class

    (8,818,791 )     (6,954,612 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (347,351,794 )     (305,050,763 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    88,917,715       126,958,094  

C-Class

    12,403,253       17,647,591  

P-Class

    16,822,252       141,236,656  

Institutional Class

    2,128,695,437       2,865,859,194  

R6-Class

    83,550,238       39,129,088  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    14,302,558       12,395,501  

C-Class

    5,285,062       4,714,100  

P-Class

    4,948,543       6,862,970  

Institutional Class

    268,719,399       236,975,014  

R6-Class

    8,818,791       6,954,612  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (154,649,331 )     (190,135,392 )

C-Class

    (61,940,389 )     (58,112,906 )

P-Class

    (130,394,089 )     (120,265,759 )

Institutional Class

    (2,629,895,397 )     (3,617,935,972 )

R6-Class

    (30,444,262 )     (92,877,977 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (374,860,220 )     (620,595,186 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (301,120,726 )     (1,753,449,486 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    6,156,112,489       7,909,561,975  

End of year

  $ 5,854,991,763     $ 6,156,112,489  
                 

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    3,734,087       4,889,782  

C-Class

    521,851       674,828  

P-Class

    707,632       5,424,419  

Institutional Class

    89,245,962       110,104,278  

R6-Class

    3,495,646       1,482,039  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    600,755       488,657  

C-Class

    222,238       186,340  

P-Class

    208,213       273,119  

Institutional Class

    11,271,078       9,317,790  

R6-Class

    370,155       273,699  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (6,501,599 )     (7,374,841 )

C-Class

    (2,604,191 )     (2,275,909 )

P-Class

    (5,490,413 )     (4,789,373 )

Institutional Class

    (110,513,346 )     (142,390,344 )

R6-Class

    (1,280,546 )     (3,655,968 )

Net decrease in shares

    (16,012,478 )     (27,371,484 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

       

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 421,091,288  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to

       

Net Cash Provided by Operating and Investing Activities:

       

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments

    (342,874,101 )

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on options purchased

    26,705,217  

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on options written

    (3,029,686 )

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    5,969,967  

Net realized loss on investments

    213,110,848  

Net realized loss on options purchased

    30,312,894  

Net realized gain on options written

    (54,585,910 )

Purchase of long-term investments

    (1,578,745,799 )

Proceeds from sale of long-term investments

    3,126,366,102  

Net purchases of short-term investments

    (29,722,552 )

Net accretion of bond discount and amortization of bond premium

    (40,595,574 )

Corporate actions and other payments

    17,325,665  

Premiums received on options written

    43,588,352  

Cost of closing options written

    (5,579,763 )

Commitment fees received and repayments of unfunded commitments

    189,767  

Decrease in interest receivable

    7,742,891  

Increase in dividends receivable

    (846,731 )

Decrease in securities sold receivable

    404,064,465  

Decrease in variation margin on futures contracts receivable

    887,390  

Decrease in swap settlement receivable

    303,021  

Decrease in unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    224,011  

Increase in prepaid expenses

    (120,120 )

Decrease in foreign tax reclaims receivable

    26,649  

Increase in investment adviser receivable

    (8,781 )

Decrease in unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    863,019  

Decrease in variation margin on credit default swap agreements receivable

    2,539  

Decrease in protection fees on credit default swap agreements receivable

    21,389  

Decrease in securities purchased payable

    (824,345,983 )

Increase in unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    1,356,909  

Decrease in fund accounting/administration fees payable

    (4,513 )

Decrease in distribution and service fees payable

    (71,887 )

Decrease in transfer agent/maintenance fees payable

    (108,047 )

Decrease in segregated cash due to broker

    (36,169,894 )

Decrease in unamortized upfront premiums received on interest rate swap agreements

    (2,424,352 )

Decrease in management fees payable

    (197,849 )

Increase in variation margin on interest rate swap agreements payable

    1,211,611  

Increase in variation margin on credit default swap agreements payable

    741  

Increase in due to investment adviser payable

    2,492  

Increase in trustees’ fees payable*

    1,968  

Increase in protection fees on credit default swap agreements payable

    169,730  

Decrease in miscellaneous payable

    (414,551 )

Net Cash Provided by Operating and Investing Activities

    1,381,692,832  

 

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (concluded)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

       

Distributions to shareholders

  $ (44,456,463 )

Proceeds from sale of shares

    2,329,085,260  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (3,020,392,040 )

Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements

    3,170,920,036  

Payments made on reverse repurchase agreements

    (3,842,973,638 )

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

    (1,407,816,845 )

Net decrease in cash

    (26,124,013 )

Cash at Beginning of Year (including foreign cash)**

    30,710,076  

Cash at End of Year (including foreign cash)***

  $ 4,586,063  

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

       

Cash paid during the year for interest

  $ 8,300,821  

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Financing Activity:

       

Dividend reinvestment

  $ 302,074,353  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

**

Includes $7,211,350 of segregated cash with broker for futures contracts, swap agreements and options and $7,184,327 of foreign currency.

***

Includes $3,327,828 of segregated cash with broker for swap agreements and $188,332 of foreign currency.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.36     $ 27.19     $ 26.31     $ 25.82     $ 26.53  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.30       .89       .91       .74       .72  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .33       (3.77 )     1.04       .61       (.62 )

Total from investment operations

    1.63       (2.88 )     1.95       1.35       .10  

Less distributions from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (1.33 )     (.95 )     (1.07 )     (.86 )     (.79 )

Net realized gains

                            (.02 )

Total distributions

    (1.33 )     (.95 )     (1.07 )     (.86 )     (.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.66     $ 23.36     $ 27.19     $ 26.31     $ 25.82  

 

Total Returnb

    7.09 %     (10.77 %)     7.49 %     5.39 %     0.41 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 280,275     $ 327,393     $ 435,293     $ 312,986     $ 461,781  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    5.46 %     3.46 %     3.35 %     2.90 %     2.76 %

Total expensesc

    1.50 %     1.42 %     1.43 %     1.51 %     1.47 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.44 %     1.37 %     1.37 %     1.39 %     1.39 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    32 %     25 %     84 %     130 %     46 %

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.35     $ 27.17     $ 26.29     $ 25.80     $ 26.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.12       .70       .72       .55       .52  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .32       (3.76 )     1.03       .61       (.62 )

Total from investment operations

    1.44       (3.06 )     1.75       1.16       (.10 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.15 )     (.76 )     (.87 )     (.67 )     (.60 )

Net realized gains

                            (.02 )

Total distributions

    (1.15 )     (.76 )     (.87 )     (.67 )     (.62 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.64     $ 23.35     $ 27.17     $ 26.29     $ 25.80  

 

Total Returnb

    6.25 %     (11.41 %)     6.70 %     4.60 %     (0.37 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 103,332     $ 145,469     $ 207,739     $ 219,866     $ 321,576  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.72 %     2.70 %     2.64 %     2.15 %     2.00 %

Total expensesc

    2.27 %     2.17 %     2.18 %     2.25 %     2.20 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    2.21 %     2.12 %     2.12 %     2.15 %     2.13 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    32 %     25 %     84 %     130 %     46 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.38     $ 27.20     $ 26.32     $ 25.82     $ 26.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.30       .90       .91       .74       .71  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .32       (3.77 )     1.04       .62       (.62 )

Total from investment operations

    1.62       (2.87 )     1.95       1.36       .09  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.33 )     (.95 )     (1.07 )     (.86 )     (.79 )

Net realized gains

                            (.02 )

Total distributions

    (1.33 )     (.95 )     (1.07 )     (.86 )     (.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.67     $ 23.38     $ 27.20     $ 26.32     $ 25.82  

 

Total Return

    7.09 %     (10.77 %)     7.48 %     5.42 %     0.37 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 54,987     $ 161,232     $ 162,928     $ 99,575     $ 126,334  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    5.49 %     3.51 %     3.33 %     2.91 %     2.73 %

Total expensesc

    1.66 %     1.45 %     1.45 %     1.50 %     1.46 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.49 %     1.37 %     1.37 %     1.40 %     1.39 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    32 %     25 %     84 %     130 %     46 %

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.40     $ 27.23     $ 26.34     $ 25.85     $ 26.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.40       .99       1.02       .85       .81  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .32       (3.76 )     1.05       .60       (.61 )

Total from investment operations

    1.72       (2.77 )     2.07       1.45       .20  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.43 )     (1.06 )     (1.18 )     (.96 )     (.90 )

Net realized gains

                            (.02 )

Total distributions

    (1.43 )     (1.06 )     (1.18 )     (.96 )     (.92 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.69     $ 23.40     $ 27.23     $ 26.34     $ 25.85  

 

Total Return

    7.47 %     (10.39 %)     7.91 %     5.84 %     0.77 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,228,680     $ 5,397,131     $ 6,906,534     $ 4,097,303     $ 5,396,868  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    5.86 %     3.85 %     3.74 %     3.32 %     3.12 %

Total expensesc

    1.18 %     1.09 %     1.08 %     1.17 %     1.13 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.03 %     0.96 %     0.96 %     0.99 %     0.98 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    32 %     25 %     84 %     130 %     46 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

R6-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Period
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.39     $ 27.22     $ 26.34     $ 25.84     $ 25.98  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.40       .98       1.02       .87       .36  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .33       (3.75 )     1.04       .58       (.03 )

Total from investment operations

    1.73       (2.77 )     2.06       1.45       .33  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.43 )     (1.06 )     (1.18 )     (.95 )     (.47 )

Total distributions

    (1.43 )     (1.06 )     (1.18 )     (.95 )     (.47 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.69     $ 23.39     $ 27.22     $ 26.34     $ 25.84  

 

Total Return

    7.51 %     (10.39 %)     7.91 %     5.81 %     1.30 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 187,717     $ 124,888     $ 197,067     $ 136,669     $ 676  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    5.85 %     3.79 %     3.74 %     3.41 %     2.79 %

Total expensesc

    1.07 %     1.00 %     1.01 %     1.09 %     1.11 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.01 %     0.96 %     0.96 %     0.99 %     1.03 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    32 %     25 %     84 %     130 %     46 %

 

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

A-Class

0.05%

0.06%

0.10%

0.03%

0.02%

C-Class

0.04%

0.06%

0.08%

0.05%

0.05%

P-Class

0.01%

0.05%

0.09%

0.03%

0.04%

Institutional Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

R6-Class

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*,g

 

*

Less than 0.01%

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

A-Class

1.32%

1.33%

1.33%

1.33%

1.33%

C-Class

2.07%

2.08%

2.08%

2.08%

2.07%

P-Class

1.32%

1.33%

1.33%

1.33%

1.33%

Institutional Class

0.91%

0.92%

0.92%

0.92%

0.92%

R6-Class

0.91%

0.92%

0.92%

0.92%

0.92%g

 

g

Since commencement of operations: March 13, 2019. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Macro Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments, provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor of the Fund’s shares. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Pursuant to an investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between GPIM and Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC (“GPA”) that was in effect during a portion of the Reporting Period, GPA was engaged to provide investment subadvisory services to the Fund. GPA operated as an investment sub-advisor to the Fund from April 29, 2022 to December 22, 2022.

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GPA, under the oversight of the Board and GPIM, assisted GPIM in the supervision and direction of the investment strategies of the Fund in accordance with its investment policies. As compensation for its services, GPIM paid GPA a fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.005% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Fund.

 

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

 

A summary of the Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary is as follows:

 

 

 

Inception Date
of Subsidiary

   

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
September 30, 2023

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
September 30, 2023

 
      01/08/15     $ 546,202       0.01 %

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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 following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the share class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by pricing service providers, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by a pricing service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued using a price provided by a pricing service.

 

Futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

Interest rate swap agreements entered into by the Fund is valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded.

 

Other swap agreements entered into by the Fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a pricing service provider.

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

 

The Fund may acquire an interest in a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) in an initial public offering or a secondary market transaction. SPAC investments carry many of the same risks as investments in initial public offering securities, such as erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. An investment in a SPAC is typically subject to a higher risk of dilution by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC and interests in SPACs may be illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. SPAC investments are also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger and that the SPAC may have limited time in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets. Because SPACs are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund invests will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable.

 

(c) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Inflation-Indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these securities is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond however, interest will be paid based on a principal value which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is recognized as a component of Interest on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, even though principal is not received until maturity.

 

(d) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments

 

Senior floating rate interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash, such as the one-month or three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund invests in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”). A portion of the Fund’s investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations (“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Fund may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Recently, many new or reissued obligations have not featured traditional covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Fund may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in (or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations. The Fund is subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to) obligations, including that obligations may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

(e) Interest on When-Issued Securities

 

The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, it may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

(f) Short Sales

 

When the Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale.

 

Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

(g) Options

 

Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.

 

When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).

 

The Fund may purchase and write swaptions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of the Funds’ holdings, as a duration management technique or to protect against an increase in the price of securities it anticipates purchasing at a later date. The purchaser and writer of a swaption is buying or granting the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate swap agreement at any time before the expiration of the options. The swaptions are forward premium swaptions which have extended settlement dates.

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(h) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(i) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(j) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(k) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(l) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Consolidated Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(m) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications,

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.

 

The Fund may receive other income from investments in senior loan interests including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received by the Fund and included in interest income on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included in realized gain on investments on the Fund’s Consoldated Statement of Operations at the end of the commitment period.

 

(n) Distributions

 

The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(o) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(p) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(q) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(r) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.

 

Options Purchased and Written

 

A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options purchased on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Duration, Hedge, Speculation, Income

  $ 1,061,153,899     $ 349,634,210  

 

The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options written on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Hedge, Income

  $ 135,765,375     $ 137,723,377  

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Fund’s Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Duration, Hedge, Speculation

  $ 189,848,176     $ 5,904,548  

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing OTC swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a Fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of interest rate swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Pay Floating Rate

   

Receive Floating Rate

 

Duration, Hedge, Speculation

  $ 1,955,587,583     $ 5,136,314,500  

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. The Fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of credit default swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Protection Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

Hedge, Index exposure

  $ 29,166,667     $ 243,241,667  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.

 

The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Value

 

Use

 

Purchased

   

Sold

 

Hedge, Income

  $ 1,286,885,526     $ 1,571,115,647  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Credit/Interest rate swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

 

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

   

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Interest rate option contracts

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value

Currency forward contracts

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total
Value at
September 30,
2023

 
    $     $       3,708,594     $ 1,251,079     $ 4,959,673  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total
Value at
September 30,
2023

 
    $ 19,695,587     $ 3,319,919       5,539     $     $ 23,021,045  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives contracts as reported on the Fund’s Consolidated Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Commodity/Interest rate futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Credit/Interest rate swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

Credit/Commodity/Currency/Equity/Interest rate option contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased

Net change in unrealized appreciation

 

(depreciation) on options purchased

 

Net realized gain (loss) on options written

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written

Currency forward contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations

 
 

 

   

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Swaps
Credit Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

 
          $ 2,148,466     $ 13,786,895     $ 8,382,101     $ (3,657,809 )   $ 7,459,222     $ (13,620,954 )   $ (26,211,908 )

 

 

Options
Purchased
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Commodity
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Written
Commodity
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Credit Risk

   

Total

 
  $ (13,717,865 )   $ (3,453,674 )   $ 710,478     $ 38,044,751     $ 8,913,602     $ 168,335     $ (230,879 )   $ 18,720,761  

 

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments
Recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations

 
 

 

   

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Swaps
Credit Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

 
          $     $ 2,600,964     $ (19,639,825 )   $ (2,395,661 )   $ 3,173,706     $ (17,460,200 )   $ (5,969,967 )

 

 

Options
Purchased
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Commodity
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Written
Commodity
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Credit Risk

   

Total

 
  $ (1,446,705 )   $     $ (7,798,312 )   $ (303,894 )   $ (6,195 )   $ 166,069     $     $ (49,080,020 )

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. The Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that it believes to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

 

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net Amount

 

Options purchased

  $ 1,251,079     $       1,251,079     $     $ (990,217 )   $ 260,862  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    3,708,594             3,708,594             (3,704,255 )     4,339  

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

 

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 5,539     $     $ 5,539     $     $     $ 5,539  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Barclays Bank plc

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, Options

  $     $ 2,640,000  

Goldman Sachs International

Options

          130,000  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Credit default swap agreements

    3,327,828        

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, Options

          2,122,000  
      $ 3,327,828     $ 4,892,000  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.

 

Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.

 

Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees at an annualized rate based on the average daily net assets as follows:

 


Average Daily Net Assets

 

Annualized
Rate

 

$5 billion or less

    0.89 %

> $5 billion

    0.84 %

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from the Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Fund’s Board for such termination. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund waived $244,683 related to advisory fees in the Subsidiary.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

A-Class

    1.36 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

C-Class

    2.11 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

P-Class

    1.36 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Institutional Class

    0.95 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

R6-Class

    0.95 %     03/13/19       02/01/25  

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund
Total

 

A-Class

  $ 196,169     $ 80,282     $ 15,216     $ 291,667  

C-Class

    102,752       37,685       6,309       146,746  

P-Class

    81,801       101,516       99,081       282,398  

Institutional Class

    6,245,889       7,075,307       4,861,940       18,183,136  

R6-Class

    59,463       38,182       9,192       106,837  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped $437,601 from the Fund.

 

If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund waived $1,087,529 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements:

 

 

 

Number of Days
Outstanding

   

Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Average Balance
Outstanding

   

Average
Interest Rate

 
      211     $ *   $ 304,478,898       3.83 %

 

*

As of September 30, 2023, there were no open reverse repurchase agreements

 

Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The Fund intends to invest up to 25% of its assets in the Subsidiary which is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the U.S. federal income tax requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund has received a private letter ruling from the IRS that concludes that the income the Fund receives from the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Subsidiary will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If, during a taxable year, the Subsidiary’s taxable losses (and other deductible items) exceed its income and gains, the net loss will not pass through to the Fund as a deductible amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes and cannot be carried forward to reduce future income from the Subsidiary in subsequent years.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 346,075,668     $ 1,276,126     $ 347,351,794  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 305,050,763     $     $ 305,050,763  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 
    $ 47,136,918     $     $ (883,723,338 )   $ (207,484,654 )   $ (34,380,013 )   $ (1,078,451,087 )

 

98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

         

 

 


Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 
    $     $ (207,484,654 )   $ (207,484,654 )

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in CLO securities and swap agreements, the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives, investments in bonds, foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, dividends payable, amortization, recharacterization of income from investments, and transactions with the Fund’s wholly owned subsidiary. Additional differences may result from investments in partnerships, distribution reclass, the “mark-to-market” of certain foreign denominated securities, and the “mark-to-market” or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

 

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 
    $ 19,711,568     $ (19,711,568 )

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 6,701,892,398     $ 3,685,439     $ (887,918,432 )   $ (884,232,993 )

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 8 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 1,379,632,781     $ 2,841,292,119  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 199,113,018     $ 285,073,983  

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 9 – Unfunded Loan Commitments

 

Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.

 

The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023, were as follows:

 

Borrower

 

Maturity Date

   

Face Amount*

   

Value

 

Avalara, Inc.

    10/19/28     $ 1,600,000     $ 19,478  

Care BidCo

    05/04/28       EUR 9,200,000       595,119  

Checkers Holdings, Inc.

    06/16/27       262,053        

Finastra

    09/13/29       761,458       93,301  

Fontainbleau Vegas

    01/31/26       3,523,283        

Galls LLC

    01/31/24       305,108       7,628  

Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc.

    11/25/28       2,250,000       22,044  

Lightning A

    03/01/37       17,029,255        

Lightning B

    03/01/37       3,425,425        

Orion Group

    03/19/27       2,837,255       35,508  

Polaris Newco LLC

    06/04/26       5,477,389       367,084  

RLDatix

    10/28/24       GBP 6,186,784       141,151  

 

100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Borrower

 

Maturity Date

   

Face Amount*

   

Value

 

Schur Flexibles GmbH

    09/30/26       EUR 214,755     $ 10,598  

Shaw Development LLC

    11/22/23       6,900,000        

The Facilities Group

    11/30/27       774,440       18,393  

Thunderbird A

    03/01/37       17,284,000        

Thunderbird B

    03/01/37       3,476,667        

TK Elevator Midco GmbH

    01/29/27       EUR 11,308,020       679,925  

WellSky Corp.

    11/24/23       12,400,000        
                    $ 1,990,229  

 

*

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

 

EUR — Euro

 

GBP — British Pound

 

Note 10 – Restricted Securities

 

The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:

 

Restricted
Securities

 

Acquisition
Date

   

Cost

   

Value

 

Atlas Mara Ltd.

                       

due 12/31/211

    10/01/15     $ 6,243,950     $ 2,154,120  

CFMT LLC

                       

2022-HB9 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/372

    09/23/22       7,582,690       7,140,481  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

                       

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/213

    05/09/14             815  

Mirabela Nickel Ltd.

                       

due 06/24/191

    12/31/13       1,710,483       89,557  
            $ 15,537,123     $ 9,384,973  

 

1

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

 

Note 11 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. The Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 12 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements.

 

102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents; when replies were not received from brokers or paying agents, we performed

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) . See the qualified interest income in the table below.

 

 

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

 
      1.52 %     1.46 %     73.24 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

 

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term
capital gain,
using proceeds
from shareholder
redemptions:

 
    $ 1,276,126     $  

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of the Fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim Funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.    

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund
(“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund
(“Core Bond Fund”)*

Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”)**

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

Guggenheim High Yield Fund
(“High Yield Fund”)*

Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund
(“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund
(“Limited Duration Fund”)**

Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”)*

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund
(“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund
(“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund
(“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund
(“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund

 

108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the

 

114 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

116 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

122 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other Directorships
Held by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018

(Trustee)

 

Since 2014
(Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007

(Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

124 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance
Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim

Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

 

126 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

128 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based

 

130 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

132 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

FR-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

9

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

51

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

70

OTHER INFORMATION

72

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

86

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

95

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

99

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investments in floating rate senior secured syndicated bank loans and other floating rate securities involve special types of risks, including credit rate risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and prepayment risk. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements and synthetic instruments (such as synthetic collateralized debt obligations) expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index tracks the investable market of the U.S. dollar denominated leveraged loan market. It consists of issues rated “5B” or lower, meaning that the highest rated issues included in this index are Moody’s/S&P ratings of Baa1/BB+ or Ba1/BBB+. All loans are funded term loans with a tenor of at least one year and are made by issuers domiciled in developed countries.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

A-Class

    1.02 %     6.41 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,064.10     $ 5.28  

C-Class

    1.78 %     6.01 %     1,000.00       1,060.10       9.19  

P-Class

    1.02 %     6.40 %     1,000.00       1,064.00       5.28  

Institutional Class

    0.78 %     6.53 %     1,000.00       1,065.30       4.04  

R6-Class

    0.74 %     6.54 %     1,000.00       1,065.40       3.83  

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

A-Class

    1.02 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,019.95     $ 5.16  

C-Class

    1.78 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,016.14       9.00  

P-Class

    1.02 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,019.95       5.16  

Institutional Class

    0.78 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.16       3.95  

R6-Class

    0.74 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.36       3.75  

 

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Thomas J. Hauser, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Christopher Keywork, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return of 13.47%1 , outperforming the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 12.47% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

Leveraged loans had strong performance for the Reporting Period, putting the asset class on pace for its best calendar year since the global financial crisis. Loans also outperformed many other credit asset classes in the Reporting Period, as the high base rate has translated into higher coupons and driven historically high interest returns. Meanwhile, fixed-rate asset classes have felt the negative impact of duration. The technical backdrop has also remained supportive for loan prices, as demand, driven by solid collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) origination, has outpaced meager new money supply.

 

The primary driver of relative return for the Reporting Period continues to be strong credit selection driven by our bottom-up process. Credit selection in the Consumer Non-Cyclicals and Capital Goods sectors, as well as in the CCC ratings segment, were the largest drivers of performance. The Fund’s underweight to the CCC ratings segment and avoidance of defaulted issuers also contributed to performance. An underweight to the BB ratings segment, a result of relative-value driven portfolio construction, also was a contributor. Given liquidity requirements, the Fund has an allocation to a bank loan ETF which hurt performance, as the holding underperformed the broader market. An underweight to the technology sector also slightly detracted from performance.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund used forward foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge currency exposure on foreign-denominated bonds. The hedges had a negative impact on performance for the Reporting Period.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Discount margins (spreads) broadly tightened during the Reporting Period, ending at about 550 basis points, 65 basis points tighter of where they started the Reporting Period. One basis point (“bps”) is equal to 0.01%. While issuer fundamentals remain in a satisfactory position, we remain cautious of where we are in the cycle. Despite markets tightening on the prospect of a soft landing, we think credit selection will be particularly important over the next 12-18 months.

 

The Fund remains up-in-quality and is well-positioned amid the market volatility to take advantage of any spread widening. At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund was underweight the CCC-and-below segment by approximately 375 basis points, and the distress ratio (loans trading below 80) was 1.2% for the portfolio versus 4.1% for the Benchmark. Our bottom-up process has limited volatility to the downside and to credit losses, and we also believe Fund constituents remain up-in-quality from a fundamentals standpoint versus the Benchmark.

 

In terms of portfolio positioning, although focus has shifted slightly to the primary market, we continue to review both primary and secondary market opportunities, evaluate the risk of our existing positions, and look to use the market strength to opportunistically exit or trim some names we believe have traded up tight to fair value.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charge or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide a high level of current income while maximizing total return.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

November 30, 2011

C-Class

November 30, 2011

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional-Class

November 30, 2011

R6-Class

March 13, 2019

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF

2.8%

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc., 7.42%

1.0%

First Brands Group LLC, 10.88%

0.9%

Hunter Douglas, Inc., 8.89%

0.9%

Arcline FM Holdings LLC, 10.40%

0.9%

Fertitta Entertainment LLC, 9.32%

0.9%

Del Monte Foods, Inc., 9.67%

0.9%

Osmosis Holdings Australia II Pty Ltd., 9.08%

0.9%

Medical Solutions Parent Holdings, Inc., 8.77%

0.9%

Ascend Learning LLC, 8.92%

0.8%

Top Ten Total

10.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

13.47%

3.69%

3.75%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

10.08%

3.06%

3.25%

C-Class Shares

12.58%

2.92%

2.98%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

11.58%

2.92%

2.98%

Institutional Class Shares

13.68%

3.93%

4.00%

Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index

12.47%

4.31%

4.33%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

13.46%

3.69%

3.62%

Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index

12.47%

4.31%

4.32%

 

 

 

1 Year

Since
Inception
(03/13/19)

R6-Class Shares

 

13.87%

4.36%

Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index

 

12.47%

4.59%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and R6-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 3.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 3.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

BBB

4.3%

BB

27.8%

B

59.8%

CCC

2.0%

CC

0.5%

NR2

1.9%

Other Instruments

3.7%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS††† - 0.0%

                 

Industrial - 0.0%

BP Holdco LLC*,1

    244,278     $ 313,770  

Vector Phoenix Holdings, LP*

    244,278       15,006  

API Heat Transfer Parent LLC*

    4,994,727       499  

Targus, Inc.*

    12,773       377  

Targus, Inc.*

    12,773       377  

Targus, Inc.*

    12,773       307  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*

    15,530       155  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*

    14,354       144  

Targus , Inc.*

    12,773       140  

Targus, Inc.*

    12,773       1  

Total Industrial

            330,776  
                 

Energy - 0.0%

Permian Production Partners LLC*

    401,481       15,968  
                 

Financial - 0.0%

Tensor Ltd.*

    177,413       18  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $1,536,493)

            346,762  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS††† - 0.0%

Industrial - 0.0%

API Heat Transfer Intermediate *

    618       280,462  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC *

    853,214       213,445  

Total Industrial

            493,907  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $2,861,906)

            493,907  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 2.8%

SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF

    676,240       28,354,743  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $28,000,558)

            28,354,743  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.8%

Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury Cash Reserves Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.20%2

    7,998,678     7,998,678  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $7,998,678)

            7,998,678  
                 
   

Face
Amount
~

         

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 89.9%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 18.3%

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

               

7.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 05/24/27

  9,851,169       9,781,423  

Del Monte Foods, Inc.

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/16/29

    9,527,005       9,250,150  

Osmosis Holdings Australia II Pty Ltd.

               

9.08% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 07/30/28

    9,138,644       9,037,296  

Medical Solutions Parent Holdings, Inc.

               

8.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 11/01/28

    9,167,873       8,855,156  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

National Mentor Holdings, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/02/28

  8,732,139     $ 7,753,441  

9.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/02/28

    276,228       245,269  

Hayward Industries, Inc.

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 05/30/28

    7,624,500       7,564,114  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc.

               

9.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/22/26

    7,245,125       7,199,843  

VC GB Holdings I Corp.

               

8.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 07/21/28

    7,288,533       7,138,827  

Medline Borrower LP

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 10/23/28

    7,092,000       7,068,596  

Quirch Foods Holdings LLC

               

10.45% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 10/27/27

    6,617,924       6,580,731  

Mission Veterinary Partners

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/27/28

  6,377,387     6,305,641  

HAH Group Holding Co. LLC

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/29/27

    6,227,400       6,133,989  

Electron BidCo, Inc.

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 11/01/28

    6,030,760       6,000,606  

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc.

               

7.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 11/15/27

    6,030,304       5,923,267  

Weber-Stephen Products LLC

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 10/29/27

    6,379,866       5,731,225  

Froneri US, Inc.

               

7.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 01/29/27

    5,436,780       5,391,655  

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Triton Water Holdings, Inc.

               

8.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/31/28

  5,332,738     $ 5,190,514  

Dermatology Intermediate Holdings III, Inc.

               

9.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 04/02/29

    4,359,618       4,328,011  

9.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/30/29

    816,456       810,536  

Phoenix Newco, Inc.

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 11/15/28

    4,925,000       4,885,846  

Southern Veterinary Partners LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/05/27

    4,687,163       4,653,462  

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.

               

10.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 08/23/29

    4,478,167       4,489,362  

Perrigo Investments LLC

               

7.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 04/20/29

  4,433,825     4,413,031  

Resonetics LLC

               

9.63% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/28/28

    3,545,729       3,474,814  

CHG PPC Parent LLC

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/08/28

    3,438,890       3,408,800  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.

               

7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 08/02/27

    2,929,404       2,870,406  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.

               

8.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 03/15/30

    2,865,600       2,847,088  

TGP Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/29/28

    3,049,759       2,778,331  

Cambrex Corp.

               

8.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/04/26

    2,595,327       2,579,106  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Balrog Acquisition, Inc.

               

9.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/05/28†††

  2,588,770     $ 2,569,354  

Hostess Brands LLC

               

7.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 06/28/30

    2,514,551       2,517,166  

Fortrea Holdings, Inc.

               

9.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 07/01/30

    2,513,700       2,503,218  

Heritage Grocers Group LLC

               

12.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 08/01/29

    2,490,522       2,488,455  

Sigma Holding BV (Flora Food)

               

7.41% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/02/25

  EUR 2,258,979       2,379,226  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

               

7.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 12/22/27

    2,329,875       2,319,973  

Blue Ribbon LLC

               

11.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 05/08/28

    2,584,615       2,171,077  

Aramark Services, Inc.

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 06/22/30

  1,496,250     1,492,509  

DaVita, Inc.

               

7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 08/12/26

    1,492,161       1,472,583  

Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I SARL

               

14.50% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 03/27/28

    1,896,000       1,352,095  

Upstream Newco, Inc.

               

9.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 11/20/26

    733,125       701,601  

PlayCore

               

9.38% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 03/29/27

    632,392       630,419  

Mamba Purchaser, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 10/16/28

    312,983       311,678  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    185,599,890  
                 

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Industrial - 17.5%

Hunter Douglas, Inc.

               

8.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 02/26/29

  9,662,576     $ 9,394,439  

Arcline FM Holdings LLC

               

10.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 06/23/28

    9,422,700       9,348,072  

Pelican Products, Inc.

               

9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/29/28

    9,005,128       8,509,846  

American Bath Group LLC

               

9.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/23/27

    8,781,501       8,263,744  

CPG International LLC

               

7.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 04/28/29

    6,930,000       6,921,338  

Aegion Corp.

               

10.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 05/17/28

    6,896,511       6,842,028  

LTI Holdings, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 09/08/25

    6,847,946       6,659,627  

PECF USS Intermediate Holding III Corp.

               

9.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/15/28

  7,806,694     6,234,894  

TricorBraun Holdings, Inc.

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/03/28

    6,173,733       6,049,579  

Park River Holdings, Inc.

               

8.52% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 12/28/27

    5,984,684       5,767,081  

USIC Holding, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 05/12/28

    5,250,368       5,158,487  

White Cap Supply Holdings LLC

               

9.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 10/19/27

    4,962,217       4,948,670  

Titan Acquisition Ltd. (Husky)

               

8.73% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/28/25

    4,937,422       4,891,751  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

API Heat Transfer

               

16.65% (1 Month Term SOFR) (in-kind rate was 16.65%) due 01/01/24†††,3

  4,407,563     $ 4,042,783  

16.43% (1 Month Term SOFR) (in-kind rate was 16.43%) due 10/31/23†††,3

    786,356       786,356  

Duran Group Holding GmbH

               

8.59% (6 Month EURIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 05/31/26†††

  EUR 4,527,760       4,727,887  

Brown Group Holding LLC

               

8.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 06/07/28

    4,464,298       4,418,718  

STS Operating, Inc. (SunSource)

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/11/24

    3,999,789       3,997,789  

Engineered Machinery Holdings, Inc.

               

9.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/19/28

    3,900,227       3,875,851  

DG Investment Intermediate Holdings 2, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/31/28

  3,812,376     3,741,695  

Ravago Holdings America, Inc.

               

8.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 03/04/28

    3,671,084       3,597,662  

Pro Mach Group, Inc.

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/31/28

    3,420,031       3,420,476  

Berlin Packaging LLC

               

9.20% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%) and (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%), Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/13/28

    3,381,000       3,340,563  

Hillman Group, Inc.

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 07/14/28

    3,278,174       3,273,060  

Mirion Technologies, Inc.

               

8.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 10/20/28

    3,065,287       3,060,475  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Anchor Packaging LLC

               

8.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/18/26

  3,049,155     $ 3,015,797  

Alliance Laundry Systems LLC

               

8.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 10/08/27

    3,009,107       3,005,346  

Quikrete Holdings, Inc.

               

8.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/19/29

    2,937,688       2,943,946  

Transdigm, Inc.

               

8.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 08/24/28

    2,897,169       2,896,705  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.

               

10.44% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 12/23/27

    2,870,483       2,859,719  

Service Logic Acquisition, Inc.

               

9.63% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/29/27

    2,735,969       2,724,013  

Standard Industries, Inc.

               

7.94% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 09/22/28

    2,501,912       2,499,986  

Michael Baker International LLC

               

10.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 12/01/28

  2,244,289     2,227,457  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC

               

10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27

    2,100,000       2,178,981  

Air Canada

               

9.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/11/28

    2,172,500       2,172,044  

Charter Next Generation, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/01/27

    2,148,018       2,126,538  

Fugue Finance LLC

               

9.92% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/31/28

    2,120,141       2,121,328  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.

               

7.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 05/19/28

    2,113,782       2,111,351  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

TK Elevator Midco GmbH

               

9.38% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 07/30/27

  1,848,398     $ 1,842,853  

United Airlines, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/21/28

    1,837,353       1,837,775  

Protective Industrial Products, Inc.

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/29/27

    1,818,283       1,754,643  

EMRLD Borrower LP

               

8.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 05/31/30

    1,757,488       1,754,201  

CPM Holdings, Inc.

               

due 09/22/28

    1,576,025       1,571,108  

Barnes Group, Inc.

               

8.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 09/03/30

    1,525,000       1,525,763  

Sundyne (Star US Bidco)

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/17/27

    1,461,366       1,456,339  

Bleriot US Bidco LLC

               

9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/31/28

  998,747     998,747  

ProAmpac PG Borrower LLC

               

due 09/26/28

    661,500       657,200  

Osmose Utility Services, Inc.

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/23/28

    485,088       480,843  

Total Industrial

    178,035,554  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 16.5%

First Brands Group LLC

               

10.88% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/30/27

    11,857,237       11,680,638  

Fertitta Entertainment LLC

               

9.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 01/29/29

    9,357,500       9,252,228  

Restaurant Brands

               

7.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 09/13/30

    8,111,524       8,076,077  

WIRB - Copernicus Group, Inc.

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 01/08/27

    7,276,052       7,185,101  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Congruex Group LLC

               

11.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 05/03/29

  6,912,500     $ 6,791,531  

Zephyr Bidco Ltd.

               

9.97% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/23/25

  GBP 5,265,000       6,329,897  

PetSmart LLC

               

9.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/11/28

    6,223,000       6,197,424  

Thevelia US LLC

               

9.54% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 06/18/29

    6,207,638       6,189,512  

Eagle Parent Corp.

               

9.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 04/02/29

    6,279,375       6,089,675  

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

               

11.81% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 10/20/28

    6,912,500       6,021,064  

Scientific Games Holdings, LP

               

8.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 04/04/29

    5,890,500       5,851,210  

Truck Hero, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 01/31/28

  5,860,177     5,585,979  

Petco Health And Wellness Company, Inc.

               

8.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/03/28

    5,179,248       5,114,508  

Belron Finance US LLC

               

8.16% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 04/18/29

    3,990,000       3,988,763  

Ontario Gaming GTA LP

               

9.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/01/30

    3,977,906       3,977,906  

Galaxy US Opco, Inc.

               

10.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 04/30/29

    4,109,390       3,909,057  

Alterra Mountain Co.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/17/28

    3,579,588       3,567,668  

EG Finco Limited

               

7.86% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 02/07/28

  EUR 1,958,645       2,010,920  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

7.86% (6 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 02/07/25

  EUR 1,013,663     $ 1,070,525  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

               

8.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/17/28

  3,061,373       3,048,944  

Mavis Tire Express Services TopCo Corp.

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 05/04/28

    3,050,000       3,039,325  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

               

7.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 05/24/30

    3,035,043       3,035,043  

Stars Group (Amaya)

               

7.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 07/21/26

    2,935,946       2,931,983  

Michaels Stores, Inc.

               

9.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 04/15/28

    3,203,501       2,916,627  

Clarios Global LP

               

9.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 05/06/30

    2,900,058       2,891,010  

Guardian US HoldCo LLC

               

9.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 01/31/30

  2,743,125     2,743,811  

Entain Holdings (Gibraltar) Ltd.

               

7.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 03/29/27

    2,667,366       2,660,217  

TTF Holdings Intermediate LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 03/31/28

    2,661,120       2,656,676  

CCRR Parent, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/06/28

    2,785,714       2,653,393  

Packers Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/09/28

    4,451,092       2,626,144  

Match Group, Inc.

               

7.30% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 02/13/27

    2,500,000       2,488,275  

AlixPartners, LLP

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 02/04/28

    2,487,180       2,483,449  

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Peloton Interactive, Inc.

               

12.26% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 7.00%) due 05/25/27

  2,468,750     $ 2,466,281  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

               

9.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/08/30

    2,437,750       2,382,901  

Seren BidCo AB

               

8.45% (3 Month SOFR + 3.15%, Rate Floor: 3.15%) due 11/16/28

    2,161,500       2,141,247  

BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc.

               

10.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 12/11/28

    2,024,426       2,022,402  

Alexander Mann

               

11.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 06/29/27

    1,971,200       1,921,920  

TMF Sapphire Bidco BV

               

10.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 05/03/28

    1,858,571       1,851,601  

Burlington Stores, Inc.

               

7.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 06/26/28

    1,813,200       1,809,428  

GoDaddy Operating Co.

               

7.82% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 11/10/29

  1,725,000     1,725,535  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/06/30

    1,691,500       1,690,451  

WW International, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 04/13/28

    1,653,750       1,243,074  

Sweetwater Sound

               

9.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/07/28†††

    1,141,336       1,104,243  

American Trailer World Corp.

               

9.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/03/28

    1,085,951       1,040,102  

SHO Holding I Corp.

               

10.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 04/26/24

    552,713       366,631  

10.86% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.23%, Rate Floor: 5.23%) due 04/29/24

    7,872       5,222  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

EG Finco Ltd.

               

9.41% (1 Month SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 02/07/28†††

  159,262     $ 151,299  

9.41% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.38%, Rate Floor: 5.38%) due 02/07/25†††

    75,363       75,175  

New Trojan Parent, Inc.

               

8.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 01/06/28

    205,601       107,256  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    167,169,348  
                 

Financial - 11.3%

NFP Corp.

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/15/27

    7,608,522       7,505,275  

USI, Inc.

               

9.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/22/29

    5,507,937       5,499,510  

due 09/13/30

    1,497,529       1,492,849  

AqGen Island Holdings, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/02/28

    6,904,369       6,822,415  

AmWINS Group, Inc.

               

7.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 02/22/28

    6,837,163       6,789,782  

Teneo Holdings LLC

               

10.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/11/25

  6,641,745     6,631,782  

Citadel Securities, LP

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 07/29/30

    6,444,827       6,424,719  

Aretec Group, Inc.

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/01/25

    3,383,665       3,380,146  

9.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/09/30

    2,623,014       2,600,063  

Jane Street Group LLC

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 01/26/28

    4,840,208       4,822,057  

Duff & Phelps

               

9.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/09/27

    4,885,163       4,757,954  

Nexus Buyer LLC

               

9.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/09/26

    4,589,233       4,517,917  

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Focus Financial Partners, LLC

               

8.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/30/28

  4,207,500     $ 4,192,900  

Franchise Group, Inc.

               

10.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 03/10/26

    3,955,564       3,614,397  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC

               

8.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 11/05/27

    3,552,447       3,544,667  

Virtu Financial

               

8.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/12/29

    3,564,000       3,532,067  

Worldpay

               

due 09/21/30

    3,530,000       3,527,811  

Ryan Specialty Group LLC

               

8.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 09/01/27

    3,492,000       3,488,264  

Apex Group Treasury LLC

               

9.38% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 07/27/28

    3,430,000       3,394,259  

Cobham Ultra SeniorCo SARL

               

9.36% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/06/29

  3,267,124     3,245,332  

Asurion LLC

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/20/28

    3,174,050       3,078,828  

Zodiac Pool Solutions LLC

               

7.34% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.93%, Rate Floor: 1.93%) due 01/29/29

    3,014,770       2,992,912  

FleetCor Technologies Operating Company LLC

               

7.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 04/28/28

    2,968,282       2,955,459  

Delos Aircraft Leasing

               

7.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 10/31/27

    2,808,571       2,810,341  

HighTower Holding LLC

               

9.61% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/21/28

    2,646,000       2,639,385  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

HarbourVest Partners, LP

               

8.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 04/20/30

  2,584,351     $ 2,580,035  

Capstone Borrower, Inc.

               

9.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 06/17/30

    2,143,256       2,132,540  

Apex Group Treasury LLC

               

10.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 07/27/28†††

    2,084,250       2,084,250  

GIP Pilot Acquisition Partners LP

               

due 09/15/30

    1,609,650       1,603,614  

Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management, Inc.

               

9.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/15/30

    1,585,000       1,587,980  

HUB International Ltd.

               

9.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 06/20/30

    644,234       645,309  

Total Financial

    114,894,819  
                 

Technology - 11.3%

Ascend Learning LLC

               

8.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/11/28

  8,940,750     8,511,862  

Athenahealth Group, Inc.

               

8.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/15/29

    8,600,950       8,426,264  

Emerald TopCo, Inc. (Press Ganey)

               

9.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/24/26

    8,419,146       8,084,485  

CoreLogic, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 06/02/28

    8,543,930       7,878,187  

Peraton Corp.

               

9.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/01/28

    7,395,576       7,372,501  

Atlas CC Acquisition Corp.

               

9.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/25/28

    6,752,722       6,280,031  

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Boxer Parent Company, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 10/02/25

  5,977,525     $ 5,968,439  

Polaris Newco LLC

               

9.43% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 06/02/28

    5,969,543       5,707,301  

Wrench Group LLC

               

9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/30/26

    5,397,819       5,377,577  

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

               

9.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/29/28

    4,938,577       4,734,170  

Conair Holdings LLC

               

9.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/17/28

    4,523,860       4,324,041  

Sabre GLBL, Inc.

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 06/30/28

    3,296,299       2,896,623  

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/17/27

    1,351,884       1,179,519  

CCC Intelligent Solutions, Inc.

               

7.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 09/21/28

  3,920,126     3,906,248  

Indicor LLC

               

9.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 11/22/29

    3,804,679       3,810,120  

Taxware Holdings (Sovos Compliance LLC)

               

9.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/11/28

    3,736,298       3,671,772  

Epicor Software

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 07/30/27

    3,664,987       3,656,961  

Park Place Technologies, LLC

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/27

    3,601,113       3,539,606  

Project Ruby Ultimate Parent Corp.

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/10/28

    3,412,500       3,364,862  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Gen Digital, Inc.

               

7.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.10%, Rate Floor: 2.10%) due 09/12/29

  3,212,940     $ 3,200,089  

CDK Global, Inc.

               

9.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 07/06/29

    2,977,500       2,975,892  

RealPage, Inc.

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 04/24/28

    2,978,305       2,941,076  

Entegris, Inc.

               

7.87% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%) and (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%), Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 07/06/29

    2,793,791       2,792,925  

Dun & Bradstreet

               

8.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 02/06/26

    1,655,624       1,651,998  

World Wide Technology Holding Co. LLC

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/01/30

    1,566,075       1,564,117  

Imprivata, Inc.

               

9.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/01/27

  641,875     641,073  

Total Technology

    114,457,739  
                 

Communications - 8.4%

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/09/27

    6,648,468       5,413,914  

9.64% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.33%, Rate Floor: 4.33%) due 03/09/27

    3,940,000       3,192,385  

McGraw Hill LLC

               

10.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/28/28

    8,529,930       8,346,878  

Virgin Media Bristol LLC

               

7.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 01/31/28

    7,916,233       7,679,775  

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Xplornet Communications, Inc.

               

9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/02/28

  8,484,439     $ 6,626,347  

Ziggo Financing Partnership

               

7.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 04/28/28

    6,685,000       6,523,424  

CSC Holdings LLC

               

9.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/17/28

    6,728,265       6,363,795  

Titan AcquisitionCo New Zealand Ltd. (Trade Me)

               

9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/18/28

    6,380,170       6,244,591  

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.

               

10.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/14/26

    5,080,358       5,049,875  

Altice France SA

               

10.81% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 08/15/28

    4,929,984       4,450,543  

Telenet Financing USD LLC

               

7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 04/28/28

  4,000,000     3,888,760  

Radiate Holdco LLC

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 09/25/26

    4,604,486       3,755,327  

Playtika Holding Corp.

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 03/13/28

    3,542,411       3,535,786  

WMG Acquisition Corp.

               

7.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.13%, Rate Floor: 2.13%) due 01/20/28

    3,500,000       3,496,605  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 11/22/28

    2,848,006       2,791,502  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

               

7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 03/01/27

    2,588,000       2,439,837  

Authentic Brands

               

9.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/21/28

    2,104,790       2,103,485  

Simon & Schuster

               

due 09/26/30

    2,066,400       2,050,902  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

UPC Broadband Holding BV

               

8.37% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.93%, Rate Floor: 2.93%) due 01/31/29

  1,464,906     $ 1,441,101  

Total Communications

    85,394,832  
                 

Basic Materials - 3.8%

CTEC III GmbH

               

7.28% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 03/16/29

  EUR 7,500,000       7,824,918  

Illuminate Buyer LLC

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 06/30/27

    7,559,411       7,533,558  

Arsenal AIC Parent LLC

               

9.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/19/30

    4,130,800       4,118,738  

Nouryon USA LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/03/28

    1,813,253       1,787,559  

9.35% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/03/28

    1,351,613       1,333,596  

NIC Acquisition Corp.

               

9.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/29/27

    3,528,762       2,904,912  

INEOS Ltd.

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 01/29/26

  2,541,500     2,527,522  

LSF11 A5 HoldCo LLC

               

9.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/16/28

    2,546,840       2,508,637  

Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

               

10.08% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 10/26/26

    2,257,938       2,206,005  

W.R. Grace Holdings LLC

               

9.40% (3 Month USD SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 09/22/28

    1,719,375       1,702,903  

DCG Acquisition Corp.

               

9.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/30/26

    1,678,550       1,660,187  

Ineos US Finance LLC

               

8.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 02/18/30

    1,366,575       1,354,617  

Trinseo Materials Operating S.C.A.

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 05/03/28

    1,564,000       1,308,959  

Total Basic Materials

    38,772,111  
                 

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Energy - 2.1%

TransMontaigne Operating Company LP

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 11/17/28

  3,602,754     $ 3,585,389  

AL GCX Holdings LLC

               

8.94% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 05/17/29

    3,509,143       3,509,143  

Par Petroleum LLC

               

9.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 02/28/30

    3,203,900       3,194,545  

Traverse Midstream Partners LLC

               

9.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/16/28

    3,139,844       3,131,021  

BANGL LLC

               

9.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 02/01/29

    2,628,791       2,604,159  

Buckeye Partners, LP

               

7.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 11/02/26

    2,396,340       2,392,745  

UGI Energy Services LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/22/30

  1,588,257     1,583,428  

Permian Production Partners LLC

               

13.43% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) (in-kind rate was 2.00%) due 11/24/25†††,3

    823,163       819,047  

Total Energy

    20,819,477  
                 

Utilities - 0.7%

Calpine Construction Finance Company, LP

               

7.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 07/31/30

    4,990,000       4,959,711  

TerraForm Power Operating LLC

               

7.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 05/21/29

    1,966,924       1,949,103  

Granite Generation LLC

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/09/26

    308,728       301,677  

Total Utilities

    7,210,491  
                 

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

(Cost $933,502,205)

    912,354,261  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 4.3%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.1%

Legends Hospitality Holding Company LLC / Legends Hospitality Co-Issuer, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/01/264

  2,875,000     $ 2,817,500  

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH

               

5.50% due 01/15/284

    2,975,000       2,699,307  

CPI CG, Inc.

               

8.63% due 03/15/264

    2,689,000       2,649,176  

Sotheby’s

               

7.38% due 10/15/274

    2,875,000       2,646,201  

ADT Security Corp.

               

4.13% due 08/01/294

    2,875,000       2,430,841  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

               

4.38% due 01/15/30

    2,800,000       2,408,348  

Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

               

6.63% due 11/01/254

    2,279,000       2,267,605  

WW International, Inc.

               

4.50% due 04/15/294

    2,875,000       2,019,688  

HCA, Inc.

               

4.50% due 02/15/27

    1,500,000       1,431,907  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    21,370,573  
                 

Communications - 0.9%

VZ Secured Financing BV

               

5.00% due 01/15/324

    3,500,000       2,749,440  

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC

               

6.75% due 10/15/274

    2,875,000       2,640,688  

Altice France S.A.

               

5.50% due 10/15/294

    2,850,000       2,049,478  

McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.

               

5.75% due 08/01/284

    1,575,000       1,358,831  

Total Communications

    8,798,437  
                 

Industrial - 0.6%

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc.

               

5.25% due 07/15/284

  2,875,000     2,579,652  

GrafTech Global Enterprises, Inc.

               

9.88% due 12/15/284

    2,120,000       2,008,700  

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.

               

6.00% due 02/01/264

    1,412,000       1,343,108  

Total Industrial

    5,931,460  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.4%

Fertitta Entertainment LLC / Fertitta Entertainment Finance Company, Inc.

               

4.63% due 01/15/294

    5,000,000       4,237,500  

Basic Materials - 0.2%

WR Grace Holdings LLC

               

4.88% due 06/15/274

    1,975,000       1,811,939  

Mirabela Nickel Ltd.

               

due 06/24/19†††,5,6

    1,279,819       60,792  

Total Basic Materials

    1,872,731  
                 

Financial - 0.1%

Hunt Companies, Inc.

               

5.25% due 04/15/294

    1,850,000       1,452,998  

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $50,284,134)

    43,663,699  
                 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 0.9%

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - 0.9%

RALI Series Trust

               

2006-QO6, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 06/25/46

    10,472,375       2,405,746  

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2006-QO2, 5.87% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 02/25/46

  416,751     $ 80,411  

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust

               

2007-OA6, 5.44% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.81%, Rate Floor: 0.81%) due 07/25/47

  2,267,959       1,777,267  

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust

               

2006-AR9, 5.47% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/46

    1,514,473       1,205,213  

American Home Mortgage Assets Trust

               

2006-4, 5.64% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.32%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 10/25/46

    2,221,164       1,169,770  

Lehman XS Trust Series

               

2006-16N, 5.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 11/25/46

    1,232,232       1,040,379  

Nomura Resecuritization Trust

               

2015-4R, 2.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.54%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/36◊,4

  553,124     510,202  

Alliance Bancorp Trust

               

2007-OA1, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 07/25/37

    351,293       290,750  

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

               

2010-R5, 3.47% due 06/26/36

    253,967       230,215  

New Century Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2004-4, 6.23% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.91%, Rate Cap/Floor: 12.50%/0.80%) due 02/25/35

    114,925       110,854  

GSAA Home Equity Trust

               

2007-7, 5.97% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.65%, Rate Floor: 0.54%) due 07/25/37

    105,120       95,868  

Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

    8,916,675  
                 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

(Cost $12,272,865)

    8,916,675  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 0.1%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 0.1%

Octagon Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2014-1A SUB, due 11/18/314,7

  2,071,948     $ 508,877  

Treman Park CLO Ltd.

               

2015-1A COM, due 10/20/284,7

    977,702       9,816  

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations

    518,693  
                 

Total Asset-Backed Securities

(Cost $15,421)

    518,693  
                 

Total Investments - 98.8%

(Cost $1,036,472,260)

  $ 1,002,647,418  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.2%

    11,704,452  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,014,351,870  

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts††

Counterparty

 

Currency

   

Type

   

Quantity

   

Contract
Amount

   

Settlement
Date

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Barclays Bank plc

    EUR       Sell       17,729,000       19,065,554 USD       10/16/23     $ 308,178  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    GBP       Sell       5,278,000       6,592,385 USD       10/16/23       152,422  
                                            $ 460,600  

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

~

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

3

Payment-in-kind security.

4

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $40,791,548 (cost $48,160,952), or 4.0% of total net assets.

5

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $60,792 (cost $1,160,811), or less than 0.1% of total net assets — See Note 9.

6

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

7

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

 

CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury

 

EUR — Euro

 

EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate

 

GBP — British Pound

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REMIC — Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

 

SARL — Société à Responsabilité Limitée

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SONIA — Sterling Overnight Index Average

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $     $     $ 346,762     $ 346,762  

Preferred Stocks

                493,907       493,907  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    28,354,743                   28,354,743  

Money Market Fund

    7,998,678                   7,998,678  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          895,993,867       16,360,394       912,354,261  

Corporate Bonds

          43,602,907       60,792       43,663,699  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          8,916,675             8,916,675  

Asset-Backed Securities

          518,693             518,693  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          460,600             460,600  

Total Assets

  $ 36,353,421     $ 949,492,742     $ 17,261,855     $ 1,003,108,018  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 8)

  $     $     $ 249     $ 249  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending
Balance at
September 30,
2023

 

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable
Inputs

 

Input
Range

   

Weighted
Average*

 

Assets:

                           

Common Stocks

  $ 345,043  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

2.7x-8.1x

3.0x

Common Stocks

    1,701  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

Common Stocks

    18  

Third Party Pricing

Trade Price

Corporate Bonds

    60,792  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Preferred Stocks

    493,907  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

4.8x-4.9x

4.8x

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    11,531,255  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    4,829,139  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Total Assets

  $ 17,261,855  

 

 

 

 

                             

Liabilities:

                           

Unfunded Loan Commitments

  $ 249  

Yield Analysis

Yield

 

*

Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Significant changes in a quote, yield, liquidation value or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had securities with a total value of $60,792 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to a lack of observable inputs and had securities with a total value of $63,007,979 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Corporate
Bonds

   

Senior
Floating Rate
Interests

   

Common
Stocks

   

Preferred
Stocks

   

Total
Assets

   

Unfunded
Loan
Commitments

 

Beginning Balance

  $     $ 71,470,738     $ 568,337     $ *   $ 72,039,075     $ (542,584 )

Purchases/(Receipts)

          5,043,457       1,665             5,045,122       (21,173 )

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

          (1,525,226 )     (34,345 )           (1,559,571 )     (14,634 )

Amortization of premiums/discounts

          169,434                   169,434       4,539  

Corporate actions

          (2,371,500 )     3,514       2,367,986              

Total realized gains (losses) including in earnings

          (103,780 )     29,321             (74,459 )     94,400  

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

          6,685,250       (221,730 )     (1,874,079 )     4,589,441       479,203  

Transfers into Level 3

    60,792                         60,792        

Transfers out of Level 3

          (63,007,979 )                 (63,007,979 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 60,792     $ 16,360,394     $ 346,762     $ 493,907     $ 17,261,855     $ (249 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $     $ 1,532,404     $ (194,630 )   $ (1,874,079 )   $ (536,305 )   $ 5,770  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments, result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

 

Common Stocks

                                                       

BP Holdco LLC*

  $ 148,128     $     $     $     $ 165,642     $ 313,770       244,278  

Targus Group International Equity, Inc.*

    32,125             (34,346 )     29,321       (27,100 )            
    $ 180,253     $     $ (34,346 )   $ 29,321     $ 138,542     $ 313,770          

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,036,386,004)

  $ 1,002,333,648  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $86,256)

    313,770  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $315,505)

    312,167  

Cash

    4,107,145  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    460,600  

Prepaid expenses

    160,947  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    21,411,061  

Interest

    5,208,471  

Fund shares sold

    1,990,917  

Investment Adviser

    498  

Total assets

    1,036,299,224  
         

Liabilities:

Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 8) (commitment fees received $6,019)

    249  

Segregated cash due to broker

    280,000  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    15,999,842  

Fund shares redeemed

    4,012,481  

Distributions to shareholders

    905,997  

Management fees

    492,030  

Distribution and service fees

    67,850  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    20,398  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    11,871  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,333  

Miscellaneous

    150,303  

Total liabilities

    21,947,354  

Net assets

  $ 1,014,351,870  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 1,218,477,937  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (204,126,067 )

Net assets

  $ 1,014,351,870  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 139,008,222  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,669,785  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.52  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 97.00%)

  $ 25.28  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 35,818,189  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,461,470  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.51  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 44,294,766  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,805,855  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.53  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 793,785,281  

Capital shares outstanding

    32,348,396  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.54  
         

R6-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,445,412  

Capital shares outstanding

    58,879  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.55  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 2,225,445  

Interest from securities of unaffiliated issuers

    92,159,755  

Total investment income

    94,385,200  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    6,968,297  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    365,471  

C-Class

    404,521  

P-Class

    113,787  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    157,773  

C-Class

    33,647  

P-Class

    63,774  

Institutional Class

    810,431  

R6-Class

    772  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    447,441  

Line of credit fees

    261,275  

Professional fees

    179,022  

Custodian fees

    88,854  

Trustees’ fees*

    28,569  

Interest expense

    5,998  

Miscellaneous

    187,831  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    38,076  

C-Class

    17,858  

P-Class

    11,613  

Institutional Class

    200,050  

R6-Class

    1,903  

Total expenses

    10,386,963  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

  (122,023 )

C-Class

    (29,698 )

P-Class

    (51,816 )

Institutional Class

    (513,935 )

R6-Class

    (302 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (421,649 )

Earnings credits applied

    (48,322 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (1,187,745 )

Net expenses

    9,199,218  

Net investment income

    85,185,982  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (13,441,700 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    29,321  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (1,637,530 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (63,224 )

Net realized loss

    (15,113,133 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    66,928,297  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    138,542  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (199,993 )

Foreign currency translations

    (10,920 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    66,855,926  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    51,742,793  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 136,928,775  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 85,185,982     $ 45,428,717  

Net realized loss on investments

    (15,113,133 )     (713,467 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    66,855,926       (93,645,585 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    136,928,775       (48,930,335 )
                 

Distribution to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (11,434,737 )     (5,383,798 )

C-Class

    (2,844,666 )     (1,451,264 )

P-Class

    (3,555,101 )     (1,548,137 )

Institutional Class

    (66,543,982 )     (37,281,786 )

R6-Class

    (903,249 )     (115,580 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (85,281,735 )     (45,780,565 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    37,817,506       86,259,585  

C-Class

    4,906,993       18,060,964  

P-Class

    26,809,190       22,630,959  

Institutional Class

    419,167,716       926,922,817  

R6-Class

    30,694,165       21,224,287  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    9,830,459       4,723,427  

C-Class

    2,422,173       1,239,205  

P-Class

    3,544,719       1,548,137  

Institutional Class

    55,637,014       31,534,585  

R6-Class

    898,525       113,860  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (69,825,528 )     (49,092,897 )

C-Class

    (20,716,384 )     (20,703,994 )

P-Class

    (31,805,294 )     (12,692,806 )

Institutional Class

    (700,163,252 )     (614,692,477 )

R6-Class

    (32,266,778 )     (20,581,634 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (263,048,776 )     396,494,018  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (211,401,736 )     301,783,118  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,225,753,606       923,970,488  

End of year

  $ 1,014,351,870     $ 1,225,753,606  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    1,569,726       3,504,723  

C-Class

    204,188       730,311  

P-Class

    1,116,540       908,598  

Institutional Class

    17,415,091       37,486,066  

R6-Class

    1,288,449       844,995  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    408,128       194,916  

C-Class

    100,670       51,183  

P-Class

    147,100       64,407  

Institutional Class

    2,308,872       1,301,654  

R6-Class

    37,421       4,639  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,905,865 )     (2,019,443 )

C-Class

    (863,523 )     (846,761 )

P-Class

    (1,323,129 )     (519,050 )

Institutional Class

    (29,241,651 )     (25,255,077 )

R6-Class

    (1,340,629 )     (826,042 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (11,078,612 )     15,625,119  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.37     $ 25.09     $ 24.08     $ 25.23     $ 25.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.88       .87       .83       1.02       1.17  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.16       (1.72 )     1.02       (1.16 )     (.67 )

Total from investment operations

    3.04       (.85 )     1.85       (.14 )     .50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.89 )     (.87 )     (.83 )     (.83 )     (1.19 )

Return of capital

                (.01 )     (.18 )      

Total distributions

    (1.89 )     (.87 )     (.84 )     (1.01 )     (1.19 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.52     $ 23.37     $ 25.09     $ 24.08     $ 25.23  

 

Total Returnb

    13.47 %     (3.47 %)     7.83 %     (0.50 %)     2.01 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 139,008     $ 154,160     $ 123,392     $ 139,857     $ 235,752  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    7.82 %     3.57 %     3.36 %     4.23 %     4.60 %

Total expensesc

    1.15 %     1.11 %     1.09 %     1.25 %     1.23 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.02 %     1.02 %     1.05 %     1.10 %     1.07 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    23 %     30 %     57 %     20 %     10 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.36     $ 25.08     $ 24.07     $ 25.22     $ 25.91  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.69       .68       .65       .84       .98  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.16       (1.71 )     1.02       (1.16 )     (.67 )

Total from investment operations

    2.85       (1.03 )     1.67       (.32 )     .31  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.70 )     (.69 )     (.65 )     (.68 )     (1.00 )

Return of capital

                (.01 )     (.15 )      

Total distributions

    (1.70 )     (.69 )     (.66 )     (.83 )     (1.00 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.51     $ 23.36     $ 25.08     $ 24.07     $ 25.22  

 

Total Returnb

    12.58 %     (4.15 %)     7.03 %     (1.24 %)     1.26 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 35,818     $ 47,183     $ 52,308     $ 63,891     $ 112,481  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    7.02 %     2.78 %     2.61 %     3.47 %     3.86 %

Total expensesc

    1.89 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.96 %     1.93 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.78 %     1.77 %     1.80 %     1.85 %     1.82 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    23 %     30 %     57 %     20 %     10 %

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.38     $ 25.10     $ 24.09     $ 25.24     $ 25.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.88       .88       .83       1.04       1.17  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.16       (1.73 )     1.02       (1.18 )     (.67 )

Total from investment operations

    3.04       (.85 )     1.85       (.14 )     .50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.89 )     (.87 )     (.83 )     (.83 )     (1.19 )

Return of capital

                (.01 )     (.18 )      

Total distributions

    (1.89 )     (.87 )     (.84 )     (1.01 )     (1.19 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.53     $ 23.38     $ 25.10     $ 24.09     $ 25.24  

 

Total Return

    13.46 %     (3.47 %)     7.83 %     (0.50 %)     2.01 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 44,295     $ 43,603     $ 35,430     $ 33,251     $ 135,036  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    7.81 %     3.58 %     3.36 %     4.26 %     4.59 %

Total expensesc

    1.18 %     1.14 %     1.06 %     1.37 %     1.22 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.02 %     1.02 %     1.05 %     1.10 %     1.07 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    23 %     30 %     57 %     20 %     10 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.39     $ 25.11     $ 24.10     $ 25.25     $ 25.95  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.93       .94       .89       1.09       1.23  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.16       (1.73 )     1.02       (1.17 )     (.68 )

Total from investment operations

    3.09       (.79 )     1.91       (.08 )     .55  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.94 )     (.93 )     (.89 )     (.88 )     (1.25 )

Return of capital

                (.01 )     (.19 )      

Total distributions

    (1.94 )     (.93 )     (.90 )     (1.07 )     (1.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.54     $ 23.39     $ 25.11     $ 24.10     $ 25.25  

 

Total Return

    13.68 %     (3.20 %)     8.08 %     (0.26 %)     2.21 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 793,785     $ 979,086     $ 711,583     $ 504,449     $ 1,065,820  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    8.02 %     3.84 %     3.59 %     4.48 %     4.83 %

Total expensesc

    0.88 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.97 %     0.92 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.78 %     0.78 %     0.81 %     0.85 %     0.83 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    23 %     30 %     57 %     20 %     10 %

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

R6-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Period
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.38     $ 25.11     $ 24.10     $ 25.25     $ 25.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.87       .82       .91       1.13       .69  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.27       (1.62 )     1.01       (1.21 )     (.14 )

Total from investment operations

    3.14       (.80 )     1.92       (.08 )     .55  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.97 )     (.93 )     (.90 )     (.88 )     (.68 )

Return of capital

                (.01 )     (.19 )      

Total distributions

    (1.97 )     (.93 )     (.91 )     (1.07 )     (.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.55     $ 23.38     $ 25.11     $ 24.10     $ 25.25  

 

Total Return

    13.87 %     (3.25 %)     8.06 %     (0.22 %)     2.20 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,445     $ 1,722     $ 1,257     $ 1,625     $ 71,680  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    7.79 %     3.31 %     3.66 %     4.56 %     4.89 %

Total expensesc

    0.78 %     0.82 %     0.83 %     0.86 %     0.85 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.74 %     0.79 %     0.82 %     0.84 %     0.84 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    23 %     30 %     57 %     20 %     10 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.03%

0.03%

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.04%

0.04%

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.03%

0.04%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.02%

0.04%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

R6-Class

0.02%

0.03%

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.99%

1.00%

1.01%

1.02%

1.02%

 

C-Class

1.75%

1.75%

1.76%

1.77%

1.77%

 

P-Class

0.99%

1.00%

1.01%

1.02%

1.02%

 

Institutional Class

0.75%

0.76%

0.77%

0.78%

0.78%

 

R6-Class

0.71%

0.76%

0.77%

0.78%

0.78%

 

g

Since commencement of operations: March 13, 2019. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Floating Rate Strategies Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class, and R6-Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments, provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor of the Fund’s shares. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Pursuant to an investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between GPIM and Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC (“GPA”) that was in effect during a portion of the Reporting Period, GPA was engaged to provide investment sub-advisory services to the Fund. GPA operated as an investment sub-advisor to the Fund from April 29, 2022 to December 22, 2022.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GPA, under the oversight of the Board and GPIM, assisted GPIM in the supervision and direction of the investment strategies of the Fund in accordance with its investment policies. As compensation for its services, GPIM paid GPA a fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.005% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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 following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the share class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, the investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by pricing service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments

 

Senior floating rate interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund invests in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”). A portion of the Fund’s investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations (“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Fund may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Recently, many new or reissued obligations have not featured traditional covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Fund may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in (or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations. The Fund is subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to) obligations, including that obligations may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(c) Interest on When-Issued Securities

 

The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, it may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

(d) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(e) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(f) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.

 

The Fund may receive other income from investments in senior loan interests including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received by the Fund and included in interest income on the Statement of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included in realized gain on investments on the Statement of Operations at the end of the commitment period.

 

(h) Distributions

 

The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(j) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

(k) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(l) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.

 

The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Value

 

Use

 

Purchased

   

Sold

 

Hedge

  $ 62,785     $ 27,560,779  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Currency forward contracts

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency
Exchange Risk

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

  $ 460,600  

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Currency forward contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 
    $ (1,637,530 )

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 
    $ (199,993 )

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs connection with conversions between various currencies.

 

The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that it believes to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 460,600     $       460,600     $     $ (280,000 )   $ 180,600  

 

The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Counterparty Asset Type Cash
Pledged
    Cash
Received
 
Barclays Bank plc Forward foreign currency exchange contracts   $     $ 280,000  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 — unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 — significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.

 

Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.

 

Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $5 billion; and 0.60% of the average daily net assets in excess of $5 billion.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

A-Class

    1.02 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

C-Class

    1.77 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

P-Class

    1.02 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Institutional Class

    0.78 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

R6-Class

    0.78 %     03/13/19       02/01/25  

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund Total

 

A-Class

  $ 62,574     $ 114,896     $ 134,479     $ 311,949  

C-Class

    35,328       63,710       33,051       132,089  

P-Class

    3,944       45,054       55,729       104,727  

Institutional Class

    224,572       717,446       582,868       1,524,886  

R6-Class

          428       966       1,394  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped $269,500 from the Fund.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 85,281,735     $     $ 85,281,735  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 45,780,565     $     $ 45,780,565  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 
    $ 3,808,142     $     $ (38,854,610 )   $ (161,842,490 )   $ (7,237,109 )   $ (204,126,067 )

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

   Unlimited     
   Short-Term   Long-Term   Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward
 
   $(6,153,631)  $(155,688,859)  $(161,842,490)

  

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions payable, and investments in CLO securities and partnerships. Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of bond premium/discount amortization and the “mark-to-market” of forward foreign currency exchange contracts. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The were no adjustments made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences.

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 1,041,495,288     $ 2,484,557     $ (41,332,427 )   $ (38,847,870 )

 

Note 7 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 236,739,224     $ 508,774,355  

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 8 – Unfunded Loan Commitments

 

Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.

 

The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023, were as follows:

 

Borrower

 

Maturity
Date

   

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

Authentic Brands

    12/21/28     $ 401,235     $ 249  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 9 – Restricted Securities

 

The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:

 

Restricted Securities

 

Acquisition
Date

   

Cost

   

Value

 

Mirabela Nickel Ltd. due 06/24/191

    12/31/13     $ 1,160,811     $ 60,792  

 

1

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. The Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 11 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents; when replies were not received from brokers or paying agents, we performed

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1). See the qualified interest income column in the table below.

 

 

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

 
      0.15 %     0.15 %     98.37 %

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of the Fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim Funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Core Bond Fund(“Core Bond Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1

● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

● Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

   

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

 

Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007 (Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law. We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction.

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at
CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

TRB-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

9

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

89

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

117

OTHER INFORMATION

119

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

133

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

142

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

146

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Total Return Bond Fund is subject to a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ●The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ●The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ●The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ●The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ●You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* (gross) returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* (gross) was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/ BB + or below.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31,
2023

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

A-Class

0.95%

(3.54%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 964.60

$ 4.68

C-Class

1.71%

(3.91%)

1,000.00

960.90

8.41

P-Class

0.95%

(3.54%)

1,000.00

964.60

4.68

Institutional Class

0.67%

(3.40%)

1,000.00

966.00

3.30

R6-Class

0.62%

(3.37%)

1,000.00

966.30

3.06

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

A-Class

0.95%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.31

$ 4.81

C-Class

1.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.50

8.64

P-Class

0.95%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,020.31

4.81

Institutional Class

0.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,021.71

3.40

R6-Class

0.62%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,021.96

3.14

 

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. This ratio represents net expenses, which may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratio for the Fund would be 0.76%, 1.52%, 0.76%, and 0.47% and 0.42% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class, respectively.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan L. Serdensky, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 1.55%1, outperforming the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, the Fund’s benchmark, (“Benchmark”), which returned 0.64% for the same period

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund outperformed the Benchmark by 91 basis points. Carry, or earned income, remained a consistent source of relative performance for the Fund. Spreads also added to performance relative to the Benchmark. Credit selection within corporates, the Fund’s allocation to securitized credit, and an underweight to Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) drove most of the active performance versus the Benchmark. Duration detracted from performance as the Fund was positioned modestly overweight duration while the curve bear steepened. Bear steepening refers to yield-curve widening due to long-term rates increasing more than short-term rates, amid a period of falling bond prices and rising yields.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund used interest rate futures, forwards, options, and swaps to help manage duration positioning, foreign exchange risk, and credit exposure. Over the reporting period, performance from interest rate swaps, caps, and swaptions detracted from performance, and performance from SOFR futures was positive (SOFR is Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which measures the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury Securities). Options on equities, which functioned as hedges to the Fund’s credit positioning, detracted from performance, and performance from credit default swaps was negative. In addition, the Fund hedged non-USD exposure with foreign-exchange derivatives, which had a negative impact on performance over the Reporting Period.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Over the past several quarters the Fund has increasingly prioritized diversification, quality, and liquidity as recession concerns continued to persist. To that end, the Fund has steadily moved up-in-quality and positioned more defensively, uniquely, without having to sacrifice yield due to the

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

flatness of the yield curve and the lack of any material decompression witnessed in credit spreads with respect to quality. While spreads for many credit sectors have reverted to long-term-average levels, certain segments remain dislocated and offer attractive relative value. Structured credit spreads are especially cheap, particularly when analyzed in the context of broader fixed income spread levels. Specifically, the basis between structured credit spreads and investment grade corporate spreads currently sits north of the 90th percentile of historically observed data.

 

Structured credit is the Fund’s largest allocation. Spreads continued their rebound, but broadly remain wide, both compared to similarly rated investment-grade corporate credit and in an absolute sense. Furthermore, the lower dollar prices of these assets following the rise in interest rates sets up the potential for higher total return opportunities than typically exists in the asset class. With much of its active buying base largely coming from income-focused accounts, structured credit spreads should continue to compress from the resetting higher of yields and the resulting increased interest that comes with it. Within securitized credit, we continue to focus on opportunities senior in the capital structure with sufficient credit enhancement and often unique structural features that limit cash flow variability or extension concerns. We believe the focus on superior structures will be paramount in helping mitigate mark-to-market risks that could emerge should volatility rise.

 

The corporate credit allocation represents roughly 24% of the Fund’s holdings. Investment-grade-rated credit makes up 18% of that allocation while 6% is below-investment-grade-rated. While in our view, overall corporate credit spreads are trading around fair value levels, there remain both idiosyncratic opportunities and risks across certain issuers and industries given tighter credit conditions across capital markets. Primary market offerings have priced at especially attractive levels, as many investors have pulled back from lending activities. The Fund has employed modestly sized credit hedges to protect the portfolio from potential spread widening.

 

At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund had a duration of 6.6 years, unchanged versus the end of the previous Reporting Period. During the period, however, we shifted more of the Fund’s duration concentration toward the front end and belly of the curve. While we feel that much of the move in the long end of the Treasury curve has been driven by technical factors, and current yields are above levels justified by fundamentals (e.g., inflation expectations, growth expectations, term premium, etc.), the path to those technical factors dissipating in the near term is unclear. Our conviction on the future path of rates is higher at the front end of the curve at this point in the cycle. On a related note, interest rate volatility has remained elevated, which has presented the Fund with opportunities to tactically add to positions in Agency RMBS, locking in spreads, both static and option adjusted, that are near 15-year wides.

 

Despite the quarter ended September 30, 2023 continuing a trend of volatility for fixed income returns, our broader macroeconomic views from a fundamental perspective remain consistent. We continue to expect inflation to moderate with time and view the market’s increasingly optimistic expectations of a soft landing as misguided. To that end, we continue to emphasize a defensive tilt to our positioning. From a valuation perspective, the recent move higher in interest rates does

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

potentially present an interesting opportunity to extend duration further, but as we noted, the technical backdrop (particularly at the long end of the curve) is fairly precarious at the moment. Our conviction on the future path of rates is higher on the front end of the curve at this point in the cycle, which informed our shift in curve positioning. However, with the yield curve having steepened out, investors can now “lock-in” roughly similar yields to what they are able to earn in overnight rates, which may be a catalyst for some of the nearly $2 trillion growth in money market funds to move back into fixed income. Looking further out into the economic future, we believe the Federal Reserve’s restrictive monetary policy could ultimately shepherd in a recession in the next 6-18 months, which we believe will likely be met with lower rates. Ultimately, the current path of weakening growth, high prices, and high interest rates appears unsustainable, and we are already starting to see signs of pressure on consumers and levered corporate borrowers, which could call into question any soft-landing narrative.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust and Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II, and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by Guggenheim Investments. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee but that fee is waived by the respective investee fund. For the Reporting Period, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles contributed to Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of current income and capital appreciation.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

November 30, 2011

C-Class

November 30, 2011

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

November 30, 2011

R6-Class

October 19, 2016

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

AAA

47.1%

AA

7.0%

A

12.3%

BBB

15.8%

BB

3.2%

B

2.6%

CCC

0.7%

CC

1.3%

C

0.1%

NR2

5.1%

Other Instruments

4.8%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.88% due 08/15/33

5.0%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.50% due 01/31/28

3.4%

U.S. Treasury Bonds due 05/15/53

3.3%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.13% due 07/31/28

3.3%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.13% due 06/15/26

2.2%

Fannie Mae, 5.00% due 06/01/53

1.3%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 3.38% due 05/15/33

1.2%

Fannie Mae, 5.50% due 05/01/53

1.0%

Freddie Mac, 5.00% due 04/01/53

0.8%

Fannie Mae, 5.50% due 06/01/53

0.7%

Top Ten Total

22.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

1.55%

0.26%

2.33%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(2.50%)

(0.55%)

1.84%

C-Class Shares

0.74%

(0.49%)

1.58%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

(0.23%)

(0.49%)

1.58%

Institutional Class Shares

1.84%

0.55%

2.65%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

0.64%

0.10%

1.13%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

1.51%

0.25%

1.48%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

0.64%

0.10%

0.55%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(10/19/16)

R6-Class Shares

1.84%

0.55%

1.19%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

0.64%

0.10%

(0.04%)

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 0.0%

                 

Communications - 0.0%

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    364,396     $ 168,023  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

BP Holdco LLC*,†††,1

    532       683  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    44,094       441  

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    40,754       408  

Vector Phoenix Holdings, LP*,†††

    532       33  

API Heat Transfer Parent LLC*,†††

    73,183       7  

Total Industrial

            1,572  
                 

Financial - 0.0%

Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd. — Class A*,†††,2

    9,315,080       931  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $3,646,916)

            170,526  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 3.0%

Financial - 2.8%

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

4.95%*

    71,314,000       67,117,970  

4.30%

    1,051,671       15,890,749  

Markel Group, Inc.

6.00%*

    72,131,000       69,629,627  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

3.75%*

    65,200,000       52,883,290  

Charles Schwab Corp.

4.00%*

    73,673,000       51,981,532  

Citigroup, Inc.

3.88%*

    31,175,000       26,602,956  

4.00%*

    26,571,000       23,243,014  

7.63%*

    2,150,000       2,097,544  

MetLife, Inc.

3.85%*

    53,467,000       49,461,637  

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.90%*

    49,842,000       43,529,426  

7.63%*

    4,100,000       4,133,485  

Bank of America Corp.

4.38%*

    27,700,000       23,213,955  

6.13%*

    11,550,000       11,066,318  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

3.80%*

    25,830,000       21,062,438  

7.50%*

    11,800,000       11,662,630  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

3.65%*,

    37,412,000       32,654,609  

Kuvare US Holdings, Inc.

7.00%*,4

    15,731,000       16,561,675  

Jackson Financial, Inc.

8.00%

    472,000       11,823,600  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

5.13% due 11/25/60

    715,225       11,107,444  

Assurant, Inc.

5.25% due 01/15/61

    560,975       10,939,013  

Lincoln National Corp.

9.25%*,5

    10,117,000       10,420,429  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

4.60%

    541,225       8,832,792  

Depository Trust & Clearing Corp.

3.38%*,4

    4,750,000       3,517,078  

First Republic Bank

4.25%

    2,368,525       237  

4.50%

    276,775       83  

Total Financial

            579,433,531  
                 

Communications - 0.2%

AT&T Mobility II LLC*,†††

    47,000       47,000,000  
                 

Government - 0.0%

CoBank ACB

4.25%*

    3,300,000       2,623,500  
                 

Industrial - 0.0%

YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,†††

    2,422,458       606,015  

API Heat Transfer Intermediate*,†††

    9       4,109  

Total Industrial

            610,124  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost 799,073,386)

            629,667,155  
                 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

WARRANTS - 0.0%

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

               

Expiring 08/01/26*

    101,490     $ 22,835  

Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp. — Class A

               

Expiring 03/31/26*,2

    133,032       7,982  

Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd.

               

Expiring 07/24/25*,†††,2

    1,035,008       104  

Total Warrants

       

(Cost $343,224)

            30,921  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 0.9%

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class1

    5,103,586       120,393,598  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    1,170,545       28,409,135  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    2,862,377       27,908,179  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    630,981       15,326,528  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $194,120,149)

            192,037,440  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 1.0%

Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.23%6

    216,371,620       216,371,620  

Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury Cash Reserves Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.20%6

    3,294,772       3,294,772  

Total Money Market Funds

       

(Cost $219,666,392)

            219,666,392  
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 27.3%

U.S. Treasury Notes

3.88% due 08/15/335

    1,103,600,000       1,042,729,563  

4.63% due 09/30/28

    825,000,000       826,482,422  

3.50% due 01/31/28

    742,300,000       708,403,568  

4.13% due 07/31/28

    709,700,000       694,397,094  

4.13% due 06/15/26

    477,680,000       468,835,459  

3.38% due 05/15/335

    277,650,000       251,793,844  

3.75% due 05/31/30

    110,000,000       104,431,250  

3.75% due 06/30/30

    76,650,000       72,751,629  

3.63% due 03/31/30

    50,000,000       47,162,109  

3.50% due 04/30/30

    45,000,000       42,115,430  

4.63% due 03/15/26

    4,900,000       4,865,930  

4.00% due 02/15/26

    4,500,000       4,404,902  

4.00% due 02/28/30

    3,450,000       3,327,094  

3.63% due 03/31/28

    2,770,000       2,655,521  

2.63% due 05/31/27

    2,160,000       2,007,956  

4.13% due 01/31/25

    2,000,000       1,969,062  

1.50% due 01/31/27

    1,200,000       1,080,469  

2.13% due 05/15/25

    1,100,000       1,047,707  

3.88% due 05/15/43

    1,000,000       869,375  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

due 05/15/537,11

    2,658,790,000       704,010,263  

4.00% due 11/15/52

    165,000,000       146,244,140  

due 02/15/467,11

    355,975,000       119,287,034  

due 05/15/447,11

    303,295,000       110,460,846  

due 11/15/517,11

    275,000,000       75,414,501  

2.38% due 05/15/51

    95,430,000       60,523,495  

due 02/15/527,11

    144,771,800       39,433,919  

due 11/15/447,11

    70,890,000       25,162,681  

due 08/15/517,11

    43,990,000       12,151,240  

2.88% due 08/15/45

    2,380,000       1,723,734  

due 08/15/527,11

    3,700,000       995,573  

due 05/15/527,11

    1,720,000       465,363  

U.S. Treasury Strip Principal

due 02/15/517,11

    310,000,000       87,178,184  

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds

1.25% due 04/15/2818

    57,170,388       54,371,607  

1.38% due 07/15/3318

    28,150,966       26,028,097  

Total U.S. Government Securities

(Cost $6,273,400,670)

    5,744,781,061  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 24.5%

Government Agency - 14.1%

       

Fannie Mae

               

5.00% due 06/01/53

    323,942,988     $ 305,755,026  

5.00% due 05/01/53

    295,457,533       278,957,567  

5.50% due 05/01/53

    249,771,342       241,470,359  

5.00% due 04/01/53

    183,014,429       172,732,300  

5.50% due 06/01/53

    158,409,122       153,231,838  

4.00% due 06/01/52

    105,859,624       94,796,357  

5.00% due 08/01/53

    83,083,991       78,416,062  

4.00% due 07/01/52

    83,785,431       74,838,747  

2.50% due 11/01/51

    55,485,887       44,303,161  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    30,572,530       28,877,263  

5.00% due 05/01/38

    24,153,588       23,544,241  

2.40% due 03/01/40

    27,004,000       17,290,920  

3.83% due 05/01/49

    19,000,000       15,203,587  

2.27% due 10/01/41

    16,935,000       10,366,679  

2.57% due 08/01/51

    12,159,948       8,040,076  

due 12/25/437

    10,493,981       7,576,119  

3.42% due 09/01/47

    9,479,569       7,533,030  

2.31% due 10/01/41

    9,435,000       5,781,465  

1.76% due 08/01/40

    9,360,000       5,666,638  

2.44% due 10/01/51

    8,500,000       5,021,341  

2.43% due 12/01/51

    7,401,000       4,731,310  

2.41% due 12/01/41

    7,100,000       4,473,536  

3.05% due 03/01/50

    5,879,430       4,182,677  

2.94% due 03/01/52

    5,691,217       4,106,602  

2.51% due 10/01/46

    5,522,318       3,930,347  

4.07% due 05/01/49

    4,593,716       3,901,785  

due 10/25/437

    5,234,375       3,812,305  

2.52% due 12/01/41

    5,185,681       3,660,202  

3.02% due 01/01/38

    4,099,698       3,195,056  

2.99% due 01/01/40

    4,429,000       3,102,016  

2.49% due 12/01/39

    4,148,671       3,004,538  

3.50% due 02/01/48

    3,617,267       2,920,271  

4.24% due 08/01/48

    3,396,293       2,816,673  

2.54% due 12/01/39

    3,617,698       2,632,284  

3.00% due 03/01/52

    2,807,365       2,328,483  

2.42% due 10/01/51

    3,378,196       2,292,178  

3.42% due 10/01/47

    2,681,498       2,155,467  

2.36% due 01/01/42

    3,500,000       2,138,852  

2.96% due 10/01/49

    2,779,480       2,058,874  

3.26% due 11/01/46

    2,306,321       1,826,900  

2.17% due 10/01/50

    2,655,908       1,756,051  

2.69% due 02/01/52

    2,438,083       1,694,114  

2.92% due 03/01/50

    2,303,143       1,689,920  

2.49% due 09/01/51

    2,472,000       1,651,049  

2.17% due 09/01/50

    2,386,153       1,579,439  

2.62% due 12/01/51

    2,282,989       1,571,940  

2.93% due 03/01/52

    2,045,083       1,482,423  

2.68% due 04/01/50

    1,866,496       1,343,943  

3.46% due 08/01/49

    1,631,414       1,293,291  

2.07% due 10/01/40

    1,931,516       1,273,996  

2.51% due 07/01/50

    1,747,624       1,211,223  

3.74% due 02/01/48

    1,213,536       1,002,029  

4.05% due 09/01/48

    1,123,137       955,544  

2.32% due 07/01/50

    1,337,951       901,020  

2.34% due 09/01/39

    1,245,067       864,666  

2.25% due 10/01/50

    1,232,220       788,060  

3.96% due 06/01/49

    934,296       770,329  

3.60% due 10/01/47

    898,108       729,404  

3.01% due 04/01/42

    1,050,000       711,484  

2.65% due 12/01/51

    975,337       669,747  

3.50% due 12/01/46

    664,173       581,622  

2.34% due 03/01/51

    859,662       580,058  

3.63% due 01/01/37

    694,861       569,272  

5.32% due 06/01/33

    530,000       532,033  

3.91% due 07/01/49

    655,529       531,466  

3.36% due 12/01/39

    673,529       524,854  

2.75% due 11/01/31

    599,747       512,259  

3.18% due 09/01/42

    637,301       504,195  

2.50% due 01/25/52

    835,739       474,220  

3.50% due 11/01/47

    516,537       452,221  

2.56% due 05/01/39

    588,482       419,458  

2.51% due 02/01/48

    569,847       403,519  

3.00% due 07/01/46

    463,107       391,606  

4.00% due 01/01/46

    401,639       365,503  

4.00% due 12/01/38

    373,969       342,459  

3.50% due 10/01/45

    350,996       308,718  

4.00% due 11/01/38

    320,155       293,970  

3.51% due 11/01/47

    362,221       293,833  

4.33% due 09/01/48

    323,360       284,314  

4.50% due 02/01/45

    290,642       272,760  

4.50% due 03/01/48

    282,140       264,043  

4.22% due 04/01/49

    315,000       261,975  

2.50% due 11/25/50

    454,854       233,249  

4.23% due 07/01/39

    267,075       226,613  

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

3.77% due 08/01/45

    282,889     $ 225,006  

4.50% due 04/01/48

    240,189       224,593  

5.00% due 12/01/44

    226,143       218,489  

3.50% due 12/01/45

    208,079       182,695  

3.50% due 08/01/43

    202,302       179,170  

2.00% due 10/25/51

    333,048       154,495  

3.95% due 06/01/49

    189,497       152,696  

4.50% due 05/01/47

    158,339       148,596  

3.18% due 08/01/42

    182,465       144,308  

4.00% due 10/01/45

    126,811       115,676  

5.00% due 05/01/44

    112,505       108,697  

3.50% due 04/01/48

    112,863       98,809  

2.06% due 09/01/36

    140,000       94,412  

5.00% due 04/01/44

    71,065       67,992  

2.28% due 01/01/51

    68,323       46,042  

3.50% due 06/01/46

    13,150       11,526  

Freddie Mac

               

5.00% due 04/01/53

    199,005,500       187,840,554  

5.50% due 06/01/53

    175,364,707       169,629,191  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    179,214,158       169,168,436  

5.50% due 05/01/53

    152,161,943       147,104,943  

due 08/01/5317

    127,047,546       121,460,569  

4.00% due 02/01/53

    126,722,331       113,829,757  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    81,099,257       76,602,591  

5.00% due 03/01/53

    70,689,968       66,751,224  

2.00% due 03/01/52

    63,572,849       48,587,103  

4.00% due 10/01/52

    47,303,068       42,249,604  

3.00% due 03/01/52

    40,122,650       33,286,543  

4.00% due 04/01/52

    31,420,263       28,201,087  

5.50% due 02/01/53

    13,276,411       12,863,240  

3.26% due 09/01/45

    2,117,077       1,694,746  

4.50% due 08/01/52

    1,136,308       1,049,554  

1.96% due 05/01/50

    1,528,504       963,829  

3.50% due 01/01/44

    603,717       535,944  

3.00% due 08/01/46

    493,047       417,450  

2.00% due 10/25/51

    832,621       363,621  

4.00% due 02/01/46

    296,178       266,859  

4.00% due 01/01/46

    274,918       250,359  

4.00% due 05/25/52

    270,000       208,852  

4.50% due 06/01/48

    217,212       203,466  

3.50% due 12/01/45

    186,954       164,254  

4.00% due 11/01/45

    165,954       151,770  

4.00% due 08/01/45

    151,286       138,539  

4.00% due 09/01/45

    143,663       131,177  

2.50% due 02/25/52

    135,525       71,820  

4.00% due 01/15/46

    2,978       2,967  

Fannie Mae-Aces

               

1.59% (WAC) due 03/25/35◊,8

    201,564,532       19,888,957  

Ginnie Mae

               

6.00% due 06/20/47†††

    16,125,000       16,136,310  

Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust

               

2.00% due 11/25/59

    11,134,941       8,445,014  

2.00% due 05/25/60

    9,038,134       6,866,784  

FARM Mortgage Trust

               

2.18% (WAC) due 01/25/51◊,4

    10,402,309       8,226,019  

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates

               

0.63% (WAC) due 12/25/24◊,8

    41,086,352       220,712  

Total Government Agency

    2,962,384,071  
                 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - 8.1%

CSMC Trust

               

2020-RPL5, 3.02% (WAC) due 08/25/60◊,4

    63,266,631       62,112,103  

2021-RPL4, 1.80% (WAC) due 12/27/60◊,4

    61,298,877       57,069,788  

2021-RPL7, 1.93% (WAC) due 07/27/61◊,4

    55,930,701       51,186,827  

2021-RPL1, 1.67% (WAC) due 09/27/60◊,4

    25,442,363       23,418,929  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust

               

2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/704,9

    79,774,661       71,480,027  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-C, 1.62% due 03/01/614,9

    62,243,808     $ 54,715,756  

2021-HE1, 6.82% (30 Day Average SOFR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/70◊,4

    7,500,000       7,339,540  

PRPM LLC

               

2021-5, 1.79% due 06/25/264,9

    57,755,050       53,269,995  

2021-8, 1.74% (WAC) due 09/25/26◊,4

    30,862,146       28,299,171  

2023-1, 6.88% (WAC) due 02/25/28◊,4

    20,034,542       19,975,064  

2022-1, 3.72% due 02/25/274,9

    10,771,434       10,310,267  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust

               

2021-GS2, 1.75% due 04/25/614,9

    37,648,311       34,773,964  

2021-GS3, 1.75% due 07/25/614,9

    34,168,238       31,820,842  

2021-GS5, 2.25% due 07/25/674,9

    21,210,511       19,571,995  

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

               

2023-1, 8.81% (SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/01/28◊,4

    48,699,397       48,666,116  

2021-1, 8.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/01/26◊,10

    37,831,085       37,130,302  

Towd Point Revolving Trust

               

4.83% due 09/25/6410

    81,500,000       79,238,375  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust

               

2006-NC5, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 10/25/36

    25,336,351       12,861,309  

2007-HE5, 5.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 03/25/37

    26,557,443       11,159,398  

2006-HE6, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 09/25/36

    23,179,376       8,105,948  

2006-HE5, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 08/25/36

    13,001,152       6,518,000  

2007-HE3, 5.54% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.11%) due 12/25/36

    11,016,205       5,288,241  

2006-HE4, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 06/25/36

    8,161,312       4,190,601  

2006-HE5, 5.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.61%, Rate Floor: 0.50%) due 08/25/36

    7,790,193       3,905,346  

2007-HE2, 5.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 01/25/37

    8,042,855       3,506,679  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2007-NC3, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 05/25/37

    3,268,062     $ 2,389,500  

2007-HE6, 5.49% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.06%) due 05/25/37

    2,383,065       1,978,194  

2007-HE3, 5.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/36◊,4

    2,013,357       1,223,028  

2006-HE6, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 09/25/36

    2,938,231       1,027,573  

NYMT Loan Trust

               

2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/624,9

    61,393,873       59,227,369  

OSAT Trust

               

2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/654,9

    60,106,001       55,093,732  

Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2007-FRE1, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/37

    48,199,773       44,592,309  

JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust

               

2006-WMC4, 5.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/36

    61,584,315       35,897,608  

2006-WMC4, 5.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 12/25/36

    12,610,261       6,486,789  

2006-WMC3, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 08/25/36

    1,803,738       1,241,444  

GCAT Trust

               

2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/674,9

    22,210,931       21,576,861  

2022-NQM3, 4.35% (WAC) due 04/25/67◊,4

    11,288,492       10,096,946  

GSAMP Trust

               

2007-NC1, 5.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/46

    25,067,815       13,071,575  

2006-HE8, 5.66% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.34%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 01/25/37

    10,107,000       8,003,246  

2006-NC2, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 06/25/36

    11,708,116       6,450,204  

2007-NC1, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 12/25/46

    5,592,996       2,718,713  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM2

               

2023-NQM2, 4.50% due 05/25/624,9

    30,762,437       28,523,603  

Soundview Home Loan Trust

               

2006-OPT5, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/36

    29,017,408       27,224,306  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Alternative Loan Trust

               

2007-OA4, 5.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 05/25/47

    14,749,868     $ 12,391,690  

2007-OH3, 6.01% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.69%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.00%/0.58%) due 09/25/47

    6,256,682       5,428,534  

2006-43CB, 6.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.61%, Rate Cap/Floor: 6.00%/6.00%) due 02/25/37

    5,999,519       3,215,044  

2007-OA7, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 05/25/47

    2,233,844       1,871,650  

2007-OH3, 5.87% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.55%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.00%/0.44%) due 09/25/47

    621,937       554,284  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

               

2007-AMC1, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 12/25/36◊,4

    20,680,326       11,424,122  

2006-WF1, 4.96% due 03/25/36

    13,913,592       6,802,439  

2007-AMC3, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 03/25/37

    5,905,372       4,800,305  

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust

               

2022-NQM2, 4.02% (WAC) due 03/25/67◊,4

    12,862,434       11,288,122  

2022-NQM2, 4.20% (WAC) due 03/25/67◊,4

    12,643,870       10,950,141  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-2

               

2023-2, 4.65% due 10/25/674,9

    23,166,127       21,631,189  

NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust Series

               

2007-2, 5.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.00%/0.20%) due 09/25/37

    20,720,666       19,922,779  

2007-1, 5.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.00%/0.13%) due 03/25/37

    2,782,832       1,692,515  

ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series

               

2006-NC1, 6.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.73%, Rate Floor: 0.62%) due 12/25/35

    16,186,529       14,622,012  

2007-ASP1, 5.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.51%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 03/25/37

    8,133,774       3,382,414  

2007-WM2, 5.64% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.32%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 02/25/37

    6,275,694       2,640,146  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

GCAT Trust

               

2023-NQM3, 6.89% (WAC) due 08/25/68◊,†††,4

    20,250,000     $ 20,171,376  

Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2008-BC4, 6.06% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.74%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 11/25/37

    18,037,501       17,079,396  

2006-BC4, 5.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 12/25/36

    1,750,296       1,666,174  

2006-BC6, 5.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 01/25/37

    111,781       108,730  

OBX Trust

               

2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/624,9

    9,017,121       8,963,220  

2023-NQM2, 6.32% due 01/25/624,9

    5,995,287       5,977,527  

2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/624,9

    3,738,958       3,676,808  

SPS Servicer Advance Receivables Trust

               

2020-T2, 1.83% due 11/15/554

    20,000,000       18,017,162  

Securitized Asset-Backed Receivables LLC Trust

               

2006-WM4, 5.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 11/25/36

    29,965,092       8,353,006  

2007-BR2, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 02/25/37◊,4

    10,048,942       8,162,229  

2006-HE2, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 07/25/36

    3,280,767       1,284,088  

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust

               

2006-AR9, 5.46% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.83%, Rate Floor: 0.83%) due 11/25/46

    8,541,350       6,879,361  

2006-AR10, 5.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 12/25/36

    7,553,900       6,083,328  

2006-AR9, 5.47% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/46

    3,775,617       3,004,624  

2006-7, 4.05% due 09/25/36

    5,265,287       1,483,485  

2006-8, 4.16% due 10/25/36

    338,125       115,009  

IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust

               

2007-HE1, 5.54% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.11%) due 05/25/37

    32,338,460       7,645,365  

2006-HE1, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 03/25/36

    11,397,804       5,905,377  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2007-HE1, 5.66% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.34%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 05/25/37

    6,137,377     $ 1,450,899  

2007-HE1, 5.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 05/25/37

    5,764,117       1,362,704  

2007-HE1, 5.49% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.06%) due 05/25/37

    4,795,479       1,133,760  

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust

               

2007-1, 2.08% due 05/25/478

    125,088,183       17,498,086  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/624,9

    17,302,555       17,149,420  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates

               

2021-RPL9, 2.44% (WAC) due 02/25/61◊,4

    17,753,305       16,168,788  

Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust

               

2020-1, 2.56% (WAC) due 02/25/50◊,4

    9,285,044       8,562,452  

2020-1, 2.41% (WAC) due 02/25/50◊,4

    7,142,342       6,589,625  

Verus Securitization Trust

               

2022-8, 6.13% due 09/25/674,9

    14,766,823       14,482,113  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust Series

               

2007-HE2, 5.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.52%) due 02/25/37

    31,640,311       9,305,406  

2006-HE6, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 11/25/37

    7,863,705       3,879,862  

RALI Series Trust

               

2007-QO4, 5.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 05/25/47

    3,957,178       3,428,696  

2006-QO2, 5.87% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 02/25/46

    16,536,210       3,190,617  

2007-QO2, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 02/25/47

    7,420,826       2,610,935  

2006-QO6, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 06/25/46

    4,715,292       1,083,212  

2006-QO2, 5.97% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.65%, Rate Floor: 0.54%) due 02/25/46

    5,362,610       1,062,914  

2007-QO3, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 03/25/47

    803,841       680,301  

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2006-QO2, 6.11% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.79%, Rate Floor: 0.68%) due 02/25/46

    1,105,132     $ 226,541  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-1

               

2023-1, 4.75% due 09/26/674,9

    12,785,779       11,903,168  

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2006-M3, 5.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 10/25/36

    26,744,795       7,879,979  

2006-M3, 5.53% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.10%) due 10/25/36

    11,234,610       3,310,195  

ABFC Trust

               

2007-WMC1, 6.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.36%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 06/25/37

    14,937,626       10,197,209  

Master Asset-Backed Securities Trust

               

2006-WMC4, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 10/25/36

    10,611,757       3,337,450  

2006-NC2, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 08/25/36

    7,552,152       2,851,579  

2006-WMC3, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 08/25/36

    5,672,852       2,028,504  

2007-WMC1, 5.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 01/25/37

    5,807,889       1,607,449  

First NLC Trust

               

2005-4, 6.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.89%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.78%) due 02/25/36

    8,123,796       7,781,758  

2005-1, 5.89% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.57%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.46%) due 05/25/35

    2,124,724       1,826,862  

HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-14, 5.74% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 01/25/47

    6,263,560       5,520,304  

2006-12, 5.82% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 01/19/38

    4,684,871       4,057,132  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust

               

2023-1, 4.75% due 09/26/674,9

    10,063,615       9,504,237  

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

               

2018-RM2, 4.00% (WAC) due 10/25/68◊,10

    6,372,821       6,282,538  

2019-RM3, 2.80% (WAC) due 06/25/69◊,10

    3,262,603       3,164,128  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Bear Stearns Asset-Backed Securities I Trust

               

2006-HE9, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 11/25/36

    9,573,559     $ 9,259,281  

Fremont Home Loan Trust

               

2006-E, 5.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 01/25/37

    11,565,768       5,141,257  

2006-D, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 11/25/36

    10,370,134       3,533,701  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-FF16, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 12/25/36

    20,279,814       8,319,356  

Merrill Lynch Alternative Note Asset Trust Series

               

2007-A1, 5.89% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.57%, Rate Floor: 0.46%) due 01/25/37

    19,212,356       5,755,486  

2007-A1, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 01/25/37

    7,285,646       2,171,877  

CFMT LLC

               

2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/37◊,10

    8,568,166       7,667,814  

Asset-Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series AEG

               

2006-HE1, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 01/25/36

    7,720,784       7,289,530  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2023-CES1

               

2023-CES1, 6.75% (WAC) due 07/25/63◊,4

    7,188,158       7,156,271  

Argent Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series

               

2005-W4, 6.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.87%, Rate Floor: 0.76%) due 02/25/36

    9,509,147       7,141,877  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-8, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 09/25/36

    14,577,520       3,955,757  

2006-6, 5.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.61%, Rate Floor: 0.50%) due 07/25/36

    4,537,856       1,730,928  

2006-8, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 09/25/36

    3,890,468       1,055,244  

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM6

               

2023-NQM6, 7.06% due 09/25/634,9

    6,612,076     $ 6,595,553  

Option One Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2007-5, 5.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 05/25/37

    6,973,853       4,058,237  

2007-2, 5.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 03/25/37

    4,923,997       2,362,959  

RCKT Mortgage Trust 2023-CES1

               

2023-CES1, 6.52% (WAC) due 06/25/43◊,4

    6,248,796       6,187,649  

Lehman XS Trust Series

               

2007-2N, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 02/25/37

    4,670,953       4,178,238  

2007-15N, 5.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.61%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/25/37

    1,300,489       1,171,139  

2006-10N, 5.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.53%, Rate Floor: 0.42%) due 07/25/46

    294,456       262,458  

Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC

               

2006-CB2, 5.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 12/25/36

    6,042,289       5,594,119  

CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust 2006-11

               

2006-12, 5.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.37%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 12/25/36

    6,015,978       5,356,050  

WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series

               

2007-HE4, 5.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/47

    4,924,776       3,402,322  

2007-HE4, 5.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 07/25/47

    3,330,849       1,926,388  

American Home Mortgage Assets Trust

               

2006-4, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 10/25/46

    6,839,086       3,590,525  

2006-6, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 12/25/46

    2,083,034       1,716,214  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series Trust

               

2007-OA6, 5.44% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.81%, Rate Floor: 0.81%) due 07/25/47

    4,528,941     $ 3,549,066  

2006-AR13, 5.51% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.88%, Rate Floor: 0.88%) due 10/25/46

    1,381,992       1,132,559  

2006-AR11, 5.55% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 09/25/46

    622,490       522,288  

Morgan Stanley IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust

               

2006-2, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 11/25/36

    15,107,588       5,184,333  

GCAT 2023-NQM3 Trust

               

2023-NQM3, 7.34% (WAC) due 08/25/68◊,†††,4

    5,150,000       5,129,849  

RCKT Mortgage Trust 2023-CES2

               

2023-CES2, 6.81% (WAC) due 09/25/43◊,4

    5,000,000       4,992,989  

Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust Series

               

2006-AR4, 5.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.37%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 12/25/36

    9,524,714       3,131,013  

2007-OA2, 5.40% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.77%, Rate Floor: 0.77%) due 04/25/47

    2,106,376       1,855,594  

PRPM 2023-RCF1 LLC

               

2023-RCF1, 4.00% due 06/25/534,9

    4,739,452       4,462,746  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM5

               

2023-NQM5, 7.01% due 06/25/634,9

    4,460,761       4,442,256  

GSAA Home Equity Trust

               

2006-5, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 03/25/36

    12,429,458       4,234,473  

2007-7, 5.97% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.65%, Rate Floor: 0.54%) due 07/25/37

    147,168       134,215  

Impac Secured Assets CMN Owner Trust

               

2005-2, 5.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.61%, Rate Floor: 0.50%) due 03/25/36

    4,652,064       4,141,324  

COLT Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-2, 2.38% (WAC) due 08/25/66◊,4

    7,108,000       3,889,753  

OBX 2023-NQM2 Trust

               

2023-NQM2, 6.72% due 01/25/624,9

    3,487,412       3,465,075  

GSAA Trust

               

2007-3, 5.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 03/25/47

    10,823,664       3,004,039  

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

GCAT 2023-NQM2 Trust

               

2023-NQM2, 6.24% due 11/25/674,9

    2,931,113     $ 2,883,379  

ASG Resecuritization Trust

               

2010-3, 4.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.50%/0.29%) due 12/28/45◊,4

    2,356,629       2,140,401  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Incorporated Trust

               

2006-HE1, 6.01% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.69%, Rate Floor: 0.58%) due 01/25/36

    1,690,149       1,604,111  

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC Trust 2006-WM4

               

2006-WM4, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 11/25/36

    5,258,834       1,465,848  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates

               

2005-15, 6.11% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.79%, Rate Floor: 0.68%) due 03/25/36

    942,587       908,214  

Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2020-1, 2.68% (WAC) due 01/26/60◊,4

    692,659       649,117  

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust

               

2004-BNC2, 6.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.31%, Rate Floor: 1.20%) due 12/25/34

    371,947       363,626  

2006-3, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 06/25/36

    293,738       279,205  

Nomura Resecuritization Trust

               

2015-4R, 2.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.54%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/36◊,4

    553,124       510,202  

Impac Secured Assets Trust

               

2006-2, 5.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.50%/0.34%) due 08/25/36

    507,223       480,607  

Alliance Bancorp Trust

               

2007-OA1, 5.91% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.59%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 07/25/37

    526,939       436,125  

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

               

2010-R5, 3.47% due 06/26/369,10

    112,874       102,318  

UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract

               

1997-2, 7.38% due 10/15/28

    93,432       92,321  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

GreenPoint Mortgage Funding Trust

               

2006-AR1, 6.01% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.69%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.50%/0.58%) due 02/25/36

    94,196     $ 77,401  

Irwin Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2007-1, 6.35% due 08/25/3710

    200       197  

Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

    1,702,894,931  
                 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities - 1.5%

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2021-VOLT, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 09/15/36◊,4

    60,050,000       57,257,267  

2021-VOLT, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 09/15/36◊,4

    52,000,000       49,601,037  

2019-XL, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 10/15/36◊,4

    6,849,516       6,775,813  

2022-LP2, 7.29% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.96%) due 02/15/39◊,4

    5,103,438       4,884,430  

SMRT

               

2022-MINI, 7.28% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 1.95%) due 01/15/39◊,4

    32,500,000       31,134,201  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2021-NYAH, 7.29% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 1.84%) due 06/15/38◊,4

    14,350,000       12,369,908  

2016-JP3, 3.55% (WAC) due 08/15/49

    10,290,000       7,482,571  

2021-NYAH, 7.64% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.30%, Rate Floor: 2.19%) due 06/15/38◊,4

    8,000,000       6,825,524  

2016-JP3, 1.46% (WAC) due 08/15/49◊,8

    52,739,619       1,603,348  

Life Mortgage Trust

               

2021-BMR, 7.80% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.46%, Rate Floor: 2.35%) due 03/15/38◊,4

    19,167,918       18,317,451  

2021-BMR, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 03/15/38◊,4

    5,160,593       4,966,918  

Extended Stay America Trust

               

2021-ESH, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 07/15/38◊,4

    11,881,095       11,687,181  

2021-ESH, 7.15% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 07/15/38◊,4

    6,130,645       6,038,997  

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2019-GC43, 0.74% (WAC) due 11/10/52◊,8

    218,036,340     $ 6,138,246  

2019-GC41, 1.17% (WAC) due 08/10/56◊,8

    103,121,811       4,031,155  

2016-P4, 2.05% (WAC) due 07/10/49◊,8

    27,874,919       1,075,587  

2016-C2, 1.81% (WAC) due 08/10/49◊,8

    30,347,562       1,044,806  

2016-P5, 1.52% (WAC) due 10/10/49◊,8

    24,959,338       767,455  

2016-GC37, 1.82% (WAC) due 04/10/49◊,8

    19,249,322       583,416  

2015-GC35, 0.86% (WAC) due 11/10/48◊,8

    27,836,631       318,393  

2016-C3, 1.12% (WAC) due 11/15/49◊,8

    9,867,141       236,242  

2015-GC29, 1.15% (WAC) due 04/10/48◊,8

    18,132,161       212,068  

GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust

               

2020-UPTN, 3.35% (WAC) due 02/10/37◊,4

    5,350,000       4,703,301  

2020-DUNE, 6.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.46%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 12/15/36◊,4

    3,750,000       3,664,663  

2020-DUNE, 7.36% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 12/15/36◊,4

    1,000,000       957,658  

BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust

               

2019-B14, 0.90% (WAC) due 12/15/62◊,8

    108,146,228       3,001,836  

2020-IG3, 3.23% (WAC) due 09/15/48◊,4

    5,232,000       2,786,701  

2018-B2, 0.60% (WAC) due 02/15/51◊,8

    100,564,047       1,418,013  

2018-B6, 0.56% (WAC) due 10/10/51◊,8

    59,698,080       754,303  

2018-B6, 4.75% (WAC) due 10/10/51

    750,000       622,605  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2020-GC45, 0.78% (WAC) due 02/13/53◊,8

    152,167,332       4,400,694  

2019-GC42, 0.93% (WAC) due 09/10/52◊,8

    69,211,889       2,345,591  

2017-GS6, 1.16% (WAC) due 05/10/50◊,8

    40,865,850       1,200,917  

2017-GS6, 3.87% due 05/10/50

    521,000       423,077  

2015-GC28, 1.11% (WAC) due 02/10/48◊,8

    14,560,104       120,575  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C38, 1.09% (WAC) due 07/15/50◊,8

    63,652,058       1,651,402  

2016-BNK1, 1.86% (WAC) due 08/15/49◊,8

    34,374,352       1,211,758  

2017-RB1, 1.35% (WAC) due 03/15/50◊,8

    32,823,363       999,823  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2017-C42, 1.01% (WAC) due 12/15/50◊,8

    33,853,505     $ 983,644  

2016-C35, 2.04% (WAC) due 07/15/48◊,8

    21,723,237       837,707  

2015-NXS4, 1.17% (WAC) due 12/15/48◊,8

    37,030,658       623,248  

2017-RC1, 1.54% (WAC) due 01/15/60◊,8

    16,400,914       619,056  

2016-NXS5, 1.57% (WAC) due 01/15/59◊,8

    20,156,482       522,162  

2015-C30, 1.03% (WAC) due 09/15/58◊,8

    28,368,845       365,782  

2015-P2, 1.08% (WAC) due 12/15/48◊,8

    22,002,396       356,221  

2016-C37, 0.95% (WAC) due 12/15/49◊,8

    11,382,263       202,793  

2015-NXS1, 1.20% (WAC) due 05/15/48◊,8

    7,707,012       77,418  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2017-C7, 0.97% (WAC) due 10/15/50◊,8

    124,489,077       3,118,638  

2016-C4, 3.64% (WAC) due 12/15/49

    2,650,000       2,130,147  

2016-C4, 0.86% (WAC) due 12/15/49◊,8

    72,918,100       1,282,600  

2016-C2, 1.63% (WAC) due 06/15/49◊,8

    23,106,057       650,387  

2017-C5, 1.04% (WAC) due 03/15/50◊,8

    7,476,535       159,843  

DBGS Mortgage Trust

               

2018-C1, 4.80% (WAC) due 10/15/51

    7,588,000       6,428,592  

COMM Mortgage Trust

               

2018-COR3, 0.57% (WAC) due 05/10/51◊,8

    195,474,798       3,204,497  

2015-CR26, 1.04% (WAC) due 10/10/48◊,8

    75,304,581       980,503  

2015-CR24, 0.83% (WAC) due 08/10/48◊,8

    38,704,545       374,265  

2015-CR23, 1.00% (WAC) due 05/10/48◊,8

    34,843,500       357,954  

2015-CR27, 1.05% (WAC) due 10/10/48◊,8

    25,029,277       352,437  

2014-LC15, 1.20% (WAC) due 04/10/47◊,8

    8,727,289       8,106  

2013-CR13, 0.71% (WAC) due 11/10/46◊,8

    16,972,598       5,076  

BANK

               

2020-BN25, 0.53% (WAC) due 01/15/63◊,8

    140,000,000       3,205,174  

2017-BNK6, 0.91% (WAC) due 07/15/60◊,8

    38,406,267       835,947  

2017-BNK4, 1.50% (WAC) due 05/15/50◊,8

    10,654,714       384,549  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2019-C15, 1.19% (WAC) due 03/15/52◊,8

    94,016,939       3,534,398  

2015-C1, 0.95% (WAC) due 04/15/50◊,8

    48,966,657       307,760  

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2016-C6, 2.02% (WAC) due 01/15/49◊,8

    4,800,726     $ 167,887  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C2, 1.22% (WAC) due 08/15/50◊,8

    38,622,887       1,229,177  

2017-C5, 1.22% (WAC) due 11/15/50◊,8

    41,882,889       1,142,934  

CD Mortgage Trust

               

2017-CD6, 1.02% (WAC) due 11/13/50◊,8

    40,472,083       934,075  

2016-CD1, 1.50% (WAC) due 08/10/49◊,8

    28,994,054       789,618  

2016-CD2, 0.69% (WAC) due 11/10/49◊,8

    29,549,328       370,386  

BBCMS Mortgage Trust

               

2018-C2, 0.92% (WAC) due 12/15/51◊,8

    57,131,708       1,710,026  

KKR Industrial Portfolio Trust

               

2021-KDIP, 7.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 12/15/37◊,4

    1,629,444       1,604,862  

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-CD4, 1.38% (WAC) due 05/10/50◊,8

    25,440,722       837,425  

2017-CD3, 1.11% (WAC) due 02/10/50◊,8

    31,749,638       766,201  

CGMS Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-B1, 0.87% (WAC) due 08/15/50◊,8

    58,546,119       1,346,649  

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2017-JP6, 1.17% (WAC) due 07/15/50◊,8

    47,431,179       1,222,074  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2016-C3, 1.14% (WAC) due 01/10/48◊,8

    42,909,124       759,878  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

               

2015-C27, 1.01% (WAC) due 12/15/47◊,8

    62,297,174       732,982  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC35

               

2015-GC35, 4.35% (WAC) due 11/10/48

    810,679       716,279  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2015-C27, 1.28% (WAC) due 02/15/48◊,8

    64,517,110       685,862  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-BNK3, 1.16% (WAC) due 02/15/50◊,8

    21,065,210       561,775  

2016-UB10, 1.89% (WAC) due 07/15/49◊,8

    1,555,960       49,691  

DBJPM Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C6, 1.05% (WAC) due 06/10/50◊,8

    20,207,112       482,663  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust 2014-C18

               

2014-C18, 4.00% due 08/15/31

    525,365     $ 337,232  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

               

2016-UBS9, 4.75% (WAC) due 03/15/49

    275,000       240,729  

SG Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2016-C5, 2.02% (WAC) due 10/10/48◊,8

    4,965,126       171,424  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    312,383,664  
                 

Military Housing - 0.8%

Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds Resecuritization Trust Certificates

               

2015-R1, 4.66% (WAC) due 11/25/55◊,4

    111,247,556       85,323,187  

2015-R1, 4.44% (WAC) due 11/25/52◊,4

    20,990,551       16,827,464  

2015-R1, 0.70% (WAC) due 11/25/55◊,4,8

    167,170,525       10,690,037  

2015-R1, 4.31% (WAC) due 10/25/52◊,4

    13,235,718       9,508,162  

Capmark Military Housing Trust

               

2006-RILY, 6.15% due 07/10/51†††,4

    12,534,838       10,780,429  

2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/52†††,4

    7,129,558       5,968,518  

2006-RILY, 5.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.37%, Rate Floor: 0.37%) due 07/10/51◊,†††,4

    6,746,826       4,376,341  

2007-ROBS, 6.06% due 10/10/52†††,4

    4,512,185       3,873,896  

2007-AET2, 6.06% due 10/10/52†††,4

    2,964,223       2,700,907  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp.

               

2007-HCKM, 6.11% due 08/10/52†††,4

    21,416,558       19,798,587  

2005-DRUM, 5.47% due 05/10/50†††,4

    4,341,715       3,616,106  

2005-BLIS, 5.25% due 07/10/50†††,4

    2,500,000       1,943,590  

Total Military Housing

    175,407,224  
                 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

(Cost $5,699,920,822)

    5,153,069,890  
                 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 23.0%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 14.2%

LCCM Trust

               

2021-FL3 A, 6.90% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 11/15/38◊,4

    98,500,000       96,255,687  

2021-FL3 AS, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.91%) due 11/15/38◊,4

    37,152,000       35,232,248  

2021-FL3 B, 7.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.31%, Rate Floor: 2.31%) due 11/15/38◊,4

    21,450,000       20,193,348  

2021-FL2 B, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 2.01%) due 12/13/38◊,4

    400,000       378,264  

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

LoanCore Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-CRE6 B, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 11/15/38◊,4

    44,000,000     $ 41,912,983  

2021-CRE4 C, 7.13% (30 Day Average SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.81%) due 07/15/35◊,4

    25,982,000       25,248,697  

2021-CRE6 C, 7.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.30%) due 11/15/38◊,4

    22,825,000       21,749,634  

2021-CRE5 D, 8.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 07/15/36◊,4

    14,350,000       13,107,782  

2019-CRE2 B, 7.15% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 05/15/36◊,4

    11,575,000       11,330,610  

2019-CRE2 AS, 6.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 05/15/36◊,4

    11,040,296       10,802,240  

2021-CRE4 D, 7.93% (30 Day Average SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.61%) due 07/15/35◊,4

    5,600,000       5,219,787  

2019-CRE3 B, 7.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/15/34◊,4

    4,410,000       4,193,634  

BXMT Ltd.

               

2020-FL2 A, 6.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.01%, Rate Floor: 1.01%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    51,958,293       49,376,741  

2020-FL3 AS, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 11/15/37◊,4

    23,550,000       22,029,916  

2020-FL3 C, 8.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.66%) due 11/15/37◊,4

    16,327,000       14,347,333  

2020-FL2 B, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.51%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    16,000,000       13,944,085  

2020-FL3 B, 7.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 11/15/37◊,4

    10,600,000       9,466,740  

2020-FL2 AS, 6.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.26%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    6,008,500       5,474,970  

2020-FL2 C, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.76%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    5,360,000       4,558,231  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXX, LP

               

2020-3A A, 7.42% (3 Month USD SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 01/15/33◊,4

    100,000,000       99,653,420  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2020-3A B, 8.07% (3 Month USD SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 01/15/33◊,4

    10,200,000     $ 10,033,846  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXII, LP

               

2021-2A A, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.88%, Rate Floor: 1.88%) due 04/22/33◊,4

    65,000,000       64,200,871  

2021-2A C, 8.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.11%, Rate Floor: 3.11%) due 04/22/33◊,4

    20,925,000       20,163,416  

2021-2A B, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.16%) due 04/22/33◊,4

    19,200,000       18,602,072  

Woodmont Trust

               

2020-7A A1A, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 01/15/32◊,4

    83,000,000       82,770,696  

2020-7A B, 8.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 01/15/32◊,4

    13,500,000       13,207,401  

2020-7A A2, 7.82% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.51%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 01/15/32◊,4

    7,000,000       6,933,406  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 33M Ltd.

               

2021-33A AR2, 7.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.12%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 08/25/33◊,4

    105,004,127       100,840,892  

HERA Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 B, 7.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 02/18/38◊,4

    49,562,000       47,396,304  

2021-FL1 AS, 6.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.41%, Rate Floor: 1.30%) due 02/18/38◊,4

    28,000,000       26,812,733  

2021-FL1 C, 7.40% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.95%) due 02/18/38◊,4

    19,200,000       18,010,453  

2021-FL1 A, 6.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 02/18/38◊,4

    8,627,499       8,372,390  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/20/32◊,4

    84,258,254       83,338,306  

Cerberus Loan Funding XLII LLC

               

2023-3A A1, 7.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 2.48%) due 09/13/35◊,4

    54,450,000       54,446,183  

2023-3A B, 8.78% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.35%, Rate Floor: 3.35%) due 09/13/35◊,4

    15,700,000       15,698,651  

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2022-1A A2, 6.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/15/30◊,4

    23,000,000     $ 22,682,540  

2021-3A B, 7.34% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 2.01%) due 07/20/29◊,4

    22,500,000       22,145,915  

2021-2A B, 7.04% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.66%) due 05/20/29◊,4

    10,500,000       10,308,020  

2021-1A B, 7.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 2.06%) due 04/20/29◊,4

    7,100,000       7,026,313  

2021-2A C, 8.04% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.66%) due 05/20/29◊,4

    7,000,000       6,903,077  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 36M Ltd.

               

2018-36A A, 6.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/31◊,4

    69,265,946       68,850,350  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO V Ltd.

               

2021-5A A1R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/20/31◊,4

    49,984,686       49,370,004  

2021-5A A2R, 7.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 04/20/31◊,4

    15,975,000       15,493,296  

THL Credit Lake Shore MM CLO I Ltd.

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 04/15/33◊,4

    33,500,000       33,042,671  

2021-1A BR, 7.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 04/15/33◊,4

    30,400,000       30,001,444  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC

               

2021-1A A1A2, 7.29% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.96%) due 07/20/33◊,4

    59,500,000       58,989,264  

2021-1A B12, 7.59% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 07/20/33◊,4

    2,500,000       2,376,595  

Cerberus Loan Funding XL LLC

               

2023-1A A, 7.71% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 03/22/35◊,4

    55,500,000       55,496,814  

2023-1A B, 8.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.60%, Rate Floor: 3.60%) due 03/22/35◊,4

    4,600,000       4,605,131  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund IX LLC

               

2021-9A A1R, 7.02% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/18/31◊,4

    34,150,000       33,754,779  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-9A A2R, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 11/18/31◊,4

    26,000,000     $ 25,261,920  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXI, LP

               

2021-1A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/15/32◊,4

    47,227,702       47,027,027  

2021-1A C, 8.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 04/15/32◊,4

    12,000,000       11,680,730  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXIII, LP

               

2021-3A A, 7.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.82%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 07/23/33◊,4

    47,750,000       47,029,491  

2021-3A B, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 07/23/33◊,4

    9,500,000       9,170,517  

Owl Rock CLO IV Ltd.

               

2021-4A A1R, 7.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 08/20/33◊,4

    40,750,000       40,138,290  

2021-4A A2R, 7.54% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 08/20/33◊,4

    16,750,000       15,898,189  

Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd.

               

2021-9A A2TR, 7.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 10/15/33◊,4

    46,200,000       44,990,623  

2021-9A BR, 7.52% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.21%, Rate Floor: 1.95%) due 10/15/33◊,4

    6,700,000       6,363,486  

2021-9A A1TR, 7.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 10/15/33◊,4

    3,450,000       3,385,287  

FS Rialto

               

2021-FL3 C, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 11/16/36◊,4

    31,150,000       29,315,645  

2021-FL2 C, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.16%) due 05/16/38◊,4

    15,665,000       14,725,650  

2021-FL3 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 11/16/36◊,4

    8,000,000       7,644,171  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXV, LP

               

2021-5A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 09/22/33◊,4

    41,500,000       41,126,965  

2021-5A B, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 09/22/33◊,4

    8,000,000       7,739,591  

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO VII, LP

               

2021-7A A1R, 7.05% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.69%, Rate Floor: 1.43%) due 10/20/31◊,4

    39,500,000     $ 39,011,255  

2021-7A A2R, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 10/20/31◊,4

    8,250,000       8,022,895  

CHCP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 AS, 6.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.41%, Rate Floor: 1.30%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    22,250,000       21,712,562  

2021-FL1 A, 6.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    12,808,058       12,701,083  

2021-FL1 B, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    6,600,000       6,425,905  

2021-FL1 C, 7.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.21%, Rate Floor: 2.10%) due 02/15/38◊,4

    2,950,000       2,809,518  

Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd.

               

2018-11A A1T, 6.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/31◊,4

    40,861,886       40,627,710  

2018-11A C, 8.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/31◊,4

    2,300,000       2,226,246  

KREF Funding V LLC

               

7.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 06/25/26◊,†††

    40,838,489       40,505,560  

0.15% due 06/25/26†††,8

    313,636,364       216,409  

GoldenTree Loan Management US CLO 1 Ltd.

               

2021-9A B, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 01/20/33◊,4

    35,900,000       35,548,187  

2021-9A C, 7.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 01/20/33◊,4

    3,900,000       3,813,984  

LCM XXIV Ltd.

               

2021-24A BR, 6.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/30◊,4

    24,200,000       23,761,482  

2021-24A CR, 7.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/30◊,4

    13,050,000       12,753,421  

ACRES Commercial Realty Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 C, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.11%) due 06/15/36◊,4

    13,092,000       12,362,785  

2021-FL1 D, 8.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.76%) due 06/15/36◊,4

    11,750,000       10,763,487  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-FL2 B, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.36%) due 01/15/37◊,4

    10,100,000     $ 9,787,096  

2021-FL2 AS, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 01/15/37◊,4

    3,500,000       3,415,517  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd.

               

2021-16A A1R2, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.87%, Rate Floor: 1.61%) due 07/25/33◊,4

    26,750,000       26,583,778  

2021-16A A2R2, 7.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 07/25/33◊,4

    9,750,000       9,457,994  

Madison Park Funding XLVIII Ltd.

               

2021-48A B, 7.03% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 04/19/33◊,4

    27,500,000       27,258,000  

2021-48A C, 7.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 04/19/33◊,4

    6,650,000       6,575,500  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd.

               

2021-49A BR, 7.49% (3 Month USD SOFR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 08/26/33◊,4

    21,695,000       20,783,623  

2021-49A CR, 8.19% (3 Month USD SOFR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 08/26/33◊,4

    12,600,000       12,019,049  

Palmer Square CLO 2023-4 Ltd.

               

2023-4A C, due 10/20/334,17

    30,450,000       30,450,000  

BDS Ltd.

               

2021-FL9 C, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 11/16/38◊,4

    19,500,000       18,600,305  

2020-FL5 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/16/37◊,4

    4,400,000       4,271,909  

2021-FL9 D, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 11/16/38◊,4

    4,400,000       4,118,193  

2020-FL5 AS, 6.80% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.46%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 02/16/37◊,4

    3,200,000       3,146,116  

BCC Middle Market CLO LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 10/15/33◊,4

    30,450,000       30,059,911  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 40 Ltd.

               

2021-40A B, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 04/16/33◊,4

    26,700,000       26,416,980  

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-40A C, 7.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 04/16/33◊,4

    2,500,000     $ 2,445,974  

MidOcean Credit CLO VII

               

2020-7A BR, 7.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/29◊,4

    27,500,000       27,007,750  

OCP CLO Ltd.

               

2020-4A A2RR, 7.06% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.45%) due 04/24/29◊,4

    25,500,000       25,339,350  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 17 Ltd.

               

2017-17A A1R, 7.26% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/30◊,4

    24,289,565       24,186,050  

BSPDF Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 C, 7.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.36%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 10/15/36◊,4

    15,300,000       14,190,248  

2021-FL1 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 10/15/36◊,4

    6,500,000       6,120,479  

2021-FL1 D, 8.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.86%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 10/15/36◊,4

    3,500,000       3,166,778  

Madison Park Funding LIII Ltd.

               

2022-53A B, 7.08% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 04/21/35◊,4

    24,000,000       23,433,600  

STWD Ltd.

               

2019-FL1 B, 7.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 07/15/38◊,4

    11,210,000       10,379,571  

2019-FL1 C, 7.40% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 2.06%) due 07/15/38◊,4

    8,800,000       8,104,905  

2021-FL2 C, 7.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.21%, Rate Floor: 2.10%) due 04/18/38◊,4

    2,820,000       2,519,038  

2019-FL1 AS, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.51%) due 07/15/38◊,4

    2,200,000       2,122,504  

Venture XIV CLO Ltd.

               

2020-14A CRR, 7.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.51%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 08/28/29◊,4

    22,725,000       22,706,820  

Magnetite XXIX Ltd.

               

2021-29A B, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/15/34◊,4

    15,100,000       14,961,080  

2021-29A C, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 01/15/34◊,4

    7,700,000       7,494,147  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Apres Static CLO Ltd.

               

2020-1A A2R, 7.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/28◊,4

    21,750,000     $ 21,658,876  

Fontainbleau Vegas

               

10.98% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.65%, Rate Floor: 5.65%) due 01/31/26◊,†††

    20,740,722       20,740,722  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 54M L.P

               

2021-54A B, 7.48% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 08/05/33◊,4

    21,000,000       19,930,392  

NewStar Fairfield Fund CLO Ltd.

               

2018-2A A1N, 6.86% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.53%, Rate Floor: 1.27%) due 04/20/30◊,4

    19,733,407       19,555,563  

Recette CLO Ltd.

               

2021-1A BRR, 6.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/34◊,4

    9,800,000       9,619,680  

2021-1A CRR, 7.34% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/34◊,4

    9,200,000       8,880,264  

Anchorage Capital CLO 6 Ltd.

               

2021-6A CRR, 7.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.46%, Rate Floor: 2.20%) due 07/15/30◊,4

    18,585,000       18,367,673  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 32 Ltd.

               

2021-32A BR, 6.98% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/20/32◊,4

    14,100,000       13,947,721  

2021-32A CR, 7.28% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 01/20/32◊,4

    4,200,000       4,099,335  

Owl Rock CLO VI Ltd.

               

2021-6A B1, 7.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 06/21/32◊,4

    17,450,000       16,871,334  

BSPRT Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL7 C, 7.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.41%) due 12/15/38◊,4

    7,250,000       6,925,981  

2021-FL6 C, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 03/15/36◊,4

    5,550,000       5,143,032  

2021-FL7 B, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.16%) due 12/15/38◊,4

    4,875,000       4,725,161  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVIII, LP

               

2022-2A A1, 8.06% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 10/15/34◊,4

    16,570,000       16,555,114  

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

KREF

               

2021-FL2 C, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 02/15/39◊,4

    16,600,000     $ 15,554,673  

Owl Rock CLO II Ltd.

               

2021-2A ALR, 7.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 04/20/33◊,4

    15,600,000       15,340,193  

Palmer Square Loan Funding 2023-1 Ltd.

               

2023-1A B, due 07/20/314,17

    15,250,000       15,330,781  

Dryden 36 Senior Loan Fund

               

2020-36A CR3, 7.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.31%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 04/15/29◊,4

    15,200,000       15,070,602  

Owl Rock CLO XIII LLC

               

2023-13A B, 8.77% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.35%, Rate Floor: 3.35%) due 09/20/35◊,4

    14,750,000       14,747,363  

Octagon Investment Partners 49 Ltd.

               

2021-5A B, 7.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 01/15/33◊,4

    12,800,000       12,642,560  

AMMC CLO XIV Ltd.

               

2021-14A A2R2, 7.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 07/25/29◊,4

    12,191,165       12,186,289  

Greystone Commercial Real Estate Notes

               

2021-FL3 C, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 07/15/39◊,4

    12,000,000       11,207,096  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 54M, LP

               

2021-54A A, 7.16% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.79%, Rate Floor: 1.53%) due 08/05/33◊,4

    10,750,000       10,582,805  

Neuberger Berman CLO XVI-S Ltd.

               

2021-16SA BR, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 04/15/34◊,4

    10,200,000       10,039,861  

Lake Shore MM CLO III LLC

               

2021-2A A1R, 7.05% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.74%, Rate Floor: 1.48%) due 10/17/31◊,4

    10,000,000       9,859,667  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 25M Ltd.

               

2018-25A AR, 7.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.64%, Rate Floor: 1.38%) due 05/05/30◊,4

    9,726,038       9,708,309  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 47 Ltd.

               

2022-47A B, 7.11% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 04/14/35◊,4

    9,000,000       8,892,000  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Boyce Park CLO Ltd.

               

2022-1A B1, 7.08% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 04/21/35◊,4

    8,800,000     $ 8,671,524  

Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund

               

2015-37A Q, due 01/15/314,12

    10,000,000       7,322,454  

Palmer Square Loan Funding 2022-4 Ltd.

               

2023-4A B, 8.10% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 07/24/31◊,4

    7,050,000       7,098,061  

ACRES Commercial Realty 2021-FL1 Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 AS, 7.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 06/15/36◊,4

    6,425,000       6,189,851  

ACRE Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL4 B, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 12/18/37◊,4

    3,100,000       2,955,403  

2021-FL4 C, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 12/18/37◊,4

    3,100,000       2,858,765  

HGI CRE CLO Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 B, 6.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.61%) due 09/17/36◊,4

    5,000,000       4,772,179  

2021-FL2 C, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.91%) due 09/17/36◊,4

    1,000,000       944,541  

Owl Rock CLO I Ltd.

               

2019-1A A, 7.44% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 05/20/31◊,4

    5,575,431       5,554,874  

Shackleton CLO Ltd.

               

2017-8A BR, 6.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/27◊,4

    5,510,000       5,465,220  

VOYA CLO

               

2021-2A BR, 7.72% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 06/07/30◊,4

    4,950,000       4,920,560  

STWD 2021-FL2 Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 A, 6.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.31%, Rate Floor: 1.20%) due 04/18/38◊,4

    5,000,000       4,891,197  

Atlas Senior Loan Fund III Ltd.

               

2017-1A BR, 6.94% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/17/27◊,4

    4,300,000       4,291,000  

Elmwood CLO 19 Ltd.

               

2022-6A B1, 8.36% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.05%, Rate Floor: 3.05%) due 10/17/34◊,4

    4,000,000       4,020,800  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Northwoods Capital XII-B Ltd.

               

2018-12BA B, 7.52% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 06/15/31◊,4

    4,000,000     $ 3,886,400  

BRSP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 D, 8.14% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.81%, Rate Floor: 2.70%) due 08/19/38◊,4

    4,200,000       3,714,617  

MF1 Multifamily Housing Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-FL6 D, 8.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.55%) due 07/16/36◊,4

    3,800,000       3,616,853  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVI, LP

               

2021-6A A, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/22/33◊,4

    2,711,877       2,703,828  

Wellfleet CLO Ltd.

               

2018-2A A2R, 7.17% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.84%, Rate Floor: 1.58%) due 10/20/28◊,4

    2,500,000       2,488,750  

Allegro CLO VII Ltd.

               

2018-1A C, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 06/13/31◊,4

    2,500,000       2,424,891  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd.

               

2012-3A SUB, due 01/14/324,12

    8,920,000       2,363,800  

Marathon CLO V Ltd.

               

2017-5A A2R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/27◊,4

    2,117,762       2,115,264  

Diamond CLO Ltd.

               

2021-1A CR, 8.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.66%, Rate Floor: 2.66%) due 04/25/29◊,4

    779,803       777,253  

Voya CLO Ltd.

               

2013-1A INC, due 10/15/304,12

    10,575,071       613,883  

TRTX Issuer Ltd.

               

2019-FL3 B, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 10/15/34◊,4

    431,548       430,572  

Great Lakes CLO Ltd.

               

2014-1A SUB, due 10/15/294,12

    461,538       177,564  

Venture XIII CLO Ltd.

               

2013-13A SUB, due 09/10/294,12

    3,700,000       111,525  

Treman Park CLO Ltd.

               

2015-1A SUB, due 10/20/284,12

    6,859,005       68,864  

Atlas Senior Loan Fund IX Ltd.

               

2018-9A SUB, due 04/20/284,12

    1,200,000       29,629  

Babson CLO Ltd.

               

2014-IA SUB, due 07/20/254,12

    1,266,687       29,514  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

               

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/2110,12

    1,500,000       150  

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations

    2,991,925,352  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Financial - 2.5%

Project Onyx I

               

due 01/26/27◊,†††

    55,050,000     $ 55,052,399  

7.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due /26/27◊,†††

    26,000,000       26,001,113  

KKR Core Holding Company LLC

               

4.00% due 08/12/31†††

    81,770,389       70,697,431  

Strategic Partners Fund VIII LP

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 03/10/26◊,†††

    70,377,333       70,036,117  

HV Eight LLC

               

7.10% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/31/27◊,†††

  EUR 64,750,000       68,482,280  

HarbourVest Structured Solutions IV Holdings, LP

               

7.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 2.45%) due 09/15/26◊,†††

    18,915,420       18,918,659  

6.05% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 2.45%) due 09/15/26◊,†††

  EUR 11,100,000       11,740,915  

Ceamer Finance LLC

               

3.69% due 03/24/31†††

    21,344,080       19,802,508  

6.92% due 11/15/37†††

    7,452,338       7,105,085  

Lightning A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    29,464,712       26,750,772  

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2023-1, 7.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 03/04/24◊,†††,4

    26,600,000       26,600,000  

Thunderbird A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    29,042,333       26,364,714  

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2024-1, due 10/15/2417

    25,350,000       25,350,000  

Project Onyx II

               

due 01/26/27†††,17

    18,350,000       18,349,337  

7.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due /26/27◊,†††

    5,000,000       4,999,819  

Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd.

               

4.18% due 04/07/28†††

    16,194,982       15,338,229  

Station Place Securitization Trust

               

2024-1, due 10/15/2417

    12,650,000       12,650,000  

Nassau LLC

               

2019-1, 3.98% due 08/15/344

    11,391,715       10,769,119  

Aesf Vi Verdi, LP

               

7.55% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.30%, Rate Floor: 2.30%) due 11/25/24◊,†††

    6,305,178       6,424,991  

6.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 11/25/24◊,†††

  EUR 1,013,463       1,087,983  

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Oxford Finance Funding

               

2020-1A, 3.10% due 02/15/284

    6,388,327     $ 6,161,624  

Industrial DPR Funding Ltd.

               

2016-1A, 5.24% due 04/15/264

    1,746,900       1,702,715  

Total Financial

    530,385,830  
                 

Transport-Aircraft - 1.7%

AASET Trust

               

2021-1A, 2.95% due 11/16/414

    59,134,981       52,039,966  

2021-2A, 2.80% due 01/15/474

    22,324,667       19,082,824  

2020-1A, 3.35% due 01/16/404

    14,801,762       12,877,533  

2019-1, 3.84% due 05/15/394

    5,541,572       4,156,332  

2019-2, 3.38% due 10/16/394

    1,619,387       1,408,763  

2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/424

    828,516       729,085  

Navigator Aircraft ABS Ltd.

               

2021-1, 2.77% due 11/15/464

    47,743,303       41,429,251  

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust

               

2021-1A, 3.47% due 01/15/464

    42,709,386       39,398,555  

Lunar Structured Aircraft Portfolio Notes

               

2021-1, 2.64% due 10/15/464

    34,296,110       29,400,340  

Sprite Ltd.

               

2021-1, 3.75% due 11/15/464

    29,390,599       26,345,209  

AASET US Ltd.

               

2018-2A, 4.45% due 11/18/384

    28,185,294       24,506,513  

Sapphire Aviation Finance II Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 3.23% due 03/15/404

    25,455,421       21,540,123  

KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd.

               

2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/424

    19,036,733       15,783,355  

WAVE LLC

               

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/444

    17,070,502       14,063,874  

Sapphire Aviation Finance I Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/404

    14,198,066       11,835,366  

MAPS Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/434

    12,241,546       10,972,955  

Raspro Trust

               

2005-1A, 6.18% (3 Month USD SOFR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/24◊,4

    10,637,384       10,568,858  

Falcon Aerospace Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/394

    8,239,562       7,457,058  

2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/424

    2,552,235       2,385,727  

Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust

               

2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/434

    10,610,553       9,646,941  

Slam 2021-1 Ltd.

               

2021-1A, 2.43% due 06/15/464

    1,718,800       1,462,046  

Slam Ltd.

               

2021-1A, 3.42% due 06/15/464

    1,289,100       1,076,424  

Total Transport-Aircraft

    358,167,098  
                 

Whole Business - 1.6%

Arbys Funding LLC

               

2020-1A, 3.24% due 07/30/504

    94,898,010       84,048,700  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.39% due 04/25/514

    38,350,258     $ 31,656,642  

2022-1A, 3.13% due 01/25/524

    23,147,500       19,294,321  

2019-1A, 3.88% due 10/25/494

    968,275       884,086  

Five Guys Funding LLC

               

2017-1A, 4.60% due 07/25/474

    43,760,595       42,966,909  

Taco Bell Funding LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.29% due 08/25/514

    23,157,525       18,915,946  

2016-1A, 4.97% due 05/25/464

    17,392,559       16,762,462  

ServiceMaster Funding LLC

               

2020-1, 3.34% due 01/30/514

    28,000,447       21,975,703  

2020-1, 2.84% due 01/30/514

    9,314,507       7,865,347  

Sonic Capital LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.64% due 08/20/514

    19,419,680       14,335,491  

2020-1A, 4.34% due 01/20/504

    7,060,379       6,098,184  

2020-1A, 3.85% due 01/20/504

    4,521,162       4,091,046  

2021-1A, 2.19% due 08/20/514

    2,646,000       2,125,185  

Wingstop Funding LLC

               

2020-1A, 2.84% due 12/05/504

    25,117,500       21,731,259  

2022-1A, 3.73% due 03/05/524

    3,448,938       3,016,127  

Applebee’s Funding LLC / IHOP Funding LLC

               

2019-1A, 4.72% due 06/05/494

    20,938,500       19,464,388  

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 3.15% due 04/25/514

    9,121,053       7,348,303  

2017-1A, 4.12% due 07/25/474

    7,843,500       7,256,383  

Wendy’s Funding LLC

               

2019-1A, 3.78% due 06/15/494

    12,210,825       11,311,522  

2019-1A, 4.08% due 06/15/494

    1,511,688       1,327,389  

DB Master Finance LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.79% due 11/20/514

    6,631,875       5,112,837  

Total Whole Business

    347,588,230  
                 

Net Lease - 0.9%

STORE Master Funding I-VII

               

2016-1A, 3.96% due 10/20/464

    27,606,923       25,424,102  

2016-1A, 4.32% due 10/20/464

    10,921,964       9,931,489  

CF Hippolyta Issuer LLC

               

2022-1A, 6.11% due 08/15/624

    20,275,457       19,563,942  

2020-1, 2.28% due 07/15/604

    10,075,718       8,846,731  

Capital Automotive REIT

               

2020-1A, 3.48% due 02/15/504

    21,991,098       19,293,188  

2021-1A, 2.76% due 08/15/514

    6,576,625       4,731,411  

CARS-DB4, LP

               

2020-1A, 3.81% due 02/15/504

    20,039,779       16,016,016  

2020-1A, 3.25% due 02/15/504

    3,398,218       2,776,887  

SVC ABS LLC

               

2023-1A, 5.15% due 02/20/534

    15,305,229       14,258,416  

2023-1A, 5.55% due 02/20/534

    3,494,896       3,178,878  

CMFT Net Lease Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1, 2.91% due 07/20/514

    10,050,000       8,061,895  

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

2021-1, 3.04% due 07/20/514

    5,050,000     $ 3,737,011  

2021-1, 2.51% due 07/20/514

    3,000,000       2,437,572  

2021-1, 3.44% due 07/20/514

    3,215,000       2,365,221  

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series

               

2020-1A, 2.26% due 11/20/504

    15,000,000       13,282,555  

STORE Master Funding I LLC

               

2015-1A, 4.17% due 04/20/454

    9,956,145       9,393,863  

New Economy Assets Phase 1 Sponsor LLC

               

2021-1, 2.41% due 10/20/614

    10,000,000       8,314,913  

CARS-DB7, LP

               

2023-1A, 5.75% due 09/15/534

    4,550,000       4,398,854  

CF Hippolyta LLC

               

2020-1, 2.60% due 07/15/604

    4,312,872       3,379,701  

STORE Master Funding LLC

               

2021-1A, 3.70% due 06/20/514

    3,542,691       2,571,635  

Total Net Lease

    181,964,280  
                 

Single Family Residence - 0.6%

FirstKey Homes Trust

               

2020-SFR2, 4.50% due 10/19/374

    21,640,000       20,051,808  

2020-SFR2, 4.00% due 10/19/374

    20,340,000       18,745,200  

2020-SFR2, 3.37% due 10/19/374

    13,010,000       11,890,950  

2021-SFR1, 2.19% due 08/17/384

    8,174,000       7,124,538  

Home Partners of America Trust

               

2021-2, 2.65% due 12/17/264

    46,447,870       40,703,248  

2021-3, 2.80% due 01/17/414

    15,338,356       12,881,445  

Tricon Residential Trust

               

2021-SFR1, 2.59% due 07/17/384

    7,000,000       6,229,068  

Total Single Family Residence

    117,626,257  
                 

Infrastructure - 0.5%

Hotwire Funding LLC

               

2023-1A, 8.84% due 05/20/534

    31,200,000       29,274,823  

2021-1, 2.31% due 11/20/514

    5,350,000       4,698,425  

2021-1, 2.66% due 11/20/514

    4,025,000       3,437,040  

VB-S1 Issuer LLC - VBTEL

               

2022-1A, 4.29% due 02/15/524

    40,900,000       35,623,834  

Stack Infrastructure Issuer LLC

               

2020-1A, 1.89% due 08/25/454

    11,624,000       10,551,565  

2023-1A, 5.90% due 03/25/484

    5,050,000       4,807,493  

Aligned Data Centers Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.94% due 08/15/464

    15,345,000       13,422,853  

Blue Stream Issuer LLC

               

2023-1A, 5.40% due 05/20/534

    6,625,000       6,207,300  

Total Infrastructure

    108,023,333  
                 

Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.5%

Anchorage Credit Funding 4 Ltd.

               

2021-4A AR, 2.72% due 04/27/394

    108,854,127       94,019,759  

Anchorage Credit Funding Ltd.

               

2021-13A C2, 3.65% due 07/27/394

    1,950,000       1,603,532  

Total Collateralized Debt Obligations

    95,623,291  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Transport-Container - 0.3%

Textainer Marine Containers VII Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 2.73% due 08/21/454

    45,819,993     $ 41,619,102  

2021-2A, 2.23% due 04/20/464

    2,621,667       2,238,534  

MC Ltd.

               

2021-1, 2.63% due 11/05/354

    9,984,987       8,672,913  

CLI Funding VIII LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.64% due 02/18/464

    2,967,589       2,534,266  

Total Transport-Container

    55,064,815  
                 

Automotive - 0.1%

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC

               

2023-8A, 6.66% due 02/20/30†††,4

    12,750,000       12,647,173  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC

               

2023-8A, 6.02% due 02/20/304

    11,000,000       10,954,053  

Total Automotive

    23,601,226  
                 

Insurance - 0.1%

CHEST

               

7.13% due 03/15/43†††

    19,100,000       18,578,392  

JGWPT XXIII LLC

               

2011-1A, 4.70% due 10/15/564

    2,193,298       2,004,596  

JGWPT XXIV LLC

               

2011-2A, 4.94% due 09/15/564

    1,594,423       1,453,674  

VICOF 2

               

4.00% due 02/22/30†††

    671,027       633,754  

321 Henderson Receivables VI LLC

               

2010-1A, 5.56% due 07/15/594

    640,466       627,063  

SPSS

               

5.14% due 11/15/52†††,10

    146,519       124,144  

Total Insurance

    23,421,623  
                 

Total Asset-Backed Securities

(Cost $5,085,072,977)

    4,833,391,335  
                 

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 21.9%

Financial - 11.0%

Pershing Square Holdings Ltd.

               

3.25% due 10/01/31

    104,800,000       75,963,987  

3.25% due 11/15/30

    64,350,000       48,659,153  

Reliance Standard Life Global Funding II

               

2.75% due 05/07/254

    93,191,000       87,619,209  

Wilton RE Ltd.

               

6.00% 3,4,13

    92,239,000       81,029,194  

GLP Capital Limited Partnership / GLP Financing II, Inc.

               

4.00% due 01/15/31

    54,748,000       45,578,624  

5.30% due 01/15/29

    20,867,000       19,344,128  

3.25% due 01/15/32

    4,150,000       3,220,768  

4.00% due 01/15/30

    475,000       402,826  

FS KKR Capital Corp.

               

2.63% due 01/15/27

    33,971,000       29,090,846  

3.25% due 07/15/27

    30,100,000       25,917,641  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

               

2.75% due 10/15/32

    40,642,000       30,335,316  

2.63% due 10/15/31

    27,400,000       20,821,646  

5.88% due 07/21/28

    3,700,000       3,620,948  

Host Hotels & Resorts, LP

               

3.50% due 09/15/30

    44,753,000       37,105,571  

2.90% due 12/15/31

    20,200,000       15,524,924  

Safehold GL Holdings LLC

               

2.85% due 01/15/32

    40,038,000       29,410,465  

2.80% due 06/15/31

    30,247,000       22,605,163  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.

               

4.30% due 02/01/614

    74,981,000       44,268,265  

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

4.13% due 12/15/513,4

    3,600,000     $ 2,959,686  

3.95% due 05/15/604

    4,064,000       2,549,302  

Maple Grove Funding Trust I

               

4.16% due 08/15/514

    77,700,000       48,323,346  

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

               

3.62% due 06/03/304

    59,035,000       48,019,639  

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.

               

3.38% due 03/03/31

    41,708,000       33,901,886  

5.63% due 08/16/32

    13,100,000       12,235,535  

Global Atlantic Finance Co.

               

4.70% due 10/15/513,4

    38,462,000       27,820,343  

3.13% due 06/15/314

    25,602,000       18,247,976  

Nippon Life Insurance Co.

               

2.75% due 01/21/513,4

    45,350,000       35,673,557  

2.90% due 09/16/513,4

    10,380,000       8,135,741  

Ares Finance Company II LLC

               

3.25% due 06/15/304

    53,785,000       43,542,195  

First American Financial Corp.

               

4.00% due 05/15/30

    40,891,000       34,630,186  

2.40% due 08/15/31

    11,875,000       8,808,520  

Blue Owl Capital GP LLC

               

7.21% due 08/22/43

    28,550,000       28,093,451  

7.11% due 08/22/43

    15,200,000       15,124,416  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

               

2.52% due 04/22/313

    19,520,000       15,822,502  

2.96% due 05/13/313

    17,276,000       14,194,388  

4.49% due 03/24/313

    10,750,000       9,842,929  

0.82% due 06/01/253

    900,000       866,388  

2.07% due 06/01/293

    900,000       758,347  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

               

4.35% due 04/30/504

    57,736,000       41,250,209  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

               

2.69% due 06/23/323,4

    31,550,000       24,172,618  

2.87% due 01/14/333,4

    17,431,000       13,174,310  

5.03% due 01/15/303,4

    800,000       763,536  

1.63% due 09/23/273,4

    720,000       628,991  

1.34% due 01/12/273,4

    570,000       509,934  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

               

3.40% due 06/15/30

    43,590,000       37,041,531  

2.45% due 03/15/31

    2,540,000       1,958,467  

Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc.

               

3.88% due 03/01/314

    46,892,000       37,390,274  

United Wholesale Mortgage LLC

               

5.50% due 04/15/294

    32,712,000       27,641,640  

5.50% due 11/15/254

    10,131,000       9,636,381  

Bain Capital, LP

               

3.41% due 04/15/41†††

    36,000,000       21,992,365  

3.72% due 04/15/42†††

    20,300,000       12,761,600  

OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.

               

4.25% due 10/15/504

    54,705,000       34,687,553  

CBS Studio Center

               

8.31% (30 Day Average SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/09/24◊,†††

    34,100,000       34,100,000  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp.

               

5.00% due 08/15/284

    39,650,000       33,385,546  

Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.

               

3.38% due 04/15/813,4

    39,900,000       33,160,280  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

               

3.15% due 06/15/30

    38,983,000       32,273,221  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.67% due 05/27/293

    31,200,000     $ 30,677,542  

5.41% due 09/13/283

    1,400,000       1,370,241  

Belrose Funding Trust

               

2.33% due 08/15/304

    38,420,000       28,630,662  

Assurant, Inc.

               

2.65% due 01/15/32

    36,922,000       26,995,467  

6.75% due 02/15/34

    1,450,000       1,458,269  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

               

2.33% due 08/21/304

    22,400,000       16,936,679  

3.35% due 01/12/373,4

    14,550,000       11,079,810  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

               

3.60% due 11/15/31

    37,221,000       27,351,924  

Standard Chartered plc

               

4.64% due 04/01/313,4

    28,908,000       26,006,643  

Bank of America Corp.

               

2.59% due 04/29/313

    28,440,000       22,854,133  

6.06% (SOFR + 0.73%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/24/24

    1,660,000       1,660,398  

1.73% due 07/22/273

    1,650,000       1,462,163  

UBS Group AG

               

2.10% due 02/11/323,4

    33,400,000       24,714,336  

5.71% due 01/12/273,4

    1,000,000       987,303  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

               

4.50% due 02/15/314

    18,937,000       15,574,990  

5.63% due 07/15/324

    8,431,000       7,278,499  

4.88% due 09/15/274

    1,938,000       1,787,524  

5.25% due 07/15/304

    74,000       64,650  

Americo Life, Inc.

               

3.45% due 04/15/314

    32,364,000       23,352,036  

Westpac Banking Corp.

               

3.02% due 11/18/363

    15,650,000       11,578,939  

2.96% due 11/16/40

    12,214,000       7,428,322  

2.67% due 11/15/353

    4,467,000       3,346,587  

Capital One Financial Corp.

               

6.38% due 06/08/343

    22,450,000       21,186,415  

5.47% due 02/01/293

    1,000,000       951,901  

Trustage Financial Group, Inc.

               

4.63% due 04/15/324

    26,450,000       21,827,115  

Dyal Capital Partners III

               

4.40% due 06/15/40†††

    26,750,000       21,500,624  

LPL Holdings, Inc.

               

4.00% due 03/15/294

    17,588,000       15,334,314  

4.38% due 05/15/314

    6,241,000       5,338,878  

Manulife Financial Corp.

               

2.48% due 05/19/27

    17,800,000       16,073,477  

4.06% due 02/24/323

    4,815,000       4,457,235  

Hunt Companies, Inc.

               

5.25% due 04/15/294

    25,121,000       19,730,139  

Brookfield Finance, Inc.

               

3.50% due 03/30/51

    18,906,000       11,759,150  

4.70% due 09/20/47

    9,790,000       7,625,082  

Societe Generale S.A.

               

2.89% due 06/09/323,4

    21,150,000       16,002,556  

1.79% due 06/09/273,4

    1,630,000       1,436,779  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.44% due 02/22/343

    16,150,000       15,402,816  

4.08% due 04/19/283

    1,580,000       1,483,737  

5.72% due 02/20/263

    500,000       497,040  

Brookfield Capital Finance LLC

               

6.09% due 06/14/33

    16,800,000       16,325,029  

NFP Corp.

               

7.50% due 10/01/304

    11,950,000       11,475,911  

6.88% due 08/15/284

    5,617,000       4,811,962  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

               

7.25% due 09/15/28

    11,950,000       11,939,921  

4.50% due 12/01/25

    4,560,000       4,334,776  

Corebridge Financial, Inc.

               

6.88% due 12/15/523

    16,030,000       15,356,578  

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

               

5.88% 3,4,13

    15,700,000     $ 14,923,572  

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

               

2.47% due 12/13/293,4

    18,000,000       14,864,213  

Central Storage Safety Project Trust

               

4.82% due 02/01/3810

    17,482,400       14,579,738  

GA Global Funding Trust

               

2.90% due 01/06/324

    17,480,000       12,814,624  

1.25% due 12/08/234

    1,650,000       1,633,709  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

               

3.70% due 10/01/503

    17,139,000       13,938,904  

KKR Group Finance Company VIII LLC

               

3.50% due 08/25/504

    22,210,000       13,854,593  

AmFam Holdings, Inc.

               

2.81% due 03/11/314

    19,050,000       13,791,461  

Lincoln National Corp.

               

4.38% due 06/15/505

    18,801,000       12,880,504  

Kennedy-Wilson, Inc.

               

4.75% due 03/01/29

    15,662,000       12,020,742  

4.75% due 02/01/30

    81,000       60,435  

PartnerRe Finance B LLC

               

4.50% due 10/01/503

    14,043,000       11,910,386  

NatWest Group plc

               

6.02% due 03/02/343

    10,130,000       9,722,004  

4.45% due 05/08/303

    1,100,000       992,848  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

               

2.22% due 09/17/31

    11,900,000       9,028,093  

5.71% due 01/13/30

    1,000,000       978,418  

5.52% due 01/13/28

    640,000       631,260  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.25% due 05/30/29

    11,125,000       10,477,998  

HSBC Holdings plc

               

6.16% due 03/09/293

    10,340,000       10,236,005  

CBRE Services, Inc.

               

5.95% due 08/15/34

    10,160,000       9,583,021  

Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co.

               

3.80% due 04/29/614

    14,970,000       8,941,788  

KKR Group Finance Company X LLC

               

3.25% due 12/15/514

    15,150,000       8,870,982  

Assured Guaranty US Holdings, Inc.

               

3.60% due 09/15/51

    13,861,000       8,493,508  

6.13% due 09/15/28

    300,000       300,004  

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America

               

8.50% due 08/01/324

    9,000,000       8,771,196  

Western & Southern Life Insurance Co.

               

3.75% due 04/28/614

    13,360,000       8,076,777  

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc.

               

5.50% due 05/01/254

    8,050,000       7,858,868  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

               

5.00% due 06/15/27

    8,142,000       7,647,768  

Five Corners Funding Trust III

               

5.79% due 02/15/334

    7,550,000       7,407,098  

Kemper Corp.

               

2.40% due 09/30/30

    10,006,000       7,394,214  

CNO Global Funding

               

1.75% due 10/07/264

    7,400,000       6,497,778  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA

               

4.66% due 08/22/283,4

    6,200,000       5,886,967  

Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities LLC

               

5.30% due 08/01/504

    5,888,108       4,822,831  

5.24% due 08/01/504

    1,074,272       945,874  

Deloitte LLP

               

7.33% due 11/20/26†††

    4,800,000       4,913,488  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC

               

6.75% due 05/15/284

    4,710,000     $ 4,345,446  

Brookfield Finance LLC / Brookfield Finance, Inc.

               

3.45% due 04/15/50

    6,852,000       4,162,199  

HS Wildcat LLC

               

3.83% due 12/31/50†††

    4,982,119       3,534,394  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

               

3.61% due 09/12/343,4

    3,550,000       2,984,581  

Nasdaq, Inc.

               

5.95% due 08/15/53

    2,880,000       2,690,154  

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.

               

5.00% due 02/01/264

    2,780,000       2,596,788  

Enstar Group Ltd.

               

3.10% due 09/01/31

    1,670,000       1,256,783  

4.95% due 06/01/29

    1,250,000       1,154,320  

KKR Group Finance Company III LLC

               

5.13% due 06/01/444

    2,710,000       2,243,369  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

               

3.65% 3,13

    2,450,000       1,974,900  

Lloyds Banking Group plc

               

3.51% due 03/18/263

    1,580,000       1,515,329  

5.87% due 03/06/293

    300,000       293,338  

American National Group LLC

               

6.14% due 06/13/324

    2,000,000       1,808,480  

Brighthouse Financial Global Funding

               

1.00% due 04/12/244

    1,620,000       1,576,503  

Bank of Nova Scotia

               

2.44% due 03/11/24

    1,600,000       1,575,520  

Danske Bank A/S

               

0.98% due 09/10/253,4

    1,660,000       1,573,458  

Jackson National Life Global Funding

               

1.75% due 01/12/254

    1,650,000       1,549,229  

ING Groep N.V.

               

1.73% due 04/01/273

    1,360,000       1,216,779  

2.73% due 04/01/323

    400,000       314,233  

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.

               

8.00% due 11/30/39

    1,265,000       1,479,014  

BNP Paribas S.A.

               

1.32% due 01/13/273,4

    1,640,000       1,468,646  

Athene Global Funding

               

2.67% due 06/07/314

    1,550,000       1,169,950  

2.65% due 10/04/314

    400,000       296,170  

Ares Finance Company IV LLC

               

3.65% due 02/01/524

    2,450,000       1,460,325  

F&G Global Funding

               

2.30% due 04/11/274

    790,000       688,759  

2.00% due 09/20/284

    800,000       652,167  

Iron Mountain Information Management Services, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/15/324

    1,617,000       1,329,065  

Fort Benning Family Communities LLC

               

6.09% due 01/15/514

    1,565,145       1,299,395  

Blackstone Holdings Finance Company LLC

               

3.20% due 01/30/524

    2,150,000       1,284,621  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

               

5.38% due 03/01/49

    1,510,000       1,281,695  

Fort Knox Military Housing Privatization Project

               

5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%) due 02/15/52◊,4

    1,647,194       1,248,350  

Midwest Family Housing LLC

               

5.58% due 01/01/514

    1,279,453       1,058,030  

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Credit Agricole S.A.

               

6.32% due 10/03/293,4

    1,000,000     $ 1,000,116  

Atlas Mara Ltd.

               

due 12/31/21†††,10,14

    2,127,812       987,305  

Jefferies Group, Inc.

               

6.25% due 01/15/36

    1,000,000       982,899  

Banco Santander S.A.

               

2.96% due 03/25/31

    1,200,000       954,277  

LXP Industrial Trust

               

2.38% due 10/01/31

    1,300,000       952,738  

Realty Income Corp.

               

3.25% due 01/15/31

    1,100,000       924,321  

Morgan Stanley

               

2.51% due 10/20/323

    1,200,000       917,715  

KKR Group Finance Company II LLC

               

5.50% due 02/01/434

    1,000,000       869,303  

Atlantic Marine Corporations Communities LLC

               

5.37% due 12/01/504

    743,458       619,887  

Wells Fargo & Co.

               

2.41% due 10/30/253

    600,000       574,983  

Pacific Beacon LLC

               

5.51% due 07/15/364

    500,000       458,766  

Swiss Re Finance Luxembourg S.A.

               

5.00% due 04/02/493,4

    300,000       281,100  

Markel Group, Inc.

               

4.30% due 11/01/47

    350,000       257,170  

Pine Street Trust I

               

4.57% due 02/15/294

    250,000       224,958  

Peachtree Corners Funding Trust

               

3.98% due 02/15/254

    215,000       207,559  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

               

2.38% due 03/15/31

    57,000       44,042  

Total Financial

    2,313,136,813  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.4%

CoStar Group, Inc.

               

2.80% due 07/15/304

    90,310,000       72,766,674  

Altria Group, Inc.

               

3.70% due 02/04/51

    45,968,000       28,581,770  

3.40% due 05/06/30

    33,130,000       28,321,708  

4.45% due 05/06/50

    6,160,000       4,363,493  

Global Payments, Inc.

               

2.90% due 11/15/31

    30,265,000       23,742,025  

2.90% due 05/15/30

    19,810,000       16,240,764  

5.30% due 08/15/29

    4,300,000       4,100,678  

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

               

2.63% due 09/13/314

    39,050,000       27,999,181  

3.00% due 10/15/304

    15,473,000       11,827,702  

5.20% due 04/01/294

    850,000       776,366  

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS USA Finance, Inc.

               

3.00% due 05/15/32

    29,206,000       22,032,475  

4.38% due 02/02/52

    10,200,000       6,778,693  

5.13% due 02/01/28

    2,250,000       2,141,106  

Triton Container International Ltd.

               

3.15% due 06/15/314

    34,821,000       26,250,027  

BAT Capital Corp.

               

3.98% due 09/25/50

    41,652,000       26,140,885  

Royalty Pharma plc

               

3.55% due 09/02/50

    39,920,000       24,399,078  

California Institute of Technology

               

3.65% due 09/01/19

    32,078,000       19,638,539  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV

               

2.43% due 07/01/314

    22,650,000       18,474,310  

Yale-New Haven Health Services Corp.

               

2.50% due 07/01/50

    32,350,000       17,352,447  

Universal Health Services, Inc.

               

2.65% due 10/15/30

    18,757,000       14,619,544  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.

               

3.50% due 04/01/304

    9,500,000       7,821,540  

3.13% due 02/15/294

    6,654,000       5,457,577  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS Luxembourg SARL

               

6.75% due 03/15/344

    12,550,000     $ 12,211,024  

Transurban Finance Company Pty Ltd.

               

2.45% due 03/16/314

    14,400,000       11,378,189  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc.

               

3.38% due 08/31/274

    12,642,000       11,075,623  

WW International, Inc.

               

4.50% due 04/15/294

    12,846,000       9,024,315  

HCA, Inc.

               

3.50% due 07/15/51

    6,175,000       3,856,215  

3.50% due 09/01/30

    1,600,000       1,353,641  

5.50% due 06/15/47

    1,100,000       938,917  

OhioHealth Corp.

               

3.04% due 11/15/50

    9,100,000       5,915,630  

TriNet Group, Inc.

               

7.00% due 08/15/314

    5,350,000       5,296,500  

Children’s Hospital Corp.

               

2.59% due 02/01/50

    7,100,000       4,072,079  

Children’s Health System of Texas

               

2.51% due 08/15/50

    6,500,000       3,617,632  

APi Group DE, Inc.

               

4.13% due 07/15/294

    4,150,000       3,487,432  

Central Garden & Pet Co.

               

4.13% due 04/30/314

    3,854,000       3,142,139  

Sotheby’s/Bidfair Holdings, Inc.

               

5.88% due 06/01/294

    3,900,000       3,129,750  

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

               

3.56% due 10/01/49

    3,775,000       2,588,615  

Providence St. Joseph Health Obligated Group

               

2.70% due 10/01/51

    4,250,000       2,326,365  

CPI CG, Inc.

               

8.63% due 03/15/264

    2,145,000       2,113,233  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

               

4.63% due 06/15/28

    2,096,000       1,886,718  

Element Fleet Management Corp.

               

6.27% due 06/26/264

    1,660,000       1,654,332  

Quanta Services, Inc.

               

0.95% due 10/01/24

    1,660,000       1,570,164  

Beth Israel Lahey Health, Inc.

               

3.08% due 07/01/51

    2,700,000       1,555,818  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

               

4.38% due 06/15/284

    1,290,000       1,155,902  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

               

3.50% due 02/15/24

    1,000,000       991,632  

Nestle Holdings, Inc.

               

0.38% due 01/15/244

    1,000,000       984,821  

Wyeth LLC

               

6.45% due 02/01/24

    978,000       979,962  

IQVIA, Inc.

               

5.70% due 05/15/284

    1,000,000       971,540  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

               

5.13% due 02/15/30

    1,000,000       959,042  

Triton Container International Limited / TAL International Container Corp.

               

3.25% due 03/15/32

    1,050,000       785,208  

DaVita, Inc.

               

3.75% due 02/15/314

    149,000       113,204  

4.63% due 06/01/304

    76,000       62,405  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    509,024,629  
                 

Industrial - 1. 8%

FLNG Liquefaction 3 LLC

               

3.08% due 06/30/39†††

    63,623,395       47,788,974  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

               

2.65% due 08/09/31

    34,240,000       25,458,652  

2.38% due 08/09/28

    21,781,000       17,898,707  

Vontier Corp.

               

2.95% due 04/01/31

    34,492,000       26,602,890  

2.40% due 04/01/28

    19,150,000       15,941,800  

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Boeing Co.

               

5.81% due 05/01/50

    41,090,000     $ 37,207,703  

Flowserve Corp.

               

3.50% due 10/01/30

    22,421,000       18,693,029  

2.80% due 01/15/32

    19,800,000       15,149,867  

Dyal Capital Partners IV

               

3.65% due 02/22/41†††

    41,800,000       31,333,654  

Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund

               

6.77% due 08/04/28†††

    22,700,000       22,081,635  

Owens Corning

               

3.88% due 06/01/30

    21,890,000       19,336,617  

7.00% due 12/01/36

    900,000       949,891  

Stadco LA, LLC

               

3.75% due 05/15/56†††

    31,000,000       19,638,515  

Weir Group plc

               

2.20% due 05/13/264

    13,015,000       11,695,366  

TFI International, Inc.

               

3.35% due 01/05/33†††

    14,000,000       10,161,212  

Artera Services LLC

               

9.03% due 12/04/254

    8,490,000       7,832,025  

HEICO Corp.

               

5.35% due 08/01/33

    7,550,000       7,150,652  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

               

5.70% due 08/14/33

    7,200,000       6,948,831  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

               

3.75% due 03/01/31

    7,650,000       6,120,000  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

               

4.10% due 05/15/21

    9,100,000       5,912,015  

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

               

5.88% due 06/01/33

    4,200,000       4,044,972  

4.50% due 03/25/52

    1,500,000       1,104,906  

Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes III DAC

               

4.88% due 07/15/28

  GBP 5,000,000       5,063,198  

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

               

4.00% due 06/15/294

    5,216,000       4,542,644  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

               

7.75% due 07/15/284

    3,250,000       3,270,313  

GrafTech Global Enterprises, Inc.

               

9.88% due 12/15/284

    3,100,000       2,937,250  

Jabil, Inc.

               

5.45% due 02/01/29

    1,870,000       1,818,480  

GATX Corp.

               

3.50% due 06/01/32

    1,650,000       1,345,453  

4.70% due 04/01/29

    400,000       373,212  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

               

6.00% due 03/06/28

    1,640,000       1,652,764  

Penske Truck Leasing Company, LP / PTL Finance Corp.

               

1.70% due 06/15/264

    1,620,000       1,436,170  

Ryder System, Inc.

               

5.65% due 03/01/28

    1,000,000       989,789  

nVent Finance SARL

               

2.75% due 11/15/31

    1,300,000       989,064  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

               

3.63% due 05/15/30

    1,100,000       959,712  

Masco Corp.

               

4.50% due 05/15/47

    1,200,000       895,449  

Adevinta ASA

               

3.00% due 11/15/27

  EUR 417,000       430,044  

Virgin Media Inc.

               

4.00% due 01/31/29

  GBP 150,000       149,151  

Standard Industries, Inc.

               

4.38% due 07/15/304

    101,000       83,648  

3.38% due 01/15/314

    81,000       62,611  

Total Industrial

    386,050,865  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Consumer, Cyclical - 1.8%

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

               

7.00% due 05/01/254

    46,883,000     $ 47,391,967  

Hyatt Hotels Corp.

               

5.75% due 04/23/30

    24,039,000       23,304,585  

5.38% due 04/23/25

    18,928,000       18,717,338  

1.30% due 10/01/23

    1,660,000       1,660,000  

Alt-2 Structured Trust

               

2.95% due 05/14/31◊,†††

    49,194,152       42,960,742  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

               

3.70% due 01/15/31

    39,961,000       33,278,882  

Delta Air Lines Inc. / SkyMiles IP Ltd.

               

4.50% due 10/20/254

    33,904,000       32,930,899  

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.

               

5.14% due 03/15/52

    27,431,000       20,382,343  

6.41% due 03/15/26

    9,250,000       9,248,452  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC / Mileage Plus Intellectual Property Assets Ltd.

               

6.50% due 06/20/274

    29,394,357       29,123,973  

Ferguson Finance plc

               

3.25% due 06/02/304

    17,904,000       15,175,383  

4.65% due 04/20/324

    6,300,000       5,656,720  

British Airways Class A Pass Through Trust

               

2.90% due 03/15/354

    14,474,290       11,983,608  

4.25% due 11/15/324

    4,941,269       4,428,630  

American Airlines Class AA Pass Through Trust

               

3.35% due 10/15/29

    8,194,683       7,296,322  

3.20% due 06/15/28

    5,157,800       4,639,185  

3.00% due 10/15/28

    3,720,053       3,328,382  

3.15% due 02/15/32

    149,876       128,340  

Whirlpool Corp.

               

4.60% due 05/15/505

    16,920,000       13,187,758  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

               

4.10% due 04/15/50

    15,203,000       9,455,156  

Air Canada

               

3.88% due 08/15/264

    8,650,000       7,850,378  

United Airlines 2023-1 Class A Pass Through Trust

               

5.80% due 01/15/36

    7,450,000       7,242,071  

Steelcase, Inc.

               

5.13% due 01/18/29

    5,001,000       4,438,165  

Delta Air Lines, Inc. / SkyMiles IP Ltd.

               

4.75% due 10/20/284

    3,800,000       3,611,303  

LKQ Corp.

               

6.25% due 06/15/334

    2,875,000       2,779,960  

JB Poindexter & Company, Inc.

               

7.13% due 04/15/264

    2,850,000       2,772,549  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.

               

6.50% due 08/01/304

    1,925,000       1,865,537  

United Airlines, Inc.

               

4.38% due 04/15/264

    1,750,000       1,618,384  

PulteGroup, Inc.

               

6.38% due 05/15/33

    1,400,000       1,406,604  

Brunswick Corp.

               

5.10% due 04/01/52

    2,030,000       1,395,791  

NVR, Inc.

               

3.00% due 05/15/30

    1,200,000       999,760  

Mattel, Inc.

               

3.75% due 04/01/294

    1,100,000       957,477  

JetBlue Class A Pass Through Trust

               

4.00% due 11/15/32

    125,461       112,893  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    371,329,537  
                 

Communications - 1.3%

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

               

3.63% due 01/15/294

    34,939,000       19,565,840  

3.88% due 11/15/294

    20,300,000       18,702,422  

4.25% due 07/01/284

    26,815,000       16,706,638  

3.75% due 07/15/294

    13,950,000       7,797,382  

British Telecommunications plc

               

4.88% due 11/23/813,4

    47,450,000       38,065,510  

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

4.25% due 11/23/813,4

    8,250,000     $ 7,231,282  

9.63% due 12/15/30

    2,391,000       2,816,205  

Vodafone Group plc

               

4.13% due 06/04/813

    40,537,000       31,299,830  

Paramount Global

               

4.95% due 05/19/50

    39,826,000       26,976,100  

Rogers Communications, Inc.

               

4.55% due 03/15/52

    29,725,000       21,682,028  

Virgin Media Secured Finance plc

               

4.50% due 08/15/304

    17,850,000       14,745,876  

Altice France S.A.

               

5.13% due 07/15/294

    17,800,000       12,654,123  

5.13% due 01/15/294

    2,290,000       1,628,250  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital

               

3.90% due 06/01/52

    21,690,000       12,967,993  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.

               

4.13% due 07/01/304

    12,010,000       9,615,326  

Go Daddy Operating Company LLC / GD Finance Co., Inc.

               

3.50% due 03/01/294

    8,203,000       6,901,618  

Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes IV DAC

               

5.00% due 07/15/284

    5,100,000       4,400,893  

Radiate Holdco LLC / Radiate Finance, Inc.

               

4.50% due 09/15/264

    5,775,000       4,387,066  

CSC Holdings LLC

               

4.13% due 12/01/304

    5,772,000       4,084,926  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

               

3.38% due 03/01/41

    1,950,000       1,289,683  

2.40% due 03/01/31

    350,000       274,667  

McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.

               

5.75% due 08/01/284

    1,549,000       1,336,400  

Koninklijke KPN N.V.

               

8.38% due 10/01/30

    1,140,000       1,273,830  

Match Group Holdings II LLC

               

4.13% due 08/01/304

    1,250,000       1,031,450  

Virgin Media Finance plc

               

5.00% due 07/15/304

    1,050,000       825,330  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

               

5.50% due 09/01/44

    360,000       315,590  

UPC Broadband Finco BV

               

4.88% due 07/15/314

    200,000       162,296  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

               

4.25% due 02/01/314

    20,000       15,921  

Total Communications

    268,754,475  
                 

Energy - 1.2%

BP Capital Markets plc

               

4.88% 3,13

    109,924,000       98,208,674  

ITT Holdings LLC

               

6.50% due 08/01/294

    38,518,000       32,648,770  

Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd.

               

3.25% due 09/30/404

    43,921,000       31,957,195  

Midwest Connector Capital Company LLC

               

4.63% due 04/01/294

    16,048,000       14,667,545  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.

               

6.20% due 03/09/26

    10,900,000       10,882,090  

4.88% due 05/15/48

    1,200,000       966,717  

NuStar Logistics, LP

               

6.38% due 10/01/30

    10,560,000       10,003,066  

5.63% due 04/28/27

    1,880,000       1,791,132  

ONEOK, Inc.

               

6.05% due 09/01/33

    11,350,000       11,150,589  

4.50% due 03/15/50

    850,000       616,341  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Parkland Corp.

               

4.63% due 05/01/304

    8,000,000     $ 6,819,835  

Greensaif Pipelines Bidco SARL

               

6.51% due 02/23/424

    6,500,000       6,372,811  

Greensaif Pipelines Bidco SARL

               

6.13% due 02/23/384

    5,550,000       5,415,690  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

               

5.20% due 06/01/33

    4,700,000       4,347,141  

DT Midstream, Inc.

               

4.30% due 04/15/324

    3,250,000       2,761,850  

4.13% due 06/15/294

    550,000       475,773  

Magellan Midstream Partners, LP

               

3.95% due 03/01/50

    1,600,000       1,070,917  

5.15% due 10/15/43

    1,100,000       890,255  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

               

6.50% due 03/01/41

    1,650,000       1,632,192  

Valero Energy Corp.

               

7.50% due 04/15/32

    1,350,000       1,469,573  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC

               

5.10% due 02/15/45

    1,340,000       1,185,672  

Enbridge Energy Partners, LP

               

7.38% due 10/15/45

    1,040,000       1,108,479  

Phillips 66 Co.

               

4.90% due 10/01/46

    1,200,000       995,652  

Targa Resources Corp.

               

6.50% due 02/15/53

    1,000,000       954,379  

MPLX, LP

               

5.50% due 02/15/49

    1,100,000       931,007  

Eastern Gas Transmission & Storage, Inc.

               

4.60% due 12/15/44

    500,000       385,328  

Total Energy

    249,708,673  
                 

Technology - 1.1%

Broadcom, Inc.

               

4.93% due 05/15/374

    33,182,000       28,600,456  

4.15% due 11/15/30

    19,705,000       17,453,359  

3.19% due 11/15/364

    3,135,000       2,250,893  

2.60% due 02/15/334

    1,660,000       1,237,836  

Oracle Corp.

               

3.95% due 03/25/51

    33,794,000       23,167,312  

5.55% due 02/06/53

    20,220,000       17,716,025  

6.13% due 07/08/39

    1,190,000       1,149,641  

6.90% due 11/09/52

    300,000       309,039  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

               

3.57% due 12/01/31

    42,361,000       34,890,214  

3.25% due 02/15/29

    1,100,000       937,959  

Leidos, Inc.

               

2.30% due 02/15/31

    20,050,000       15,419,010  

5.75% due 03/15/33

    9,550,000       9,152,342  

4.38% due 05/15/30

    2,650,000       2,372,317  

Qorvo, Inc.

               

4.38% due 10/15/29

    14,751,000       12,972,574  

3.38% due 04/01/314

    8,675,000       6,871,173  

MSCI, Inc.

               

3.63% due 09/01/304

    17,718,000       14,850,186  

3.88% due 02/15/314

    1,769,000       1,498,706  

3.63% due 11/01/314

    1,780,000       1,456,176  

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

               

5.95% due 08/04/33

    10,470,000       10,214,532  

3.88% due 09/01/284

    4,550,000       4,076,345  

Fiserv, Inc.

               

5.60% due 03/02/33

    10,250,000       9,934,141  

5.63% due 08/21/33

    2,300,000       2,228,571  

CGI, Inc.

               

2.30% due 09/14/31

    16,050,000       12,046,795  

Foundry JV Holdco LLC

               

5.88% due 01/25/344

    5,950,000       5,683,751  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

               

0.97% due 02/15/24

    1,650,000       1,619,648  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

               

2.90% due 12/01/29

    1,200,000       1,014,592  

NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC / NXP USA, Inc.

               

3.13% due 02/15/42

    1,400,000       911,576  

Total Technology

    240,035,169  
                 

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Basic Materials - 0.8%

Anglo American Capital plc

               

5.63% due 04/01/304

    21,300,000     $ 20,570,998  

2.63% due 09/10/304

    18,000,000       14,379,112  

3.95% due 09/10/504

    14,140,000       9,610,687  

Newcrest Finance Pty Ltd.

               

3.25% due 05/13/304

    22,451,000       19,088,559  

4.20% due 05/13/504

    1,300,000       949,205  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

               

1.23% due 10/01/254

    21,520,000       19,290,489  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/01/284

    18,723,000       17,172,736  

Alcoa Nederland Holding BV

               

4.13% due 03/31/294

    8,600,000       7,609,400  

5.50% due 12/15/274

    6,525,000       6,198,058  

6.13% due 05/15/284

    2,800,000       2,696,069  

Valvoline, Inc.

               

3.63% due 06/15/314

    18,300,000       14,177,980  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

               

2.63% due 08/15/31

    14,431,000       11,073,180  

4.63% due 12/15/27

    3,000,000       2,814,322  

INEOS Quattro Finance 2 plc

               

2.50% due 01/15/26

  EUR 8,500,000       8,166,274  

3.38% due 01/15/264

    200,000       182,189  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

               

2.40% due 06/15/25

    5,950,000       5,590,238  

Southern Copper Corp.

               

7.50% due 07/27/35

    1,250,000       1,375,021  

Albemarle Corp.

               

5.45% due 12/01/44

    1,500,000       1,290,133  

LYB International Finance BV

               

4.88% due 03/15/44

    1,100,000       883,037  

Dow Chemical Co.

               

6.90% due 05/15/53

    800,000       840,243  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

               

6.38% due 07/15/28

    178,000       171,675  

Total Basic Materials

    164,129,605  
                 

Utilities - 0.5%

AES Corp.

               

3.95% due 07/15/304

    28,124,000       24,240,638  

3.30% due 07/15/254

    3,750,000       3,551,911  

NRG Energy, Inc.

               

2.45% due 12/02/274

    26,000,000       22,039,337  

Alexander Funding Trust

               

1.84% due 11/15/234

    14,400,000       14,304,802  

Enel Finance International N.V.

               

5.00% due 06/15/324

    13,690,000       12,385,042  

Brooklyn Union Gas Co.

               

6.39% due 09/15/334

    10,800,000       10,593,805  

4.27% due 03/15/484

    1,300,000       902,820  

Black Hills Corp.

               

5.95% due 03/15/28

    9,200,000       9,196,692  

4.20% due 09/15/46

    1,200,000       860,276  

Alexander Funding Trust II

               

7.47% due 07/31/284

    6,560,000       6,568,593  

Entergy Texas, Inc.

               

1.50% due 09/01/26

    1,650,000       1,434,093  

Indiana Michigan Power Co.

               

6.05% due 03/15/37

    1,310,000       1,289,508  

Nevada Power Co.

               

6.65% due 04/01/36

    1,180,000       1,209,683  

Southern Power Co.

               

5.25% due 07/15/43

    1,350,000       1,135,124  

Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

               

5.10% due 06/15/33

    1,080,000       1,001,903  

Tampa Electric Co.

               

4.45% due 06/15/49

    1,200,000       934,118  

Duke Energy Ohio, Inc.

               

4.30% due 02/01/49

    1,200,000       923,944  

Washington Gas Light Co.

               

3.80% due 09/15/46

    1,300,000       895,130  

Arizona Public Service Co.

               

3.75% due 05/15/46

    1,300,000       887,456  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Louisville Gas and Electric Co.

               

4.25% due 04/01/49

    1,100,000     $ 840,363  

Total Utilities

    115,195,238  
                 

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $5,745,652,764)

    4,617,365,004  
                 

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 2.9%

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.8%

MB2 Dental Solutions LLC

               

11.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 7.00%) due 01/29/27†††

    73,267,611       72,426,513  

Zephyr Bidco Ltd.

               

9.97% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/23/25

  GBP 23,950,000       28,794,116  

First Brands Group LLC

               

10.88% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/30/27

    14,737,877       14,526,094  

Pacific Bells LLC

               

10.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/28

    13,930,934       13,735,065  

BCP V Modular Services Holdings IV Ltd.

               

8.40% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.43%, Rate Floor: 4.43%) due 12/15/28

  EUR 11,600,000       11,495,248  

Packers Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/09/28

    14,544,396       8,581,193  

Adevinta ASA

               

6.47% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 06/26/28

  EUR 7,761,111       8,197,463  

Flamingo

               

7.46% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 03/27/28

  EUR 7,554,688       7,454,273  

New Trojan Parent, Inc.

               

8.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 01/06/28

    13,733,875       7,164,551  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

               

8.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/17/28

    463,670       461,787  

WW International, Inc.

               

8.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 04/13/28

    200,000       150,334  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    172,986,637  
                 

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.7%

Quirch Foods Holdings LLC

               

10.45% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 10/27/27

    28,670,562     $ 28,509,433  

PetIQ LLC

               

9.84% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 04/13/28†††

    27,696,519       27,142,588  

Mission Veterinary Partners

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/27/28

    18,914,000       18,701,218  

Southern Veterinary Partners LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/05/27

    15,682,003       15,569,249  

Women’s Care Holdings, Inc.

               

10.05% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/17/28

    15,715,715       13,908,408  

Sigma Holding BV (Flora Food)

               

7.41% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/02/25

  EUR 12,800,882       13,482,278  

Nidda Healthcare Holding GmbH

               

7.31% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/21/26

  EUR 12,766,306       13,379,985  

Blue Ribbon LLC

               

11.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 05/08/28

    13,365,000       11,226,600  

Confluent Health LLC

               

9.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 11/30/28

    9,219,343       8,742,979  

HAH Group Holding Co. LLC

               

10.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/29/27

    4,488,738       4,425,133  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.

               

7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 08/02/27

    1,706,118       1,671,757  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    156,759,628  
                 

Technology - 0.4%

Datix Bidco Ltd.

               

8.68% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

  GBP 45,800,000       54,833,268  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

RLDatix

               

9.53% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

    19,781,561     $ 19,411,645  

Team.Blue Finco SARL

               

7.06% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.20%, Rate Floor: 3.20%) due 03/30/28

  EUR 6,542,484       6,738,267  

Aston FinCo SARL

               

9.96% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 10/09/26

  GBP 5,670,008       5,862,734  

9.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/09/26

    743,571       639,471  

Emerald TopCo, Inc. (Press Ganey)

               

9.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/24/26

    456,875       438,715  

Total Technology

    87,924,100  
                 

Industrial - 0.4%

United Airlines, Inc.

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/21/28

    31,894,439       31,901,774  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC

               

10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27

    23,269,024       24,144,172  

CapStone Acquisition Holdings, Inc.

               

10.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 11/12/27†††

    8,552,520       8,354,948  

Air Canada

               

9.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/11/28

    4,353,008       4,352,094  

Dispatch Terra Acquisition LLC

               

9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/27/28

    3,806,040       3,501,556  

Merlin Buyer, Inc.

               

9.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/14/28

    617,480       604,747  

API Heat Transfer

               

16.65% (1 Month Term SOFR, Rate Floor 0.00%) (in-kind rate was 16.65%) due 01/01/24†††,15

    64,580       59,235  

16.43% (1 Month Term SOFR, Rate Floor 0.00%) (in-kind rate was 16.43%) due 10/31/23†††,15

    11,522       11,522  

Total Industrial

    72,930,048  
                 

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Financial - 0.4%

Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc.

               

10.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.35%, Rate Floor: 5.35%) due 11/24/28†††

    23,626,880     $ 23,395,764  

10.92% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.35%, Rate Floor: 5.35%) due 11/25/26†††

    11,262,629       11,152,459  

Jane Street Group LLC

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 01/26/28

    15,617,889       15,559,321  

Citadel Securities, LP

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 07/29/30

    14,101,089       14,057,094  

HighTower Holding LLC

               

9.61% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/21/28

    8,438,206       8,417,111  

Total Financial

    72,581,749  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.2%

INEOS Ltd.

               

6.61% (1 Month EURIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 01/29/26

  EUR 31,100,000       32,351,300  

Trinseo Materials Operating S.C.A.

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 05/03/28

    10,850,250       9,080,900  

Arsenal AIC Parent LLC

               

9.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/19/30

    1,000,000       997,080  

Total Basic Materials

    42,429,280  
                 

Communications - 0.0%

Xplornet Communications, Inc.

               

9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/02/28

    5,966,937       4,660,178  

Radiate Holdco LLC

               

8.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 09/25/26

    2,422,592       1,975,817  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/09/27

    1,652,094       1,345,317  

Total Communications

    7,981,312  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Energy - 0.0%

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC

               

8.04% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.63%, Rate Floor: 2.63%) due 08/19/26

    6,371,023     $ 6,312,600  

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

(Cost $666,810,837)

    619,905,354  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY BONDS†† - 0.9%

Tennessee Valley Authority

4.25% due 09/15/65

    138,205,000       110,219,455  

4.63% due 09/15/60

    42,436,000       36,836,697  

5.38% due 04/01/56

    9,283,000       9,192,611  

due 09/15/538,11

    1,612,000       301,228  

due 09/15/558,11

    1,612,000       268,475  

due 09/15/568,11

    1,612,000       253,829  

due 03/15/578,11

    1,612,000       246,809  

due 09/15/578,11

    1,612,000       239,982  

due 09/15/588,11

    1,612,000       226,120  

due 03/15/598,11

    1,612,000       219,856  

due 09/15/598,11

    1,612,000       213,764  

due 09/15/608,11

    1,612,000       202,082  

due 09/15/548,11

    1,020,000       179,681  

due 03/15/618,11

    1,020,000       124,326  

due 09/15/618,11

    1,020,000       120,881  

due 09/15/628,11

    1,020,000       113,843  

due 03/15/638,11

    1,020,000       110,684  

due 09/15/638,11

    1,020,000       107,612  

due 09/15/648,11

    1,020,000       101,722  

due 03/15/658,11

    1,020,000       98,899  

due 09/15/658,11

    1,020,000       96,547  

Tennessee Valley Authority Principal Strips

due 01/15/487,11

    38,804,000       9,959,163  

due 12/15/427,11

    23,785,000       8,129,998  

due 01/15/387,11

    15,800,000       7,268,932  

due 09/15/657,11

    3,500,000       331,289  

due 09/15/397,11

    570,000       235,470  

due 04/01/567,11

    540,000       87,231  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

3.00% due 03/08/32

    4,100,000       3,469,523  

2.04% due 12/22/45

    2,870,000       1,553,178  

3.11% due 08/05/48

    1,500,000       1,011,405  

2.43% due 01/29/37

    720,000       529,778  

2.90% due 12/09/41

    720,000       493,146  

2.84% due 06/01/46

    720,000       456,626  

1.99% due 07/30/40

    300,000       182,382  

2.60% due 09/06/39

    250,000       170,642  

2.59% due 12/30/41

    180,000       116,704  

2.74% due 11/01/39

    144,000       100,291  

2.59% due 08/24/46

    140,000       84,823  

3.67% due 02/26/44

    70,000       54,100  

Freddie Mac

2.05% due 08/19/50

    2,010,000       1,027,588  

2.02% due 10/05/45

    720,000       386,708  

2.25% due 09/15/50

    360,000       192,802  

Federal Home Loan Bank

6.15% due 07/12/33

    650,000       647,378  

2.45% due 08/16/41

    540,000       344,879  

3.63% due 06/22/43

    350,000       270,432  

Total Federal Agency Bonds

(Cost $327,540,643)

            196,579,571  
                 

MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 0.5%

California - 0.2%

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue Bonds

               

7.14% due 08/15/47

    10,500,000       11,004,734  

California Public Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

3.07% due 10/15/40

    8,000,000       5,487,865  

2.55% due 01/01/40

    3,600,000       2,388,047  

Oakland Unified School District/Alameda County General Obligation Unlimited

               

2.87% due 08/01/35

    7,405,000       5,634,293  

San Mateo Foster City School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

3.06% due 08/01/44

    6,125,000       4,167,519  

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

California State University Revenue Bonds

               

2.98% due 11/01/51

    5,000,000     $ 3,172,002  

Oakland Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency Tax Allocation

               

4.00% due 09/01/39

    1,100,000       886,107  

Hillsborough City School District General Obligation Unlimited

               

due 09/01/3711

    1,000,000       438,169  

due 09/01/3911

    1,000,000       382,930  

Total California

    33,561,666  
                 

New York - 0.1%

Westchester County Local Development Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.85% due 11/01/50

    40,185,000       26,604,809  
                 

Texas - 0.1%

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Revenue Bonds

               

3.09% due 11/01/40

    13,800,000       10,155,100  

Central Texas Turnpike System Revenue Bonds

               

3.03% due 08/15/41

    3,150,000       2,148,915  

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue Bonds

               

3.17% due 01/01/41

    3,000,000       2,110,855  

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.42% due 09/01/50

    2,500,000       1,569,842  

Harris County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.34% due 11/15/37

    1,500,000       1,146,002  

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Revenue Bonds

               

2.92% due 11/01/50

    1,300,000       875,363  

Grand Parkway Transportation Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

3.31% due 10/01/49

    1,000,000       674,392  

Total Texas

    18,680,469  
                 

Illinois - 0.0%

State of Illinois General Obligation Unlimited

               

5.65% due 12/01/38

    5,200,000       4,995,504  

6.63% due 02/01/35

    1,680,000       1,717,258  

City of Chicago Illinois General Obligation Unlimited

               

6.31% due 01/01/44

    4,500,000       4,466,856  

Total Illinois

    11,179,618  
                 

Mississippi - 0.1%

Medical Center Educational Building Corp. Revenue Bonds

               

2.92% due 06/01/41

    11,800,000       8,058,883  
                 

Alabama - 0.0%

Auburn University Revenue Bonds

               

2.68% due 06/01/50

    6,500,000       3,857,272  
                 

Ohio - 0.0%

County of Franklin Ohio Revenue Bonds

               

2.88% due 11/01/50

    4,000,000       2,416,676  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Washington - 0.0%

Central Washington University Revenue Bonds

               

6.95% due 05/01/40

    1,750,000     $ 1,849,384  
                 

Arizona - 0.0%

Northern Arizona University Revenue Bonds

               

3.09% due 08/01/39

    2,350,000       1,707,017  
                 

Oklahoma - 0.0%

Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust Revenue Bonds

               

3.10% due 06/01/45

    1,000,000       670,637  

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

4.65% due 08/15/30

    450,000       395,599  

Total Oklahoma

    1,066,236  
                 

Idaho - 0.0%

Boise State University Revenue Bonds

               

3.06% due 04/01/40

    250,000       181,530  

Total Municipal Bonds

(Cost $150,742,439)

    109,163,560  
                 

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DEBT†† - 0.1%

Panama Government International Bond

4.50% due 04/16/50

    22,700,000       15,420,228  

Total Foreign Government Debt

(Cost $25,379,679)

            15,420,228  
                 

SENIOR FIXED RATE INTERESTS††† - 0.0%

Industrial - 0.0%

CTL Logistics

               

2.65% due 10/10/42

    6,849,961       4,997,084  

Total Senior Fixed Rate Interests

(Cost $6,849,961)

    4,997,084  
                 

 

 

 

 


Notional Value

   

Value

 

OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0%

Call Options on:

Interest Rate Options

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

  USD 510,300,000       1,021,753  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

  USD 506,250,000       1,013,644  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

  USD 253,750,000       508,073  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

  USD 207,200,000       414,868  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.10

  USD 510,300,000       319,759  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

  USD 508,900,000       318,882  

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 


Notional Value

   

Value

 

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

  USD 251,100,000     $ 157,342  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

  USD 207,200,000       129,834  

Total Interest Rate Options

    3,884,155  
                 

Total OTC Options Purchased

       

(Cost $12,606,709)

            3,884,155  
                 

Total Investments - 106.0%

       

(Cost $25,210,827,568)

  $ 22,340,129,676  
                 

OTC INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN††,16 - (0.0)%

Put Swaptions on:

               

Interest Rate Swaptions

               

Barclays Bank plc 5-Year Interest Rate Swap Expiring October 2023 with exercise rate of 3.93%

  USD 354,750,000       (7,082,875 )

Total Interest Rate Swaptions

    (7,082,875 )
                 

Total OTC Interest Rate Swaptions Written

(Premiums received $2,447,775)

    (7,082,875 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (6.0)%

    (1,272,706,457 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 21,060,340,344  

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

 

Protection
Premium
Rate

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

ICE

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1

1.00%

Quarterly

    12/20/27  

BofA Securities, Inc.

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1

5.00%

Quarterly

    06/20/28  
                             

 

 

 

Notional
Amount
~

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums Paid
(Received)

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 
    EUR 216,100,000     $ (3,012,500 )   $ (1,690,867 )   $ (1,321,633 )
      196,300,000       (3,076,777 )     812,980       (3,889,757 )
            $ (6,089,277 )   $ (877,887 )   $ (5,211,390 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements††

Counterparty

Exchange

Floating
Rate Type

Floating Rate
Index

 

Fixed
Rate

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight

    4.35 %     Annually       10/03/28  

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

    3.40 %     Annually       04/04/28  

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

    2.78 %     Annually       07/18/27  

 

 

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums Paid

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 
    $ 800,000,000     $ 3,900     $ 3,900     $  
      900,000,000       (36,980,289 )     3,913       (36,984,202 )
      1,803,000,000       (106,906,307 )     6,333       (106,912,640 )
            $ (143,882,696 )   $ 14,146     $ (143,896,842 )

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts††

Counterparty

 

Currency

   

Type

   

Quantity

   

Contract
Amount

   

Settlement
Date

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Barclays Bank plc

    EUR       Sell       180,685,000  

194,306,481 USD

    10/16/23     $ 3,140,794  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    GBP       Sell       79,980,000  

99,897,499 USD

    10/16/23       2,309,715  
                                            $ 5,450,509  

 

OTC Interest Rate Swaptions Written

                               
                                 

Counterparty/
Description

Floating
Rate Type

Floating
Rate Index

Payment
Frequency

 

Fixed
Rate

   

Expiration
Date

   

Exercise
Rate

   

Swaption
Notional
Amount

   

Swaption
Value

 

Put

                                             

Barclays Bank plc 5-Year Interest Rate Swap

Pay

SOFR

Annual

3.93%

10/16/23

3.93%

  $ 354,750,000     $ (7,082,875 )

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

~

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

3

Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date.

4

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $7,909,985,004 (cost $8,834,146,219), or 37.6% of total net assets.

5

All or a portion of this security has been physically segregated or earmarked in connection with reverse repurchase agreements. At September 30, 2023, the total market value of segregated or earmarked securities was $1,331,012,098. — see Note 6.

6

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

7

Security is a principal-only strip.

8

Security is an interest-only strip.

9

Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2023. See table below for additional step information for each security.

10

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $149,277,009 (cost $157,963,275), or 0.7% of total net assets — See Note 10.

11

Zero coupon rate security.

12

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

13

Perpetual maturity.

14

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

15

Payment-in-kind security.

16

Swaptions — See additional disclosure in the swaptions table above for more information on swaptions.

17

Security is unsettled at period end and does not have a stated effective rate.

18

Face amount of security is adjusted for inflation.

 

BofA — Bank of America

 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 40 Index Version 1

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

 

CMS — Constant Maturity Swap

 

CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury

 

EUR — Euro

 

EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate

 

GBP — British Pound

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1 — iTraxx Europe Series 38 Index Version 1

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REMIC — Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SARL — Société à Responsabilité Limitée

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SONIA — Sterling Overnight Index Average

 

WAC — Weighted Average Coupon

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 168,023     $     $ 2,503     $ 170,526  

Preferred Stocks

          582,057,031       47,610,124       629,667,155  

Warrants

    30,817             104       30,921  

Mutual Funds

    192,037,440                   192,037,440  

Money Market Funds

    219,666,392                   219,666,392  

U.S. Government Securities

          5,744,781,061             5,744,781,061  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          5,058,573,981       94,495,909       5,153,069,890  

Asset-Backed Securities

          4,266,192,809       567,198,526       4,833,391,335  

Corporate Bonds

          4,300,392,629       316,972,375       4,617,365,004  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          403,117,412       216,787,942       619,905,354  

Federal Agency Bonds

          196,579,571             196,579,571  

Municipal Bonds

          109,163,560             109,163,560  

Foreign Government Debt

          15,420,228             15,420,228  

Senior Fixed Rate Interests

                4,997,084       4,997,084  

Options Purchased

          3,884,155             3,884,155  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          5,450,509             5,450,509  

Total Assets

  $ 411,902,672     $ 20,685,612,946     $ 1,248,064,567     $ 22,345,580,185  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Swaptions Written

  $     $ 7,082,875     $     $ 7,082,875  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          5,211,390             5,211,390  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements**

          143,896,842             143,896,842  

Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9)

                151,690       151,690  

Total Liabilities

  $     $ 156,191,107     $ 151,690     $ 156,342,797  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of the period end, reverse repurchase agreements of $1,279,248,820 are categorized as Level 2 within the disclosure hierarchy — See Note 6.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending
Balance at
September 30,
2023

   

Valuation
Technique

   

Unobservable
Inputs

   

Input
Range

   

Weighted
Average*

 

Assets:

                                       

Asset-Backed Securities

  $ 348,506,786  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Asset-Backed Securities

    179,228,158  

Yield Analysis

Yield

4.0%-8.9%

7.0%

Asset-Backed Securities

    26,816,409  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Asset-Backed Securities

    12,647,173  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    53,058,374  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    25,301,225  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    16,136,310  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Common Stocks

    1,565  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

2.7x-8.1x

4.0x

Common Stocks

    938  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

Corporate Bonds

    195,706,461  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Corporate Bonds

    77,060,742  

Yield Analysis

Yield

6.7%-7.6%

7.0%

Corporate Bonds

    44,205,172  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Preferred Stocks

    47,000,000  

Third Party Pricing

Trade Price

Preferred Stocks

    610,124  

Enterprise Valuation

Valuation Multiple

4.8x-4.9x

4.9x

Senior Fixed Rate Interests

    4,997,084  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    189,574,597  

Yield Analysis

Yield

10.4%-11.8%

11.4%

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    27,142,588  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    70,757  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Warrants

    104  

Model Price

Liquidation Value

Total Assets

  $ 1,248,064,567  

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

                                       

Unfunded Loan Commitments

  $ 151,690  

Model Price

Purchase Price

 

*

Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.

 

Significant changes in quote, yield, liquidation value or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not have any securities transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 and had securities with a total value of $60,094,003 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

   

Assets

 

 

 

Asset-Backed
Securities

   

Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations

   

Corporate
Bonds

   

Senior
Floating Rate
Interests

   

Warrants

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 648,109,541     $ 68,443,202     $ 458,761,982     $ 332,581,132     $ 103  

Purchases/(Receipts)

    259,226,142       41,484,496       66,450,000       11,209,880       1  

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

    (348,622,190 )     (12,897,750 )     (203,505,276 )     (73,341,690 )      

Amortization of premiums/discounts

    1,158,702       (9,880 )     (19,316 )     708,928        

Corporate actions

                      (5,176,600 )      

Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

    (13,439,624 )     (2,157,884 )     (36,187,208 )     (3,839,061 )      

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    20,766,105       (366,275 )     31,472,193       14,739,206        

Transfers into Level 3

                             

Transfers out of Level 3

    (150 )                 (60,093,853 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 567,198,526     $ 94,495,909     $ 316,972,375     $ 216,787,942     $ 104  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $ (6,079,438 )   $ (2,342,514 )   $ (8,726,058 )   $ 6,951,198     $  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Common
Stocks

   

Preferred
Stocks

   

Senior Fixed
Rate Interests

   

Total Assets

   

Unfunded Loan
Commitments

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 1,382     $     $ 5,402,287     $ 1,513,299,629     $ (1,043,263 )

Purchases/(Receipts)

    6       47,000,000             425,370,525       (130,141 )

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

                (201,511 )     (638,568,417 )     299,073  

Amortization of premiums/discounts

                      1,838,434        

Corporate actions

    7,671       5,168,929                    

Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

                      (55,623,777 )     (164,102 )

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    (6,556 )     (4,558,805 )     (203,692 )     61,842,176       886,743  

Transfers into Level 3

                             

Transfers out of Level 3

                      (60,094,003 )      

Ending Balance

  $ 2,503     $ 47,610,124     $ 4,997,084     $ 1,248,064,567     $ (151,690 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $ (6,556 )   $ (4,562,914 )   $ (203,692 )   $ (14,969,974 )   $ 3,139  

 

Step Coupon Bonds

 

The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a range of rates and corresponding dates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate
Reset Date

   

Future Reset Rate

   

Future Reset Date

 

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-1, 4.75% due 09/26/67

    5.75 %     01/01/27              

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-1 2023-1, 4.75% due 09/26/67

    5.75 %     01/01/27              

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-2 2023-2, 4.65% due 10/25/67

    5.65 %     02/01/27              

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2023-2 2023-2, 4.65% due 10/25/67

    5.65 %     02/01/27              

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/70

    6.13 %     01/30/25              

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2021-C, 1.62% due 03/01/61

    4.62 %     09/25/24       5.62 %     09/25/25  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM2 2023-NQM2, 4.50% due 05/25/62

    5.50 %     02/01/27              

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM2 2023-NQM2, 4.50% due 05/25/62

    5.50 %     02/01/27              

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate
Reset Date

   

Future Reset Rate

   

Future Reset Date

 

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM2 2023-NQM2, 4.50% due 05/25/62

    5.50 %     02/01/27             12/31/99  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM5 2023-NQM5, 7.01% due 06/25/63

    8.01 %     07/01/27              

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM6 2023-NQM6, 7.06% due 09/25/63

    8.06 %     08/01/27              

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust 2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/62

    9.17 %     09/25/25       10 17 %     09/25/26  

GCAT 2023-NQM2 Trust 2023-NQM2, 6.24% due 11/25/67

    7.24 %     01/01/27              

GCAT Trust 2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/67

    6.71 %     10/01/26              

GCAT Trust 2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/67

    6.71 %     10/01/26              

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS3, 1.75% due 07/25/61

    4.75 %     05/25/24       5.75 %     05/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS5, 2.25% due 07/25/67

    5.25 %     11/25/24       6.25 %     11/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS2, 1.75% due 04/25/61

    4.75 %     04/25/24       5.75 %     04/25/25  

NYMT Loan Trust 2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/62

    8.25 %     07/01/25       9.25 %     07/01/26  

OBX 2023-NQM2 Trust 2023-NQM2, 6.72% due 01/25/62

    7.72 %     02/01/27              

OBX Trust 2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/62

    7.10 %     10/01/26              

OBX Trust 2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/62

    7.45 %     11/01/26              

OBX Trust 2023-NQM2, 6.32% due 01/25/62

    7.32 %     02/01/27              

OSAT Trust 2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/65

    5.12 %     06/25/24       6.12 %     06/25/25  

PRPM 2023-RCF1 LLC 2023-RCF1, 4.00% due 06/25/53

    5.00 %     06/25/27              

PRPM LLC 2022-1, 3.72% due 02/25/27

    6.72 %     02/25/25       7.72 %     02/25/26  

PRPM LLC 2021-5, 1.79% due 06/25/26

    4.79 %     06/25/24       5.79 %     06/25/25  

Verus Securitization Trust 2022-8, 6.13% due 09/25/67

    7.13 %     10/01/26              

Verus Securitization Trust 2022-8, 6.13% due 09/25/67

    7.13 %     10/01/26              

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2022, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Common Stocks

                               

BP Holdco LLC *

  $ 323     $     $     $  

Mutual Funds

                               

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class

          120,801,101              

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    26,646,371       1,424,473              

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    14,383,324       779,080              

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    26,156,766       1,309,979              
    $ 67,186,784     $ 124,314,633     $     $  

 

Security Name

 

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Common Stocks

                               

BP Holdco LLC *

  $ 360     $ 683       532     $  

Mutual Funds

                               

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — R6-Class

    (407,503 )     120,393,598       5,103,586       893,942  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    338,291       28,409,135       1,170,545       1,424,864  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    164,124       15,326,528       630,981       779,818  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    441,434       27,908,179       2,862,377       1,309,760  
    $ 536,706     $ 192,038,123             $ 4,408,384  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $25,016,707,231)

  $ 22,148,091,553  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $194,120,337)

    192,038,123  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,373,017)

    1,371,308  

Segregated cash with broker

    27,023,144  

Cash

    4,261,026  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    812,980  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    14,146  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    5,450,509  

Prepaid expenses

    927,151  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    905,702,469  

Interest

    176,042,776  

Fund shares sold

    34,373,486  

Dividends

    1,539,604  

Foreign tax reclaims

    3,300  

Investment Adviser

    608  

Other assets

    75  

Total assets

    23,497,652,258  
         

Liabilities:

Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9) (commitment fees received $154,829)

    151,690  

Reverse repurchase agreements

    1,279,248,820  

Options written, at value (premiums received $2,447,775)

    7,082,875  

Segregated cash due to broker

    4,086,000  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    1,690,867  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    1,038,137,248  

Fund shares redeemed

    69,813,683  

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

    16,687,044  

Distributions to shareholders

    6,108,639  

Management fees

    5,979,187  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    5,260,268  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    369,725  

Distribution and service fees

    309,177  

Swap Settlement

    266,112  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    159,901  

Due to Investment Adviser

    66,284  

Trustees’ fees*

    10,943  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    615  

Miscellaneous

    1,882,836  

Total liabilities

    2,437,311,914  

Net assets

  $ 21,060,340,344  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 26,117,848,412  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (5,057,508,068 )

Net assets

  $ 21,060,340,344  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 444,453,693  

Capital shares outstanding

    19,735,607  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.52  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%)

  $ 23.46  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 158,465,895  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,035,909  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.52  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 393,752,403  

Capital shares outstanding

    17,489,787  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.51  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 19,802,141,567  

Capital shares outstanding

    878,521,853  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.54  
         

R6-Class:

Net assets

  $ 261,526,786  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,595,853  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.55  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 14,718,970  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    4,408,384  

Interest from securities in unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of ($221,231)

    1,026,901,130  

Total investment income

    1,046,028,484  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    76,742,003  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,141,906  

C-Class

    1,777,813  

P-Class

    1,113,801  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    433,470  

C-Class

    179,980  

P-Class

    899,191  

Institutional Class

    19,170,291  

R6-Class

    25,101  

Interest expense

    28,802,774  

Fund accounting /administration fees

    8,036,992  

Professional fees

    1,512,526  

Line of credit fees

    1,278,649  

Custodian fees

    509,353  

Trustees’ fees*

    290,305  

Miscellaneous

    1,495,662  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    53,029  

C-Class

    36,525  

P-Class

    17,216  

Institutional Class

    629,048  

R6-Class

    7,252  

Total expenses

    144,152,887  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (56,720 )

C-Class

    (42,625 )

P-Class

    (499,697 )

Institutional Class

    (10,025,149 )

R6-Class

    (816 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (6,228,246 )

Earnings Credits applied

    (224,001 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (17,077,254 )

Net expenses

    127,075,633  

Net investment income

    918,952,851  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (1,349,884,601 )

Swap agreements

    (72,704,993 )

Futures contracts

    6,650,025  

Options purchased

    (37,392,568 )

Options written

    3,962,226  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (24,237,064 )

Foreign currency transactions

    1,056,907  

Net realized loss

    (1,472,550,068 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    814,060,753  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    536,706  

Swap agreements

    (2,741,186 )

Options purchased

    (60,803,044 )

Options written

    11,748,516  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (6,880,855 )

Foreign currency translations

    163,294  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    756,084,184  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (716,465,884 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 202,486,967  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 918,952,851     $ 759,469,621  

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,472,550,068 )     (513,869,862 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    756,084,184       (4,435,908,740 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    202,486,967       (4,190,308,981 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (19,019,129 )     (22,845,332 )

C-Class

    (6,072,905 )     (8,847,797 )

P-Class

    (18,625,018 )     (35,091,237 )

Institutional Class

    (818,465,001 )     (948,608,650 )

R6-Class

    (10,162,965 )     (9,592,901 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (872,345,018 )     (1,024,985,917 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    190,008,832       162,652,775  

C-Class

    32,292,309       22,676,431  

P-Class

    143,216,250       277,767,413  

Institutional Class

    9,905,246,248       8,822,932,131  

R6-Class

    140,809,681       141,977,419  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    16,394,524       19,669,319  

C-Class

    5,230,841       7,577,710  

P-Class

    18,492,403       35,091,237  

Institutional Class

    725,020,898       839,074,338  

R6-Class

    9,871,684       9,497,105  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (176,845,859 )     (310,183,050 )

C-Class

    (72,847,845 )     (102,439,268 )

P-Class

    (327,848,764 )     (599,756,830 )

Institutional Class

    (7,698,063,900 )     (12,268,295,169 )

R6-Class

    (90,056,671 )     (141,160,025 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    2,820,920,631       (3,082,918,464 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,151,062,580       (8,298,213,362 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    18,909,277,764       27,207,491,126  

End of year

  $ 21,060,340,344     $ 18,909,277,764  
                 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

 

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    8,094,504       6,128,429  

C-Class

    1,375,517       850,424  

P-Class

    6,070,940       10,325,436  

Institutional Class

    421,456,679       335,372,608  

R6-Class

    5,994,350       5,491,289  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    702,293       736,999  

C-Class

    224,186       283,159  

P-Class

    793,085       1,309,242  

Institutional Class

    31,049,191       31,483,958  

R6-Class

    422,497       356,973  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (7,564,633 )     (11,761,205 )

C-Class

    (3,122,803 )     (3,897,258 )

P-Class

    (14,121,799 )     (22,953,593 )

Institutional Class

    (330,170,194 )     (470,717,032 )

R6-Class

    (3,874,827 )     (5,318,515 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    117,328,986       (122,309,086 )

 

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.12     $ 28.94     $ 29.76     $ 27.42     $ 26.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.03       .78       .72       .56       .64  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.65 )     (5.53 )     (.05 )     2.41       .85  

Total from investment operations

    .38       (4.75 )     .67       2.97       1.49  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.98 )     (.80 )     (.76 )     (.63 )     (.65 )

Net realized gains

          (.27 )     (.73 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

    (.98 )     (1.07 )     (1.49 )     (.63 )     (.76 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.52     $ 23.12     $ 28.94     $ 29.76     $ 27.42  

 

Total Returnb

    1.55 %     (16.82 %)     2.27 %     10.96 %     5.70 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 444,454     $ 427,870     $ 677,172     $ 804,750     $ 609,602  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.40 %     2.94 %     2.47 %     1.99 %     2.37 %

Total expensesc

    0.96 %     0.85 %     0.84 %     0.87 %     0.96 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.91 %     0.81 %     0.79 %     0.80 %     0.80 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    90 %     55 %     92 %     116 %     68 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.13     $ 28.94     $ 29.76     $ 27.43     $ 26.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .86       .58       .50       .35       .43  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.67 )     (5.52 )     (.05 )     2.40       .87  

Total from investment operations

    .19       (4.94 )     .45       2.75       1.30  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.80 )     (.60 )     (.54 )     (.42 )     (.45 )

Net realized gains

          (.27 )     (.73 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

    (.80 )     (.87 )     (1.27 )     (.42 )     (.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.52     $ 23.13     $ 28.94     $ 29.76     $ 27.43  

 

Total Returnb

    0.74 %     (17.41 %)     1.50 %     10.10 %     4.95 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 158,466     $ 197,933     $ 327,712     $ 338,656     $ 286,050  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.65 %     2.18 %     1.72 %     1.24 %     1.62 %

Total expensesc

    1.72 %     1.63 %     1.59 %     1.59 %     1.60 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    1.66 %     1.56 %     1.53 %     1.55 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    90 %     55 %     92 %     116 %     68 %

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.12     $ 28.93     $ 29.75     $ 27.42     $ 26.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.03       .77       .72       .56       .63  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.66 )     (5.51 )     (.05 )     2.40       .86  

Total from investment operations

    .37       (4.74 )     .67       2.96       1.49  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.98 )     (.80 )     (.76 )     (.63 )     (.65 )

Net realized gains

          (.27 )     (.73 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

    (.98 )     (1.07 )     (1.49 )     (.63 )     (.76 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.51     $ 23.12     $ 28.93     $ 29.75     $ 27.42  

 

Total Return

    1.51 %     (16.79 %)     2.27 %     10.92 %     5.70 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 393,752     $ 572,113     $ 1,043,507     $ 926,745     $ 819,770  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.41 %     2.90 %     2.47 %     1.98 %     2.37 %

Total expensesc

    1.06 %     0.93 %     0.87 %     0.88 %     0.87 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.91 %     0.81 %     0.79 %     0.80 %     0.80 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    90 %     55 %     92 %     116 %     68 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.14     $ 28.97     $ 29.78     $ 27.45     $ 26.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.10       .86       .81       .65       .71  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.66 )     (5.54 )     (.05 )     2.39       .87  

Total from investment operations

    .44       (4.68 )     .76       3.04       1.58  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.04 )     (.88 )     (.84 )     (.71 )     (.73 )

Net realized gains

          (.27 )     (.73 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

    (1.04 )     (1.15 )     (1.57 )     (.71 )     (.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.54     $ 23.14     $ 28.97     $ 29.78     $ 27.45  

 

Total Return

    1.84 %     (16.59 %)     2.59 %     11.23 %     6.03 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 19,802,142     $ 17,501,690     $ 24,912,049     $ 19,152,857     $ 12,138,270  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.69 %     3.23 %     2.76 %     2.29 %     2.64 %

Total expensesc

    0.71 %     0.62 %     0.57 %     0.57 %     0.58 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.62 %     0.52 %     0.50 %     0.51 %     0.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    90 %     55 %     92 %     116 %     68 %

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

R6-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.16     $ 28.98     $ 29.80     $ 27.46     $ 26.73  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.11       .87       .81       .65       .71  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (.67 )     (5.54 )     (.06 )     2.40       .86  

Total from investment operations

    .44       (4.67 )     .75       3.05       1.57  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.05 )     (.88 )     (.84 )     (.71 )     (.73 )

Net realized gains

          (.27 )     (.73 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

    (1.05 )     (1.15 )     (1.57 )     (.71 )     (.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.55     $ 23.16     $ 28.98     $ 29.80     $ 27.46  

 

Total Return

    1.84 %     (16.55 %)     2.56 %     11.26 %     5.99 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 261,527     $ 209,671     $ 247,051     $ 167,409     $ 55,441  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.73 %     3.26 %     2.76 %     2.28 %     2.64 %

Total expensesc

    0.62 %     0.53 %     0.50 %     0.52 %     0.52 %

Net expensesd,e,f

    0.58 %     0.52 %     0.50 %     0.51 %     0.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    90 %     55 %     92 %     116 %     68 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.01%

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.02%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

R6-Class

0.00%*

0.01%

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%

 

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.76%

0.77%

0.78%

0.79%

0.79%

 

C-Class

1.52%

1.52%

1.53%

1.54%

1.54%

 

P-Class

0.76%

0.77%

0.78%

0.79%

0.79%

 

Institutional Class

0.47%

0.48%

0.49%

0.50%

0.50%

 

R6-Class

0.43%

0.48%

0.49%

0.50%

0.50%

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization, and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI” or the “Adviser”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a Diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Mangagement, LLC (“GPIM” or “the Adviser”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Pursuant to an investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between GPIM and Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC (“GPA”) that was in effect during a portion of the Reporting Period, GPA was engaged to provide investment subadvisory services to the Fund. GPA operated as an investment sub-advisor to the Fund from April 29, 2022 to December 22, 2022.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GPA, under the oversight of the Board and GPIM, assisted GPIM in the supervision and direction of the investment strategies of the Fund in accordance with its investment policies. As compensation for its services, GPIM paid GPA a fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.005% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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 following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the share class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent

 

90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by pricing service providers, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

CLOs, CDOs, MBS, ABS, and other structured finance securities are generally valued using a pricing service provider.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service provider.

 

Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by pricing service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued using a price provided by a pricing service.

 

Interest rate swap agreements entered into by the Fund is valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded.

 

Other swap agreements entered into by the Fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a pricing service provider.

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Inflation-Indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these securities is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond however, interest will be paid based on a principal value which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is recognized as a component of Interest on the Fund’s Statement of Operations, even though principal is not received until maturity.

 

(c) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments

 

Senior floating rate interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund invests in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”). A portion of the Fund’s investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations (“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Fund may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Recently, many new or reissued obligations have not featured traditional covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Fund may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in (or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations. The Fund is subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to) obligations, including that obligations may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

(d) Interest on When-Issued Securities

 

The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, it may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(e) Options

 

Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.

 

When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on swaps (“swaptions”) primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of the Fund’s holdings, as a duration management technique or to protect against an increase in the price of securities it anticipates purchasing at a later date. The purchaser and writer of a swaption is buying or granting the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate swap agreement at any time before the expiration of the options. The swaptions are forward premium swaptions which have extended settlement dates.

 

(f) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(g) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(h) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(i) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(j) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(k) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.

 

The Fund may receive other income from investments in senior loan interests including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received by the Fund and included in interest income on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included in realized gain on investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations at the end of the commitment period.

 

(l) Distributions

 

The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(m) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(n) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

 

(o) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(p) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

(q) Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

 

The Fund may acquire an interest in a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) in an initial public offering or a secondary market transaction. SPAC investments carry many of the same risks as investments in initial public offering securities, such as erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. An investment in a SPAC is typically subject to a higher risk of dilution by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC and interests in SPACs may be illiquid and/or

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

be subject to restrictions on resale. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. SPAC investments are also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger and that the SPAC may have limited time in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets. Because SPACs are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund invests will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires

 

98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Options Purchased and Written

 

A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options purchased on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Duration, Hedge, Income

  $ 2,462,500,000     $ 202,973,520  

 

The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for over-the-counter (“OTC”) options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options written on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Income, Hedge

  $ 36,504     $ 435,140,833  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Duration, Hedge

  $ 272,105,417     $  

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing OTC swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a Fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.

 

100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of interest rate swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Pay Floating Rate

   

Receive Floating Rate

 

Duration, Hedge, Income

  $ 2,828,783,333     $  

 

Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. The Fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of credit default swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Protection Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

Hedge, Income

  $     $ 276,583,333  

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.

 

The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Value

 

Use

 

Purchased

   

Sold

 

Hedge, Income

  $ 8,388,091     $ 342,961,776  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Currency forward contracts

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

Credit swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Equity/Interest rate option contracts

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value

Options written, at value

 

102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 
 

 

   

 

   

 

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 
                          $ 5,450,509     $ 3,884,155     $ 9,334,664  

 

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 
 

 

   

 

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 
                  $ 143,896,842     $ 5,211,390     $     $ 7,082,875     $ 156,191,107  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives contracts as reported on the Schedules of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Currency forward contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Equity/Interest rate option contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased

 

Net realized gain (loss) on options written

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options purchased

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written

Interest rate/Credit swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity
Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ 6,650,025     $ (66,126,116 )   $ (6,578,877 )   $ 20,354,103     $ (36,569,467 )   $ (24,237,064 )   $ (823,101 )   $ (16,391,877 )   $ (123,722,374 )

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity
Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Total

 
    $     $ 2,470,204     $ (5,211,390 )   $ 9,535,213     $ (52,080,490 )   $ (6,880,855 )   $ (8,722,554 )   $ 2,213,303     $ (58,676,569 )

 

In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. The Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to,engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that it believes to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Options purchased

  $ 3,884,155     $       3,884,155     $ (1,332,526 )   $ (1,776,285 )   $ 775,344  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    5,450,509             5,450,509       (3,140,794 )     (2,309,715 )      

 

106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Options Written

  $ 7,082,875     $     $ 7,082,875     $ (4,473,320 )   $     $ 2,609,555  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

Credit default swap agreements, interest rate swap agreements

  $ 27,023,144     $  

Goldman Sachs International

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, Options

          440,000  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, Options

          3,646,000  

 

 

    27,023,144       4,086,000  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.

 

Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.

 

Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.39% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

A-Class

    0.79 %     11/20/17       02/01/25  

C-Class

    1.54 %     11/20/17       02/01/25  

P-Class

    0.79 %     11/20/17       02/01/25  

Institutional Class

    0.50 %     11/30/12       02/01/25  

R6-Class

    0.50 %     10/19/16       02/01/25  

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund
Total

 

A-Class

  $ 421,811     $ 196,304     $ 56,238     $ 674,353  

C-Class

    174,119       167,978       42,447       384,544  

P-Class

    783,250       1,002,868       499,250       2,285,368  

Institutional Class

    16,070,214       19,248,693       10,006,046       45,324,953  

R6-Class

                       

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped $743,070 from the Fund.

 

If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing fund level

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund waived $143,179 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements as follows:

 

Number of Days
Outstanding

 

Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Average Balance
Outstanding

   

Average
Interest Rate

 

223

  $ 1,279,248,820     $ 1,089,992,026       4.33 %

 

110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table presents reverse repurchase agreements that are subject to netting arrangements and offset in the Fund’s Statement of Assets of Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

Reverse repurchase agreements

  $ 1,279,248,820     $     $ 1,279,248,820     $ (1,279,248,820 )   $     $  

 

As of September 30, 2023, the Fund had outstanding reverse repurchase agreements with various counterparties. Details of the reverse repurchase agreements by counterparty are as follows:

 

Counterparty

 

Interest Rate(s)

   

Maturity Date(s)

   

Face Value

 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

(2.75%)-(0.25%)*

Open Maturity

  $ 6,360,066  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

1.00%-6.33%*

    1,272,888,754  

Total

       

 

  $ 1,279,248,820  

 

*

The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, subject to approval by the Adviser, and is not based upon a set reference rate and spread. Rate indicated is the rate effective as of September 30, 2023.

 

The following is a summary of the remaining contractual maturities of the reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as of year end, aggregated by asset class of the related collateral pledged by the Fund:

 

Asset Type

 

Overnight and
continuous

   

Total

 

Corporate Bonds

  $ 7,201,003     $ 7,201,003  

Federal Agency Notes

    1,272,047,817       1,272,047,817  

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for reverse repurchase agreements

  $ 1,279,248,820     $ 1,279,248,820  

 

Note 7– Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 872,345,018     $     $ 872,345,018  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 882,654,723     $ 142,331,194     $ 1,024,985,917  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 
    $ 32,244,950     $     $ (3,026,959,795 )   $ (1,977,547,791 )   $ (85,245,432 )   $ (5,057,508,068 )

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

         

 

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 
    $ (789,045,623 )   $ (1,188,465,791 )   $ (1,977,511,414 )

 

112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in swap agreements, real estate investment trusts and CLO securities, foreign currency gains and losses, the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives, losses deferred due to wash sales, dividends payable, and the disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of bond premium/discount amortization, income accruals on certain investments, the deferral of losses related to tax straddle investments, and the “mark-to-market” of certain investments denominated in foreign currencies. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

There were no adjustments made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences.

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 25,210,731,633     $     $ (3,026,793,064 )   $ (3,026,793,064 )

 

Note 8 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 9,503,699,725     $ 10,726,934,687  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 9,543,039,501     $ 6,378,899,108  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 9 – Unfunded Loan Commitments

 

Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.

 

The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023, were as follows:

 

Borrower

Maturity Date

 

Face Amount*

   

Value

 

Fontainbleau Vegas

01/31/26

  $ 3,651,079     $  

HAH Group Holding Co. LLC

10/22/27

    1,093       28  

Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc.

11/25/28

    15,480,171       151,662  

Lightning A

03/01/37

    28,235,288        

Thunderbird A

03/01/37

    28,657,667        
      $ 76,025,298     $ 151,690  

 

*

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

 

114 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 10 – Restricted Securities

 

The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:

 

Restricted Securities

 

Acquisition
Date

   

Cost

   

Value

 

Atlas Mara Ltd.

                       

due 12/31/214

    10/01/15     $ 2,828,684     $ 987,305  

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

                       

2018-RM2 4.00% (WAC) due 10/25/681

    11/02/18       6,372,379       6,282,538  

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

                       

2019-RM3 2.80% (WAC) due 06/25/691

    06/25/19       3,262,590       3,164,128  

Central Storage Safety Project Trust

                       

4.82% due 02/01/38

    02/02/18       18,003,546       14,579,738  

CFMT LLC

                       

2022-HB9 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/371

    09/23/22       7,937,458       7,667,814  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

                       

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/212

    05/09/14             150  

Irwin Home Equity Loan Trust

                       

2007-1 6.35% due 08/25/37

    02/27/15       202       197  

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

                       

2021-1 8.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/01/261

    02/04/21       37,831,085       37,130,302  

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

                       

2010-R5 3.47% due 06/26/363

    07/18/14       95,179       102,318  

SPSS

                       

5.14% due 11/15/52

    03/30/23       132,433       124,144  

Towd Point Revolving Trust

                       

4.83% due 09/25/64

    03/17/22       81,499,719       79,238,375  
            $ 157,963,275     $ 149,277,009  

 

1

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

2

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

3

Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2023. See table below for additional step information for each security.

4

Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations.

 

Note 11 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. The Fund may draw (borrow)

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of its allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 12 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

116 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents; when replies were not received from brokers or paying agents, we performed

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentage qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1). See the qualified interest income column in the table below.

 

 

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

 
      1.49 %     1.34 %     84.48 %

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed

 

120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim High Yield Fund
(“High Yield Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

● Guggenheim Core Bond Fund
(“Core Bond Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1

 

● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

 

● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

 

● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”).

 

122 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

124 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which

 

126 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors,

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its

 

128 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

130 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

132 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

134 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

136 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE:

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

 

Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007 (Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

138 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

 

140 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

142 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and

 

144 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

146 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

USD-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

12

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

37

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

57

OTHER INFORMATION

59

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

73

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

81

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

85

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio of investments. It is an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim Partners, LLC and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund may not be suitable for all investors. The investments in fixed-income instruments are subject to the possibility that interest rates could rise, causing the value of the holdings and share price to decline. Investors in asset- backed securities, including collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) generally receive payments that are part interest and part return of principal. These payments may vary based on the rate loans are repaid. Some asset-backed securities may have structures that make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices volatile and they are subject to liquidity and valuation risk. CLOs bear similar risks to investing in loans directly. Investments in loans involve special types of risks, including credit, interest rate, counterparty, prepayment, liquidity, and valuation risks. Loans are often below investment grade, may be unrated, and typically offer a fixed or floating interest rate. High yield and unrated debt securities are at a greater risk of default than investment grade bonds and may be less liquid, which may increase volatility. The use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the fund to be more volatile and riskier than if it had not been leveraged. The more a fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. Foreign securities carry unique or additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, including currency fluctuations, adverse political and economic developments, unreliable or untimely information, less liquidity and more volatility, limited legal recourse and higher transactional costs, all of which are enhanced when investing in emerging markets. In addition, investments in emerging markets are subject to risks associated with trading in smaller markets, lower volumes of trading, and being subject to lower levels of government regulation and less extensive accounting, financial and other reporting requirements. It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index includes all publicly issued zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Bills that have a remaining maturity of less than 3 months and more than 1 month, are rated investment grade, and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value. In addition, the securities must be denominated in U.S. dollars and must be fixed rate and nonconvertible. The 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is market capitalization weighted and the securities in the index are updated on the last business day of each month.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

A-Class

    0.58 %     2.95 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,029.50     $ 2.95  

Institutional Class

    0.33 %     3.08 %     1,000.00       1,030.80       1.68  

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

A-Class

    0.58 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,022.16     $ 2.94  

Institutional Class

    0.33 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,023.41       1.67  

 

 

1

This ratio represents annualized net expenses, which may include short interest expense. Excluding these expenses, the operating expense ratios for the Fund would be 0.58% and 0.33% for the A-Class and Institutional Class, respectively. Excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals at GPIM, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Kris L. Dorr, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan L. Serdensky, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 6.32% 1, outperforming the Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, the Fund’s benchmark, (“Benchmark”), which returned 4.63% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund outperformed the Benchmark by 169 basis points. Carry, or earned income, remained a consistent source of relative performance for the Fund. Spreads also added to performance relative to the Benchmark. A combination of the Fund’s allocation and selection biases within corporates and the Fund’s allocation to securitized credit drove most of the active performance versus the Benchmark. Duration detracted from performance as the Fund was positioned modestly overweight duration while the curve bear steepened. Bear steepening refers to yield-curve widening due to long-term rates increasing more than short-term rates, amid a period of falling bond prices and rising yields.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund used forwards and swaps to help manage duration positioning and foreign exchange risk. Over the Reporting Period, interest rate swaps contributed to performance. In addition, the Fund hedged non-USD exposure with foreign-exchange derivatives, which had a negligible impact on performance over the Reporting Period.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Over the past several quarters the Fund has increasingly prioritized diversification, quality, and liquidity as recession concerns continued to persist. The Fund has steadily moved up-in-quality and more defensively, uniquely without having to sacrifice yield due to the move higher in interest

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

rates. While spreads for many credit sectors have recovered to long-term-average levels, certain segments remain dislocated and offer attractive relative value. Structured credit spreads are especially cheap, with valuations currently wide of the 90th percentile versus current corporate spreads.

 

Structured credit, the largest allocation in the Fund, represents roughly 61% of the Fund’s holdings. Spreads continued their rebound, but broadly remain wide, both compared to similarly rated investment-grade corporate credit and in an absolute sense. Furthermore, the lower dollar prices of these assets following the rise in interest rates sets up the potential for higher total return opportunities than typically exists in the asset class. With much of its active buying base largely coming from income-focused accounts, structured credit spreads should continue to compress from the resetting higher of yields and the resulting increased interest that comes with it. Within securitized credit, we continue to focus on opportunities senior in the capital structure with sufficient credit enhancement and often unique structural features that limit cash flow variability or extension concerns. We believe the focus on superior structures will be paramount in helping mitigate mark-to-market risks that could emerge should volatility rise.

 

The corporate credit allocation, which represents roughly 22% of the Fund’s holdings, has increasingly shifted higher in quality. About 21% is in investment-grade-rated corporate credit, and 1% is in below-investment-grade-rated corporate credit, which are broadly weighted toward BB-rated securities. While in our view, overall corporate credit spreads are trading around fair value levels, there remain both idiosyncratic opportunities across certain issuers and industries given tighter credit conditions across capital markets. Front end primary market offerings have priced at especially attractive levels as many investors have pulled back from lending activities.

 

As of the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund had a duration of 0.6 years. Duration remained constant over the Reporting Period, and we do not envision major shifts to the duration of the Fund moving forward. Lastly, the Fund ended the period with 15% in cash and cash equivalents. Elevated yields on short duration products have made it more attractive to hold higher balances of liquidity with the added benefit of giving the Fund dry powder to take advantage of future market opportunities.

 

Despite the quarter ended September 30, 2023 continuing a trend of volatility for fixed income returns, our broader macroeconomic views from a fundamental perspective remain consistent. We continue to expect inflation to moderate with time and view the market’s increasingly optimistic

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

expectations of a soft landing as misguided. Looking further out into the economic future, we believe the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy could ultimately shepherd in a recession in the next 6-18 months, which we believe will likely be met with lower rates. Ultimately, the current path of weakening growth, high prices, and high interest rates appears unsustainable, and we are already starting to see signs of pressure on consumers and levered corporate borrowers, which could call into question any soft-landing narrative.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

November 30, 2018

Institutional Class

March 11, 2014

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total
Net Assets

Lake Shore MM CLO III LLC, 7.05%

2.2%

Athene Global Funding, 5.87%

2.1%

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust, 7.10%

1.9%

F&G Global Funding, 0.90%

1.8%

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO V Ltd., 7.09%

1.6%

NYMT Loan Trust, 1.67%

1.3%

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust, 1.62%

1.3%

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd., 7.12%

1.2%

OSAT Trust, 2.12%

1.2%

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series, 1.85%

1.1%

Top Ten Total

15.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2023

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

AAA

44.3%

AA

10.2%

A

15.6%

BBB

15.9%

BB

1.4%

B

0.1%

NR2

10.6%

Other Instruments

1.9%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(03/11/14)

Institutional Class Shares

6.70%

1.84%

1.81%

Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

4.63%

1.71%

1.14%

 

 

 

1 Year

Since
Inception
(11/30/18)

A-Class Shares

 

6.32%

1.59%

Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

 

4.63%

1.69%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on Institutional Class shares only, performance for A-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure. Prior to November 30, 2018, performance for Institutional Class shares reflects the performance of the Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, which did not charge a management fee and was not publicly offered as a separate investment product.

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.0%

Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.23%1

    10,066,401     $ 10,066,401  

Total Money Market Fund

(Cost $10,066,401)

            10,066,401  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 39.6%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 31.2%

Lake Shore MM CLO III LLC

               

2021-2A A1R, 7.05% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.74%, Rate Floor: 1.48%) due 10/17/31◊,2

  $ 11,350,000       11,190,722  

HERA Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 AS, 6.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.41%, Rate Floor: 1.30%) due 02/18/38◊,2

    5,000,000       4,787,988  

2021-FL1 A, 6.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 02/18/38◊,2

    3,666,687       3,558,266  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO V Ltd.

               

2021-5A A1R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/20/31◊,2

    8,141,632       8,041,511  

BXMT Ltd.

               

2020-FL2 A, 6.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.01%, Rate Floor: 1.01%) due 02/15/38◊,2

  3,408,219     3,238,881  

2020-FL3 AS, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 11/15/37◊,2

    2,500,000       2,338,632  

2020-FL2 AS, 6.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.26%) due 02/15/38◊,2

    2,550,000       2,323,570  

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2021-2A B, 7.04% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.66%) due 05/20/29◊,2

    4,500,000       4,417,723  

2021-1A A1, 6.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.16%) due 04/20/29◊,2

    1,762,108       1,758,393  

2022-1A A2, 6.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/15/30◊,2

    1,000,000       986,197  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd.

               

2021-49A AR, 7.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.53%, Rate Floor: 1.53%) due 08/26/33◊,2

    6,250,000       6,135,921  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund IX LLC

               

2021-9A A1R, 7.02% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/18/31◊,2

  $ 5,700,000     $ 5,634,033  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO VII, LP

               

2021-7A A1R, 7.05% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.69%, Rate Floor: 1.43%) due 10/20/31◊,2

    5,500,000       5,431,947  

CIFC Funding Ltd.

               

2018-3A AR, 6.45% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/19/29◊,2

    5,395,904       5,386,639  

FS Rialto

               

2021-FL3 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 11/16/36◊,2

    5,500,000       5,255,368  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXV, LP

               

2021-5A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 09/22/33◊,2

    5,000,000       4,955,056  

LCCM Trust

               

2021-FL3 A, 6.90% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 11/15/38◊,2

    4,100,000       4,006,582  

2021-FL2 B, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 2.01%) due 12/13/38◊,2

    1,000,000       945,661  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd.

               

2018-4A A1RR, 6.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/15/31◊,2

  4,769,448     4,752,754  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 54M, LP

               

2021-54A A, 7.16% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.79%, Rate Floor: 1.53%) due 08/05/33◊,2

    4,750,000       4,676,123  

LCM XXIV Ltd.

               

2021-24A AR, 6.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.24%, Rate Floor: 0.98%) due 03/20/30◊,2

    4,464,836       4,451,442  

Owl Rock CLO IV Ltd.

               

2021-4A A1R, 7.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 08/20/33◊,2

    4,500,000       4,432,449  

Parliament CLO II Ltd.

               

2021-2A A, 6.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 08/20/32◊,2

    4,428,536       4,378,248  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd.

               

2021-16A A1R2, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.87%, Rate Floor: 1.61%) due 07/25/33◊,2

    4,250,000       4,223,591  

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

BRSP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 B, 7.34% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 08/19/38◊,2

  $ 4,250,000     $ 4,035,531  

Madison Park Funding XLVIII Ltd.

               

2021-48A B, 7.03% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 04/19/33◊,2

    4,000,000       3,964,800  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 33M Ltd.

               

2021-33A AR2, 7.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.12%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 08/25/33◊,2

    3,750,000       3,601,319  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXX, LP

               

2020-3A A, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 01/15/33◊,2

    3,000,000       2,989,603  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/20/32◊,2

    3,000,000       2,967,245  

CHCP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 A, 6.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 02/15/38◊,2

    2,973,299       2,948,466  

BDS Ltd.

               

2021-FL8 C, 7.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 01/18/36◊,2

  2,000,000     1,921,104  

2021-FL8 D, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 01/18/36◊,2

    1,000,000       946,671  

Woodmont Trust

               

2020-7A A1A, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 01/15/32◊,2

    2,750,000       2,742,403  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXII, LP

               

2021-2A A, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.88%, Rate Floor: 1.88%) due 04/22/33◊,2

    2,500,000       2,469,264  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC

               

2021-1A A1A2, 7.29% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.96%) due 07/20/33◊,2

    2,250,000       2,230,686  

THL Credit Lake Shore MM CLO I Ltd.

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 04/15/33◊,2

    2,250,000       2,219,284  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXIII, LP

               

2021-3A A, 7.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.82%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 07/23/33◊,2

    2,250,000       2,216,049  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

MidOcean Credit CLO VII

               

2020-7A A1R, 6.61% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/29◊,2

  $ 2,206,645     $ 2,196,793  

Shackleton CLO Ltd.

               

2017-8A A1R, 6.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/27◊,2

    2,174,601       2,171,170  

Madison Park Funding LIII Ltd.

               

2022-53A B, 7.08% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 04/21/35◊,2

    1,750,000       1,708,700  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXI, LP

               

2021-1A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/15/32◊,2

    1,680,701       1,673,560  

Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd.

               

2018-11A A1T, 6.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/31◊,2

    1,637,890       1,628,503  

Allegro CLO IX Ltd.

               

2018-3A A, 6.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.43%, Rate Floor: 1.17%) due 10/16/31◊,2

    1,500,000       1,496,026  

BCC Middle Market CLO LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 10/15/33◊,2

  1,250,000     1,233,987  

Greystone Commercial Real Estate Notes

               

2021-FL3 B, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 07/15/39◊,2

    1,000,000       951,322  

STWD Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 04/18/38◊,2

    1,000,000       909,185  

Wellfleet CLO Ltd.

               

2020-2A A1R, 6.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.32%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/29◊,2

    900,917       899,565  

ACRE Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL4 AS, 6.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.21%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 12/18/37◊,2

    850,000       820,149  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVI, LP

               

2021-6A A, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/22/33◊,2

    710,254       708,145  

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

LoanCore Issuer Ltd.

               

2019-CRE2 AS, 6.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 05/15/36◊,2

  $ 708,165     $ 692,895  

Venture XIV CLO Ltd.

               

2020-14A ARR, 6.68% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.29%, Rate Floor: 1.03%) due 08/28/29◊,2

    664,314       662,896  

Fortress Credit Opportunities VI CLO Ltd.

               

2018-6A A2R, 7.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/30◊,2

    250,000       246,927  

2018-6A A1TR, 6.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.62%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/30◊,2

    167,680       165,557  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 17 Ltd.

               

2017-17A A1R, 7.26% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/30◊,2

    281,968       280,767  

Voya CLO Ltd.

               

2019-2A X, 6.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 0.91%, Rate Floor: 0.65%) due 07/20/32◊,2

    93,750       93,731  

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations

    161,100,000  
                 

Financial - 2.6%

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2022-1, 7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/12/23◊,†††,2

  4,075,000     4,075,000  

2023-1, 7.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 03/04/24◊,†††,2

    2,450,000       2,450,000  

Station Place Securitization Trust

               

2022-SP1, 7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/12/23◊,†††,2

    4,075,000       4,075,000  

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

due 10/15/24

    1,800,000       1,800,000  

Station Place Securitization Trust

               

due 10/15/24

    900,000       900,000  

Total Financial

    13,300,000  
                 

Whole Business - 1.7%

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC

               

2018-1A, 4.33% due 07/25/482

    4,276,725       3,970,216  

Taco Bell Funding LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.95% due 08/25/512

    3,193,125       2,760,993  

Wingstop Funding LLC

               

2020-1A, 2.84% due 12/05/502

    1,329,750       1,150,478  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC

               

2019-1A, 3.88% due 10/25/492

  $ 962,500     $ 878,814  

Total Whole Business

    8,760,501  
                 

Transport-Container - 1.7%

Triton Container Finance VIII LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.86% due 03/20/462

    5,709,375       4,767,121  

CLI Funding VIII LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.64% due 02/18/462

    2,381,399       2,033,670  

Textainer Marine Containers VII Ltd.

               

2021-1A, 1.68% due 02/20/462

    1,666,000       1,404,872  

2020-1A, 2.73% due 08/21/452

    592,508       538,186  

Total Transport-Container

    8,743,849  
                 

Net Lease - 1.5%

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series

               

2020-1A, 1.85% due 11/20/502

    6,416,479       5,687,766  

CF Hippolyta Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.98% due 03/15/612

    2,120,507       1,815,126  

Total Net Lease

    7,502,892  
                 

Transport-Aircraft - 0.9%

Raspro Trust

               

2005-1A, 6.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/24◊,2

    4,727,726       4,697,270  

Total Asset-Backed Securities

(Cost $211,103,495)

    204,104,512  

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 22.6%

Financial - 11.1%

Athene Global Funding

               

5.87% (SOFR Compounded Index + 0.56%) due 08/19/24◊,2

  11,000,000     10,892,196  

F&G Global Funding

               

0.90% due 09/20/242

    9,700,000       9,159,705  

Credit Suisse AG NY

               

5.73% (SOFR Compounded Index + 0.39%) due 02/02/24

    5,250,000       5,239,388  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

               

1.20% due 10/14/252,3

    5,250,000       4,978,148  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

               

6.02% (SOFR + 0.70%) due 01/24/25

    2,600,000       2,591,108  

Citigroup, Inc.

               

6.01% (SOFR + 0.69%) due 01/25/26

    2,550,000       2,539,723  

Jackson National Life Global Funding

               

1.75% due 01/12/252

    2,600,000       2,441,210  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

               

3.75% due 12/31/242

    2,550,000       2,427,746  

Bank of Nova Scotia

               

6.30% (SOFR Compounded Index + 0.96%) due 03/11/24

    2,400,000       2,405,232  

Morgan Stanley

               

6.26% (SOFR + 0.95%) due 02/18/26

    2,400,000       2,402,390  

FS KKR Capital Corp.

               

4.25% due 02/14/252

    2,450,000       2,345,861  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc.

               

2.88% due 10/15/262

  $ 2,650,000     $ 2,333,829  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

               

5.00% due 06/15/27

    2,150,000       2,019,492  

GA Global Funding Trust

               

1.63% due 01/15/262

    1,300,000       1,160,376  

OneMain Finance Corp.

               

3.50% due 01/15/27

    1,150,000       984,687  

Brighthouse Financial Global Funding

               

6.05% (SOFR + 0.76%) due 04/12/24◊,2

    900,000       895,752  

Peachtree Corners Funding Trust

               

3.98% due 02/15/252

    650,000       627,505  

ING Groep N.V.

               

6.53% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%) due 10/02/23

    500,000       500,000  

First American Financial Corp.

               

4.60% due 11/15/24

    500,000       490,317  

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc.

               

5.50% due 05/01/252

    400,000       390,503  

Apollo Management Holdings, LP

               

4.00% due 05/30/242

    350,000       344,828  

Total Financial

    57,169,996  
                 

Industrial - 3.7%

Ryder System, Inc.

               

3.35% due 09/01/25

    4,820,000       4,595,755  

IP Lending V Ltd.

               

5.13% due 04/02/26†††,2

    4,700,000       4,371,000  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

               

1.25% due 08/09/24

    2,400,000       2,292,802  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

               

1.40% due 04/01/262

  2,350,000     2,084,463  

Vontier Corp.

               

1.80% due 04/01/26

    2,150,000       1,925,714  

Jabil, Inc.

               

1.70% due 04/15/26

    650,000       583,913  

4.25% due 05/15/27

    600,000       567,413  

Berry Global, Inc.

               

1.65% due 01/15/27

    1,100,000       945,471  

Penske Truck Leasing Company LP / PTL Finance Corp.

               

2.70% due 11/01/242

    900,000       866,372  

Stericycle, Inc.

               

5.38% due 07/15/242

    550,000       542,902  

Weir Group plc

               

2.20% due 05/13/262

    440,000       395,387  

Total Industrial

    19,171,192  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.7%

Global Payments, Inc.

               

1.50% due 11/15/24

    5,700,000       5,414,274  

Element Fleet Management Corp.

               

1.60% due 04/06/242

    4,900,000       4,782,422  

Triton Container International Ltd.

               

2.05% due 04/15/262

    2,200,000       1,959,965  

1.15% due 06/07/242

    1,700,000       1,635,961  

General Mills, Inc.

               

6.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.27%) due 10/17/23

    200,000       200,053  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    13,992,675  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 1.7%

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.

               

3.64% due 03/15/25

    5,700,000       5,497,592  

Hyatt Hotels Corp.

               

1.80% due 10/01/24

    3,500,000       3,357,716  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    8,855,308  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

Communications - 1.2%

Rogers Communications, Inc.

               

2.95% due 03/15/25

  $ 2,400,000     $ 2,288,929  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

               

2.63% due 04/15/26

    1,600,000       1,479,734  

2.25% due 02/15/26

    600,000       552,339  

Paramount Global

               

4.75% due 05/15/25

    982,000       955,120  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

               

3.50% due 05/01/262

    434,000       400,886  

Sprint Spectrum Company LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co III LLC

               

4.74% due 03/20/252

    337,500       333,920  

Total Communications

    6,010,928  
                 

Technology - 1.1%

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

               

2.67% due 12/01/26

    4,300,000       3,878,192  

Qorvo, Inc.

               

1.75% due 12/15/242

    2,050,000       1,926,115  

Total Technology

    5,804,307  
                 

Utilities - 0.9%

Alexander Funding Trust

               

1.84% due 11/15/232

    4,300,000       4,271,573  

AES Corp.

               

3.30% due 07/15/252

    300,000       284,153  

NRG Energy, Inc.

               

3.75% due 06/15/242

    275,000       269,285  

Total Utilities

    4,825,011  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.2%

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

               

1.23% due 10/01/252

  540,000     484,055  

Anglo American Capital plc

               

5.38% due 04/01/252

    450,000       443,964  

Total Basic Materials

    928,019  
                 

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $122,909,822)

    116,757,436  
                 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 20.7%

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - 15.9%

CSMC Trust

               

2021-RPL1, 1.67% (WAC) due 09/27/60◊,2

    5,057,819       4,655,570  

2021-RPL7, 1.93% (WAC) due 07/27/61◊,2

    2,220,941       2,032,568  

2020-RPL5, 3.02% (WAC) due 08/25/60◊,2

    1,875,957       1,841,724  

2021-RPL4, 1.80% (WAC) due 12/27/60◊,2

    1,284,322       1,195,716  

2020-NQM1, 1.21% due 05/25/652,4

    1,136,804       1,013,629  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust

               

2021-C, 1.62% due 03/01/612,4

    7,447,977       6,547,185  

2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/702,4

    2,849,095       2,552,858  

2021-HE1, 6.17% (30 Day Average SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/70◊,2

    804,629       797,695  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

2021-HE2, 6.17% (30 Day Average SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/69◊,2

  $ 367,881     $ 361,886  

PRPM LLC

               

2021-5, 1.79% due 06/25/262,4

    3,338,442       3,079,191  

2022-1, 3.72% due 02/25/272,4

    3,195,920       3,059,090  

2021-RPL2, 2.24% (WAC) due 10/25/51◊,2

    2,000,000       1,545,877  

2021-8, 1.74% (WAC) due 09/25/26◊,2

    1,670,951       1,532,185  

NYMT Loan Trust

               

2021-SP1, 1.67% due 08/25/612,4

    7,402,216       6,706,541  

2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/622,4

    1,816,387       1,752,289  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust

               

2021-GS4, 1.65% due 11/25/602,4

    3,173,026       2,872,248  

2021-GS3, 1.75% due 07/25/612,4

    3,078,562       2,867,061  

2021-GS2, 1.75% due 04/25/612,4

    1,423,377       1,314,706  

2021-GS5, 2.25% due 07/25/672,4

    936,860       864,487  

Verus Securitization Trust

               

2021-5, 1.37% (WAC) due 09/25/66◊,2

    2,049,583       1,611,759  

2021-6, 1.89% (WAC) due 10/25/66◊,2

    1,791,698       1,422,269  

2020-5, 1.22% due 05/25/652,4

    1,495,511       1,372,894  

2021-4, 1.35% (WAC) due 07/25/66◊,2

    990,611       746,492  

2021-3, 1.44% (WAC) due 06/25/66◊,2

    593,994       489,780  

2019-4, 2.85% due 11/25/592,4

  401,773     382,984  

2020-1, 2.42% due 01/25/602,4

    305,467       287,714  

2019-4, 2.64% due 11/25/592,4

    199,120       189,571  

OSAT Trust

               

2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/652,4

    6,587,095       6,037,794  

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust

               

2022-NQM2, 4.02% (WAC) due 03/25/67◊,2

    4,220,250       3,703,708  

Towd Point Revolving Trust

               

4.83% due 09/25/645

    3,250,000       3,159,813  

CFMT LLC

               

2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/37

    2,315,720       2,072,382  

2021-HB5, 0.80% (WAC) due 02/25/31◊,2

    1,069,482       1,044,060  

Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2008-BC4, 6.06% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.74%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 11/25/37

    1,881,970       1,782,005  

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2019-1A, 3.50% (WAC) due 10/25/59◊,2

    1,064,781       968,354  

2018-2A, 3.50% (WAC) due 02/25/58◊,2

    626,588       566,938  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

               

2021-1, 8.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/01/26◊,5

  $ 1,320,857     $ 1,296,390  

CSMC

               

2021-NQM8, 2.41% (WAC) due 10/25/66◊,2

    1,570,620       1,242,127  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust

               

2022-1, 3.29% (WAC) due 12/25/66◊,2

    1,450,360       1,197,227  

Soundview Home Loan Trust

               

2006-OPT5, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/36

    1,188,657       1,115,205  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

               

2018-2, 3.25% (WAC) due 03/25/58◊,2

    392,443       374,885  

2017-6, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/57◊,2

    338,174       320,807  

2017-5, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/25/57◊,2

    107,128       107,557  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates

               

2021-RPL9, 2.44% (WAC) due 02/25/61◊,2

    825,735       752,037  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust

               

2006-NC1, 6.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.68%, Rate Floor: 0.57%) due 12/25/35

    518,990       508,853  

Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust

               

2020-2, 1.49% (WAC) due 10/25/65◊,2

  362,205     318,348  

2020-2, 1.64% (WAC) due 10/25/65◊,2

    208,644       185,648  

Argent Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series

               

2005-W2, 6.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.74%) due 10/25/35

    512,085       494,684  

SG Residential Mortgage Trust

               

2022-1, 3.68% (WAC) due 03/27/62◊,2

    450,576       384,495  

Banc of America Funding Trust

               

2015-R2, 5.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 04/29/37◊,2

    382,290       374,695  

Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2020-1, 2.38% (WAC) due 01/26/60◊,2

    354,554       335,221  

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust

               

2020-NQM1, 1.38% (WAC) due 09/27/60◊,2

    325,284       289,789  

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

CSMC Series

               

2014-2R, 3.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/27/46◊,2

  $ 201,236     $ 199,624  

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

               

2019-RM3, 2.80% (WAC) due 06/25/69◊,5

    112,504       109,108  

CIT Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2007-1, 6.78% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.46%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 10/25/37◊,2

    86,810       86,627  

Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust

               

2020-1, 2.28% (WAC) due 02/25/50◊,2

    48,486       44,135  

Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

    82,168,485  
                 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities - 4.8%

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2021-VOLT, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 09/15/36◊,2

    10,250,000       9,777,128  

2022-LP2, 6.89% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 02/15/39◊,2

    2,146,684       2,068,521  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2021-NYAH, 6.99% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 1.54%) due 06/15/38◊,2

  2,700,000     2,374,557  

Life Mortgage Trust

               

2021-BMR, 6.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.21%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 03/15/38◊,2

    2,408,277       2,338,688  

WMRK Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2022-WMRK, 8.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.44%, Rate Floor: 3.44%) due 11/15/27◊,2

    2,100,000       2,097,351  

MHP

               

2022-MHIL, 6.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.26%) due 01/15/27◊,2

    1,457,488       1,409,947  

BXHPP Trust

               

2021-FILM, 6.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.21%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 08/15/36◊,2

    1,500,000       1,353,072  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

               

2018-H3, 0.96% (WAC) due 07/15/51◊,6

    38,830,032       1,124,731  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2019-GC41, 1.17% (WAC) due 08/10/56◊,6

    24,552,812       959,799  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust

               

2019-B14, 0.90% (WAC) due 12/15/62◊,6

  $ 34,410,163     $ 955,130  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2018-C8, 0.77% (WAC) due 06/15/51◊,6

    21,284,691       415,234  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    24,874,158  
                 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

(Cost $117,041,345)

    107,042,643  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 14.5%

Federal Home Loan Bank

5.20% due 10/02/237

    74,835,000       74,824,191  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

(Cost $74,824,191)

            74,824,191  
                 

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 0.5%

Industrial - 0.3%

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC

               

10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27

    1,650,000       1,712,057  
                 

Energy - 0.1%

ITT Holdings LLC

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 07/10/28

  482,160     480,853  
 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.1%

Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc.

               

9.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 10/24/25

    293,579       291,691  

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

(Cost $2,487,584)

    2,484,601  
                 

Total Investments — 99.9%

(Cost $538,432,838)

  $ 515,279,784  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 0.1%

    301,190  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

  $ 515,580,974  

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements††
Counterparty Exchange Floating
Rate Type
Floating Rate Index Fixed
Rate
Payment
Frequency
BofA Securities, Inc. CME Receive U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate 1.10% Annually

 

Counterparty Maturity
Date
  Notional
Amount
    Value     Upfront
Premiums
Paid
    Unrealized
Appreciation**
 
BofA Securities, Inc. 01/10/25   $ 61,000,000     $ 3,168,127     $ 122     $ 3,168,005  

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

2

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $357,503,903 (cost $376,769,976), or 69.3% of total net assets.

3

Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date.

4

Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2023. See table below for additional step information for each security.

5

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $4,565,311 (cost $4,683,341), or 0.9% of total net assets — See Note 8.

6

Security is an interest-only strip.

7

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

 

BofA — Bank of America

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

WAC — Weighted Average Coupon

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Money Market Fund

  $ 10,066,401     $     $     $ 10,066,401  

Asset-Backed Securities

          193,504,512       10,600,000       204,104,512  

Corporate Bonds

          112,386,436       4,371,000       116,757,436  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          107,042,643             107,042,643  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          74,824,191             74,824,191  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          2,484,601             2,484,601  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements**

          3,168,005             3,168,005  

Total Assets

  $ 10,066,401     $ 493,410,388     $ 14,971,000     $ 518,447,789  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending
Balance at
September 30,
2023

   

Valuation
Technique

   

Unobservable
Inputs

   

Input
Range

   

Weighted
Average*

 

Assets:

                                       

Asset-Backed Securities

  $ 10,600,000  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Corporate Bonds

    4,371,000  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Total Assets

  $ 14,971,000  

 

 

 

 

 

Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had securities with a total value of $8,150,000 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to a lack of observable inputs.

 

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Asset-Backed
Securities

   

Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations

   

Corporate
Bonds

   

Total Assets

   

Unfunded Loan
Commitments

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 5,347,691     $ 4,327,633     $ 4,448,673     $ 14,123,997     $ (2,326 )

Purchases/(Receipts)

    2,450,000                   2,450,000       1,378  

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

    (5,350,000 )     (4,550,000 )           (9,900,000 )     875  

Amortization of premiums/discounts

          22             22        

Total realized gains (losses) including in earnings

                            (2,020 )

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    2,309       222,345       (77,673 )     146,981       2,093  

Transfers into Level 3

    8,150,000                   8,150,000        

Transfers out of Level 3

                             

Ending Balance

  $ 10,600,000     $     $ 4,371,000     $ 14,971,000     $  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $     $     $ (77,673 )   $ (77,673 )   $  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

Step Coupon Bonds

 

The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a range of rates and corresponding dates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate
Reset Date

   

Future
Reset Rate
(s)

   

Future
Reset Date
(s)

 

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/70

    6.13 %     01/30/25              

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2021-C, 1.62% due 03/01/61

    4.62 %     09/25/24       5.62 %     09/25/25  

CSMC Trust 2020-NQM1, 1.21% due 05/25/65

    2.21 %     09/26/24              

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS3, 1.75% due 07/25/61

    4.75 %     05/25/24       5.75 %     05/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS4, 1.65% due 11/25/60

    4.65 %     08/25/24       5.65 %     08/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS5, 2.25% due 07/25/67

    5.25 %     11/25/24       6.25 %     11/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS2, 1.75% due 04/25/61

    4.75 %     04/25/24       5.75 %     04/25/25  

NYMT Loan Trust 2021-SP1, 1.67% due 08/25/61

    4.67 %     08/01/24       5.67 %     08/01/25  

NYMT Loan Trust 2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/62

    8.25 %     07/01/25       9.25 %     07/01/26  

OSAT Trust 2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/65

    5.12 %     06/25/24       6.12 %     06/25/25  

PRPM LLC 2022-1, 3.72% due 02/25/27

    6.72 %     02/25/25       7.72 %     02/25/26  

PRPM LLC 2021-5, 1.79% due 06/25/26

    4.79 %     06/25/24       5.79 %     06/25/25  

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-1, 2.42% due 01/25/60

    3.42 %     01/26/24              

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 2.64% due 11/25/59

    3.64 %     10/26/23              

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 2.85% due 11/25/59

    3.85 %     10/26/23              

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-5, 1.22% due 05/25/65

    2.22 %     10/26/24              

 

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $538,432,838)

  $ 515,279,784  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    122  

Prepaid expenses

    27,641  

Receivables:

Interest

    3,048,317  

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

    1,714,423  

Fund shares sold

    466,558  

Total assets

    520,536,845  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    38,490  

Segregated cash due to broker

    985,143  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    2,700,000  

Fund shares redeemed

    633,524  

Distributions to shareholders

    324,342  

Management fees

    84,905  

Transfer agent fees

    64,369  

Distribution and service fees

    20,011  

Fund accounting and administration fees

    19,368  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,047  

Miscellaneous

    83,672  

Total liabilities

    4,955,871  

Net assets

  $ 515,580,974  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 540,203,199  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (24,622,225 )

Net assets

  $ 515,580,974  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 96,348,196  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,877,599  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.75  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 419,232,778  

Capital shares outstanding

    42,987,454  

Net asset value per share

  $ 9.75  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 24,869,115  

Total investment income

    24,869,115  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,421,922  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    271,104  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    12,001  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    85,838  

Institutional Class

    164,989  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    180,007  

Registration fees

    129,428  

Professional fees

    116,438  

Custodian fees

    38,358  

Line of credit fees

    30,753  

Trustees’ fees*

    23,077  

Interest expense

    15,932  

Miscellaneous

    35,206  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    2,014  

Institutional Class

    6,405  

Total expenses

    2,533,472  

Less: Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (83,064 )

Institutional Class

    (152,248 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (89,963 )

Earnings credits applied

    (5,118 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (330,393 )

Net expenses

    2,203,079  

Net investment income

    22,666,036  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  (8,168,442 )

Swap agreements

    8,571,752  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    798,911  

Foreign currency transactions

    (215 )

Net realized gain

    1,202,006  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    19,244,100  

Swap agreements

    (6,024,955 )

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (798,908 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    12,420,237  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    13,622,243  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 36,288,279  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 22,666,036     $ 13,162,218  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    1,202,006       (1,760,878 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    12,420,237       (33,327,821 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    36,288,279       (21,926,481 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (4,918,176 )     (2,015,323 )

Institutional Class

    (21,914,210 )     (10,986,326 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (26,832,386 )     (13,001,649 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    10,686,656       104,918,065  

Institutional Class

    119,682,982       393,611,176  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    4,830,340       2,012,411  

Institutional Class

    17,231,019       9,182,432  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (53,521,575 )     (156,307,680 )

Institutional Class

    (342,903,679 )     (638,832,395 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (243,994,257 )     (285,415,991 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (234,538,364 )     (320,344,121 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    750,119,338       1,070,463,459  

End of year

  $ 515,580,974     $ 750,119,338  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    1,102,052       10,591,356  

Institutional Class

    12,352,609       39,950,301  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    497,546       206,643  

Institutional Class

    1,775,408       942,256  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (5,533,062 )     (15,890,287 )

Institutional Class

    (35,519,480 )     (65,020,480 )

Net decrease in shares

    (25,324,927 )     (29,220,211 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Period
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019
a

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.60     $ 9.97     $ 9.98     $ 9.97     $ 10.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .37       .12       .06       .12       .17  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .23       (.37 )           .03       .02 h 

Total from investment operations

    .60       (.25 )     .06       .15       .19  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.45 )     (.12 )     (.07 )     (.14 )     (.21 )

Net realized gains

                            (.01 )

Total distributions

    (.45 )     (.12 )     (.07 )     (.14 )     (.22 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.75     $ 9.60     $ 9.97     $ 9.98     $ 9.97  

 

Total Return

    6.32 %     (2.49 %)     0.62 %     1.52 %     1.89 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 96,348     $ 132,518     $ 188,416     $ 62,956     $ 31,154  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.80 %     1.18 %     0.63 %     1.20 %     2.05 %

Total expensesd

    0.68 %     0.65 %     0.63 %     0.65 %     0.61 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.59 %     0.59 %     0.59 %     0.61 %     0.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %     24 %     122 %     129 %     55 %

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2023

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2022

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.59     $ 9.97     $ 9.98     $ 9.96     $ 10.01  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .39       .14       .09       .15       .28  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .24       (.37 )           .04       (.04 )

Total from investment operations

    .63       (.23 )     .09       .19       .24  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.47 )     (.15 )     (.10 )     (.17 )     (.28 )

Net realized gains

                            (.01 )

Total distributions

    (.47 )     (.15 )     (.10 )     (.17 )     (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.75     $ 9.59     $ 9.97     $ 9.98     $ 9.96  

 

Total Return

    6.70 %     (2.34 %)     0.87 %     1.88 %     2.37 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 419,233     $ 617,601     $ 882,047     $ 440,356     $ 423,414  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.03 %     1.44 %     0.88 %     1.47 %     2.54 %

Total expensesd

    0.39 %     0.36 %     0.34 %     0.38 %     0.30 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.34 %     0.34 %     0.34 %     0.36 %     0.29 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %     24 %     122 %     129 %     55 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

ULTRA SHORT DURATION FUND

 

a

Since commencement of operations: November 30, 2018. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

c

The per share data for the years ended September 30, 2017 through September 30, 2018 and the period October 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 has been restated to reflect the reorganization of the Guggenheim Strategy Fund I with and into the Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund effective November 30, 2018. In conjunction with the reorganization, Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund issued 2.501601322 Institutional Class shares for every 1 share of Guggenheim Strategy Fund I.

d

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

f

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

   09/30/23  09/30/22  09/30/21  09/30/20  09/30/19
A-Class   0.00%*   0.01%   0.00%*   0.00%*    
Institutional Class   0.00%*   0.01%   0.01%   0.00%*   0.00%*

 

*

Less than 0.01%

 

g

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

A-Class

0.58%

0.58%

0.58%

0.58%

0.58%

Institutional Class

0.33%

0.33%

0.33%

0.33%

0.29%

 

h

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not agree with the aggregate net loss on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI” or the “Adviser”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Ultra Short Duration Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, A-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments, provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor for the Fund’s shares. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Pursuant to an investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between GPIM and Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC (“GPA”), that was in effect during a portion of the Reporting Period, GPA was engaged to provide investment subadvisory services to the Fund. GPA operated as an investment sub-advisor to the Fund from April 29, 2022 to December 22, 2022.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

GPA, under the oversight of the Board and GPIM, assisted GPIM in the supervision and direction of the investment strategies of the Fund in accordance with its investment policies. As compensation for its services, GPIM paid GPA a fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.005% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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 following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued.

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by pricing service providers, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service provider.

 

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by a pricing service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Interest rate swap agreements entered into by the Fund are valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

(c) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments

 

Senior floating rate interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash, such as the one-month or three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund invests in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”). A portion of the Fund’s investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations (“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Fund may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Recently, many new or reissued obligations have not featured traditional covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Fund may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in (or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations. The Fund is subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to)

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

obligations, including that obligations may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

(d) Interest on When-Issued Securities

 

The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, it may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

(e) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(f) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(g) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(h) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in the Fund’s Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(i) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.

 

The Fund may receive other income from investments in senior loan interests including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received by the Fund and included in interest income on the Statement of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included in realized gain on investments on the Statement of Operations at the end of the commitment period.

 

(j) Distributions

 

The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(k) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(l) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

 

(m) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(n) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a Fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of interest rate swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Pay Floating Rate

   

Receive Floating Rate

 

Hedge, Income

  $ 9,000,000     $ 123,250,000  

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.

 

The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Value

 

Use

 

Purchased

   

Sold

 

Hedge

  $ 769,631     $ 769,631  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on

Interest rate swap agreements

  Variation margin on interest rate swapAgreements  

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Swaps
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 
    $ 3,168,005     $ 3,168,005  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives contracts as reported on the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Interest rate swap agreements

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

Currency forward contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

 

 

Swaps
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ 8,571,752     $ 798,911     $ 9,370,663  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments
Recognized on the Statements of Operations

 

 

Swaps
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ (6,024,955 )   $ (798,908 )   $ (6,823,863 )

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that it believes to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

At September 30, 2023, the Fund held no derivative financial instruments or secured financing transactions subject to enforceable netting arrangements.

 

The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Counterparty

 

Asset Type

   

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

Interest rate swap agreements

  $     $ 985,143  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.

 

Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates. Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A- Class shares.

 

The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund - A-Class

    0.58 %     11/30/18       02/01/25  

Ultra Short Duration Fund - Institutional Class

    0.33 %     11/30/18       02/01/25  

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

   

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund Total

 

A-Class

  $ 36,209     $ 105,228     $ 100,752     $ 242,189  

Institutional Class

          178,138       224,523       402,661  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped $8,419 from the Fund.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

At September 30 2023, GI and its affiliates owned 42% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

Note 6 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 26,832,386     $     $ 26,832,386  

 

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 13,001,649     $     $ 13,001,649  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 
    $ 1,629,987     $     $ (20,056,085 )   $ (3,865,220 )   $ (2,330,907 )   $ (24,622,225 )

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

    Unlimited     Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward
 
 
Short-Term
   

Long-Term
     
    $ (1,214,252 )   $ (2,650,968 )   $ (3,865,220 )

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in swap agreements, foreign currency gains and losses, and paydown reclasses. Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of bond premium/discount amortization and dividends payable. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

There were no adjustments made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences.

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 538,503,874     $ 3,281,555     $ (23,337,640 )   $ (20,056,085 )

 

Note 7 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 8,196,207     $ 224,382,724  

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 8 – Restricted Securities

 

The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:

 

Restricted
Securities

 

Acquisition
Date

   

Cost

   

Value

 

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

                       

2019-RM3 2.80% (WAC) due 06/25/691

    06/25/19     $ 112,495     $ 109,108  

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

                       

2021-1 8.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/01/261

    02/04/21       1,320,857       1,296,390  

Towd Point Revolving Trust

                       

4.83% due 09/25/64

    03/17/22       3,249,989       3,159,813  
            $ 4,683,341     $ 4,565,311  

 

1

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 9 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time the a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. The Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Funds did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Note 10 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Days Outstanding

   

Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Average Balance
Outstanding

   

Average
Interest Rate

 
      15     $ *   $ 9,479,767       4.09 %

 

*

As of September 30, 2023, there were no open reverse repurchase agreements.

 

Note 11 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and paying agents; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentage qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1). See the qualified interest income column in the table below.

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

 
                      54.88 %

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

  ● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)* ● Guggenheim Core Bond Fund (“Core Bond Fund”)*
     
  ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”)** ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**
     
  ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”)* ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”)*
     
  ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”)** ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1
     
  ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)** ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”)*
     
  ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)** ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”)*
     
  ● Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“SMid Cap Value Fund”)* ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*
     
  ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)* ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”)**
   
  ● Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)** ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”).

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name,
Address* and
Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,
Address* and
Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Thomas F.

Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,
Address* and
Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,
Address* and
Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,
Address* and
Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007
(Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

 

   

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim

Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC

and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2023

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

 

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

LD-ANN-0923x0924

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

3

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

4

LIMITED DURATION FUND

8

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

36

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

54

OTHER INFORMATION

55

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

64

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

70

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

73

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC

 

October 31, 2023

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

Limited Duration Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ●The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ●The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ●Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ●The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ●The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ●The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ●You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Faced with a series of strong economic data releases, the market increasingly appears to be coming to the conclusion that the economy is structurally better able to withstand higher interest rates than it really is. This dynamic can be seen by examining the move in Treasury yields, with the selloff almost entirely being due to real yields rather than inflation expectations, and with the move most pronounced at the long end of the yield curve. Digging further, however, a large portion of this shift is due to a rising term premium (the premium for unknown and unquantified risks in the future, beyond current assumptions on the path of inflation or policy rates), which is indicating greater uncertainty about the outlook.

 

Many forecasters are extrapolating the current year’s economic strength without recognizing the fact that growth has benefited from a number of factors this year that are unlikely to be repeated, namely an expansion of the fiscal deficit, a slowdown in inflation, and a rebound in labor supply. As these factors fade, the headwinds from tight monetary policy may be more apparent and pronounced. And the longer monetary conditions stay tight, the greater the risk of something breaking (banks and commercial real estate remain key risks). All of this suggests that the recent economic trajectory cannot be assumed to continue, especially given the substantial restraint that could be imposed by the recent rise in long-term borrowing costs.

 

Uncertainty is elevated given the diverging signals in the data and the fact that many traditional economic models are not “working” as they traditionally would. This uncertainty extends to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which looks set to hold off on further rate hikes while it waits to see if the data start to align with the softening conditions policymakers say they are hearing on the ground. We continue to think the gravitational pull of tight money and credit conditions could result in a slowing economy and cooler inflation over the next year, paving the way for more rate cuts than the market presently expects.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned 21.62%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 25.65%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 11.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.64% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 10.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 4.50% for the Reporting Period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index measures the performance of publicly issued investment grade corporate, U.S. Treasury and government agency securities with remaining maturities of one to three years.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 31, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. 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 paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

   

Fund
Return

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

                                       

Limited Duration Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.74 %     1.33 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,013.30     $ 3.73  

C-Class

    1.50 %     0.95 %     1,000.00       1,009.50       7.56  

P-Class

    0.74 %     1.33 %     1,000.00       1,013.30       3.73  

Institutional Class

    0.49 %     1.46 %     1,000.00       1,014.60       2.47  

R6-Class

    0.45 %     1.48 %     1,000.00       1,014.80       2.27  

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

                               

Limited Duration Fund

                                       

A-Class

    0.74 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,021.36     $ 3.75  

C-Class

    1.50 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,017.55       7.59  

P-Class

    0.74 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,021.36       3.75  

Institutional Class

    0.49 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,022.61       2.48  

R6-Class

    0.45 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,022.81       2.28  

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any. This ratio represents net expenses, which may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratio for the Fund would be 0.72%, 1.48%, 0.72%, 0.47% and 0.44% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class, respectively.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals at GPIM, including Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Total Return and Macro Strategies, Senior Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan L. Serdensky, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the subsequent paragraphs, the investment team discusses the Fund’s performance and the market environment for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund returned 5.31%1, outperforming the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Index, the Fund’s benchmark (“Benchmark”), which returned 2.80% for the same period.

 

What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

For the Reporting Period, the Fund outperformed the Benchmark by 2.51 percentage points. Carry, or earned income, remained a consistent source of relative performance for the Fund. Spreads also added to performance relative the Benchmark. A combination of the Fund’s allocation and selection biases within corporates and the Fund’s allocation to securitized credit drove most of the active performance versus the Benchmark. Duration contributed on a relative basis, largely driven by curve positioning.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

During the Reporting Period, the Fund used interest rate futures, forwards, options, and swaps to help manage duration positioning, foreign exchange risk, credit exposure, and generate incremental income. Over the Reporting Period, interest rate curve caps and interest rate swaps detracted from performance, whereas SOFR futures were incrementally positive (SOFR is Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which measures the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury Securities). Options on equities which functioned as hedges to the Fund’s credit positioning detracted from performance. Performance from credit default swaps was a minor detractor to overall performance. In addition, the Fund hedged non-USD exposure with foreign-exchange derivatives, which were detractors from performance.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

Over the past several quarters the Fund has increasingly prioritized diversification, quality, and liquidity as recession concerns continued to persist. The Fund has steadily moved up-in-quality and more defensively, uniquely, without having to sacrifice yield due to the move higher in interest rates. While spreads for many credit sectors have recovered to long-term-average levels, certain segments remain dislocated and offer attractive relative value. Structured credit spreads are especially cheap, with valuations currently north of the 90th percentile versus current corporate spreads.

 

Structured credit is the largest allocation in the Fund. Spreads continued their rebound, but broadly remain wide, both compared to similarly rated investment-grade corporate credit and in an absolute sense. Furthermore, the lower dollar prices of these assets following the rise in interest rates sets up the potential for higher total return opportunities than typically exists in the asset class. With much of its active buying base largely coming from income-focused accounts, structured credit spreads should continue to compress from the resetting higher of yields and the resulting increased interest that comes with it. Within securitized credit, we continue to focus on opportunities senior in the capital structure with sufficient credit enhancement and often unique structural features that limit cash flow variability or extension concerns. We believe the focus on superior structures will be paramount in helping mitigate mark-to-market risks that could emerge should volatility rise.

 

The corporate credit allocation, which represents roughly 28% of the Fund’s holdings, has increasingly shifted higher quality. About 23% is in investment-grade-rated corporate credit, and 5% is in below-investment-grade rated corporate credit, which are broadly weighted toward BB-rated securities. While in our view, overall corporate credit spreads are trading around fair value levels, there remain both idiosyncratic opportunities and risks across certain issuers and industries given tighter credit conditions across capital markets. Primary market offerings have priced at especially attractive levels as many investors have pulled back from lending activities. The Fund has employed modestly sized credit hedges to protect the portfolio from potential spread widening.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund had a duration of 1.9 years, unchanged versus the end of the previous Reporting Period. Interest rate volatility remains elevated, which has presented the Fund with opportunities to tactically add to positions in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), locking in spreads, both static and option adjusted, that are near 15-year wides. Lastly, the Fund ended the period with 10% in cash and cash equivalents. Elevated yields on short duration products have made it more attractive to hold higher balances of liquidity with the added benefit of giving the Fund dry powder to take advantage of future market opportunities.

 

Despite the quarter ended September 30, 2023 continuing a trend of volatility for fixed income returns, our broader macroeconomic views from a fundamental perspective remain consistent. We continue to expect inflation to moderate with time and view the market’s increasingly optimistic expectations of a soft landing as misguided. Looking further out into the economic future, we believe the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy could ultimately shepherd in a recession in the next 6-18 months, which we believe will likely be met with lower rates. Ultimately, the current path of weakening growth, high prices, and high interest rates appears unsustainable, and we are already starting to see signs of pressure on consumers and levered corporate borrowers, which could call into question any soft-landing narrative.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust and Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II, and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by Guggenheim Investments. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee but that fee is waived by the respective investee fund. For the Reporting Period investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles contributed to Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

1

Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares.

 

The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide a high level of income consistent with preservation of capital.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund.

 

Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1

Rating

% of Total
Investments

Fixed Income Instruments

 

AAA

36.5%

AA

7.4%

A

18.4%

BBB

16.6%

BB

4.6%

B

1.1%

CCC

0.5%

CC

0.3%

NR2

8.9%

Other Instruments

5.7%

Total Investments

100.0%

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

December 16, 2013

C-Class

December 16, 2013

P-Class

May 1, 2015

Institutional Class

December 16, 2013

R6-Class

March 13, 2019

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total
Net Assets

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.75%

4.9%

U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.63%

2.4%

THL Credit Lake Shore MM CLO I Ltd., 7.27%

1.2%

Freddie Mac, 5.00%

1.0%

F&G Global Funding, 0.90%

1.0%

Freddie Mac, 5.50%

0.9%

OSAT Trust, 2.12%

0.9%

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd., 7.12%

0.9%

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series, 1.85%

0.8%

Freddie Mac, 5.00%

0.8%

Top Ten Total

14.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

1

Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter.

2

NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(12/16/13)

A-Class Shares

5.31%

1.51%

1.97%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

2.92%

1.05%

1.73%

C-Class Shares

4.48%

0.76%

1.20%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

3.48%

0.76%

1.20%

Institutional Class Shares

5.53%

1.77%

2.23%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index

2.80%

1.16%

1.00%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/01/15)

P-Class Shares

5.31%

1.51%

1.86%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index

2.80%

1.16%

1.00%

 

 

 

1 Year

Since
Inception
(03/13/19)

R6-Class Shares

 

5.60%

1.80%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index

 

2.80%

0.84%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and R6-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 2.25%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 0.0%

                 

Communications - 0.0%

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    81,407     $ 37,537  
                 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $813,108)

            37,537  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 0.5%

Financial - 0.5%

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.90%

    12,100,000       10,567,515  

MetLife, Inc.

3.85%

    4,620,000       4,273,903  

Markel Group, Inc.

6.00%

    4,085,000       3,943,339  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

5.95%1

    8,000       180,240  

Total Financial

    18,964,997  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

(Cost $20,988,535)

            18,964,997  
                 

WARRANTS - 0.0%

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

               

Expiring 09/16/26

    19,663       4,424  

Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp.

               

Expiring 03/31/262

    28,866       1,732  

Total Warrants

(Cost $69,361)

            6,156  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 2.3%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III3

    1,287,372       31,270,271  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II3

    1,284,978       31,186,426  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class3

    3,124,485       30,463,724  

Total Mutual Funds

(Cost $93,876,872)

            92,920,421  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.0%

Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.23%4

    81,400,025       81,400,025  

Total Money Market Fund

(Cost $81,400,025)

            81,400,025  
                 

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 32.6%

Collateralized Loan Obligations - 21.4%

THL Credit Lake Shore MM CLO I Ltd.

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.27% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 04/15/33◊,5

    48,500,001       47,837,898  

2021-1A A2R, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 04/15/33◊,5

    6,250,000       6,127,636  

BXMT Ltd.

               

2020-FL2 A, 6.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.01%, Rate Floor: 1.01%) due 02/15/38◊,5

    17,124,254       16,273,433  

2020-FL2 AS, 6.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.26%) due 02/15/38◊,5

    14,310,000       13,039,331  

2020-FL3 AS, 7.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 11/15/37◊,5

    4,500,000       4,209,538  

2020-FL3 B, 7.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) due 11/15/37◊,5

    2,000,000       1,786,177  

2020-FL2 B, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.51%) due 02/15/38◊,5

    2,000,000       1,743,011  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd.

               

2021-49A AR, 7.12% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.53%, Rate Floor: 1.53%) due 08/26/33◊,5

    36,500,000       35,833,776  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund IX LLC

               

2021-9A A1R, 7.02% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/18/31◊,5

    30,750,000       30,394,127  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 54M, LP

               

2021-54A A, 7.16% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.79%, Rate Floor: 1.53%) due 08/05/33◊,5

    29,000,000       28,548,963  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd.

               

2021-16A A1R2, 7.22% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.87%, Rate Floor: 1.61%) due 07/25/33◊,5

    27,650,000       27,478,186  

LCCM Trust

               

2021-FL3 A, 6.90% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 11/15/38◊,5

    22,250,000       21,743,036  

2021-FL2 B, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 2.01%) due 12/13/38◊,5

    6,000,000       5,673,966  

Owl Rock CLO IV Ltd.

               

2021-4A A1R, 7.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 08/20/33◊,5

    24,250,000       23,885,976  

2021-4A A2R, 7.54% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 08/20/33◊,5

    3,650,000       3,464,381  

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Parliament CLO II Ltd.

               

2021-2A B, 7.34% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 08/20/32◊,5

    22,250,000     $ 21,540,163  

2021-2A A, 6.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 08/20/32◊,5

    5,166,626       5,107,956  

2021-2A C, 8.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.81%, Rate Floor: 2.55%) due 08/20/32◊,5

    500,000       476,675  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO V Ltd.

               

2021-5A A2R, 7.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 04/20/31◊,5

    15,500,000       15,032,619  

2021-5A A1R, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/20/31◊,5

    11,348,941       11,209,379  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 36M Ltd.

               

2018-36A A, 6.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/31◊,5

    24,964,790       24,815,002  

LCM XXIV Ltd.

               

2021-24A AR, 6.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.24%, Rate Floor: 0.98%) due 03/20/30◊,5

    24,265,413       24,192,617  

Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd.

               

2021-1A A1, 6.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.16%) due 04/20/29◊,5

    9,251,070       9,231,564  

2022-1A A2, 6.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/15/30◊,5

    5,000,000       4,930,987  

2021-3A B, 7.34% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 2.01%) due 07/20/29◊,5

    5,000,000       4,921,315  

2021-2A B, 7.04% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.66%) due 05/20/29◊,5

    4,000,000       3,926,865  

HERA Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 A, 6.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 02/18/38◊,5

    19,627,561       19,047,187  

2021-FL1 B, 7.05% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 02/18/38◊,5

    3,750,000       3,586,137  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 33M Ltd.

               

2021-33A AR2, 7.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.12%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 08/25/33◊,5

    23,000,000       22,088,089  

Madison Park Funding XLVIII Ltd.

               

2021-48A B, 7.03% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.71%, Rate Floor: 1.71%) due 04/19/33◊,5

    22,000,000       21,806,400  

Cerberus Loan Funding XL LLC

               

2023-1A A, 7.71% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 03/22/35◊,5

    16,500,000       16,499,053  

2023-1A B, 8.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.60%, Rate Floor: 3.60%) due 03/22/35◊,5

    3,250,000       3,253,625  

LoanCore Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-CRE5 B, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 07/15/36◊,5

    7,900,000       7,489,830  

2021-CRE4 B, 6.68% (30 Day Average SOFR + 1.36%, Rate Floor: 1.36%) due 07/15/35◊,5

    7,500,000       7,284,844  

2019-CRE2 AS, 6.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 05/15/36◊,5

    4,657,548       4,557,120  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXI, LP

               

2021-1A B, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 04/15/32◊,5

    9,600,000       9,464,474  

2021-1A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 04/15/32◊,5

    9,075,786       9,037,222  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXII, LP

               

2021-2A A, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.88%, Rate Floor: 1.88%) due 04/22/33◊,5

    14,250,000       14,074,806  

2021-2A B, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.16%) due 04/22/33◊,5

    4,000,000       3,875,432  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXX, LP

               

2020-3A A, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 01/15/33◊,5

    18,000,000       17,937,616  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.19% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/20/32◊,5

    15,250,000       15,083,497  

2021-1A BR, 7.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 04/20/32◊,5

    2,250,000       2,177,133  

2021-1A A2R, 7.49% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 04/20/32◊,5

    300,000       297,680  

Woodmont Trust

               

2020-7A A1A, 7.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 01/15/32◊,5

    16,250,000       16,205,106  

CHCP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 A, 6.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 1.05%) due 02/15/38◊,5

    15,895,715       15,762,951  

BRSP Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 C, 7.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 08/19/38◊,5

    10,000,000       9,178,499  

2021-FL1 B, 7.34% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 08/19/38◊,5

    6,400,000       6,077,036  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

ACRES Commercial Realty Ltd.

               

2021-FL1 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.91%) due 06/15/36◊,5

    11,200,000     $ 10,665,665  

2021-FL1 C, 7.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.11%) due 06/15/36◊,5

    4,800,000       4,532,643  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXIII, LP

               

2021-3A A, 7.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.82%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 07/23/33◊,5

    11,500,000       11,326,474  

2021-3A B, 7.42% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 07/23/33◊,5

    2,250,000       2,171,965  

Shackleton CLO Ltd.

               

2017-8A A1R, 6.51% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/27◊,5

    13,228,825       13,207,954  

BDS Ltd.

               

2021-FL8 D, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 01/18/36◊,5

    7,000,000       6,626,696  

2021-FL9 C, 7.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 11/16/38◊,5

    5,000,000       4,769,309  

2020-FL5 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/16/37◊,5

    1,400,000       1,359,244  

Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd.

               

2018-11A A1T, 6.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/31◊,5

    12,238,677       12,168,539  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC

               

2021-1A A1A2, 7.29% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.96%, Rate Floor: 1.96%) due 07/20/33◊,5

    12,250,000       12,144,848  

Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd.

               

2021-9A A2TR, 7.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 10/15/33◊,5

    11,500,000       11,198,964  

Lake Shore MM CLO III LLC

               

2021-2A A1R, 7.05% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.74%, Rate Floor: 1.48%) due 10/17/31◊,5

    11,250,000       11,092,125  

FS Rialto

               

2021-FL3 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 11/16/36◊,5

    7,500,000       7,166,410  

2021-FL2 C, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.16%) due 05/16/38◊,5

    3,250,000       3,055,114  

KREF

               

2021-FL2 B, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 02/15/39◊,5

    10,700,000       9,968,742  

ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO VII, LP

               

2021-7A A1R, 7.05% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.69%, Rate Floor: 1.43%) due 10/20/31◊,5

    9,250,000       9,135,547  

PFP Ltd.

               

2021-7 B, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 04/14/38◊,5

    4,599,770       4,404,395  

2021-7 D, 7.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.51%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 04/14/38◊,5

    4,104,795       3,832,731  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXV, LP

               

2021-5A A, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 09/22/33◊,5

    8,000,000       7,928,090  

GoldenTree Loan Management US CLO 1 Ltd.

               

2021-9A B, 7.09% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 01/20/33◊,5

    7,000,000       6,931,401  

2021-9A C, 7.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 01/20/33◊,5

    1,000,000       977,945  

BCC Middle Market CLO LLC

               

2021-1A A1R, 7.07% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 10/15/33◊,5

    6,750,000       6,663,527  

NewStar Fairfield Fund CLO Ltd.

               

2018-2A A1N, 6.86% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.53%, Rate Floor: 1.27%) due 04/20/30◊,5

    6,086,004       6,031,155  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 40 Ltd.

               

2021-40A B, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 04/16/33◊,5

    6,000,000       5,936,400  

MF1 Multifamily Housing Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-FL6 B, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 07/16/36◊,5

    6,000,000       5,754,902  

Cerberus Loan Funding XLII LLC

               

2023-3A A1, 7.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 2.48%) due 09/13/35◊,5

    5,750,000       5,749,597  

CIFC Funding Ltd.

               

2021-4A A1B2, 6.84% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.51%) due 04/20/34◊,5

    5,000,000       4,964,160  

STWD Ltd.

               

2019-FL1 C, 7.40% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.06%, Rate Floor: 2.06%) due 07/15/38◊,5

    3,200,000       2,947,238  

2021-FL2 B, 7.25% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 04/18/38◊,5

    2,187,000       1,988,388  

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Owl Rock CLO II Ltd.

               

2021-2A ALR, 7.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.55%) due 04/20/33◊,5

    5,000,000     $ 4,916,729  

Fontainbleau Vegas

               

10.98% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.65%, Rate Floor: 5.65%) due 01/31/26◊,†††

    4,777,544       4,777,544  

BSPRT Issuer Ltd.

               

2021-FL6 C, 7.50% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 03/15/36◊,5

    5,000,000       4,633,362  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd.

               

2018-4A A1RR, 6.57% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/15/31◊,5

    4,530,975       4,515,117  

VOYA CLO

               

2021-2A BR, 7.72% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.41%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 06/07/30◊,5

    4,500,000       4,473,236  

ACRE Commercial Mortgage Ltd.

               

2021-FL4 AS, 6.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.21%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 12/18/37◊,5

    4,500,000       4,341,963  

Magnetite XXIX Ltd.

               

2021-29A B, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/15/34◊,5

    4,000,000       3,963,200  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 32 Ltd.

               

2021-32A BR, 6.98% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/20/32◊,5

    4,000,000       3,956,800  

KREF Funding V LLC

               

7.19% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.86%, Rate Floor: 1.86%) due 06/25/26◊,†††

    3,353,399       3,513,980  

0.15% due 06/25/26†††,6

    27,272,727       18,818  

Owl Rock CLO VI Ltd.

               

2021-6A B1, 7.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.01%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 06/21/32◊,5

    3,500,000       3,383,935  

AMMC CLO XIV Ltd.

               

2021-14A A2R2, 7.01% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 07/25/29◊,5

    2,166,281       2,165,415  

Greystone Commercial Real Estate Notes

               

2021-FL3 B, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 07/15/39◊,5

    2,200,000       2,092,909  

Golub Capital Partners CLO 17 Ltd.

               

2017-17A A1R, 7.26% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/30◊,5

    2,014,060       2,005,477  

Cerberus Loan Funding XXXVI, LP

               

2021-6A A, 6.97% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.66%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 11/22/33◊,5

    1,937,055       1,931,306  

HGI CRE CLO Ltd.

               

2021-FL2 B, 6.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.61%) due 09/17/36◊,5

    2,000,000       1,908,872  

Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund

               

2015-37A Q, due 01/15/315,7

    1,500,000       1,098,368  

Carlyle GMS Finance MM CLO LLC

               

2018-1A A12R, 7.35% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.04%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/31◊,5

    250,000       247,939  

Treman Park CLO Ltd.

               

2015-1A COM, due 10/20/285,7

    325,901       3,272  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

               

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/217,8

    500,000       50  

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations

    866,856,774  
                 

Financial - 3.9%

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2023-1, 7.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 03/04/24◊,†††,5

    18,250,000       18,250,000  

2022-1, 7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/12/23◊,†††,5

    16,550,000       16,550,000  

Strategic Partners Fund VIII LP

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 03/10/26◊,†††

    25,520,343       25,388,876  

Station Place Securitization Trust

               

2022-SP1, 7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/12/23◊,†††,5

    16,550,000       16,550,000  

Project Onyx I

               

due 01/26/27◊,†††

    9,750,000       9,750,425  

7.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%,

Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 01/26/27◊,†††

    6,000,000       6,000,261  

KKR Core Holding Company LLC

               

4.00% due 08/12/31†††

    17,807,991       15,396,517  

Madison Avenue Secured Funding Trust

               

2024-1, due 10/15/24

    15,025,000       15,025,000  

HV Eight LLC

               

7.10% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/31/27◊,†††

  EUR 12,400,000       13,114,753  

Station Place Securitization Trust

               

2024-1, due 10/15/24

    7,525,000       7,525,000  

Project Onyx II

               

due 01/26/27◊,†††

    3,250,000       3,249,883  

7.31% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.40%,

Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 01/26/27◊,†††

    1,000,000       999,964  

Ceamer Finance LLC

               

3.69% due 03/24/31†††

    4,126,675       3,828,627  

Lightning A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    3,268,183       2,967,157  

Thunderbird A

               

5.50% due 03/01/37†††

    3,221,333       2,924,336  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Aesf Vi Verdi, LP

               

6.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 11/25/24◊,†††

  EUR 103,023     $ 110,598  

Total Financial

    157,631,397  
                 

Transport-Container - 1.9%

Triton Container Finance VIII LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.86% due 03/20/465

    31,893,750       26,630,124  

Textainer Marine Containers VII Ltd.

               

2021-1A, 1.68% due 02/20/465

    8,964,667       7,559,548  

2020-1A, 2.73% due 08/21/455

    3,818,388       3,468,308  

2020-2A, 2.10% due 09/20/455

    3,552,441       3,114,116  

CLI Funding VI LLC

               

2020-3A, 2.07% due 10/18/455

    12,635,000       10,967,147  

2020-1A, 2.08% due 09/18/455

    1,384,000       1,195,342  

TIF Funding II LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.65% due 02/20/465

    14,457,063       11,966,550  

CLI Funding VIII LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.64% due 02/18/465

    13,738,840       11,732,715  

CAL Funding IV Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 2.22% due 09/25/455

    2,793,750       2,431,766  

Total Transport-Container

    79,065,616  
                 

Net Lease - 1.7%

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series

               

2020-1A, 1.85% due 11/20/505

    38,736,519       34,337,255  

STORE Master Funding I LLC

               

2015-1A, 4.17% due 04/20/455

    10,249,708       9,670,847  

STORE Master Funding LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.86% due 06/20/515

    6,871,812       5,603,178  

CF Hippolyta Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.98% due 03/15/615

    5,748,930       4,921,007  

CARS-DB4, LP

               

2020-1A, 3.19% due 02/15/505

    3,954,167       3,712,677  

2020-1A, 3.25% due 02/15/505

    889,586       726,934  

CMFT Net Lease Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1, 2.91% due 07/20/515

    3,000,000       2,406,536  

2021-1, 2.51% due 07/20/515

    2,500,000       2,031,310  

New Economy Assets Phase 1 Sponsor LLC

               

2021-1, 1.91% due 10/20/615

    2,500,000       2,155,743  

Capital Automotive REIT

               

2020-1A, 3.48% due 02/15/505

    1,977,083       1,734,531  

Total Net Lease

    67,300,018  
                 

Whole Business - 1.3%

Taco Bell Funding LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.95% due 08/25/515

    18,421,875       15,928,806  

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 2.39% due 04/25/515

    11,827,750       9,763,346  

2019-1A, 3.88% due 10/25/495

    6,015,625       5,492,585  

ServiceMaster Funding LLC

               

2020-1, 2.84% due 01/30/515

    8,791,754       7,423,924  

Wingstop Funding LLC

               

2020-1A, 2.84% due 12/05/505

    7,742,100       6,698,341  

Arbys Funding LLC

               

2020-1A, 3.24% due 07/30/505

    7,032,500       6,228,502  

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC

               

2019-1A, 3.67% due 10/25/495

    1,688,750       1,461,169  

Five Guys Funding LLC

               

2017-1A, 4.60% due 07/25/475

    1,428,250       1,402,346  

Total Whole Business

    54,399,019  
                 

Transport-Aircraft - 1.2%

AASET Trust

               

2021-1A, 2.95% due 11/16/415

    13,286,657       11,692,524  

2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/425

    415,438       365,581  

AASET US Ltd.

               

2018-2A, 4.45% due 11/18/385

    9,442,428       8,209,991  

Sapphire Aviation Finance II Ltd.

               

2020-1A, 3.23% due 03/15/405

    5,637,778       4,770,631  

KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd.

               

2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/425

    5,287,981       4,384,265  

Sapphire Aviation Finance I Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/405

    4,700,049       3,917,914  

MAPS Ltd.

               

2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/435

    4,139,653       3,710,661  

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust

               

2021-1A, 3.47% due 01/15/465

    3,694,783       3,408,364  

Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust

               

2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/435

    3,468,553       3,153,552  

Falcon Aerospace Ltd.

               

2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/395

    1,708,566       1,546,305  

2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/425

    537,690       502,611  

Raspro Trust

               

2005-1A, 6.18% (3 Month USD SOFR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/24◊,5

    1,969,886       1,957,196  

Total Transport-Aircraft

    47,619,595  
                 

Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.5%

Anchorage Credit Funding 4 Ltd.

               

2021-4A AR, 2.72% due 04/27/395

    24,650,000       21,290,760  
                 

Single Family Residence - 0.4%

FirstKey Homes Trust

               

2020-SFR2, 4.00% due 10/19/375

    5,050,000       4,654,044  

2020-SFR2, 4.50% due 10/19/375

    4,900,000       4,540,382  

2021-SFR1, 2.19% due 08/17/385

    4,000,000       3,486,439  

2020-SFR2, 3.37% due 10/19/375

    3,200,000       2,924,753  

Total Single Family Residence

    15,605,618  
                 

Infrastructure - 0.3%

VB-S1 Issuer LLC - VBTEL

               

2022-1A, 4.29% due 02/15/525

    9,250,000       8,056,735  

SBA Tower Trust

               

2.84% due 01/15/255

    3,550,000       3,397,849  

Aligned Data Centers Issuer LLC

               

2021-1A, 1.94% due 08/15/465

    2,950,000       2,580,477  

Total Infrastructure

    14,035,061  
                 

Total Asset-Backed Securities

(Cost $1,389,981,066)

    1,323,803,858  

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

CORPORATE BONDS†† - 26.3%

Financial - 14.4%

Athene Global Funding

               

6.00% (SOFR Compounded Index + 0.72%) due 01/07/25◊,5

    30,000,000     $ 29,491,387  

1.99% due 08/19/285

    15,850,000       12,924,881  

1.73% due 10/02/265

    14,700,000       12,811,654  

F&G Global Funding

               

0.90% due 09/20/245

    42,100,000       39,755,008  

1.75% due 06/30/265

    14,250,000       12,580,769  

Societe Generale S.A.

               

1.79% due 06/09/271,5

    28,000,000       24,680,859  

1.48% due 12/14/261,5

    10,500,000       9,374,044  

3.88% due 03/28/245

    350,000       345,603  

GA Global Funding Trust

               

1.95% due 09/15/285

    16,600,000       13,663,238  

2.25% due 01/06/275

    15,000,000       13,144,015  

1.63% due 01/15/265

    7,300,000       6,515,959  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

               

1.63% due 09/23/271,5

    16,750,000       14,632,765  

1.20% due 10/14/251,5

    13,550,000       12,848,364  

Equitable Financial Life Global Funding

               

1.40% due 07/07/255

    15,000,000       13,776,255  

1.80% due 03/08/285

    12,000,000       10,042,371  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA

               

1.34% due 06/24/261,5

    15,000,000       13,802,514  

1.98% due 12/15/271,5

    10,000,000       8,758,538  

Reliance Standard Life Global Funding II

               

2.75% due 05/07/255

    20,850,000       19,603,401  

BNP Paribas S.A.

               

1.32% due 01/13/271,5

    21,350,000       19,119,266  

2.22% due 06/09/261,5

    400,000       373,285  

Pershing Square Holdings Ltd.

               

3.25% due 10/01/31

    25,600,000       18,556,088  

Citizens Bank North America/Providence RI

               

2.25% due 04/28/25

    20,000,000       18,518,069  

Credit Agricole S.A.

               

1.25% due 01/26/271,5

    17,950,000       16,032,521  

1.91% due 06/16/261,5

    400,000       371,848  

Ares Finance Company LLC

               

4.00% due 10/08/245

    14,617,000       14,132,829  

Jackson National Life Global Funding

               

1.75% due 01/12/255

    15,000,000       14,083,903  

FS KKR Capital Corp.

               

4.25% due 02/14/255

    7,600,000       7,276,958  

2.63% due 01/15/27

    7,400,000       6,336,942  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

               

1.47% due 09/22/271

    15,000,000       13,141,295  

Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc.

               

2.88% due 10/15/265

    10,800,000       9,511,452  

3.88% due 03/01/315

    4,100,000       3,269,217  

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

               

1.54% due 06/16/271,5

    14,000,000       12,335,246  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

               

5.00% due 06/15/27

    13,075,000       12,281,327  

Deloitte LLP

               

4.35% due 11/17/23†††

    7,300,000       7,273,658  

3.46% due 05/07/27†††

    4,500,000       4,073,902  

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc.

               

5.50% due 05/01/255

    11,450,000       11,178,142  

CBS Studio Center

               

8.31% (30 Day Average SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/09/24◊,†††

    10,000,000       10,000,000  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

               

4.88% due 09/15/275

    7,360,000       6,788,531  

5.00% due 07/15/285

    3,085,000       2,805,964  

ING Groep N.V.

               

1.73% due 04/01/271

    9,800,000       8,767,966  

BPCE S.A.

               

1.65% due 10/06/261,5

    9,500,000       8,621,540  

Apollo Management Holdings, LP

               

4.40% due 05/27/265

    7,115,000       6,775,327  

4.00% due 05/30/245

    1,846,000       1,818,723  

Corebridge Global Funding

               

5.75% due 07/02/265

    7,250,000       7,162,457  

OneMain Finance Corp.

               

3.50% due 01/15/27

    7,050,000       6,036,562  

6.13% due 03/15/24

    750,000       747,621  

7.13% due 03/15/26

    50,000       48,969  

First American Financial Corp.

               

4.00% due 05/15/30

    7,860,000       6,656,557  

LPL Holdings, Inc.

               

4.00% due 03/15/295

    4,450,000       3,879,787  

4.63% due 11/15/275

    2,000,000       1,847,762  

SBA Communications Corp.

               

3.13% due 02/01/29

    6,500,000       5,421,470  

Belrose Funding Trust

               

2.33% due 08/15/305

    7,100,000       5,290,934  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

               

3.75% due 12/31/245

    5,375,000       5,117,307  

Brighthouse Financial Global Funding

               

6.05% (SOFR + 0.76%) due 04/12/24◊,5

    5,050,000       5,026,164  

SLM Corp.

               

3.13% due 11/02/26

    5,786,000       5,018,740  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

               

4.50% due 12/01/25

    4,420,000       4,201,691  

Essex Portfolio, LP

               

1.70% due 03/01/28

    5,000,000       4,179,867  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp.

               

5.00% due 08/15/285

    4,300,000       3,620,627  

Peachtree Corners Funding Trust

               

3.98% due 02/15/255

    3,450,000       3,330,603  

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.

               

4.85% due 04/17/28

    3,100,000       2,937,627  

Hunt Companies, Inc.

               

5.25% due 04/15/295

    3,250,000       2,552,564  

United Wholesale Mortgage LLC

               

5.50% due 11/15/255

    1,940,000       1,845,285  

5.50% due 04/15/295

    275,000       232,375  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Brookfield Finance, Inc.

               

3.90% due 01/25/28

    1,400,000     $ 1,289,474  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

               

5.25% due 05/30/25

    1,200,000       1,175,949  

Trinity Acquisition plc

               

4.40% due 03/15/26

    881,000       845,867  

Newmark Group, Inc.

               

6.13% due 11/15/23

    775,000       773,450  

Old Republic International Corp.

               

3.88% due 08/26/26

    700,000       661,013  

Equinix, Inc.

               

1.55% due 03/15/28

    700,000       583,372  

Assurant, Inc.

               

4.90% due 03/27/28

    350,000       334,455  

Morgan Stanley

               

3.77% due 01/24/291

    361,000       329,179  

Total Financial

    583,343,352  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 3.2%

Triton Container International Ltd.

               

1.15% due 06/07/245

    26,000,000       25,020,573  

2.05% due 04/15/265

    1,800,000       1,603,608  

Global Payments, Inc.

               

2.90% due 05/15/30

    31,000,000       25,414,624  

CoStar Group, Inc.

               

2.80% due 07/15/305

    15,280,000       12,311,757  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

               

1.55% due 06/01/26

    13,700,000       12,272,131  

Element Fleet Management Corp.

               

1.60% due 04/06/245

    10,250,000       10,004,047  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.

               

2.88% due 07/15/265

    10,280,000       9,275,328  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc.

               

3.38% due 08/31/275

    10,526,000       9,221,801  

Block, Inc.

               

2.75% due 06/01/26

    7,600,000       6,835,425  

BAT Capital Corp.

               

4.70% due 04/02/27

    4,220,000       4,040,435  

3.56% due 08/15/27

    527,000       482,148  

Royalty Pharma plc

               

1.75% due 09/02/27

    5,150,000       4,394,151  

JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS USA Finance, Inc.

               

5.13% due 02/01/28

    4,306,000       4,097,601  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

               

4.38% due 06/15/285

    1,115,000       999,094  

Avantor Funding, Inc.

               

4.63% due 07/15/285

    1,050,000       957,263  

US Foods, Inc.

               

4.75% due 02/15/295

    1,011,000       903,599  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.

               

3.13% due 02/15/295

    1,050,000       861,205  

IQVIA, Inc.

               

5.00% due 05/15/275

    850,000       801,191  

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

               

4.25% due 02/01/275

    350,000       323,552  

Performance Food Group, Inc.

               

5.50% due 10/15/275

    100,000       94,744  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    129,914,277  
                 

Industrial - 2.9%

Berry Global, Inc.

               

1.57% due 01/15/26

    11,750,000       10,621,226  

4.88% due 07/15/265

    5,165,000       4,943,783  

Sealed Air Corp.

               

1.57% due 10/15/265

    16,450,000       14,320,031  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

               

1.25% due 08/09/24

    14,400,000       13,756,814  

GXO Logistics, Inc.

               

1.65% due 07/15/26

    15,000,000       13,180,195  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

               

1.40% due 04/01/265

    12,600,000       11,176,272  

Boeing Co.

               

2.20% due 02/04/26

    10,450,000       9,595,018  

Vontier Corp.

               

1.80% due 04/01/26

    7,050,000       6,314,551  

2.40% due 04/01/28

    3,900,000       3,246,633  

Graphic Packaging International LLC

               

1.51% due 04/15/265

    6,500,000       5,790,388  

Penske Truck Leasing Company LP / PTL Finance Corp.

               

4.45% due 01/29/265

    5,475,000       5,244,659  

4.20% due 04/01/275

    500,000       465,498  

Stericycle, Inc.

               

5.38% due 07/15/245

    3,925,000       3,874,344  

IP Lending V Ltd.

               

5.13% due 04/02/26 †††,5

    3,900,000       3,627,000  

Jabil, Inc.

               

1.70% due 04/15/26

    3,800,000       3,413,644  

GATX Corp.

               

3.85% due 03/30/27

    2,900,000       2,689,959  

3.50% due 03/15/28

    200,000       179,571  

Standard Industries, Inc.

               

4.75% due 01/15/285

    2,671,000       2,409,213  

Weir Group plc

               

2.20% due 05/13/265

    2,610,000       2,345,363  

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

               

4.00% due 06/15/295

    1,180,000       1,027,669  

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.

               

6.00% due 02/01/265

    800,000       760,968  

Amsted Industries, Inc.

               

4.63% due 05/15/305

    350,000       296,359  

5.63% due 07/01/275

    100,000       94,251  

Summit Materials LLC / Summit Materials Finance Corp.

               

5.25% due 01/15/295

    275,000       249,698  

6.50% due 03/15/275

    75,000       73,225  

Enviri Corp.

               

5.75% due 07/31/275

    125,000       109,941  

Total Industrial

    119,806,273  
                 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Technology - 1.5%

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

               

2.67% due 12/01/26

    22,350,000       20,157,580  

3.25% due 02/15/29

    810,000       690,679  

Infor, Inc.

               

1.75% due 07/15/255

    13,800,000       12,688,411  

Qorvo, Inc.

               

1.75% due 12/15/245

    10,600,000       9,959,423  

3.38% due 04/01/315

    1,200,000       950,479  

4.38% due 10/15/29

    963,000       846,898  

NetApp, Inc.

               

2.38% due 06/22/27

    12,800,000       11,429,715  

NCR Corp.

               

5.13% due 04/15/295

    2,850,000       2,511,017  

Twilio, Inc.

               

3.63% due 03/15/29

    994,000       832,121  

MSCI, Inc.

               

3.88% due 02/15/315

    379,000       321,091  

Total Technology

    60,387,414  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 1.3%

Alt-2 Structured Trust

               

2.95% (0 - —%) due 05/14/31◊,†††

    9,998,811       8,731,858  

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.

               

6.41% due 03/15/26

    8,050,000       8,048,653  

Delta Air Lines Inc. / SkyMiles IP Ltd.

               

4.50% due 10/20/255

    7,502,000       7,286,680  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

               

3.70% due 01/15/31

    7,350,000       6,120,962  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

               

7.00% due 05/01/255

    4,300,000       4,346,681  

Hyatt Hotels Corp.

               

5.75% due 04/23/30

    4,320,000       4,188,020  

American Airlines Class AA Pass Through Trust

               

3.35% due 10/15/29

    2,552,861       2,272,997  

3.00% due 10/15/28

    1,568,907       1,403,723  

Newell Brands, Inc.

               

6.38% due 09/15/27

    1,548,000       1,476,765  

4.70% due 04/01/26

    1,552,000       1,462,594  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC / Mileage Plus Intellectual Property Assets Ltd.

               

6.50% due 06/20/275

    2,512,500       2,489,389  

Suburban Propane Partners Limited Partnership/Suburban Energy Finance Corp.

               

5.88% due 03/01/27

    2,300,000       2,196,500  

Air Canada

               

3.88% due 08/15/265

    2,350,000       2,132,762  

1011778 BC ULC / New Red Finance, Inc.

               

5.75% due 04/15/255

    700,000       694,632  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

               

4.00% due 04/15/295

    375,000       312,975  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    53,165,191  
                 

Utilities - 1.0%

Alexander Funding Trust

               

1.84% due 11/15/235

    19,050,000       18,924,062  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

               

5.99% (SOFR Compounded Index + 0.65%) due 05/13/24

    10,400,000       10,398,088  

Terraform Global Operating, LP

               

6.13% due 03/01/265

    6,170,000       6,054,313  

AES Corp.

               

3.30% due 07/15/255

    4,250,000       4,025,499  

Total Utilities

    39,401,962  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.9%

Anglo American Capital plc

               

2.25% due 03/17/285

    14,000,000       11,948,353  

4.00% due 09/11/275

    750,000       700,249  

5.38% due 04/01/255

    600,000       591,952  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

               

4.63% due 03/01/285

    9,643,000       8,420,171  

Valvoline, Inc.

               

3.63% due 06/15/315

    7,434,000       5,759,514  

4.25% due 02/15/305

    125,000       122,752  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

               

1.23% due 10/01/255

    4,130,000       3,702,124  

Alcoa Nederland Holding BV

               

5.50% due 12/15/275

    3,675,000       3,490,860  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

               

6.38% due 07/15/28

    1,145,000       1,104,312  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

               

5.00% due 07/01/285

    140,000       128,408  

Total Basic Materials

    35,968,695  
                 

Communications - 0.8%

Rogers Communications, Inc.

               

2.95% due 03/15/25

    14,400,000       13,733,571  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

               

3.63% due 01/15/295

    5,070,000       2,839,200  

4.25% due 07/01/285

    2,277,000       1,418,647  

3.75% due 07/15/295

    2,150,000       1,201,747  

Paramount Global

               

4.75% due 05/15/25

    3,590,000       3,491,732  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

               

2.63% due 04/15/26

    3,200,000       2,959,469  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital

               

2.80% due 04/01/31

    3,250,000       2,534,535  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

               

3.50% due 05/01/265

    2,680,000       2,475,516  

Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes IV DAC

               

5.00% due 07/15/285

    1,850,000       1,596,402  

TripAdvisor, Inc.

               

7.00% due 07/15/255

    400,000       399,240  

CSC Holdings LLC

               

4.13% due 12/01/305

    250,000       176,928  

AMC Networks, Inc.

               

4.25% due 02/15/29

    225,000       138,059  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Match Group Holdings II LLC

               

4.63% due 06/01/285

    75,000     $ 67,239  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.

               

3.88% due 09/01/315

    75,000       56,810  

Total Communications

    33,089,095  
                 

Energy - 0.3%

BP Capital Markets plc

               

4.88% 1,9

    7,500,000       6,700,675  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

               

5.50% due 12/01/25

    5,000,000       4,934,615  

Gulfstream Natural Gas System LLC

               

4.60% due 09/15/255

    400,000       385,539  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

               

5.00% due 03/15/27

    300,000       291,035  

Parkland Corp.

               

5.88% due 07/15/275

    80,000       76,128  

Total Energy

    12,387,992  
                 

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $1,184,224,559)

    1,067,464,251  
                 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 20.4%

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - 12.4%

CSMC Trust

               

2021-RPL1, 1.67% (WAC) due 09/27/60◊,5

    27,434,837       25,252,942  

2021-RPL7, 1.93% (WAC) due 07/27/61◊,5

    12,437,270       11,382,378  

2020-RPL5, 3.02% (WAC) due 08/25/60◊,5

    11,400,049       11,192,014  

2021-RPL4, 1.80% (WAC) due 12/27/60◊,5

    7,705,935       7,174,292  

2018-RPL9, 3.85% (WAC) due 09/25/57◊,5

    4,640,171       4,411,944  

2020-NQM1, 1.41% due 05/25/655,10

    2,131,720       1,896,075  

PRPM LLC

               

2021-5, 1.79% due 06/25/265,10

    20,772,529       19,159,407  

2022-1, 3.72% due 02/25/275,10

    19,017,697       18,203,475  

2021-8, 1.74% (WAC) due 09/25/26◊,5

    9,458,212       8,672,746  

2023-1, 6.88% (WAC) due 02/25/28◊,5

    4,175,818       4,163,421  

2021-RPL2, 2.49% (WAC) due 10/25/51◊,5

    2,500,000       1,907,471  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust

               

2021-GS3, 1.75% due 07/25/615,10

    20,941,823       19,503,097  

2021-GS4, 1.65% due 11/25/605,10

    17,918,264       16,219,755  

2021-GS2, 1.75% due 04/25/615,10

    7,650,649       7,066,543  

2021-GS5, 2.25% due 07/25/675,10

    4,871,672       4,495,335  

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust

               

2021-C, 1.62% due 03/01/615,10

    21,279,934       18,706,241  

2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/705,10

    17,598,452       15,768,639  

2021-HE2, 6.17% (30 Day Average SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/69◊,5

    2,225,679       2,189,412  

2021-HE2, 6.37% (30 Day Average SOFR + 1.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/69◊,5

    2,043,782       2,014,447  

2021-HE1, 6.27% (30 Day Average SOFR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/70◊,5

    1,791,283       1,772,754  

2021-HE1, 6.17% (30 Day Average SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/70◊,5

    1,344,982       1,333,392  

NYMT Loan Trust

               

2021-SP1, 1.67% due 08/25/615,10

    34,420,304       31,185,415  

2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/625,10

    9,626,850       9,287,132  

OSAT Trust

               

2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/655,10

    40,986,370       37,568,496  

Verus Securitization Trust

               

2021-4, 1.35% (WAC) due 07/25/66◊,5

    6,306,890       4,752,666  

2021-5, 1.37% (WAC) due 09/25/66◊,5

    5,943,789       4,674,101  

2020-5, 1.58% due 05/25/655,10

    4,523,933       4,150,524  

2021-3, 1.44% (WAC) due 06/25/66◊,5

    3,615,614       2,981,272  

2021-6, 1.89% (WAC) due 10/25/66◊,5

    2,817,612       2,236,650  

2019-4, 2.64% due 11/25/595,10

    1,373,925       1,308,043  

2020-1, 2.42% due 01/25/605,10

    741,848       698,734  

Towd Point Revolving Trust

               

, 4.83% due 09/25/648

    18,500,000       17,986,625  

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

               

2023-1, 8.81% (SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/01/28◊,5

    10,796,779       10,789,401  

2021-1, 8.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/01/26◊,8

    6,824,430       6,698,014  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

               

2017-6, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/57◊,5

    6,698,551       6,354,557  

2018-2, 3.25% (WAC) due 03/25/58◊,5

    3,492,745       3,336,474  

2017-5, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/25/57◊,5

    1,883,013       1,890,553  

2018-1, 3.00% (WAC) due 01/25/58◊,5

    429,371       408,853  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/625,10

    11,701,048       11,597,489  

Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2008-BC4, 6.06% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.74%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 11/25/37

    10,829,041       10,253,831  

2006-BC4, 5.77% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 12/25/36

    494,911       471,125  

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust

               

2022-NQM2, 4.02% (WAC) due 03/25/67◊,5

    11,994,395       10,526,328  

Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2007-FRE1, 5.62% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/37

    10,253,398       9,485,993  

Soundview Home Loan Trust

               

2006-OPT5, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 07/25/36

    8,142,298       7,639,153  

2005-OPT3, 6.14% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.71%) due 11/25/35

    1,148,489       1,116,013  

CFMT LLC

               

2021-HB5, 1.37% (WAC) due 02/25/31◊,5

    6,950,000       6,578,545  

2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/37◊,8

    2,084,148       1,865,144  

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2018-2A, 3.50% (WAC) due 02/25/58◊,5

    5,422,393     $ 4,906,197  

2018-1A, 4.00% (WAC) due 12/25/57◊,5

    1,702,102       1,580,643  

2019-6A, 3.50% (WAC) due 09/25/59◊,5

    1,336,547       1,195,619  

2017-5A, 6.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.61%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 06/25/57◊,5

    501,555       498,289  

CSMC

               

2021-NQM8, 2.41% (WAC) due 10/25/66◊,5

    7,854,666       6,211,877  

NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust Series

               

2007-2, 5.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.00%/0.20%) due 09/25/37

    5,918,963       5,691,043  

Alternative Loan Trust

               

2007-OA7, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 05/25/47

    4,308,602       3,602,005  

2007-OH3, 6.01% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.69%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.00%/0.58%) due 09/25/47

    2,114,584       1,834,694  

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

               

2018-RM2, 4.00% (WAC) due 10/25/68◊,8

    4,395,049       4,332,785  

2019-RM3, 2.80% (WAC) due 06/25/69◊,8

    900,029       872,863  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust

               

2007-HE3, 5.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 12/25/36

    4,560,443       2,189,133  

2007-HE3, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 12/25/36

    3,267,101       1,568,331  

2007-HE5, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 03/25/37

    1,579,834       663,872  

2006-NC1, 6.00% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.68%, Rate Floor: 0.57%) due 12/25/35

    305,288       299,325  

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust

               

2006-3, 5.79% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.50%/0.36%) due 12/25/46

    5,388,873       4,281,082  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates

               

2021-RPL9, 2.44% (WAC) due 02/25/61◊,5

    4,128,675       3,760,183  

SPS Servicer Advance Receivables Trust

               

2020-T2, 1.83% due 11/15/555

    3,750,000       3,378,218  

Banc of America Funding Trust

               

2015-R2, 5.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 04/29/37◊,5

    3,274,314       3,209,266  

HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-14, 5.74% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 01/25/47

    1,892,692       1,668,099  

2006-12, 5.82% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 01/19/38

    1,566,027       1,356,191  

Bear Stearns Asset-Backed Securities I Trust

               

2006-HE9, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 11/25/36

    3,056,870       2,956,574  

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC Trust

               

2007-HE1, 5.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 12/25/36

    12,956,598       2,859,053  

IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust

               

2006-HE1, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 03/25/36

    4,746,159       2,459,057  

Asset-Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series AEG

               

2006-HE1, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 01/25/36

    2,567,973       2,424,536  

Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust

               

2021-2, 1.29% (WAC) due 06/25/66◊,5

    2,057,823       1,589,022  

2020-2, 1.64% (WAC) due 10/25/65◊,5

    938,896       835,418  

Argent Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series

               

2005-W2, 6.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.74%) due 10/25/35

    2,395,236       2,313,845  

OBX Trust

               

2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/625,10

    2,197,065       2,183,932  

First NLC Trust

               

2005-4, 6.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.89%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.78%) due 02/25/36

    2,223,075       2,129,476  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust

               

2021-6, 1.71% (WAC) due 09/25/66◊,5

    2,618,679       2,026,949  

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust

               

2020-NQM1, 1.38% (WAC) due 09/27/60◊,5

    2,101,334       1,872,039  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

               

2006-WF1, 4.96% due 03/25/36

    3,519,369       1,720,641  

SG Residential Mortgage Trust

               

2022-1, 3.68% (WAC) due 03/27/62◊,5

    1,847,360       1,576,430  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2023-CES1

               

2023-CES1, 6.75% (WAC) due 07/25/63◊,5

    1,437,632       1,431,254  

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust

               

2006-3, 5.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.41%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 06/25/36

    1,439,746       1,368,516  

2005-2, 6.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.74%) due 03/25/35

    25,720       25,586  

Morgan Stanley IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust

               

2006-2, 5.58% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 11/25/36

    3,799,537       1,303,853  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC

               

2006-CB2, 5.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 12/25/36

    1,353,473     $ 1,253,083  

GSAA Home Equity Trust

               

2006-3, 6.03% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.71%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 03/25/36

    2,256,456       1,185,830  

Morgan Stanley Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2006-2, 5.99% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.67%, Rate Floor: 0.56%) due 02/25/36

    1,184,772       1,162,837  

Lehman XS Trust Series

               

2006-16N, 5.81% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 11/25/46

    1,240,640       1,047,478  

ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series

               

2005-HE2, 6.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.13%, Rate Floor: 1.02%) due 04/25/35

    885,560       841,260  

COLT Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2021-2, 2.38% (WAC) due 08/25/66◊,5

    1,500,000       820,854  

MFRA Trust

               

2021-INV1, 1.26% (WAC) due 01/25/56◊,5

    842,347       736,601  

Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust

               

2007-B, 5.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 04/25/37

    741,487       733,413  

Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2020-1, 2.38% (WAC) due 01/26/60◊,5

    773,571       731,390  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Incorporated Trust

               

2006-HE1, 6.01% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.69%, Rate Floor: 0.58%) due 01/25/36

    671,089       636,926  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2006-8, 5.75% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 09/25/36

    2,338,134       634,476  

CIT Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2007-1, 6.78% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.46%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 10/25/37◊,5

    408,789       407,927  

Park Place Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series

               

2005-WHQ3, 6.38% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.06%, Rate Floor: 0.95%) due 06/25/35

    410,535       406,642  

Nomura Resecuritization Trust

               

2015-4R, 2.73% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.54%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/36◊,5

    368,749       340,134  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust

               

2004-FF10, 6.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.39%, Rate Floor: 1.28%) due 07/25/34

    341,991       328,789  

Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust

               

2020-1, 2.28% (WAC) due 02/25/50◊,5

    290,915       264,812  

UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract

               

1997-2, 7.38% due 10/15/28

    55,367       54,709  

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

               

2010-R5, 3.47% due 06/26/3610

    45,150       40,927  

CSMC Series

               

2014-2R, 3.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/27/46◊,5

    13,938       13,826  

Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

    504,144,721  
                 

Government Agency - 5.9%

Freddie Mac

               

5.00% due 06/01/38

    41,705,764       40,653,610  

5.50% due 02/01/53

    39,105,065       37,888,088  

5.00% due 05/01/38

    33,369,229       32,527,390  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    20,423,263       19,305,208  

5.00% due 02/01/53

    18,467,748       17,454,209  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    7,672,558       7,246,514  

Fannie Mae

               

5.00% due 06/01/38

    30,378,415       29,612,028  

5.00% due 05/01/38

    13,629,256       13,285,417  

5.00% due 08/01/53

    7,965,169       7,517,660  

5.00% due 09/01/52

    2,930,955       2,768,431  

5.00% due 06/01/53

    2,662,421       2,514,006  

Ginnie Mae

               

6.00% due 09/20/45†††

    20,900,000       20,795,628  

6.00% due 06/20/47†††

    3,100,000       3,102,174  

Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust

               

2.00% due 05/25/60

    3,227,905       2,452,423  

2.00% due 11/25/59

    1,855,823       1,407,502  

Fannie Mae-Aces

               

1.59% (WAC) due 03/25/35◊,6

    6,024,592       594,464  

Total Government Agency

    239,124,752  
                 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities - 2.1%

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2021-VOLT, 7.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.76%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 09/15/36◊,5

    25,000,000       23,846,652  

2022-LP2, 6.89% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 1.56%) due 02/15/39◊,5

    13,204,132       12,723,358  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2021-NYAH, 6.99% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 1.54%) due 06/15/38◊,5

    10,200,000       8,970,550  

2016-JP2, 1.94% (WAC) due 08/15/49◊,6

    30,418,558       1,119,397  

MHP

               

2022-MHIL, 6.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.26%, Rate Floor: 1.26%) due 01/15/27◊,5

    7,773,268       7,519,718  

BXHPP Trust

               

2021-FILM, 6.55% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.21%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 08/15/36◊,5

    8,250,000       7,441,895  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

Life Mortgage Trust

               

2021-BMR, 6.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.51%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 03/15/38◊,5

    6,880,791     $ 6,656,039  

Extended Stay America Trust

               

2021-ESH, 7.15% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.81%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 07/15/38◊,5

    3,801,950       3,745,115  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C38, 1.09% (WAC) due 07/15/50◊,6

    22,066,047       572,486  

2016-C37, 0.95% (WAC) due 12/15/49◊,6

    26,321,483       468,959  

2017-C42, 1.01% (WAC) due 12/15/50◊,6

    14,304,298       415,624  

2017-RB1, 1.35% (WAC) due 03/15/50◊,6

    7,942,639       241,938  

2015-LC22, 0.90% (WAC) due 09/15/58◊,6

    18,414,889       210,447  

2016-NXS5, 1.57% (WAC) due 01/15/59◊,6

    4,551,464       117,907  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2018-C8, 0.77% (WAC) due 06/15/51◊,6

    30,564,816       596,277  

2016-C4, 0.86% (WAC) due 12/15/49◊,6

    33,144,591       583,000  

2016-C2, 1.63% (WAC) due 06/15/49◊,6

    6,238,287       175,595  

2017-C5, 1.04% (WAC) due 03/15/50◊,6

    3,070,880       65,653  

BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust

               

2018-B2, 0.60% (WAC) due 02/15/51◊,6

    93,844,677       1,323,266  

DBJPM Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C6, 1.05% (WAC) due 06/10/50◊,6

    50,799,553       1,213,388  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-BNK3, 1.16% (WAC) due 02/15/50◊,6

    29,028,887       774,154  

2016-UB10, 1.89% (WAC) due 07/15/49◊,6

    10,113,741       322,988  

COMM Mortgage Trust

               

2018-COR3, 0.57% (WAC) due 05/10/51◊,6

    35,097,572       575,369  

2015-CR24, 0.83% (WAC) due 08/10/48◊,6

    51,459,452       497,603  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-C2, 1.22% (WAC) due 08/15/50◊,6

    21,994,508       699,977  

2017-C5, 1.22% (WAC) due 11/15/50◊,6

    10,786,278       294,345  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2019-C15, 1.19% (WAC) due 03/15/52◊,6

    19,285,526       725,005  

2016-C6, 2.02% (WAC) due 01/15/49◊,6

    6,000,908       209,859  

BBCMS Mortgage Trust

               

2018-C2, 0.92% (WAC) due 12/15/51◊,6

    29,298,312       876,937  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

               

2017-C34, 0.91% (WAC) due 11/15/52◊,6

    23,038,962       523,761  

2015-C27, 1.01% (WAC) due 12/15/47◊,6

    28,527,061       335,647  

CGMS Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-B1, 0.87% (WAC) due 08/15/50◊,6

    19,690,399       452,909  

CD Mortgage Trust

               

2017-CD6, 1.02% (WAC) due 11/13/50◊,6

    12,647,526       291,899  

2016-CD1, 1.50% (WAC) due 08/10/49◊,6

    5,702,432       155,299  

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2017-CD4, 1.38% (WAC) due 05/10/50◊,6

    13,459,464       443,041  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2017-GS6, 1.16% (WAC) due 05/10/50◊,6

    11,037,110       324,345  

BANK

               

2017-BNK6, 0.91% (WAC) due 07/15/60◊,6

    13,494,094       293,711  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

               

2016-C2, 1.81% (WAC) due 08/10/49◊,6

    5,964,261       205,338  

2016-GC37, 1.82% (WAC) due 04/10/49◊,6

    2,812,757       85,250  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

               

2013-C17, 0.78% (WAC) due 01/15/47◊,6

    11,107,145       706  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    86,095,407  
                 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

(Cost $892,853,973)

    829,364,880  
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 7.7%

U.S. Treasury Notes

4.75% due 07/31/25

    200,000,000       198,671,876  

4.63% due 06/30/25

    100,000,000       99,144,531  

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds

1.25% due 04/15/2813

    10,496,524       9,982,666  

1.38% due 07/15/3313

    5,203,450       4,811,057  

Total U.S. Government Securities

(Cost $314,181,821)

            312,610,130  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 4.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

5.20% due 10/02/2311

    188,722,000       188,694,740  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

(Cost $188,694,740)

            188,694,740  
                 

SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ - 2.5%

Technology - 0.6%

RLDatix

               

9.53% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25†††

    13,798,857       13,540,818  

Dun & Bradstreet

               

8.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/18/29

    8,471,000       8,445,587  

Upland Software, Inc.

               

9.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 08/06/26

    500,225       477,714  

Emerald TopCo, Inc. (Press Ganey)

               

9.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/24/26

    191,206       183,606  

Total Technology

    22,647,725  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.4%

Trinseo Materials Operating S.C.A.

               

7.93% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 05/03/28

    10,850,250       9,080,900  

INEOS Ltd.

               

6.61% (1 Month EURIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 01/29/26

  EUR 8,100,000       8,425,901  

Total Basic Materials

    17,506,801  
                 

Industrial - 0.4%

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC

               

10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27

    7,091,625       7,358,341  

Harsco Corporation

               

7.68% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 03/10/28

    3,910,000       3,855,025  

Ravago Holdings America, Inc.

               

8.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 03/04/28

    1,950,000       1,911,000  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount
~

   

Value

 

CPM Holdings, Inc.

               

8.94% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 11/17/25

    1,490,600     $ 1,485,011  

Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 01/31/30

    723,515       710,253  

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 08/21/25

    70,924       70,765  

Total Industrial

    15,390,395  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.4%

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

               

7.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 05/24/27

    4,093,448       4,064,467  

Women’s Care Holdings, Inc.

               

10.05% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/17/28

    4,548,561       4,025,477  

Sigma Holding BV (Flora Food)

               

7.41% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/02/25

  EUR 2,786,074       2,934,378  

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC

               

9.58% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 05/23/25

    2,041,071       1,779,569  

DaVita, Inc.

               

7.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.75%) due 08/12/26

    686,042       677,041  

Froneri US, Inc.

               

7.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 01/29/27

    435,375       431,761  

Pearl Intermediate Parent LLC

               

8.17% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 02/14/25

    388,691       386,141  

Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc.

               

9.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 10/24/25

    380,721       378,273  

EyeCare Partners LLC

               

9.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/18/27

    486,250       339,403  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    15,016,510  
                 

Communications - 0.3%

Playtika Holding Corp.

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 03/13/28

    10,361,500       10,342,124  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

               

8.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/09/27

    1,500,000       1,221,465  

Altice US Finance I Corp.

               

7.70% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 01/15/26

    453,759       437,650  

Ziggo Financing Partnership

               

7.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 04/28/28

    400,000       390,332  

Virgin Media Bristol LLC

               

7.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 01/31/28

    200,000       194,026  

Total Communications

    12,585,597  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.3%

Amaya Holdings BV

               

6.36% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 07/21/26

  EUR 4,500,000       4,756,429  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

               

8.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/17/28

    2,109,698       2,101,133  

Pacific Bells LLC

               

10.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/28

    1,564,598       1,542,600  

Entain Holdings (Gibraltar) Ltd.

               

7.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 03/29/27

    1,466,250       1,462,320  

New Trojan Parent, Inc.

               

8.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 01/06/28

    2,688,125       1,402,314  

Packers Holdings LLC

               

8.67% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/09/28

    1,689,954       997,073  

Samsonite IP Holdings SARL

               

8.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 06/21/30

    175,527       175,638  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    12,437,507  
                 

Energy - 0.1%

ITT Holdings LLC

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 07/10/28

    2,891,000       2,883,165  

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC

               

8.04% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.63%, Rate Floor: 2.63%) due 08/19/26

    444,419       440,344  

Total Energy

    3,323,509  
                 

Financial - 0.0%

Jane Street Group LLC

               

8.18% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 2.75%) due 01/26/28

    1,940,768       1,933,490  

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests

(Cost $108,331,357)

    100,841,534  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.0%

U.S. Treasury Bills

5.27% due 10/03/2311

    20,784,000       20,780,962  

5.28% due 10/17/2311

    14,835,000       14,802,409  

5.28% due 10/10/2311

    3,915,000       3,910,424  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

(Cost $39,487,974)

            39,493,795  
                 

MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 0.1%

California - 0.1%

California Public Finance Authority Revenue Bonds

               

1.55% due 10/15/26

    3,145,000       2,747,368  

Total Municipal Bonds

(Cost $3,145,000)

    2,747,368  
                 

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Notional
Value

   

Value

 

OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0%

Call Options on:

Interest Rate Options

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

  $ 120,100,000     $ 240,471  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    119,000,000       238,269  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    59,950,000       120,035  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10

    48,900,000       97,911  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.10

    120,100,000       75,256  

Barclays Bank plc 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

    120,000,000       75,193  

Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

    58,950,000       36,939  

Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20

    48,900,000       30,641  

Total Interest Rate Options

    914,715  
                 

Total OTC Options Purchased

(Cost $2,968,935)

            914,715  
                 

Total Investments - 100.1%

(Cost $4,321,017,326)

    4,059,264,407  
                 

OTC INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN††12 - 0.0%

Put Swaptions on:

Interest Rate Swaptions

Barclays Bank plc 5-Year Interest Rate Swap Expiring October 2023 with exercise rate of 3.93% (Notional Value $64,550,000)

    64,550,000       (1,288,794 )

Total OTC Interest Rate Swaptions Written (Premiums Received $445,395)

    (1,288,794 )
                 

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)%

    (3,287,943 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 4,054,687,670  

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

Protection
Premium Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

ICE

ITRAXX. EUR.38.V1

1.00%

Quarterly

    12/20/27     $ 24,500,000     $ (341,538 )   $ (191,247 )   $ (150,291 )

BofA Securities, Inc.

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1

5.00%

Quarterly

    06/20/28       40,800,000       (639,493 )     169,403       (808,896 )
                                  $ (981,031 )   $ (21,844 )   $ (959,187 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements††

Counterparty

Exchange

Floating
Rate
Type

Floating
Rate Index

 

Fixed
Rate

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

4.68%

Annually

06/29/25

  $ 197,000,000     $ (1,418,445 )   $ 690     $ (1,419,135 )

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

3.40%

Annually

04/04/28

    52,000,000       (2,136,639 )     480       (2,137,119 )

BofA Securities, Inc.

CME

Pay

U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate

3.79%

Annually

10/03/27

    106,500,000       (2,632,083 )     (33,310 )     (2,598,773 )
                                          $ (6,187,167 )   $ (32,140 )   $ (6,155,027 )

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts††

Counterparty

 

Currency

   

Type

   

Quantity

   

Contract
Amount

   

Settlement
Date

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Barclays Bank plc

    EUR       Sell       29,447,000  

31,666,950 USD

    10/16/23     $ 511,868  

 

OTC Interest Rate Swaptions Written12

               

Counterparty/Description

 

Floating
Rate
Type

   

Floating
Rate
Index

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Fixed
Rate

   

Expiration
Date

   

Exercise
Rate

   

Swaption
Notional
Amount

   

Swaption
Value

 

Put

                                                               

Barclays Bank plc 5-Year Interest Rate Swap

Pay

SOFR

Annual

    3.93 %     10/16/23       3.93 %   $ 64,550,000     $ (1,288,794 )

 

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

~

The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted. — See Note 4.

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

1

Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date.

2

Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

3

Affiliated issuer.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2023.

5

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $2,381,647,236 (cost $2,566,633,440), or 58.7% of total net assets.

6

Security is an interest-only strip.

7

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

8

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $31,755,481 (cost $32,549,805), or 0.8% of total net assets — See Note 9.

9

Perpetual maturity.

10

Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2023. See table below for additional step information for each security.

11

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

12

Swaptions — See additional disclosure in the swaptions table above for more information on swaptions.

13

Face amount of security is adjusted for inflation.

 

BofA — Bank of America

 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 40 Index Version 1

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

 

CMS — Constant Maturity Swap

 

EUR — Euro

 

EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1 — iTraxx Europe Series 38 Index Version 1

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REMIC — Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SARL — Société à Responsabilité Limitée

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

WAC — Weighted Average Coupon

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 37,537     $     $     $ 37,537  

Preferred Stocks

          18,964,997             18,964,997  

Warrants

    6,156                   6,156  

Mutual Funds

    92,920,421                   92,920,421  

Money Market Fund

    81,400,025                   81,400,025  

Asset-Backed Securities

          1,180,412,119       143,391,739       1,323,803,858  

Corporate Bonds

          1,033,757,833       33,706,418       1,067,464,251  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

          805,467,078       23,897,802       829,364,880  

U.S. Government Securities

          312,610,130             312,610,130  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          188,694,740             188,694,740  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

          87,300,716       13,540,818       100,841,534  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          39,493,795             39,493,795  

Municipal Bonds

          2,747,368             2,747,368  

Options Purchased

          914,715             914,715  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts**

          511,868             511,868  

Total Assets

  $ 174,364,139     $ 3,670,875,359     $ 214,536,777     $ 4,059,776,275  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Swaptions Written

  $     $ 1,288,794     $     $ 1,288,794  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          959,187             959,187  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements**

          6,155,027             6,155,027  

Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 8)

                *      

Total Liabilities

  $     $ 8,403,008     $     $ 8,403,008  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category

 

Ending Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Valuation Technique

   

Unobservable
Inputs

   

Input
Range

   

Weighted
Average*

 

Assets:

                                       

Asset-Backed Securities

  $ 65,957,367  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Asset-Backed Securities

    51,368,818  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Asset-Backed Securities

    26,065,554  

Yield Analysis

Yield

6.2%-7.3%

6.9%

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    23,897,802  

Model Price

Purchase Price

Corporate Bonds

    18,731,858  

Yield Analysis

Yield

6.7%

Corporate Bonds

    11,347,560  

Option adjusted spread off prior month end broker quote

Broker Quote

Corporate Bonds

    3,627,000  

Third Party Pricing

Broker Quote

Senior Floating Rate Interests

    13,540,818  

Yield Analysis

Yield

11.2%

Total Assets

  $ 214,536,777  

 

 

 

 

 

*

Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

Significant changes in a quote, yield, market comparable yields, liquidation value or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security. Any remaining Level 3 securities held by the Fund and excluded from the table above, were not considered material to the Fund.

 

The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be supported with other available market information.

 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had securities with a total value of $33,100,000 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to a lack of observable inputs and had securities with a total value of $1,842,708 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.

 

Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

   

Assets

         

 

 

Asset-Backed
Securities

   

Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations

   

Corporate
Bonds

   

Senior Floating
Rate Interests

   

Total Assets

 

Beginning Balance

  $ 138,990,860     $ 24,443,994     $ 39,180,570     $ 16,423,965     $ 219,039,389  

Purchases/(Receipts)

    59,861,785       23,938,368             137,988       83,938,141  

(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings

    (89,522,656 )     (25,700,000 )     (5,529,018 )     (424,879 )     (121,176,553 )

Amortization of premiums/discounts

    104,943       132       (143,797 )     64,481       25,759  

Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

    (2,621,353 )           (503,065 )           (3,124,418 )

Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings

    3,478,210       1,215,308       701,728       (818,079 )     4,577,167  

Transfers into Level 3

    33,100,000                         33,100,000  

Transfers out of Level 3

    (50 )                 (1,842,658 )     (1,842,708 )

Ending Balance

  $ 143,391,739     $ 23,897,802     $ 33,706,418     $ 13,540,818     $ 214,536,777  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2023

  $ (670,436 )   $ (40,572 )   $ 150,044     $ (169,072 )   $ (730,036 )

 

Step Coupon Bonds

 

The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a range of rates and corresponding dates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate Reset Date

   

Future Reset Rate(s)

   

Future Reset Date(s)

 

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2022-R1, 3.13% due 01/29/70

    6.13 %     01/30/25              

BRAVO Residential Funding Trust 2021-C, 1.62% due 03/01/61

    4.62 %     09/25/24       5.62 %     09/25/25  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust 2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/62

    9.17 %     09/25/25       10 17 %     09/25/26  

CSMC Trust 2020-NQM1, 1.41% due 05/25/65

    2.41 %     09/26/24              

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS3, 1.75% due 07/25/61

    4.75 %     05/25/24       5.75 %     05/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS4, 1.65% due 11/25/60

    4.65 %     08/25/24       5.65 %     08/25/25  

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS5, 2.25% due 07/25/67

    5.25 %     11/25/24       6.25 %     11/25/25  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

September 30, 2023

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

Name

 

Coupon Rate at
Next Reset Date

   

Next Rate Reset Date

   

Future Reset Rate(s)

   

Future Reset Date(s)

 

Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2021-GS2, 1.75% due 04/25/61

    4.75 %     04/25/24       5.75 %     04/25/25  

NYMT Loan Trust 2021-SP1, 1.67% due 08/25/61

    4.67 %     08/01/24       5.67 %     08/01/25  

NYMT Loan Trust 2022-SP1, 5.25% due 07/25/62

    8.25 %     07/01/25       9.25 %     07/01/26  

OBX Trust 2022-NQM9, 6.45% due 09/25/62

    7.45 %     11/01/26              

OSAT Trust 2021-RPL1, 2.12% due 05/25/65

    5.12 %     06/25/24       6.12 %     06/25/25  

PRPM LLC 2022-1, 3.72% due 02/25/27

    6.72 %     02/25/25       7.72 %     02/25/26  

PRPM LLC 2021-5, 1.79% due 06/25/26

    4.79 %     06/25/24       5.79 %     06/25/25  

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-1, 2.42% due 01/25/60

    3.42 %     01/26/24              

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 2.64% due 11/25/59

    3.64 %     10/26/23              

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-5, 1.58% due 05/25/65

    2.58 %     10/26/24              

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2022, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/23

   

Shares
09/30/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 29,251,332     $ 1,563,730     $     $     $ 371,364     $ 31,186,426       1,284,978     $ 1,564,080  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    29,345,878       1,589,536                   334,857       31,270,271       1,287,372       1,590,994  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    28,551,935       1,429,933                   481,856       30,463,724       3,124,485       1,429,650  
    $ 87,149,145     $ 4,583,199     $     $     $ 1,188,077     $ 92,920,421             $ 4,584,724  

 

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,227,140,454)

  $ 3,966,343,986  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $93,876,872)

    92,920,421  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $117,625)

    117,625  

Cash

    296,004  

Segregated cash with broker

    2,160,603  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    169,403  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

    1,170  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    511,868  

Prepaid expenses

    217,568  

Receivables:

Interest

    26,365,555  

Fund shares sold

    5,354,769  

Securities sold

    4,230,157  

Dividends

    425,057  

Other assets

    16  

Total assets

    4,099,114,202  
         

Liabilities:

Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 8) (commitment fees received $—)

     

Options written, at value (premiums received $445,395)

    1,288,794  

Segregated cash due to broker

    400,000  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    191,247  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on interest rate swap agreements

    33,310  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    23,761,335  

Fund shares redeemed

    12,405,331  

Distributions to shareholders

    1,891,334  

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

    1,679,662  

Management fees

    1,160,989  

Transfer agent fees

    915,158  

Distribution and service fees

    136,936  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    70,249  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    34,235  

Due to Investment Adviser

    17,608  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,854  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    25  

Miscellaneous

    435,465  

Total liabilities

    44,426,532  

Net assets

  $ 4,054,687,670  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 4,405,721,450  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (351,033,780 )

Net assets

  $ 4,054,687,670  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 392,936,506  

Capital shares outstanding

    16,644,678  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.61  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 97.75%)

  $ 24.15  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 53,465,475  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,266,249  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.59  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 54,668,369  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,315,810  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.61  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,245,438,701  

Capital shares outstanding

    137,502,665  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.60  
         

R6-Class:

Net assets

  $ 308,178,619  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,062,015  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.59  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 115,420  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    4,584,724  

Interest

    179,307,684  

Total investment income

    184,007,828  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    16,083,765  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,115,453  

C-Class

    590,649  

P-Class

    171,736  

Transfer agent fees:

A-Class

    286,438  

C-Class

    63,750  

P-Class

    60,563  

Institutional Class

    3,713,484  

R6-Class

    3,141  

Fund accounting/administration fees

    1,694,311  

Interest expense

    779,082  

Professional fees

    411,741  

Line of credit fees

    217,943  

Trustees fees*

    77,965  

Custodian fees

    167,106  

Miscellaneous

    356,491  

Recoupment of previously waived fees:

A-Class

    30,384  

C-Class

    4,274  

P-Class

    2,293  

Institutional Class

    77,814  

R6-Class

    22,663  

Total expenses

    25,931,046  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

A-Class

    (95,368 )

C-Class

    (36,276 )

P-Class

    (28,742 )

Institutional Class

    (2,123,104 )

R6-Class

    (1,436 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,352,154 )

Earnings credits applied

    (96,112 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (3,733,192 )

Net expenses

    22,197,854  

Net investment income

    161,809,974  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (81,672,032 )

Swap agreements

    5,050,034  

Futures contracts

    1,551,516  

Options purchased

    (4,306,390 )

Options written

    (811,178 )

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    3,375,053  

Foreign currency transactions

    (129,697 )

Net realized loss

    (76,942,694 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    167,930,437  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    1,188,077  

Swap agreements

    (14,074,581 )

Options purchased

    (10,704,384 )

Options written

    1,939,158  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (8,640,355 )

Foreign currency translations

    42,152  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    137,680,504  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    60,737,810  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 222,547,784  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 161,809,974     $ 105,834,694  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (76,942,694 )     2,942,839  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    137,680,504       (455,180,176 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    222,547,784       (346,402,643 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (16,755,868 )     (15,229,714 )

C-Class

    (1,778,619 )     (1,053,900 )

P-Class

    (2,575,520 )     (2,173,183 )

Institutional Class

    (136,965,962 )     (109,271,775 )

R6-Class

    (5,921,753 )     (826,365 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (163,997,722 )     (128,554,937 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    134,134,218       160,235,607  

C-Class

    14,149,452       11,936,961  

P-Class

    9,238,532       53,405,339  

Institutional Class

    1,552,067,621       2,719,216,190  

R6-Class

    339,029,073       6,914,200  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    13,736,751       12,605,568  

C-Class

    1,490,112       856,214  

P-Class

    2,558,616       2,173,183  

Institutional Class

    113,710,269       90,897,272  

R6-Class

    5,772,795       826,365  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (311,444,561 )     (417,792,556 )

C-Class

    (25,891,808 )     (33,537,200 )

P-Class

    (39,029,342 )     (121,847,857 )

Institutional Class

    (2,378,071,191 )     (3,467,436,046 )

R6-Class

    (63,202,366 )     (21,559,738 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (631,751,829 )     (1,003,106,498 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (573,201,767 )     (1,478,064,078 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    4,627,889,437       6,105,953,515  

End of year

  $ 4,054,687,670     $ 4,627,889,437  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    5,673,976       6,516,599  

C-Class

    601,182       487,090  

P-Class

    393,536       2,172,486  

Institutional Class

    65,761,074       111,021,579  

R6-Class

    14,311,441       280,583  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    582,051       514,766  

C-Class

    63,143       35,053  

P-Class

    108,402       88,801  

Institutional Class

    4,817,987       3,720,350  

R6-Class

    243,986       33,955  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (13,221,104 )     (17,070,775 )

C-Class

    (1,100,053 )     (1,370,571 )

P-Class

    (1,654,015 )     (4,908,204 )

Institutional Class

    (100,931,627 )     (142,043,580 )

R6-Class

    (2,675,457 )     (873,618 )

Net decrease in shares

    (27,025,478 )     (41,395,486 )

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.28     $ 25.42     $ 25.57     $ 24.68     $ 24.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .87       .42       .34       .40       .54  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .35       (2.04 )     .01 i      .94       .01  

Total from investment operations

    1.22       (1.62 )     .35       1.34       .55  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.89 )     (.43 )     (.38 )     (.45 )     (.57 )

Net realized gains

          (.09 )     (.12 )           b 

Total distributions

    (.89 )     (.52 )     (.50 )     (.45 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.61     $ 23.28     $ 25.42     $ 25.57     $ 24.68  

 

Total Returnc

    5.31 %     (6.42 %)     1.38 %     5.51 %     2.27 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 392,937     $ 549,667     $ 855,473     $ 625,386     $ 570,353  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.70 %     1.69 %     1.32 %     1.60 %     2.18 %

Total expensesd

    0.80 %     0.80 %     0.79 %     0.84 %     0.83 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.75 %     0.74 %     0.74 %     0.77 %     0.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     23 %     80 %     123 %     72 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.27     $ 25.41     $ 25.55     $ 24.66     $ 24.68  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .70       .24       .15       .21       .35  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .33       (2.04 )     .02 i      .95       .02  

Total from investment operations

    1.03       (1.80 )     .17       1.16       .37  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.71 )     (.25 )     (.19 )     (.27 )     (.39 )

Net realized gains

          (.09 )     (.12 )           b 

Total distributions

    (.71 )     (.34 )     (.31 )     (.27 )     (.39 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.59     $ 23.27     $ 25.41     $ 25.55     $ 24.66  

 

Total Returnc

    4.48 %     (7.13 %)     0.67 %     4.72 %     1.51 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 53,465     $ 62,864     $ 90,205     $ 86,143     $ 85,100  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.96 %     0.96 %     0.58 %     0.85 %     1.42 %

Total expensesd

    1.60 %     1.58 %     1.58 %     1.61 %     1.60 %

Net expensese,f,g

    1.50 %     1.49 %     1.49 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     23 %     80 %     123 %     72 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.28     $ 25.42     $ 25.57     $ 24.68     $ 24.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .87       .42       .34       .40       .54  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .35       (2.04 )     .01 i      .94       .01  

Total from investment operations

    1.22       (1.62 )     .35       1.34       .55  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.89 )     (.43 )     (.38 )     (.45 )     (.57 )

Net realized gains

          (.09 )     (.12 )           b 

Total distributions

    (.89 )     (.52 )     (.50 )     (.45 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.61     $ 23.28     $ 25.42     $ 25.57     $ 24.68  

 

Total Return

    5.31 %     (6.42 %)     1.38 %     5.50 %     2.27 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 54,668     $ 80,735     $ 155,465     $ 150,623     $ 108,691  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.69 %     1.67 %     1.33 %     1.60 %     2.18 %

Total expensesd

    0.82 %     0.95 %     0.83 %     0.90 %     0.88 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.75 %     0.74 %     0.74 %     0.77 %     0.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     23 %     80 %     123 %     72 %

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.28     $ 25.42     $ 25.56     $ 24.67     $ 24.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .93       .49       .40       .46       .60  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .34       (2.05 )     .03 i      .95       .01  

Total from investment operations

    1.27       (1.56 )     .43       1.41       .61  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.95 )     (.49 )     (.45 )     (.52 )     (.63 )

Net realized gains

          (.09 )     (.12 )           b 

Total distributions

    (.95 )     (.58 )     (.57 )     (.52 )     (.63 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.60     $ 23.28     $ 25.42     $ 25.56     $ 24.67  

 

Total Return

    5.53 %     (6.19 %)     1.67 %     5.77 %     2.52 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,245,439     $ 3,907,125     $ 4,960,578     $ 2,911,309     $ 2,421,315  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.96 %     1.97 %     1.58 %     1.85 %     2.43 %

Total expensesd

    0.59 %     0.56 %     0.56 %     0.59 %     0.57 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.50 %     0.49 %     0.49 %     0.52 %     0.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     23 %     80 %     123 %     72 %

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LIMITED DURATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

R6-Class

 

Year Ended
September 30,
2023

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2022

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended
September 30,
2020

   

Period Ended
September 30,
2019
h

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.26     $ 25.40     $ 25.55     $ 24.66     $ 24.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.00       .48       .40       .48       .31  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .29       (2.04 )     .02 i      .93       .14  

Total from investment operations

    1.29       (1.56 )     .42       1.41       .45  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.96 )     (.49 )     (.45 )     (.52 )     (.37 )

Net realized gains

          (.09 )     (.12 )            

Total distributions

    (.96 )     (.58 )     (.57 )     (.52 )     (.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.59     $ 23.26     $ 25.40     $ 25.55     $ 24.66  

 

Total Return

    5.60 %     (6.19 %)     1.64 %     5.78 %     1.83 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 308,179     $ 27,499     $ 44,232     $ 31,315     $ 314,764  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    4.22 %     1.94 %     1.58 %     1.96 %     2.24 %

Total expensesd

    0.49 %     0.49 %     0.49 %     0.53 %     0.51 %

Net expensese,f,g

    0.46 %     0.49 %     0.49 %     0.52 %     0.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     23 %     80 %     123 %     72 %

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Less than $0.01 per share.

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

d

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

f

The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

C-Class

0.01%

0.00%*

 

P-Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

Institutional Class

0.00%*

0.00%*

0.00%*

 

R6-Class

0.02%

0.02%

0.01%

0.00%*

0.00%*h

 

 

*

Less than 0.01%.

 

g

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/23

09/30/22

09/30/21

09/30/20

09/30/19

 

A-Class

0.72%

0.73%

0.73%

0.75%

0.75%

 

C-Class

1.48%

1.48%

1.48%

1.50%

1.50%

 

P-Class

0.72%

0.73%

0.73%

0.75%

0.75%

 

Institutional Class

0.47%

0.48%

0.48%

0.50%

0.50%

 

R6-Class

0.44%

0.48%

0.48%

0.50%

0.50%h

 

h

Since commencement of operations: March 13, 2019. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

i

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year does not agree with the aggregate net loss on investments for the year because of the sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares: A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI” or the “Adviser”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2023, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Limited Duration Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2023, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) serves as distributor of the Fund’s shares. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as 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 following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each share class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities attributable to the share class by the number of outstanding shares of the share class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures, the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued. The Adviser, consistent with the

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.

 

If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by pricing service providers, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by a pricing service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.

 

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued using a price provided by a pricing service provider.

 

Futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

Interest rate swap agreements entered into by the Fund is valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded.

 

Other swap agreements entered into by the Fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a pricing service provider.

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

(c) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments

 

Senior floating rate interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund invests in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”). A portion of the Fund’s investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations (“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Fund may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Recently, many new or reissued obligations have not featured traditional covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Fund may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations, including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in (or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations. The Fund is subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to) obligations, including that obligations may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

(d) Interest on When-Issued Securities

 

The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, it may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

(e) Short Sales

 

When the Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale.

 

Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

(f) Options

 

Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.

 

When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on swaps (“swaptions”) primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of the Fund’s holdings, as a duration management technique or to protect against an increase in the price of securities it anticipates purchasing at a later date. The purchaser and writer of a swaption is buying or granting the right to enter into a

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

previously agreed upon interest rate swap agreement at any time before the expiration of the options. The swaptions are forward premium swaptions which have extended settlement dates.

 

(g) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(h) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(i) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(j) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(k) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(l) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.

 

The Fund may receive other income from investments in senior loan interests including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received by the Fund and included in interest income on the Statement of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included in realized gain on investments on the Statement of Operations at the end of the commitment period.

 

(m) Distributions

 

The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(n) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the share classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each share class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific share classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(o) Earnings Credits

 

Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. Earnings credits for the year ended September 30, 2023, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

(p) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 5.33% at September 30, 2023.

 

(q) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

(r) Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

 

The Fund may acquire an interest in a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) in an initial public offering or a secondary market transaction. SPAC investments carry many of the same risks as investments in initial public offering securities, such as erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. An investment in a SPAC is typically subject to a higher risk of dilution by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC and interests in SPACs may be illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

dividends in respect of its common stock. SPAC investments are also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger and that the SPAC may have limited time in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets. Because SPACs are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund invests will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Options Purchased and Written

 

A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options purchased on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Duration, Hedge

  $ 579,916,667     $ 40,382,963  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options written on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Call

   

Put

 

Duration, Hedge

  $ 8,239     $ 89,875,833  

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Index exposure, income

  $ 64,007,292     $  

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a Fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Total return swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as an index) for a fixed or variable interest rate. Total return swaps will usually be computed based on the current value of the reference asset as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. When utilizing total return swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying reference asset declines in value.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of interest rate swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Pay Floating Rate

   

Receive Floating Rate

 

Duration, Hedge

  $ 235,875,000     $ 10,372,583  

 

Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. The Fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of credit default swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Protection Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

Index exposure, Income

  $ 12,500,000     $ 42,175,000  

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.

 

The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Value

 

Use

 

Purchased

   

Sold

 

Hedge, Income

  $ 428,074     $ 42,089,153  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Interest rate swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on interest rate swap agreements

 

Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements

 

Credit default swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

   

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Equity/Interest rate option contracts

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value

Options written, at value

Currency forward contracts

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 
    $     $       511,868     $ 914,715     $     $ 1,426,583  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Swaps
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2023

 
    $ 6,155,027     $ 959,187     $     $     $ 1,288,794     $ 8,403,008  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives contracts as reported on the Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

Interest/Credit swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

Interest rate option contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased

 

Net realized gain (loss) on options written

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options purchased

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written

Currency forward contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Fund’s Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity
Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total

 
    $ 1,551,516     $ 6,373,741     $ (1,323,707 )   $ 2,719,803     $ (4,306,390 )   $ 3,375,053     $     $ (3,530,981 )   $ 4,859,035  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Swaps
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Options
Written
Equity
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Equity
Risk

   

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Options
Purchased
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Options
Written
Interest
Rate Risk

   

Total

 
    $     $ (13,511,642 )   $ (562,939 )   $ 1,113,372     $ (8,650,164 )   $ (8,640,355 )   $ (2,054,220 )   $ 825,786     $ (31,480,162 )

 

In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. The Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities

 

traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that it believes to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net Amount

 

Options Purchased

  $ 914,715     $       914,715     $ (313,462 )   $ (400,000 )   $ 201,253  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    511,868             511,868       (511,868 )            

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

Options Written

  $ 1,288,794     $     $ 1,288,794     $ (825,330 )   $     $ 463,464  

 

The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2023.

 

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

Credit default swap agreements

  $ 1,124,856     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

Interest rate swap agreements

    1,035,747        

Goldman Sachs International

Options

          90,000  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Options

          310,000  
        2,160,603       400,000  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.

 

Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

 

Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.

 

Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.39% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends or interest on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:

 

 

 

Limit

   

Effective
Date

   

Contract
End Date

 

A-Class

    0.75 %     12/01/13       02/01/25  

C-Class

    1.50 %     12/01/13       02/01/25  

P-Class

    0.75 %     05/01/15       02/01/25  

Institutional Class

    0.50 %     12/01/13       02/01/25  

R6-Class

    0.50 %     03/13/19       02/01/25  

 

GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2023, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

2024

   

2025

   

2026

   

Fund
Total

 

A-Class

  $ 332,853     $ 400,848     $ 95,368     $ 829,069  

C-Class

    80,424       68,209       36,276       184,909  

P-Class

    146,751       202,943       28,742       378,436  

Institutional Class

    2,560,156       3,164,191       2,123,104       7,847,451  

R6-Class

                1,175       1,175  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GI recouped $137,428 from the Fund.

 

If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund waived $73,696 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $132,849 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 163,997,722     $     $ 163,997,722  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 112,022,155     $ 16,532,782     $ 128,554,937  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 
    $ 17,156,119     $     $ (269,385,190 )   $ (83,014,525 )   $ (15,790,184 )   $ (351,033,780 )

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

   

Total
Capital Loss

 

 

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Carryforward

 
    $ (5,433,608 )   $ (77,580,917 )   $ (83,014,525 )

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in swap agreements and CLO investments, foreign currency gains and losses, the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives, losses deferred due to wash sales, paydown reclasses, dividends payable, and the disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of bond premium/discount amortization, income accruals on certain investments, and the “mark-to-market” of certain investments denominated in foreign currencies. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

There were no adjustments made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences.

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At September 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 4,320,230,804     $     $ (269,369,405 )   $ (269,369,405 )

 

Note 7 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 479,533,734     $ 1,537,356,280  

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 568,933,362     $ 251,426,706  

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 8 – Unfunded Loan Commitments

 

Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.

 

The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2023, were as follows:

 

Borrower

 

Maturity Date

   

Face Amount

   

Value

 

Fontainbleau Vegas

    01/31/26     $ 797,724     $  

Lightning A

    03/01/37       3,131,817        

Thunderbird A

    03/01/37       3,178,667        
                    $  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 9 – Restricted Securities

 

The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:

 

Restricted Securities

 

Acquisition Date

   

Cost

   

Value

 

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

                       

2018-RM2 4.00% (WAC) due 10/25/681

    11/02/18     $ 4,394,744     $ 4,332,785  

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust

                       

2019-RM3 2.80% (WAC) due 06/25/691

    06/25/19       899,962       872,863  

CFMT LLC

                       

2022-HB9 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/371

    09/23/22       1,930,733       1,865,144  

Copper River CLO Ltd.

                       

2007-1A INC, due 01/20/212

    05/09/14             50  

LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.

                       

2021-1 8.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.91%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 02/01/261

    02/04/21       6,824,430       6,698,014  

Towd Point Revolving Trust

                       

4.83% due 09/25/64

    03/17/22       18,499,936       17,986,625  
            $ 32,549,805     $ 31,755,481  

 

1

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2023. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

2

Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates.

 

Note 10 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectiviely be restricted pending such decision.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements as follows:

 

 

 

Number of Days
Outstanding

   

Balance at
September 30, 2023

   

Average Balance
Outstanding

   

Average
Interest Rate

 
      103     $ *   $ 64,506,185       4.28 %

 

*

As of September 30, 2023, there were no open reverse repurchase agreements.

 

Note 11 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,150,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through September 29, 2023, at which time a new line of credit was entered into in the amount of $1,165,000,000. The Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, SOFR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

 

The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of its allocated unused commitment amount. The commitment fee amount is allocated to the individual Funds based on the respective net assets of each participating Fund and is referenced in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 12 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and 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, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Trust 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s 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 Trust’s 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, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents; when replies were not received from brokers or paying agents, we performed other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
November 28, 2023

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund had the corresponding percentage qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1). See the qualified interest income column in the table below.

 

 

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

 

Dividend
Received
Deduction

 

Qualified
Interest
Income

      0.08 %     0.08 %     72.79 %

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of the Fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

 

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds registered on Form N-1A to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”) and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) on behalf of the applicable series of the Trust listed below (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM on behalf of Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the “Advisory Agreements,” the “Agreements”):

 

Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”)*

Guggenheim Core Bond Fund (“Core Bond Fund”)*

Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”)**

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”)**

Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”)*

Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”)**

Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”)**1

Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”)**

Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”)*

Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”)**

Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim SMid Cap Value Fund (“SMid Cap Value Fund”)*

Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”)*

Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”)*

Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”)**

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund (“Ultra Short Duration Fund”)**

Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”)*

 

*

Security Investors serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

**

GPIM serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM and Security Investors, with respect to their service as investment adviser to the applicable Funds, are each referred to herein as an “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.”

 

1

GPIM also serves as investment adviser to Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macro Opportunities Fund that is organized as a limited company under the laws of the Cayman Islands and used by Macro Opportunities Fund to obtain commodities exposure. Pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Advisory Agreement”), the Subsidiary pays GPIM an advisory fee at the same rate that Macro Opportunities Fund pays GPIM under its Advisory Agreement. The Subsidiary Advisory Agreement does not require annual renewal by the Board and will continue until it is terminated as provided in the Agreement. In addition, GPIM and Macro Opportunities Fund have entered into a separate fee waiver agreement pursuant to which GPIM has contractually agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from Macro Opportunities Fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid to GPIM by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue for so long as Macro Opportunities Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may be terminated only with the approval of the Board.

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Security Investors and GPIM are each an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.

 

At meetings held in person on April 17-18, 2023 (the “April Meeting”) and meetings held by videoconference on May 15, 2023 and in person on May 24, 2023 (the “May Meeting”), the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Agreements. As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the FUSE reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category. The Committee noted that although FUSE’s process typically results in the identification for each Fund of a universe of similar funds for performance comparisons and a narrower group of similar funds from the universe based on asset levels for comparative fee and expense data evaluation (i.e., the peer group), the peer group constituent funds identified by FUSE for Market Neutral Real Estate Fund were the same as the performance universe constituent funds due to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Committee. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the applicable Agreements for an additional annual term. Following its review of the Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved the renewal of the applicable Agreements for each Fund for a one-year period ending August 1, 2024 at a meeting held on May 23-24, 2023 (the “May Board Meeting” and together with the May Meeting, the “May Meetings”) and determined to adopt the Committee’s considerations and conclusions, which follow.

 

Advisory Agreements

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of its ongoing review of the Guggenheim fund line-up at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting. In addition, the Committee considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that, although Security Investors delegated certain portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.2 As a result, in evaluating the services provided to the Municipal Income Fund under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee did not separately consider the contributions under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH. (Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.)

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE (except as noted above with respect to Market Neutral Real Estate Fund), in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. The Committee also received certain performance information as of March 31, 2023. In assessing each Fund’s performance, the Committee considered that the Board receives regular reporting from Guggenheim regarding performance and evaluates performance throughout the year.

 

In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the returns of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

2

Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser,” “Advisers” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under the Agreements.

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 96th and 73rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s beta profile and fundamental factor tilts. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s lower beta profile to broad market U.S. equities relative to its peers and long exposure to value and short exposure to growth have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of an update in 2021 to the quantitative investment methodology that the Fund employs, as well as the more recent comeback of value-oriented, higher quality names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Diversified Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 78th and 75th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the Fund’s defensively-positioned portfolio, in particular within its fixed-income sleeve which includes allocations to several Guggenheim fixed-income funds that were defensively positioned beginning in 2018, reflecting Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund maintained a lower beta profile to equities relative to its peers. The Committee further noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation process was updated in 2021, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s equity exposure, and that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance rankings relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee noted management’s statement that although the Fund’s increased equity exposure was detrimental to the Fund’s performance relative to peers in 2022 due to the poor performance of U.S. equities that year, Guggenheim believes the increased equity exposure will ultimately benefit shareholders and support total return performance in the medium to long term. The Committee also noted the Fund’s small size and considered management’s statements that the Fund continues to be a viable offering and that Guggenheim is able to manage the Fund at its current size.

 

Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 44th and 89th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the three-year time period was due to underperforming pairs of offsetting long and short positions as well as several stock- and sector-specific issues, and considered that, despite recent underperformance, the Fund experienced performance that ranks in the top half of its performance universe for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 89th and 83rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s conservative positioning in high quality, long-duration assets, which underperformed over the past two years due to a risk-on sentiment in 2021 and due to fears of duration risk in 2022, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year and three-year time periods. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s allocation to closed-end funds also contributed to relative underperformance in 2022 as the increased cost of leverage weighed on the performance of such funds. The Committee considered management’s belief that an economic downturn that is likely to follow the Federal Reserve’s tightening of financial conditions will disproportionately affect weaker municipal credits and could lead to distress in names the Fund has avoided. The Committee also took into account management’s further discussions of performance attribution and outlook for the Fund at the April Meeting and the May Board Meeting, during which management highlighted that the Fund’s relative underperformance in 2022 was due to the exceptional volatility in the fixed-income markets that year which also impacted relative performance for the trailing five-year and three-year time periods, and noted the overall low dispersion in absolute investment returns among municipal bond funds.

 

StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period can be attributed to the more conservative positioning of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, resulting in yields insufficient to offset fund fees and other costs, as well as the strategy’s tilt to value-oriented, lower-growth names within the mid-cap growth segment as growth outperformed value securities from 2018 through 2020. The Committee also noted management’s statement that as a result of the more recent comeback of value-oriented, lower-growth names, the Fund experienced performance rankings that compare more favorably relative to its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Ultra Short Duration Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 76th and 63rd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s overweight duration positioning over the five-year time period relative to its performance universe as well as higher allocations

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

to structured credit during the second half of 2022, which underperformed corporate credit during that period, contributed to relative underperformance over the five-year time period. The Committee considered management’s expectation that the resetting of higher interest rates should help the Fund to perform well going forward and that the divergence in the relationship between structured and corporate credit should normalize going forward and lead to relative outperformance, noting that there was some improvement in the Fund’s performance ranking relative to its performance universe for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that, with respect to each Fund other than Municipal Income Fund: (i) the Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and/or efforts to improve investment performance; and, with respect to Municipal Income Fund, it would continue to monitor the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by Each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee (which, for Municipal Income Fund, includes the sub-advisory fee paid to the Sub-Adviser), net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s discussion of information regarding fee and expense trends across the open-end fund industry and its response to those trends with respect to the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial risks involved with the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or that the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.

 

In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser. Except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group. In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (80th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Limited Duration Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Macro Opportunities Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (82nd percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities within and outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and that peer funds have varying degrees of capability, flexibility and associated fees. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement and contractual advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points on average daily net assets above $5 billion.

 

Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group. Although the net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group, the Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (57th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that the total expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares is competitive and in-line with the peer group average and median and that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee is competitive. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

SMid Cap Value Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the first quartile (7th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (71st percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (79th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee ranks favorably in the first quartile of its peer group and reviewed the other expenses that impacted the total net expense ratio. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

Total Return Bond Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (87th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. The total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the third quartile (73rd percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the strong investment performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Committee also took into account the Fund’s currently effective expense limitation agreement with the Adviser.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, gross revenues received, and expenses incurred directly or through allocations, by Guggenheim Investments, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis. In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit and the representation by the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments that such methods provided a reasonable basis for determining the profitability of the applicable Adviser with respect to each Fund. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Advisers derive any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Advisers may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Advisers, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by each Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that each Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that Guggenheim’s decrease in 2022 in overall expenses was attributable to decreased product costs driven by lower average assets under management and lower non-recurring costs related to closed-end fund matters as well as a decrease in compensation and benefits. The Committee also considered that although expenses related to investment resources decreased in 2022, Guggenheim’s shared services expenses and certain other expenses increased in 2022.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s representation that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such breakpoints and expense waivers and limitations. The Committee also noted information from Guggenheim regarding certain challenges and costs associated with managing Funds that have achieved significant scale. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meetings, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreement for Municipal Income Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not separately evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the Advisory Agreement. With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments. The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its conclusion of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the renewal of each applicable Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors.

 

Following its review of the Committee’s analysis and determinations, the Board adopted the considerations and conclusions of the Committee and determined to approve the renewal of the Agreements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2014 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Director, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

     

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research provider) (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (financial advisor content, research and digital distribution provider) (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust (4) (June 2023-present); The 2023 ETF Series Trust II (1) (August 2023-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2014

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

     

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (construction and real estate development company) (2007-2017).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2014

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (registered broker dealer) (1982-1999).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2018 (Trustee)

 

Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)

 

Since 2007 (Vice President)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2018-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2018

Current: President, Mutual Fund Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present);Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2014

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim

Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC

and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2014

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2014

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by

 

applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes.

 

You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has also designated a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and periodic review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed, managed, and periodically reviewed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, short-term and long-term cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of a Fund’s net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in “illiquid investments” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

Item 2.Code of Ethics.

 

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to the code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 3.Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant's Board of Trustees has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), Sandra G. Sponem. Ms. Sponem is “independent,” meaning that she is not an “interested person” of the Registrant (as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act) and she does not accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Registrant (except in her capacity as a Board or committee member).

 

(Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or Board of Trustees.)

 

Item 4.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)Audit Fees: the aggregate Audit Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for professional services rendered for the audit of the annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $705,059 and $705,059 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

(b)Audit-Related Fees: the aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for assurance and related services 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 4 were $0 and $0 for fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

 

 

(c)Tax Fees: the aggregate Tax Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning including preparation of tax returns and distribution assistance were $260,077 and $252,455 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. These services consisted of (i) preparation of U.S. federal, state and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal and state tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired and (iv) review of U.S. federal excise distribution calculations.

 

(d)All Other Fees: the aggregate All Other Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item 4, were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

(e)Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.

 

(1) Audit Committee pre-approval policies and procedures:

 

To fulfill its responsibilities and duties the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall:

 

1.Pre-Approval Policy (Trusts). Pre-approve any engagement of the independent auditors to provide any services, other than “prohibited non-audit services,” to the Trust, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).

 

(a)The categories of services to be reviewed and considered for pre-approval include those services set forth under Section II.A.1. of the Background and Definitions for Audit Committee Charter (collectively, “Identified Services”).

 

(b)The Committee has pre-approved Identified Services for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000.

 

(c)For Identified Services with estimated fees of $25,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the Chair or any member of the Committee designated by the Chair is hereby authorized to pre-approve such Identified Services on behalf of the Committee.

 

 

 

(d)For Identified Services with estimated fees of $50,000 or more, such Identified Services require pre-approval by the Committee.

 

(e)All requests for Identified Services to be provided by the independent auditor that were pre-approved by the Committee shall be submitted to the Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”) of the Trust by the independent auditor using the pre-approval request form. The Trust’s CAO will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the Committee.

 

(f)The independent auditors or the CAO of the Trust (or an officer of the Trust who reports to the CAO) shall report to the Committee at each of its regular scheduled meetings all audit, audit-related and permissible non-audit services initiated since the last such report (unless the services were contained in the initial audit plan, as previously presented to, and approved by, the Committee). The report shall include a general description of the services and projected fees, and the means by which such services were approved by the Committee (including the particular category of Identified Services under which pre-approval was obtained).

 

2.Pre-Approval Policy (Adviser or Any Control Affiliate). Pre-approve any engagement of the independent auditors, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors, to provide any non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust), if the engagement relates directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Trust (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).

 

(a)The Chair or any member of the Committee designated by the Chair may grant the pre-approval for non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000. All such delegated pre-approvals shall be presented to the Committee no later than the next regularly scheduled Committee meeting.

 

(b)For non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are $25,000 or more, such services require pre-approval by the Committee.

 

 

 

a.Pre-Approval Requirements

 

i.Categories of Services to be Reviewed and Considered for Pre-Approval

 

1.Audit Services

 

a.Annual financial statement audits

 

b.Seed audits (related to new product filings, as required)

 

c.SEC and regulatory filings and consents

 

2.Audit-Related Services

 

a.Accounting consultations

 

b.Fund merger/reorganization support services

 

c.Other accounting related matters

 

d.Agreed upon procedures reports

 

e.Attestation reports

 

f.Other internal control reports

 

3.Tax Services

 

a.Recurring tax services:

 

i.Preparation of Federal and state income tax returns, including extensions

 

ii.Preparation of calculations of taxable income, including fiscal year tax designations

 

iii.Preparation of annual Federal excise tax returns (if applicable)

 

iv.Preparation of calendar year excise distribution calculations

 

v.Calculation of tax equalization on an as-needed basis

 

vi.Preparation of monthly/quarterly estimates of tax undistributed position for closed-end funds

 

vii.Preparation of the estimated excise distribution calculations on an as-needed basis

 

 

 

viii.Preparation of calendar year shareholder reporting designations on Form 1099

 

ix.Preparation of quarterly Federal, state and local and franchise tax estimated tax payments on an as-needed basis

 

x.Preparation of state apportionment calculations to properly allocate Fund taxable income among the states for state tax filing purposes

 

xi.Assistance with management’s identification of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) for tax purposes

 

b.Permissible non-recurring tax services upon request:

 

i.Assistance with determining ownership changes which impact a Fund’s utilization of loss carryforwards

 

ii.Assistance with corporate actions and tax treatment of complex securities and structured products

 

iii.Assistance with IRS ruling requests and calculation of deficiency dividends

 

iv.Conduct training sessions for the Adviser’s internal tax resources

 

v.Assistance with Federal, state, local and international tax planning and advice regarding the tax consequences of proposed or actual transactions

 

vi.Tax services related to amendments to Federal, state and local returns and sales and use tax compliance

 

vii.RIC qualification reviews

 

viii.Tax distribution analysis and planning

 

 

 

ix.Tax authority examination services

 

x.Tax appeals support services

 

xi.Tax accounting methods studies

 

xii.Fund merger, reorganization and liquidation support services

 

xiii.Tax compliance, planning and advice services and related projects

 

xiv.Assistance with out of state residency status

 

xv.Provision of tax compliance services in India for Funds with direct investments in India

 

B.Pre-Approval Not Required

 

Under Section 10A(h)(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rule 2-01 under Regulation S-X (Section (c)(7)), pre-approval of non-audit services for the Trust pursuant to Section V.B.2 is not required, if:

 

1.the aggregate amount of all non-audit services provided to the Trust is no more than 5% of the total fees paid by the Trust to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided;

 

2.the services were not recognized by Trust management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services; and

 

3.such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by Trust management and the Committee approves them (which may be by delegation) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

Under Section 10A(h)(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rule 2-01 under Regulation S-X (Section (c)(7)), pre-approval of non-audit services for the Adviser (or any affiliate of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) pursuant to Section V.B.3 is not required, if:

 

1.the aggregate amount of all non-audit services provided is no more than 5% of the total fees paid to the Trust’s independent auditors by the Trust, the Adviser and any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided;

 

2.the services were not recognized by Trust management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services; and

 

3.such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by Trust management and the Committee approves them (which may be by delegation) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

 

 

(2) None of the services described in each of Items 4(b) through (d) were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f)Not applicable.

 

(g)Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding years for services rendered to the registrant, the investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $260,077 and $252,455, respectively. These aggregate fees were less than the aggregate fees billed for the same periods by the registrant’s principal accountant for audit services rendered to the registrant, the investment advisor, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant.

 

(h)Auditor Independence. The registrant’s Audit Committee was provided with information relating to the provision of non-audit services by Ernst & Young, LLP 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 by the Audit Committee so that a determination could be made whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young, LLP’s independence.

 

Item 5.Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.Investments.

 

(a) The Schedule of Investments is included 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.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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

 

The registrant does not currently have in place procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.

 

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

 

Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act) as of a date within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that based on such evaluation as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act, that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b)There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company 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.

 

Item 13.Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)The registrant’s code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached.

 

(a)(2)Separate certifications by the President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.

 

(a)(3)Not applicable.

 

(a)(4)Not applicable.

 

(b)A certification by the registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) are attached.

 

 

 

 

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) Guggenheim Funds Trust  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Brian E. Binder  
  Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date December 6, 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/ Brian E. Binder  
  Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date December 6, 2023  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James Howley  
  James Howley, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer  
     
Date December 6, 2023  

 

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