N-CSR 1 fp0073840_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- 07584

 

Rydex Series Funds

 

(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

Rydex Series Funds
702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 1-301-296-5100

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

Date of reporting period: January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021

 

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

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

 

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:

 

 

12.31.2021

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

   

Rydex Commodities Fund

Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RDXSGIALT-ANN-1221x1222

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

ALTERNATIVE FUND

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

9

COMMODITIES FUND

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

49

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

63

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

89

OTHER INFORMATION

91

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

93

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

101

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for two alternative strategy funds that are part of the Rydex Series Funds (each a “Fund”). This report covers performance of the Funds for the annual period ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Investment Adviser is a 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 Performance Report and Fund Profile for each Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

January 31, 2022

 

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.

 

COVID-19 The outbreak of COVID-19 and the recovery response causes at times disruption to consumer demand, economic output, and supply chains. There are still travel restrictions, quarantines, and disparate global vaccine distributions. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators have responded to this situation with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes. These include providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs, and considerably lowering interest rates. In some cases, these responses resulted in negative interest rates and higher inflation. Recently, the U.S. and other governments have also made investments and engaged in infrastructure modernization projects that have also increased public debt and spending. These actions, including their possible unexpected or sudden reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase volatility in securities and other financial markets, reduce market liquidity, continue to cause higher inflation, heighten investor uncertainty, and adversely affect the value of the Funds’ investments and the performance of the Funds. These actions also contribute to a risk that asset prices have a higher degree of correlation than historically seen across markets and asset classes. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Funds will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Management continues to monitor and evaluate this situation.

 

The Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund is subject to a number of risks and may not be suitable for all investors. ● 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. ● 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 risks and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in high yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (“junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit and liquidity risk than funds that do not invest in such securities. ● The Fund’s fixed income investments will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity and currency markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility as commodity- and currency-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry, commodity or currency—such as droughts, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Fund may also incur transaction costs with the conversion between various currencies. ● 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, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. ● These risks may cause the Fund to experience higher losses and/or volatility than a fund that does not invest in derivatives, use leverage or short sales or have exposure to high yield/fixed income securities, foreign currencies and/or securities. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

The Commodities Strategy Fund is subject to a number of risks and may not be suitable for all investors. ● 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. ● To the extent that the Fund’s investments are concentrated in energy-related commodities, the Fund is subject to the risk that this sector will underperform the market as a whole. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives, such as futures, options, structured notes and swap agreements, may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or investments underlying those derivatives. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund is subject to tracking error risks, which may cause the Fund’s performance not to match that of or be lower than the Fund’s underlying benchmark. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment companies subjects the Fund to those risks affecting the investment company, including the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment company could decrease. Moreover, the Fund will incur its pro rata share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies’ expenses. ●This Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

December 31, 2021

 

During the 12-month period ended December 31, 2021, the S&P 500 Index reached all-time highs as investors largely brushed off concerns about new COVID-19 variants, global supply chain disruptions, inflationary fears, and other worrying factors that resulted in little more than brief selloffs before the index resumed its upward march.

 

The economic recovery made considerable progress in 2021 with the help of COVID-19 vaccines and enormous policy stimulus. We expect policymakers, led by the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), will begin to scale back their support in 2022. However, because of their dovish policy framework, the Fed is deliberately “behind the curve.” As such, we expect real interest rates could remain negative in the near term, supporting above-potential economic growth and risk asset returns. Eventually an overheated economy will require that the Fed apply the brakes more firmly, but we believe that will be a greater concern in 2023.

 

U.S. real gross domestic product (“GDP”) slowed to 2.3% in the third quarter of 2021, but output has now fully recovered and now exceeds its supply side potential. We believe growth could bounce back to a robust 6–7% in the fourth quarter and remain well above potential in 2022, which would ensure a continued rapid decline in the unemployment rate.

 

A rapidly tightening labor market will put further pressure on wages, which are already surging. The Employment Cost Index, which is a measure of wage growth given that it controls for compositional changes (e.g. low paid industries losing jobs disproportionately), saw the largest quarterly gain in over 30 years in the third quarter reading. The share of businesses reporting plans to raise wages is also spiking, which suggests that further wage gains are in the pipeline.

 

As a result, the inflation narrative is evolving from a focus on the series of “transitory” shocks of 2021 to a focus on accelerating wage growth and housing inflation. While we believe that overall inflation will slow in 2022 as durable goods prices recede, core inflation should remain meaningfully above the Fed’s 2.0% target. We therefore expect that the Fed will deliver four rate increases in 2022, starting in March, and begin the process of quantitative tightening.

 

A key risk to our positive outlook is China, where massive property and credit imbalances threaten to unravel. Real GDP growth in 2021 slowed to a pace of just 4.0%, the weakest in the modern era excluding the first half of 2020. However, Chinese policymakers appear ready to step in to support faster growth. Separately, while the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has produced record cases, reduced severity and vaccines/treatments may portend only a modest drag on growth.

 

For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2021, the S&P 500® Index* returned 28.71%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 11.26%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -2.54%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.54% return for the 12-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 5.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.05% for the 12-month period.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2021

 

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.

 

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the hedge fund universe. It is comprised of all eligible hedge fund strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, distressed securities, equity hedge, equity market neutral, event driven, macro, merger arbitrage and relative-value arbitrage. The strategies are asset weighted based on the distribution of assets in the hedge fund industry.

 

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.

 

S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (S&P GSCI®), a benchmark for investment performance in the commodity markets, measures investable commodity price movements and inflation in the world economy. The index is calculated primarily on a world production weighted basis and is comprised of the principal physical commodities that are the subject of active, liquid futures markets.

 

 

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 June 30, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021.

 

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.

 

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 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)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
June 30,
2021

Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

A-Class

2.17%

(2.10%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 979.00

$ 10.82

C-Class

2.97%

(2.43%)

1,000.00

975.70

14.79

P-Class

2.16%

(2.08%)

1,000.00

979.20

10.78

Institutional Class

1.91%

(1.93%)

1,000.00

980.70

9.54

Commodities Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.67%

5.96%

1,000.00

1,059.60

8.67

C-Class

2.41%

5.59%

1,000.00

1,055.90

12.49

H-Class

1.65%

5.99%

1,000.00

1,059.90

8.57

 

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

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

A-Class

2.17%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,014.27

$ 11.02

C-Class

2.97%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,010.23

15.05

P-Class

2.16%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.32

10.97

Institutional Class

1.91%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.58

9.70

Commodities Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.79

8.49

C-Class

2.41%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.06

12.23

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.89

8.39

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest. This ratio represents net expenses which includes dividends on short sales and prime broker interest expenses. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratio of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund would be 1.42%, 2.19%, 1.42% and 1.17% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional 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 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

December 31, 2021

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation with less risk than traditional equity funds.

 

The Fund seeks capital appreciation with low correlation to equity and fixed income markets, while doing so with low risk*–typically in the 5% to 8% range.

 

For the one-year period ended December 31, 2021, the Institutional Class shares of the Fund produced a return of 7.43%.

 

The Fund succeeded in maintaining low correlation with stock and bond indices, as its correlation with the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index came in at 49% and -16%, respectively. During the period the Fund experienced 6.5% risk, as measured by annualized daily return standard deviation.

 

The Fund outperformed the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, which returned 3.65% for the year. The HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index had a correlation of 71% with the S&P 500 Index and a -18% correlation to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index in 2021.

 

Three hedge fund strategies used within the Fund contributed positively to Fund returns in 2021. Specifically, Equity Market Neutral, Merger Arbitrage, and Long/Short Equity strategies were positive contributors for the year. Global Macro was the only strategy to detract from performance this year.

 

The Fund held derivatives for a number of reasons, including liquidity, leverage, speculation, duration management, index exposure, and hedging. Derivatives were liquid and allowed the Fund to gain leveraged access to markets in order to express investment views and to hedge exposures. During the year, derivatives were used within the Global Macro, Long/Short Equity, and Equity Market Neutral strategies and to a limited extent in the Merger Arbitrage strategy. Overall, the use of derivatives had a positive contribution to Fund performance for the year.

 

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund and Guggenheim Strategy Funds were utilized within the Fund to achieve higher yields than what would otherwise be achieved through overnight repurchase agreements or short-term investments.

 

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

 

*

Risk is measured by standard deviation, a statistic of the historical volatility of an investment, usually computed using the most recent 36-monthly returns and then annualized. More generally, it is a measure of the extent to which numbers are spread around their average. The higher the number, the more volatility is to be expected.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2021

 

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. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2021

 

Inception Dates:

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

A-Class

September 19, 2005

C-Class

September 19, 2005

P-Class

September 19, 2005

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

7.4%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.2%

Xilinx, Inc.

2.8%

IHS Markit Ltd.

2.5%

Nuance Communications, Inc.

2.4%

Magellan Health, Inc.

1.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

1.4%

Athene Holding Ltd. — Class A

1.3%

Coherent, Inc.

1.3%

Ferro Corp.

1.2%

Top Ten Total

27.0%

   

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

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2021

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended December 31, 2021

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

7.17%

3.54%

2.67%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

2.08%

2.54%

2.17%

C-Class Shares

6.32%

2.80%

1.91%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

5.32%

2.80%

1.91%

P-Class Shares

7.16%

3.58%

2.68%

Institutional Class Shares

7.43%

3.80%

2.93%

S&P 500 Index

28.71%

18.47%

16.55%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

3.65%

3.52%

2.58%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Index and HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on A-Class share and P-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and Institutional Class shares 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.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 39.4%

                 

Financial - 10.6%

Athene Holding Ltd. — Class A*

    11,013     $ 917,713  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    48,387       862,256  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. REIT

    40,114       842,795  

CyrusOne, Inc. REIT

    9,392       842,650  

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A REIT

    16,551       676,108  

CIT Group, Inc.

    10,573       542,818  

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

    31,211       472,847  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

    9,355       448,479  

TriState Capital Holdings, Inc.*

    13,971       422,762  

CorePoint Lodging, Inc. REIT*

    26,565       417,071  

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

    10,324       350,603  

Sterling Bancorp

    13,158       339,345  

State Auto Financial Corp.

    6,307       326,009  

Total Financial

    7,461,456  
                 

Technology - 8.1%

Xilinx, Inc.

    9,242       1,959,581  

Nuance Communications, Inc.*

    30,874       1,707,950  

PAE, Inc.*

    85,495       848,965  

Change Healthcare, Inc.*

    36,682       784,261  

Cerner Corp.

    4,553       422,837  

Total Technology

    5,723,594  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 8.0%

IHS Markit Ltd.

    13,091     1,740,056  

Magellan Health, Inc.*

    11,030       1,047,740  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    3,900       745,212  

GreenSky, Inc. — Class A*

    65,037       738,820  

Intersect ENT, Inc.*

    23,678       646,646  

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,606       428,082  

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.*

    29,423       331,303  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    5,677,859  
                 

Industrial - 5.4%

Coherent, Inc.*

    3,364       896,664  

Forterra, Inc.*

    31,588       751,162  

Welbilt, Inc.*

    28,767       683,792  

Teekay LNG Partners, LP

    37,040       627,087  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.

    13,359       624,667  

SPX FLOW, Inc.

    2,340       202,363  

Total Industrial

    3,785,735  
                 

Basic Materials - 3.1%

Ferro Corp.*

    40,498       884,071  

Kraton Corp.*

    9,514       440,689  

Atotech Ltd.*

    17,259       440,450  

Rogers Corp.*

    1,562       426,426  

Total Basic Materials

    2,191,636  
                 

Communications - 2.4%

Mimecast Ltd.*

    8,007       637,117  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    30,603       636,236  

NeoPhotonics Corp.*

    26,811       412,085  

Total Communications

    1,685,438  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Consumer, Cyclical - 1.8%

Veoneer, Inc.*

    18,045     $ 640,241  

Casper Sleep, Inc.*

    61,814       412,917  

Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.*

    23,257       231,407  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    1,284,565  
                 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $26,062,455)

            27,810,283  
                 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    42,000        

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    34,843        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

     
                 

Total Rights

(Cost $—)

             
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 14.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    209,304       5,207,495  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    372,043       3,690,666  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    39,063       977,752  

Total Mutual Funds

(Cost $9,886,814)

            9,875,913  
                 

CLOSED-END FUNDS - 7.0%

Aberdeen Global Premier Properties Fund

    29,937       204,769  

Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund

    15,935       204,287  

CBRE Global Real Estate Income Fund

    20,822       203,847  

Royce Value Trust, Inc.2

    10,123     198,309  

Aberdeen Total Dynamic Dividend Fund

    19,359       197,849  

General American Investors Company, Inc.

    4,423       195,497  

Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

    7,204       194,508  

LMP Capital and Income Fund, Inc.

    12,687       192,842  

Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc.

    9,906       192,276  

Royce Micro-Capital Trust, Inc.

    16,531       190,933  

Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund

    32,720       190,758  

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust

    13,066       190,110  

PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc.

    12,573       189,727  

Nuveen New York AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

    13,746       189,557  

Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund

    41,689       188,434  

Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II

    36,770       187,527  

Tri-Continental Corp.2

    5,399       179,193  

Miller/Howard High Dividend Fund

    15,368       158,598  

Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund

    9,472       140,091  

Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust

    8,447       114,626  

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

    8,536     $ 114,553  

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund, Inc.

    8,660       113,273  

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund*

    9,072       112,765  

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

    7,747       108,226  

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund

    6,826       104,984  

Delaware Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund

    6,594       91,854  

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.

    10,508       90,365  

Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc.

    8,046       65,414  

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

    7,039       63,421  

Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.

    5,667       56,330  

Nuveen Ohio Quality Municipal Income Fund

    3,413       54,506  

Source Capital, Inc.

    986       42,605  

Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

    2,552       34,758  

Neuberger Berman New York Municipal Fund, Inc.

    2,630       34,190  

Gabelli Global Small and Mid Capital Value Trust

    2,095     33,310  

Delaware Investments Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II, Inc.

    2,289       32,298  

Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund, Inc.

    1,937       30,140  

MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust

    2,215       22,836  

Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund, Inc.

    1,928       18,586  

Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.

    3,326       18,562  

Royce Global Value Trust, Inc.

    1,032       13,540  

Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund

    937       13,230  

New Ireland Fund, Inc.

    905       10,100  

Total Closed-End Funds

(Cost $4,790,725)

            4,983,584  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 12.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.02% due 01/18/223,4

  $ 5,800,000       5,799,964  

0.04% due 01/06/224,5

    3,286,000       3,285,999  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

(Cost $9,085,920)

            9,085,963  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 22.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 12/31/21 at 0.05%
due 01/03/22

  $ 8,866,539     $ 8,866,539  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 12/31/21 at 0.01%
due 01/03/22

    3,666,936       3,666,936  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 12/31/21 at 0.02%
due 01/03/22

    3,333,578       3,333,578  

Total Repurchase Agreements

(Cost $15,867,053)

            15,867,053  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.4%

Money Market Fund

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.02%8

    281,926       281,926  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

(Cost $281,926)

            281,926  
                 

Total Investments - 96.1%

(Cost $65,974,893)

  $ 67,904,722  
                 

COMMON STOCKS SOLD SHORT - (14.7)%

Industrial - (0.3)%

II-VI, Inc.*

    3,061       (209,158 )
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - (0.3)%

DraftKings, Inc. — Class A*

    8,489       (233,193 )
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - (2.5)%

S&P Global, Inc.

    3,715       (1,753,220 )

 

Technology - (3.5)%

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    953     (165,984 )

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    15,928       (2,292,039 )

Total Technology

    (2,458,023 )
                 

Financial - (8.1)%

Webster Financial Corp.

    6,104       (340,847 )

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    3,493       (350,697 )

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    8,698       (353,748 )

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    9,270       (438,007 )

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    37,561       (458,620 )

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A

    656       (544,375 )

VICI Properties, Inc.

    22,609       (680,757 )

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,951       (746,355 )

M&T Bank Corp.

    5,710       (876,942 )

Apollo Asset Management, Inc.

    12,654       (916,529 )

Total Financial

    (5,706,877 )
                 

Total Common Stocks Sold Short

(Proceeds $8,650,335)

    (10,360,471 )
                 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS SOLD SHORT - (7.5)%

iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF

    65     $ (2,563 )

SPDR Gold Shares — Class D*

    41       (7,009 )

iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF

    259       (8,938 )

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    92       (10,580 )

VanEck Gold Miners ETF

    350       (11,210 )

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund

    313       (17,372 )

iShares Core High Dividend ETF

    193       (19,491 )

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF

    240       (31,805 )

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF

    1,541       (78,175 )

Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund

    614       (86,506 )

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF

    296       (90,455 )

VanEck High Yield Muni ETF

    2,545       (158,884 )

Invesco Senior Loan ETF

    11,557       (255,410 )

SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF

    3,293     (273,187 )

iShares National Muni Bond ETF

    2,800       (325,584 )

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    4,950       (574,893 )

iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

    6,661       (579,574 )

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF

    2,637       (586,600 )

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

    3,712       (623,356 )

SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Municipal Bond ETF

    14,980       (774,916 )

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

    1,682       (798,883 )

Total Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

(Proceeds $5,180,420)

    (5,315,391 )
                 

Total Securities Sold Short - (22.2)%

(Proceeds $13,830,755)

  $ (15,675,862 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 26.1%

    18,412,704  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 70,641,564  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    32       Jan 2022     $ 2,986,234     $ 83,032  

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    38       Jul 2022       2,046,870       82,602  

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    105       Jun 2022       5,842,200       18,727  

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    15       Feb 2022       837,900       15,754  

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

    3       Jan 2022       293,366       14,029  

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

    7       Mar 2022       237,594       12,831  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased (continued)

                               

Brent Crude Futures Contracts

    3       Jan 2022     $ 233,820     $ 12,475  

LME Zinc Futures Contracts

    2       Feb 2022       178,132       12,239  

Soybean Futures Contracts

    5       Mar 2022       334,937       11,572  

WTI Crude Futures Contracts

    3       Jan 2022       226,350       11,186  

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

    2       Feb 2022       140,250       8,994  

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

    4       Feb 2022       266,400       8,079  

Corn Futures Contracts

    19       Mar 2022       562,875       6,768  

LME Nickel Futures Contracts

    1       Feb 2022       125,001       3,383  

Copper Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       111,413       2,659  

LME Lead Futures Contracts

    3       Feb 2022       173,963       385  

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    7       Mar 2022       279,930       (31 )

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    16       Feb 2022       337,075       (8,114 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       253,969       (21,216 )

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    45       Feb 2022       1,616,400       (54,565 )
                    $ 17,084,679     $ 220,789  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

British Pound Futures Contracts

    33       Mar 2022     $ 2,788,500     $ 57,538  

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

    59       Mar 2022       4,032,650       51,978  

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    18       Mar 2022       1,423,170       10,951  

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       142,400       1,171  

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    32       Mar 2022       3,477,200       (38,090 )
                    $ 11,863,920     $ 83,548  

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022     $ 326,505     $ 14,094  

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Mar 2022       250,677       11,593  

Tokyo Stock Price Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Mar 2022       173,291       7,014  

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       112,125       5,346  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures Contracts††

    8       Jan 2022       212,929       4,974  

SPI 200 Index Futures Contracts††

    3       Mar 2022       403,819       4,295  

CAC 40 10 Euro Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Jan 2022       162,318       3,024  

FTSE MIB Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Mar 2022       154,266       2,183  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Index Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       202,606       1,932  

Amsterdam Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Jan 2022       181,418       1,805  

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts††

    3       Mar 2022       145,772       (668 )

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       237,975       (814 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts††

    3       Mar 2022       296,654       (1,520 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    60       Feb 2022       1,317,000       (10,195 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    49       Jan 2022       966,280       (100,778 )
                    $ 5,143,635     $ (57,715 )

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

    28       Mar 2022     $ 3,649,187     $ 27,450  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       588,281       5,091  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures Contracts

    5       Mar 2022       799,687       2,341  

Euro - 30 year Bond Futures Contracts††

    3       Mar 2022       705,772       (1,492 )

Euro - OATS Futures Contracts††

    47       Mar 2022       8,725,285       (76,508 )

Euro - BTP Italian Government Bond Futures Contracts††

    57       Mar 2022       9,533,743       (95,924 )
                    $ 24,001,955     $ (139,042 )

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    145       May 2022     $ 3,658,350     $ 130,099  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    119       Jun 2022       3,042,830       22,294  
                    $ 6,701,180     $ 152,393  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short††

Long Gilt Futures Contracts

    48       Mar 2022     $ 8,101,805     $ 54,916  

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

    21       Mar 2022       4,095,765       15,149  

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    51       Mar 2022       5,178,940       (19,178 )

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    105       Mar 2022       11,830,389       (85,870 )
                    $ 29,206,899     $ (34,983 )

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    48       Mar 2022     $ 1,697,280     $ 47,398  

Wheat Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       154,050       6,188  

Silver Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       116,600       4,977  

Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       120,075       3,589  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    2       Jan 2022       75,300       (344 )

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    1       Feb 2022       32,520       (1,103 )

Cocoa Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       101,560       (2,008 )

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    2       Mar 2022       170,000       (5,119 )

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    105       Apr 2022       6,080,550       (48,943 )

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    30       Mar 2022       1,689,750       (64,912 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    29       Mar 2022       2,839,402       (138,804 )
                    $ 13,077,087     $ (199,081 )

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

Australian Dollar Futures Contracts

    33       Mar 2022     $ 2,398,275     $ (47,282 )

Swiss Franc Futures Contracts

    110       Mar 2022       15,098,875       (216,605 )
                    $ 17,497,150     $ (263,887 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

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 Market Neutral Custom Basket

Pay

0.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       08/31/23     $ 13,017,639     $ 2,087,083  

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Market Neutral Custom Basket

Pay

0.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       13,017,650       2,044,462  

Goldman Sachs International

GS Long/Short Equity Custom Basket

Pay

0.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       9,009,748       902,053  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Long/Short Equity Custom Basket

Pay

0.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       08/31/23       9,009,793       900,851  
                          $ 44,054,830     $ 5,934,449  

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Long/Short Equity Custom Basket

Pay

(0.22)% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.30%)

    At Maturity       08/31/23     $ 4,919,821     $ (24,704 )

Goldman Sachs International

GS Long/Short Equity Custom Basket

Pay

(0.12)% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       4,919,750       (26,733 )

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Market Neutral Custom Basket

Pay

(0.23)% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.31%)

    At Maturity       08/31/23       12,984,844       (948,917 )

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Market Neutral Custom Basket

Pay

(0.15)% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.23%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       12,997,199       (954,993 )
                          $ 35,821,614     $ (1,955,347 )

 

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

MS LONG/SHORT EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

Utilities

UGI Corp.

    2,046       1.03 %   $ 22,713  

IDACORP, Inc.

    825       1.04 %     18,084  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    1,476       1.05 %     16,965  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    654       1.06 %     16,763  

American States Water Co.

    610       0.70 %     13,077  

Southern Co.

    1,115       0.85 %     12,884  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    1,095       1.00 %     6,672  

Portland General Electric Co.

    1,750       1.03 %     5,211  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    935       1.01 %     2,953  

PPL Corp.

    3,119       1.04 %     1,212  

CMS Energy Corp.

    281       0.20 %     1  

Total Utilities

    116,535  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

United Therapeutics Corp.

    181       0.43 %     22,413  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    770       0.52 %     18,673  

Innoviva, Inc.

    4,224       0.81 %     17,734  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    449       0.86 %     16,389  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,271       1.02 %     12,931  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    970       0.55 %     10,161  

AbbVie, Inc.

    467       0.70 %     9,065  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    681       0.35 %     8,748  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    992       0.99 %   $ 8,074  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    96       0.67 %     7,735  

Hologic, Inc.

    847       0.72 %     6,827  

Amgen, Inc.

    413       1.03 %     6,695  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    1,785       0.46 %     5,965  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    107       0.24 %     5,851  

Johnson & Johnson

    531       1.01 %     5,710  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    161       0.39 %     4,721  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    4,774       0.62 %     4,489  

Vector Group Ltd.

    1,570       0.20 %     4,211  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    939       0.52 %     3,438  

Waters Corp.

    95       0.39 %     2,079  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.

    1,170       0.21 %     1,910  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    102       0.36 %     1,765  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    567       0.64 %     1,504  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    65       0.55 %     1,221  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.

    516       0.23 %     1,155  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    784       0.35 %     919  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    471       0.40 %     830  

Pfizer, Inc.

    503       0.33 %     (425 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,479       1.02 %   $ (1,161 )

Incyte Corp.

    588       0.48 %     (2,137 )

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    2,556       0.45 %     (2,507 )

Exelixis, Inc.

    1,043       0.21 %     (3,223 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    181,760  
                         

Technology

NetApp, Inc.

    537       0.55 %     24,600  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    1,630       1.04 %     20,440  

Rambus, Inc.

    2,056       0.67 %     19,573  

HP, Inc.

    690       0.29 %     15,318  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    362       0.37 %     10,070  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.

    182       0.29 %     7,243  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.

    212       0.25 %     5,309  

International Business Machines Corp.

    428       0.63 %     2,344  

Progress Software Corp.

    684       0.37 %     1,055  

Intel Corp.

    608       0.35 %     459  

Microsoft Corp.

    91       0.34 %     369  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    141       0.29 %     149  

Xperi Holding Corp.

    1,750       0.37 %     (3,411 )

CommVault Systems, Inc.

    281       0.21 %     (3,512 )

Total Technology

    100,006  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

AutoZone, Inc.

    45       1.05 %     39,390  

Gentex Corp.

    2,700       1.04 %     23,030  

Gentherm, Inc.

    347       0.33 %     18,007  

Brunswick Corp.

    485       0.54 %     16,640  

AutoNation, Inc.

    311       0.40 %     16,135  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

NVR, Inc.

    12       0.79 %   $ 12,459  

Cummins, Inc.

    360       0.87 %     8,527  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

    132       1.03 %     7,857  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    476       0.50 %     7,362  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.

    1,096       0.34 %     6,365  

LKQ Corp.

    1,622       1.08 %     6,307  

Zumiez, Inc.

    791       0.42 %     5,865  

Autoliv, Inc.

    302       0.35 %     4,516  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    301       0.38 %     4,463  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    637       0.35 %     4,317  

MarineMax, Inc.

    396       0.26 %     4,028  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    1,690       0.49 %     3,866  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    312       0.40 %     3,108  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    966       0.57 %     2,825  

Buckle, Inc.

    1,058       0.50 %     2,627  

Whirlpool Corp.

    262       0.68 %     2,309  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    485       0.31 %     1,917  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    390       0.22 %     1,403  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    228       0.26 %     1,100  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    489       0.21 %     753  

Tapestry, Inc.

    730       0.33 %     (615 )

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,573       0.63 %     (878 )

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    573       0.19 %     (2,000 )

Polaris, Inc.

    285       0.35 %     (2,805 )

Foot Locker, Inc.

    570       0.28 %     (5,328 )

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    315       0.31 %   $ (6,856 )

Hibbett, Inc.

    305       0.24 %     (7,948 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    178,746  
                         

Industrial

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    1,480       0.98 %     24,942  

Encore Wire Corp.

    489       0.78 %     21,170  

Snap-on, Inc.

    374       0.89 %     20,181  

Knowles Corp.

    4,172       1.08 %     18,957  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,902       0.70 %     17,304  

Owens Corning

    446       0.45 %     17,146  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

    349       0.80 %     16,923  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    459       0.40 %     7,726  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    1,115       0.64 %     7,124  

Boise Cascade Co.

    577       0.46 %     6,229  

Atkore, Inc.

    193       0.24 %     4,831  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    231       0.43 %     3,638  

Sanmina Corp.

    1,741       0.80 %     3,608  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    302       0.30 %     3,344  

Crane Co.

    436       0.49 %     3,060  

TTM Technologies, Inc.

    3,700       0.61 %     2,670  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    139       0.21 %     2,595  

Oshkosh Corp.

    440       0.55 %     1,503  

Packaging Corporation of America

    433       0.65 %     1,444  

Textron, Inc.

    405       0.35 %     1,177  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

3M Co.

    446       0.88 %   $ 879  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    542       0.24 %     404  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    1,887       0.27 %     (22 )

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    626       0.38 %     (320 )

Garmin Ltd.

    684       1.03 %     (1,205 )

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    863       0.57 %     (1,761 )

OSI Systems, Inc.

    513       0.53 %     (2,474 )

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    1,631       0.56 %     (3,921 )

Toro Co.

    866       0.96 %     (4,752 )

Vontier Corp.

    1,839       0.63 %     (5,225 )

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    309       0.64 %     (5,295 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    862       0.65 %     (6,720 )

Total Industrial

    155,160  
                         

Financial

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    1,132       1.00 %     21,439  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    930       1.04 %     12,236  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    353       0.70 %     12,217  

Synchrony Financial

    545       0.28 %     12,094  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    643       0.57 %     9,291  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

    1,931       0.95 %     8,335  

First American Financial Corp.

    623       0.54 %     6,441  

Enstar Group Ltd.

    361       0.99 %     6,402  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,064       1.00 %     5,544  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    1,330       1.06 %     5,129  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    785       0.10 %   $ 4,452  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    1,042       0.60 %     2,754  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    1,702       0.69 %     2,568  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    756       0.35 %     2,210  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,505       1.01 %     1,578  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    1,685       0.82 %     1,308  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    1,568       0.30 %     1,085  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    180       0.55 %     863  

Markel Corp.

    23       0.32 %     674  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    133       0.24 %     465  

Western Union Co.

    1,816       0.36 %     (80 )

Ameris Bancorp

    376       0.21 %     (832 )

BankUnited, Inc.

    1,212       0.57 %     (1,447 )

Essent Group Ltd.

    892       0.45 %     (1,487 )

MGIC Investment Corp.

    4,128       0.66 %     (1,739 )

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    520       0.78 %     (1,840 )

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

    701       0.46 %     (3,597 )

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    1,198       0.47 %     (3,669 )

Old Republic International Corp.

    3,423       0.93 %     (4,456 )

Radian Group, Inc.

    2,751       0.65 %     (4,591 )

OneMain Holdings, Inc.

    677       0.38 %     (4,617 )

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    1,252       0.75 %     (4,953 )
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Mercury General Corp.

    1,593       0.94 %   $ (10,178 )

Total Financial

    73,599  
                         

Communications

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

    5,550       1.09 %     32,719  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,524       1.07 %     27,102  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,101       0.44 %     14,974  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,119       0.91 %     11,430  

F5, Inc.

    78       0.21 %     4,134  

InterDigital, Inc.

    527       0.42 %     3,758  

Shenandoah Telecommunications

               

Co.

    1,151       0.33 %     (751 )

Yelp, Inc. — Class A

    535       0.22 %     (786 )

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    160       0.21 %     (1,248 )

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    425       0.35 %     (1,451 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,394       0.80 %     (2,985 )

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    1,513       0.34 %     (3,658 )

Total Communications

    83,238  
                         

Basic Materials

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    696       0.75 %     3,259  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    351       0.65 %     2,625  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    572       0.59 %     1,959  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    479       0.25 %     1,786  

Dow, Inc.

    660       0.42 %     1,424  

Newmont Corp.

    380       0.26 %     791  

Nucor Corp.

    315       0.40 %     (222 )

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    523       0.36 %   $ (222 )

Total Basic Materials

    11,400  
                         

Energy

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    1,850       0.21 %     1,967  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    1,159       0.20 %     176  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    1,944       0.21 %     (1,736 )

Total Energy

    407  

Total MS Long/Short Equity Long Custom Basket

  $ 900,851  
                 

MS LONG/SHORT EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

Consumer, Non-cyclical

Teladoc Health, Inc.

    397       (0.77 )%   $ 12,558  

Guardant Health, Inc.

    375       (0.76 )%     11,707  

CoStar Group, Inc.

    791       (1.27 )%     7,286  

Viad Corp.

    848       (0.74 )%     3,589  

US Foods Holding Corp.

    772       (0.55 )%     827  

ASGN, Inc.

    330       (0.83 )%     686  

Brink’s Co.

    289       (0.39 )%     41  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    196       (0.91 )%     (669 )

Equifax, Inc.

    134       (0.80 )%     (1,523 )

TransUnion

    296       (0.71 )%     (1,579 )

Rollins, Inc.

    1,330       (0.92 )%     (1,584 )

Sysco Corp.

    627       (1.00 )%     (3,253 )

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

    2,301       (0.96 )%     (3,440 )

Cintas Corp.

    176       (1.59 )%     (4,094 )

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

    2,217       (1.52 )%     (11,832 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    8,720  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Technology

Coupa Software, Inc.

    152       (0.49 )%   $ 16,483  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A

    93       (0.50 )%     9,230  

Clarivate plc

    962       (0.46 )%     5,102  

Avalara, Inc.

    93       (0.24 )%     3,369  

Zscaler, Inc.

    42       (0.27 )%     1,018  

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A

    173       (0.27 )%     882  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.

    1,444       (0.54 )%     286  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    284       (0.51 )%     (352 )

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A

    82       (0.56 )%     (2,655 )

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.

    303       (0.64 )%     (4,359 )

KBR, Inc.

    1,756       (1.70 )%     (11,985 )

Total Technology

    17,019  
                         

Industrial

Stericycle, Inc.

    1,067       (1.29 )%     15,523  

Boeing Co.

    380       (1.55 )%     9,286  

US Ecology, Inc.

    1,401       (0.91 )%     7,562  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    43       (0.56 )%     532  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    666       (1.88 )%     509  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    1,449       (0.94 )%     (2,781 )

Waste Management, Inc.

    355       (1.20 )%     (9,983 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    312       (1.08 )%     (10,256 )

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    490       (1.39 )%     (14,755 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    843       (1.46 )%   $ (17,856 )

Total Industrial

    (22,219 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

    1,991       (1.77 )%     20,500  

Freshpet, Inc.

    250       (0.48 )%     18,002  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    2,227       (1.77 )%     13,047  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

    1,580       (0.70 )%     6,208  

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.

    1,785       (0.49 )%     5,685  

Tesla, Inc.

    24       (0.52 )%     2,907  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    4,556       (1.66 )%     748  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    508       (0.79 )%     (402 )

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    226       (0.39 )%     (769 )

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    533       (0.41 )%     (1,303 )

IAA, Inc.

    914       (0.94 )%     (1,797 )

Carnival Corp.

    2,022       (0.83 )%     (3,682 )

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. — Class A

    446       (1.57 )%     (4,491 )

Copart, Inc.

    310       (0.96 )%     (4,969 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    49,684  
                         

Financial

Americold Realty Trust

    1,356       (0.90 )%     8,402  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    4,179       (1.60 )%     1,466  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    5,158       (1.46 )%     1,136  

Welltower, Inc.

    805       (1.40 )%     635  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    4,576       (0.89 )%     546  

Safehold, Inc.

    941       (1.53 )%     544  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Lincoln National Corp.

    720       (1.00 )%   $ (85 )

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    5,316       (1.27 )%     (264 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    176       (0.75 )%     (1,425 )

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,308       (1.28 )%     (1,766 )

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,410       (0.89 )%     (2,137 )

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    2,934       (1.33 )%     (2,810 )

Northern Trust Corp.

    329       (0.80 )%     (2,962 )

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,036       (1.36 )%     (3,357 )

Equinix, Inc.

    83       (1.43 )%     (3,445 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    4,756       (1.68 )%     (3,468 )

Signature Bank

    147       (0.97 )%     (3,702 )

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    986       (1.16 )%     (3,778 )

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    780       (1.46 )%     (3,932 )

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    3,733       (1.81 )%     (4,775 )

Outfront Media, Inc.

    2,208       (1.20 )%     (5,434 )

State Street Corp.

    912       (1.72 )%     (5,859 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    1,621       (1.80 )%     (5,998 )

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    685       (1.50 )%     (6,395 )

Comerica, Inc.

    1,056       (1.87 )%     (7,999 )

Howard Hughes Corp.

    679       (1.40 )%     (8,046 )

Total Financial

    (64,908 )
                         

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Communications

Uber Technologies, Inc.

    1,426       (1.22 )%   $ 8,007  

Okta, Inc.

    159       (0.72 )%     7,932  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A

    148       (0.50 )%     3,871  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C

    373       (0.48 )%     (719 )

Opendoor Technologies, Inc.

    1,589       (0.47 )%     (1,051 )

Lyft, Inc. — Class A

    1,383       (1.20 )%     (1,664 )

Total Communications

    16,376  
                         

Energy

Plug Power, Inc.

    414       (0.24 )%     4,443  

NOV, Inc.

    2,222       (0.61 )%     808  

Denbury, Inc.

    346       (0.54 )%     (593 )

Range Resources Corp.

    1,182       (0.43 )%     (673 )

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    567       (0.74 )%     (702 )
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Hess Corp.

    525       (0.79 )%   $ (1,468 )

Schlumberger N.V.

    2,180       (1.33 )%     (1,531 )

Halliburton Co.

    3,347       (1.56 )%     (2,001 )

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    315       (1.16 )%     (2,670 )

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    4,062       (0.70 )%     (2,799 )

Total Energy

    (7,186 )
                         

Utilities

ONE Gas, Inc.

    1,223       (1.93 )%     (253 )

Atmos Energy Corp.

    916       (1.95 )%     (3,063 )

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    2,903       (1.65 )%     (5,044 )

Edison International

    1,354       (1.88 )%     (13,830 )

Total Utilities

    (22,190 )

Total MS Long/Short Equity Short Custom Basket

  $ (24,704 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

GS LONG/SHORT EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

Utilities

UGI Corp.

    2,046       1.03 %   $ 22,657  

IDACORP, Inc.

    825       1.04 %     18,123  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    1,476       1.05 %     16,887  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    654       1.06 %     16,633  

American States Water Co.

    610       0.70 %     13,018  

Southern Co.

    1,115       0.85 %     12,714  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    1,095       1.00 %     6,697  

Portland General Electric Co.

    1,750       1.03 %     5,271  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    935       1.01 %     3,105  

PPL Corp.

    3,119       1.04 %     1,341  

CMS Energy Corp.

    281       0.20 %     (38 )

Total Utilities

    116,408  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

United Therapeutics Corp.

    181       0.43 %     22,395  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    770       0.52 %     18,652  

Innoviva, Inc.

    4,224       0.81 %     17,726  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    449       0.86 %     16,417  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,271       1.02 %     12,743  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    970       0.55 %     9,644  

AbbVie, Inc.

    467       0.70 %     9,065  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    681       0.35 %     8,725  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    992       0.99 %   $ 8,121  

Amgen, Inc.

    413       1.03 %     7,856  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    96       0.67 %     7,708  

Hologic, Inc.

    847       0.72 %     6,857  

Johnson & Johnson

    531       1.01 %     5,973  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    1,785       0.46 %     5,920  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    107       0.24 %     5,856  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    161       0.39 %     4,649  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    4,774       0.62 %     4,505  

Vector Group Ltd.

    1,570       0.20 %     4,206  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    939       0.52 %     3,369  

Waters Corp.

    95       0.39 %     2,115  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.

    1,170       0.21 %     1,939  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    102       0.36 %     1,898  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    567       0.64 %     1,515  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.

    516       0.23 %     1,168  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    65       0.55 %     1,067  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    784       0.35 %     954  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    471       0.40 %     859  

Pfizer, Inc.

    503       0.33 %     (400 )

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,479       1.02 %   $ (1,120 )

Incyte Corp.

    588       0.48 %     (2,266 )

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    2,556       0.45 %     (2,508 )

Exelixis, Inc.

    1,043       0.21 %     (3,214 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    182,394  
                         

Technology

NetApp, Inc.

    537       0.55 %     24,617  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    1,630       1.04 %     20,278  

Rambus, Inc.

    2,056       0.67 %     19,563  

HP, Inc.

    690       0.29 %     15,346  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    362       0.37 %     10,148  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.

    182       0.29 %     7,214  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.

    212       0.25 %     5,292  

International Business Machines Corp.

    428       0.63 %     2,362  

Progress Software Corp.

    684       0.37 %     1,044  

Intel Corp.

    608       0.35 %     495  

Microsoft Corp.

    91       0.34 %     351  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    141       0.29 %     126  

CommVault Systems, Inc.

    281       0.21 %     (3,562 )

Xperi Holding Corp.

    1,750       0.37 %     (3,608 )

Total Technology

    99,666  
                         

Financial

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    1,132       1.00 %     21,435  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    353       0.70 %     12,241  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    930       1.04 %   $ 12,151  

Synchrony Financial

    545       0.28 %     12,080  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    643       0.57 %     9,246  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

    1,931       0.95 %     8,275  

Enstar Group Ltd.

    361       0.99 %     8,118  

First American Financial Corp.

    623       0.54 %     6,428  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,064       1.00 %     5,553  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    1,330       1.06 %     5,209  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    785       0.10 %     4,450  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    1,042       0.60 %     2,808  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    1,702       0.69 %     2,481  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    756       0.35 %     2,219  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,505       1.01 %     1,657  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    1,685       0.82 %     1,492  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    1,568       0.30 %     982  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    180       0.55 %     836  

Markel Corp.

    23       0.32 %     644  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    133       0.24 %     451  

Western Union Co.

    1,816       0.36 %     (62 )

Ameris Bancorp

    376       0.21 %     (732 )

BankUnited, Inc.

    1,212       0.57 %     (1,555 )

Essent Group Ltd.

    892       0.45 %     (1,595 )

MGIC Investment Corp.

    4,128       0.66 %     (1,892 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    520       0.78 %   $ (1,946 )

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

    701       0.46 %     (3,639 )

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    1,198       0.47 %     (3,691 )

Old Republic International Corp.

    3,423       0.93 %     (4,464 )

OneMain Holdings, Inc.

    677       0.38 %     (4,583 )

Radian Group, Inc.

    2,751       0.65 %     (4,714 )

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    1,252       0.75 %     (4,960 )

Mercury General Corp.

    1,593       0.94 %     (10,385 )

Total Financial

    74,538  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

AutoZone, Inc.

    45       1.05 %     39,440  

Gentex Corp.

    2,700       1.04 %     23,053  

Gentherm, Inc.

    347       0.33 %     18,021  

Brunswick Corp.

    485       0.54 %     16,665  

AutoNation, Inc.

    311       0.40 %     16,099  

NVR, Inc.

    12       0.79 %     12,173  

Cummins, Inc.

    360       0.87 %     8,549  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

    132       1.03 %     7,881  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    476       0.50 %     7,343  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.

    1,096       0.34 %     6,344  

LKQ Corp.

    1,622       1.08 %     5,980  

Zumiez, Inc.

    791       0.42 %     5,466  

Autoliv, Inc.

    302       0.35 %     4,497  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    301       0.38 %     4,429  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    637       0.35 %     4,319  

MarineMax, Inc.

    396       0.26 %     4,011  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    1,690       0.49 %   $ 3,810  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    312       0.40 %     3,031  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    966       0.57 %     2,846  

Buckle, Inc.

    1,058       0.50 %     2,551  

Whirlpool Corp.

    262       0.68 %     2,328  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    485       0.31 %     1,883  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    390       0.22 %     1,386  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    228       0.26 %     1,146  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    489       0.21 %     808  

Tapestry, Inc.

    730       0.33 %     (574 )

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,573       0.63 %     (1,004 )

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    573       0.19 %     (2,054 )

Polaris, Inc.

    285       0.35 %     (2,792 )

Foot Locker, Inc.

    570       0.28 %     (5,295 )

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    315       0.31 %     (6,667 )

Hibbett, Inc.

    305       0.24 %     (7,982 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    177,691  
                         

Industrial

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    1,480       0.98 %     25,136  

Encore Wire Corp.

    489       0.78 %     22,323  

Snap-on, Inc.

    374       0.89 %     19,977  

Knowles Corp.

    4,172       1.08 %     19,240  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,902       0.70 %     17,222  

Owens Corning

    446       0.45 %     17,153  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

    349       0.80 %     16,925  

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    459       0.40 %   $ 7,716  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    1,115       0.64 %     7,218  

Boise Cascade Co.

    577       0.46 %     6,163  

Atkore, Inc.

    193       0.24 %     4,866  

Sanmina Corp.

    1,741       0.80 %     3,762  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    231       0.43 %     3,581  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    302       0.30 %     3,338  

Crane Co.

    436       0.49 %     3,097  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    139       0.21 %     2,566  

TTM Technologies, Inc.

    3,700       0.61 %     2,559  

Oshkosh Corp.

    440       0.55 %     1,527  

Packaging Corporation of America

    433       0.65 %     1,380  

Textron, Inc.

    405       0.35 %     1,165  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    542       0.24 %     940  

3M Co.

    446       0.88 %     927  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    1,887       0.27 %     (34 )

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    626       0.38 %     (491 )

Garmin Ltd.

    684       1.03 %     (1,230 )

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    863       0.57 %     (1,615 )

OSI Systems, Inc.

    513       0.53 %     (2,491 )

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    1,631       0.56 %     (3,928 )

Toro Co.

    866       0.96 %     (4,873 )

Vontier Corp.

    1,839       0.63 %     (5,139 )

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    309       0.64 %     (5,329 )
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    862       0.65 %   $ (6,748 )

Total Industrial

    156,903  
                         

Basic Materials

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    696       0.75 %     2,993  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    351       0.65 %     2,619  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    572       0.59 %     1,957  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    479       0.25 %     1,776  

Dow, Inc.

    660       0.42 %     1,447  

Newmont Corp.

    380       0.26 %     801  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    523       0.36 %     (147 )

Nucor Corp.

    315       0.40 %     (247 )

Total Basic Materials

    11,199  
                         

Communications

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

    5,550       1.09 %     32,258  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,524       1.07 %     27,101  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,101       0.44 %     15,055  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,119       0.91 %     11,441  

F5, Inc.

    78       0.21 %     4,119  

InterDigital, Inc.

    527       0.42 %     3,725  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A

    535       0.22 %     (783 )

Shenandoah Telecommunications

               

Co.

    1,151       0.33 %     (851 )

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    160       0.21 %     (1,224 )

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    425       0.35 %     (1,436 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,394       0.80 %     (2,840 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    1,513       0.34 %   $ (3,687 )

Total Communications

    82,878  
                         

Energy

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    1,850       0.21 %     1,947  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    1,159       0.20 %     138  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    1,944       0.21 %     (1,709 )

Total Energy

    376  

Total GS Long/Short Equity Long Custom Basket

  $ 902,053  
                 

GS LONG/SHORT EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

Consumer, Non-cyclical

Teladoc Health, Inc.

    397       (0.77 )%   $ 12,578  

Guardant Health, Inc.

    375       (0.76 )%     11,720  

CoStar Group, Inc.

    791       (1.27 )%     7,203  

Viad Corp.

    848       (0.74 )%     3,498  

US Foods Holding Corp.

    772       (0.55 )%     921  

ASGN, Inc.

    330       (0.83 )%     654  

Brink’s Co.

    289       (0.39 )%     111  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    196       (0.91 )%     (662 )

Equifax, Inc.

    134       (0.80 )%     (1,571 )

Rollins, Inc.

    1,329       (0.92 )%     (1,618 )

TransUnion

    296       (0.71 )%     (1,618 )

Sysco Corp.

    627       (1.00 )%     (3,096 )

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

    2,301       (0.96 )%     (3,695 )

Cintas Corp.

    176       (1.59 )%     (4,220 )

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

    2,217       (1.52 )%     (11,849 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    8,356  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Technology

Coupa Software, Inc.

    152       (0.49 )%   $ 16,442  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A

    93       (0.50 )%     9,196  

Clarivate plc

    962       (0.46 )%     5,124  

Avalara, Inc.

    93       (0.24 )%     3,402  

Zscaler, Inc.

    42       (0.27 )%     984  

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A

    173       (0.27 )%     858  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.

    1,444       (0.54 )%     420  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    284       (0.51 )%     (377 )

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A

    82       (0.56 )%     (2,649 )

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.

    303       (0.64 )%     (4,393 )

KBR, Inc.

    1,756       (1.70 )%     (12,029 )

Total Technology

    16,978  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

    1,991       (1.77 )%     20,535  

Freshpet, Inc.

    250       (0.48 )%     18,009  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    2,227       (1.77 )%     13,068  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

    1,580       (0.70 )%     6,151  

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.

    1,785       (0.49 )%     5,689  

Tesla, Inc.

    24       (0.52 )%     2,888  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    4,556       (1.66 )%     686  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    508       (0.79 )%     (421 )

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    226       (0.39 )%     (781 )

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    533       (0.41 )%     (1,342 )

IAA, Inc.

    914       (0.94 )%     (1,873 )

Carnival Corp.

    2,022       (0.83 )%     (3,714 )

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. — Class A

    446       (1.57 )%   $ (4,612 )

Copart, Inc.

    310       (0.96 )%     (5,104 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    49,179  
                         

Industrial

Stericycle, Inc.

    1,067       (1.29 )%     15,505  

Boeing Co.

    380       (1.55 )%     9,255  

US Ecology, Inc.

    1,401       (0.91 )%     7,536  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    43       (0.56 )%     525  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    666       (1.88 )%     515  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    1,449       (0.94 )%     (2,824 )

Waste Management, Inc.

    355       (1.20 )%     (9,978 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    312       (1.08 )%     (10,213 )

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    490       (1.39 )%     (14,859 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    843       (1.46 )%     (17,871 )

Total Industrial

    (22,409 )
                         

Energy

Plug Power, Inc.

    414       (0.24 )%     4,461  

NOV, Inc.

    2,222       (0.61 )%     763  

Range Resources Corp.

    1,182       (0.43 )%     (568 )

Denbury, Inc.

    346       (0.54 )%     (568 )

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    567       (0.74 )%     (711 )

Schlumberger N.V.

    2,180       (1.33 )%     (1,382 )

Hess Corp.

    525       (0.79 )%     (1,505 )

Halliburton Co.

    3,347       (1.56 )%     (1,855 )
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    315       (1.16 )%   $ (2,625 )

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    4,062       (0.70 )%     (2,782 )

Total Energy

    (6,772 )
                         

Financial

Americold Realty Trust

    1,356       (0.90 )%     8,320  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    4,179       (1.60 )%     1,579  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    5,158       (1.46 )%     792  

Welltower, Inc.

    805       (1.40 )%     614  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    4,576       (0.89 )%     538  

Safehold, Inc.

    941       (1.53 )%     380  

Lincoln National Corp.

    720       (1.00 )%     50  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    5,316       (1.27 )%     (442 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    176       (0.75 )%     (1,403 )

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,410       (0.89 )%     (1,628 )

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,308       (1.28 )%     (1,778 )

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    2,934       (1.33 )%     (2,888 )

Northern Trust Corp.

    329       (0.80 )%     (3,307 )

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,036       (1.36 )%     (3,395 )

Equinix, Inc.

    83       (1.43 )%     (3,489 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    4,756       (1.68 )%     (3,497 )

Signature Bank

    147       (0.97 )%     (3,717 )

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    780       (1.46 )%     (3,964 )

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    986       (1.16 )%     (3,993 )

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    3,733       (1.81 )%     (4,817 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Outfront Media, Inc.

    2,208       (1.20 )%   $ (5,427 )

State Street Corp.

    912       (1.72 )%     (5,822 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    1,621       (1.80 )%     (6,280 )

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    685       (1.50 )%     (6,401 )

Comerica, Inc.

    1,056       (1.87 )%     (7,793 )

Howard Hughes Corp.

    679       (1.40 )%     (7,953 )

Total Financial

    (65,721 )
                         

Communications

Uber Technologies, Inc.

    1,426       (1.22 )%     8,017  

Okta, Inc.

    159       (0.72 )%     7,887  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A

    148       (0.50 )%     3,968  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C

    373       (0.48 )%     (751 )

Opendoor Technologies, Inc.

    1,589       (0.47 )%     (1,121 )

Lyft, Inc. — Class A

    1,383       (1.20 )%     (1,848 )

Total Communications

    16,152  
                         

Utilities

ONE Gas, Inc.

    1,223       (1.93 )%     (282 )

Atmos Energy Corp.

    916       (1.95 )%     (3,129 )

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    2,903       (1.65 )%     (5,112 )

Edison International

    1,354       (1.88 )%     (13,973 )

Total Utilities

    (22,496 )

Total GS Long/Short Equity Short Custom Basket

  $ (26,733 )

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

MS EQUITY MARKET NEUTRAL LONG CUSTOM BASKET

Financial

Sun Communities, Inc.

    3,020       4.85 %   $ 221,107  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    9,736       5.18 %     165,838  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    2,047       3.97 %     159,345  

Equity Residential

    5,724       3.98 %     133,486  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    6,367       4.39 %     124,115  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    5,539       3.45 %     120,089  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    2,041       3.50 %     117,407  

Prologis, Inc.

    1,701       2.20 %     105,668  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    1,226       2.54 %     102,894  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    4,924       3.48 %     101,460  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    8,838       3.08 %     95,571  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

    405       0.82 %     74,325  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    9,594       3.59 %     70,972  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    8,813       2.44 %     60,324  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    4,470       1.97 %     51,847  

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    8,517       2.46 %     49,336  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    10,377       2.03 %     48,157  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    46,997       3.47 %     48,113  

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A

    5,874       1.84 %   $ 47,016  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    11,229       2.60 %     36,248  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    11,421       2.07 %     30,411  

Agree Realty Corp.

    7,268       3.98 %     30,309  

Ventas, Inc.

    4,451       1.75 %     29,452  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    14,975       3.38 %     24,580  

Acadia Realty Trust

    23,561       3.95 %     17,162  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    16,000       2.68 %     11,611  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    17,644       3.09 %     (3,390 )

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    12,119       2.30 %     (15,648 )

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    32,624       4.54 %     (16,498 )

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    34,982       2.39 %     (84,562 )

Total Financial

    1,956,745  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.

    5,137       2.06 %     62,920  

DR Horton, Inc.

    1,379       1.15 %     29,276  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    1,280       1.14 %     23,949  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    3,571       1.57 %     12,747  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    1,626       2.11 %     1,446  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    130,338  

Total MS Equity Market Neutral Long Custom Basket

  $ 2,087,083  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MS EQUITY MARKET NEUTRAL SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

Financial

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    17,506       (4.00 )%   $ 120,864  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    7,064       (1.86 )%     56,011  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    19,331       (3.70 )%     47,762  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    2,861       (1.27 )%     38,657  

Office Properties Income Trust

    13,427       (2.57 )%     37,965  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    34,309       (3.68 )%     33,665  

Equity Commonwealth

    7,657       (1.53 )%     19,591  

American Finance Trust, Inc.

    27,375       (1.92 )%     (979 )

CorePoint Lodging, Inc.

    8,537       (1.03 )%     (1,376 )

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    6,273       (1.21 )%     (1,720 )

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    5,341       (1.30 )%     (2,559 )

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    15,143       (3.85 )%     (7,576 )

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

    7,561       (1.33 )%     (9,572 )

Welltower, Inc.

    2,605       (1.72 )%     (9,991 )

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    11,582       (2.49 )%     (10,801 )

STORE Capital Corp.

    19,272       (5.11 )%     (11,470 )

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    12,203       (3.15 )%     (12,566 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    28,335       (3.79 )%     (21,382 )

CubeSmart

    3,062       (1.34 )%     (40,341 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

    15,225       (3.03 )%   $ (46,183 )

Realty Income Corp.

    12,227       (6.74 )%     (47,336 )

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    41,724       (5.19 )%     (49,862 )

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,208       (3.01 )%     (66,536 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    7,753       (3.26 )%     (69,369 )

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    18,729       (4.16 )%     (82,283 )

Camden Property Trust

    2,506       (3.45 )%     (87,597 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    9,273       (3.43 )%     (119,428 )

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    17,613       (3.50 )%     (164,500 )

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    4,060       (7.17 )%     (306,354 )

Total Financial

    (815,266 )
                         

Exchange Traded Funds

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    11,428       (10.21 )%     (133,651 )

Total MS Equity Market Neutral Short Custom Basket

  $ (948,917 )

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

GS EQUITY MARKET NEUTRAL LONG CUSTOM BASKET

Financial

Sun Communities, Inc.

    3,020       4.85 %   $ 192,591  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    9,736       5.18 %     165,603  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    2,047       3.97 %     159,001  

Equity Residential

    5,724       3.98 %     133,041  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    6,367       4.39 %     124,569  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    5,539       3.45 %     119,781  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    2,041       3.50 %     117,492  

Prologis, Inc.

    1,701       2.20 %     105,583  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    1,226       2.54 %     103,275  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    4,924       3.48 %     102,974  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    8,838       3.08 %     95,534  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

    405       0.82 %     74,813  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    9,594       3.59 %     70,888  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    4,470       1.97 %     50,972  

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    8,517       2.46 %     49,787  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    10,377       2.03 %     48,219  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    8,813       2.44 %     47,173  

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A

    5,874       1.84 %   $ 47,020  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    46,997       3.47 %     46,658  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    11,229       2.60 %     36,068  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    11,421       2.07 %     30,324  

Ventas, Inc.

    4,451       1.75 %     29,533  

Agree Realty Corp.

    7,268       3.98 %     29,299  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    14,975       3.38 %     25,184  

Acadia Realty Trust

    23,561       3.95 %     17,676  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    16,000       2.68 %     12,166  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    17,644       3.09 %     (1,086 )

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    12,119       2.30 %     (15,545 )

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    32,624       4.54 %     (17,915 )

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    34,982       2.39 %     (87,540 )

Total Financial

    1,913,138  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.

    5,137       2.06 %     62,949  

DR Horton, Inc.

    1,379       1.15 %     29,059  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    1,280       1.14 %     24,069  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    3,571       1.57 %     12,831  
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    1,626       2.11 %   $ 2,416  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    131,324  

Total GS Equity Market Neutral Long Custom Basket

  $ 2,044,462  
                 

GS EQUITY MARKET NEUTRAL SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

Financial

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    17,506       (3.99 )%   $ 123,231  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    7,183       (1.89 )%     56,867  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    19,331       (3.69 )%     42,259  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    3,050       (1.35 )%     40,441  

Office Properties Income Trust

    13,427       (2.57 )%     39,858  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    34,309       (3.68 )%     36,900  

Equity Commonwealth

    7,657       (1.53 )%     19,637  

American Finance Trust, Inc.

    27,375       (1.92 )%     (685 )

CorePoint Lodging, Inc.

    8,537       (1.03 )%     (1,299 )

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    6,170       (1.19 )%     (1,845 )

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    5,341       (1.30 )%     (2,630 )

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

    7,561       (1.33 )%     (9,601 )

Welltower, Inc.

    2,605       (1.72 )%     (10,464 )

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    15,143       (3.85 )%     (11,327 )

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    12,203       (3.15 )%     (11,686 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    11,582       (2.49 )%   $ (11,796 )

STORE Capital Corp.

    19,272       (5.10 )%     (11,969 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    28,335       (3.79 )%     (21,360 )

CubeSmart

    3,062       (1.34 )%     (40,780 )

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

    15,225       (3.03 )%     (47,627 )

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    41,724       (5.18 )%     (48,254 )

Realty Income Corp.

    12,227       (6.73 )%     (49,612 )

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,208       (3.00 )%     (67,049 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    7,753       (3.26 )%     (69,823 )
                         

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    18,729       (4.15 )%   $ (84,472 )

Camden Property Trust

    2,506       (3.45 )%     (87,684 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    9,273       (3.42 )%     (120,290 )

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    17,613       (3.50 )%     (162,315 )

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    4,060       (7.17 )%     (307,498 )

Total Financial

    (820,873 )
                         

Exchange Traded Funds

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    11,428       (10.20 )%     (134,120 )

Total GS Equity Market Neutral Short Custom Basket

  $ (954,993 )

 

*

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 — See Note 4.

†††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is on loan at December 31, 2021 — See Note 8.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security and equity custom basket swap collateral at December 31, 2021.

4

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at December 31, 2021.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 8.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of December 31, 2021.

 

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.

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at December 31, 2021 (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

  $ 27,810,283     $     $     $ 27,810,283  

Rights

                *      

Mutual Funds

    9,875,913                   9,875,913  

Closed-End Funds

    4,983,584                   4,983,584  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          9,085,963             9,085,963  

Repurchase Agreements

          15,867,053             15,867,053  

Securities Lending Collateral

    281,926                   281,926  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    366,867                   366,867  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    173,765       34,888             208,653  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    121,638                   121,638  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    34,882       70,065             104,947  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          5,934,449             5,934,449  

Total Assets

  $ 43,648,858     $ 30,992,418     $     $ 74,641,276  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks Sold Short

  $ 10,360,471     $     $     $ 10,360,471  

Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

    5,315,391                   5,315,391  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    345,159                   345,159  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    301,977                   301,977  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

          278,972             278,972  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    111,787       2,188             113,975  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          1,955,347             1,955,347  

Total Liabilities

  $ 16,434,785     $ 2,236,507     $     $ 18,671,292  

 

*

Includes securities with a market value of $0.

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

December 31, 2021

MULTI-HEDGE 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 (“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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund 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 December 31, 2021, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
12/31/21

   

Shares
12/31/21

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 4,605,176     $ 6,020,279     $ (5,400,000 )   $ 18,330     $ (36,290 )   $ 5,207,495       209,304     $ 61,876  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    718,511       262,584                   (3,343 )     977,752       39,063       14,098  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    7,021,947       5,687,299       (9,000,000 )     10,985       (29,565 )     3,690,666       372,043       38,988  
    $ 12,345,634     $ 11,970,162     $ (14,400,000 )   $ 29,315     $ (69,198 )   $ 9,875,913             $ 114,962  

 

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

December 31, 2021

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $276,598 of securities loaned (cost $40,221,026)

  $ 42,161,756  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $9,886,814)

    9,875,913  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $15,867,053)

    15,867,053  

Cash

    15,095,525  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    5,934,449  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    487,332  

Swap settlement

    160,392  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    133,445  

Fund shares sold

    78,423  

Dividends

    47,590  

Securities lending income

    1,026  

Interest

    15  

Total assets

    89,842,919  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $13,830,755)

    15,675,862  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,955,347  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    1,211,671  

Return of securities lending collateral

    281,926  

Management fees

    49,969  

Distribution and service fees

    3,543  

Trustees’ fees*

    666  

Miscellaneous

    22,371  

Total liabilities

    19,201,355  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 70,641,564  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 73,965,977  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,324,413 )

Net assets

  $ 70,641,564  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,592,687  

Capital shares outstanding

    166,863  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.52  

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

  $ 28.89  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 487,775  

Capital shares outstanding

    19,314  

Net asset value per share

  $ 25.25  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 10,099,607  

Capital shares outstanding

    365,833  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.61  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 55,461,495  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,974,391  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.09  

 

 

*

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 919,765  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    114,962  

Interest

    5,740  

Income from securities lending, net

    15,526  

Total investment income

    1,055,993  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    792,099  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,131  

C-Class

    6,895  

P-Class

    27,071  

Short sales dividend expense

    301,914  

Prime broker interest expense

    164,277  

Miscellaneous

    18,930  

Total expenses

    1,322,317  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (39,674 )

Net expenses

    1,282,643  

Net investment loss

    (226,650 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ 2,468,022  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    29,315  

Investments sold short

    (1,730,315 )

Swap agreements

    87,120  

Futures contracts

    1,047,299  

Foreign currency transactions

    7,739  

Net realized gain

    1,909,180  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    652,706  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (69,198 )

Investments sold short

    (869,158 )

Swap agreements

    3,305,633  

Futures contracts

    (727,234 )

Foreign currency translations

    121  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,292,870  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    4,202,050  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 3,975,400  

 

 

 

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (226,650 )   $ (110,501 )

Net realized gain on investments

    1,909,180       2,588,403  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,292,870       158,601  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    3,975,400       2,636,503  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (35,537 )     (41,281 )

C-Class

          (4,460 )

P-Class

    (75,821 )     (75,583 )

Institutional Class

    (522,203 )     (442,898 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (633,561 )     (564,222 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,180,993       1,306,835  

C-Class

    170,987       211,800  

P-Class

    8,838,032       11,055,670  

Institutional Class

    36,579,357       27,020,776  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    31,190       34,896  

C-Class

          3,943  

P-Class

    74,817       74,354  

Institutional Class

    522,203       442,728  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (899,012 )     (1,102,066 )

C-Class

    (961,782 )     (521,624 )

P-Class

    (6,963,597 )     (11,250,761 )

Institutional Class

    (21,644,416 )     (16,278,135 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    16,928,772       10,998,416  

Net increase in net assets

    20,270,611       13,070,697  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    50,370,953       37,300,256  

End of year

  $ 70,641,564     $ 50,370,953  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2020

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    43,014       50,836  

C-Class

    6,768       8,911  

P-Class

    316,524       428,583  

Institutional Class

    1,302,242       1,029,374  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    1,139       1,357  

C-Class

          167  

P-Class

    2,722       2,884  

Institutional Class

    18,677       16,885  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (32,507 )     (43,501 )

C-Class

    (38,215 )     (22,471 )

P-Class

    (249,021 )     (440,618 )

Institutional Class

    (765,263 )     (628,619 )

Net increase in shares

    606,080       403,788  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MULTI-HEDGE 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.89     $ 24.36     $ 23.69     $ 24.91     $ 24.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.14 )     (.10 )     .16       .08       (.13 )

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

    1.98       1.90       1.02       (1.26 )     .96  

Total from investment operations

    1.84       1.80       1.18       (1.18 )     .83  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.21 )     (.27 )     (.51 )     (.04 )      

Total distributions

    (.21 )     (.27 )     (.51 )     (.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.52     $ 25.89     $ 24.36     $ 23.69     $ 24.91  

 

Total Returnb

    7.17 %     7.39 %     4.97 %     (4.78 %)     3.49 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,593     $ 4,019     $ 3,570     $ 3,622     $ 12,154  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.52 %)     (0.40 %)     0.64 %     0.32 %     (0.53 %)

Total expensesc

    2.18 %     1.93 %     1.96 %     1.75 %     2.18 %

Net expensesd,e

    2.11 %     1.87 %     1.93 %     1.73 %     2.14 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     248 %     156 %     212 %     172 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.75     $ 22.36     $ 21.46     $ 22.68     $ 22.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.32 )     (.27 )     (.02 )     (.09 )     (.29 )

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

    1.82       1.75       .92       (1.13 )     .89  

Total from investment operations

    1.50       1.48       .90       (1.22 )     .60  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.09 )                  

Total distributions

          (.09 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.25     $ 23.75     $ 22.36     $ 21.46     $ 22.68  

 

Total Returnb

    6.32 %     6.57 %     4.19 %     (5.38 %)     2.72 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 488     $ 1,206     $ 1,435     $ 2,657     $ 7,586  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.26 %)     (1.18 %)     (0.08 %)     (0.42 %)     (1.30 %)

Total expensesc

    2.93 %     2.68 %     2.70 %     2.53 %     2.94 %

Net expensesd,e

    2.86 %     2.62 %     2.67 %     2.51 %     2.90 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     248 %     156 %     212 %     172 %

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.97     $ 24.42     $ 23.74     $ 24.93     $ 24.10  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.15 )     (.10 )     .16       .08       (.14 )

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

    2.00       1.90       1.03       (1.23 )     .97  

Total from investment operations

    1.85       1.80       1.19       (1.15 )     .83  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.21 )     (.25 )     (.51 )     (.04 )      

Total distributions

    (.21 )     (.25 )     (.51 )     (.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.61     $ 25.97     $ 24.42     $ 23.74     $ 24.93  

 

Total Return

    7.16 %     7.40 %     5.00 %     (4.61 %)     3.49 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 10,100     $ 7,676     $ 7,442     $ 7,892     $ 14,066  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.53 %)     (0.39 %)     0.65 %     0.34 %     (0.56 %)

Total expensesc

    2.18 %     1.93 %     1.96 %     1.77 %     2.20 %

Net expensesd,e

    2.12 %     1.87 %     1.93 %     1.75 %     2.16 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     248 %     156 %     212 %     172 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.41     $ 24.83     $ 24.12     $ 25.42     $ 24.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.08 )     (.04 )     .22       .17       (.07 )

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

    2.03       1.94       1.05       (1.33 )     .99  

Total from investment operations

    1.95       1.90       1.27       (1.16 )     .92  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.27 )     (.32 )     (.56 )     (.14 )      

Total distributions

    (.27 )     (.32 )     (.56 )     (.14 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.09     $ 26.41     $ 24.83     $ 24.12     $ 25.42  

 

Total Return

    7.43 %     7.70 %     5.26 %     (4.56 %)     3.76 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 55,461     $ 37,470     $ 24,854     $ 23,539     $ 25,376  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.27 %)     (0.15 %)     0.90 %     0.68 %     (0.30 %)

Total expensesc

    1.92 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.58 %     1.92 %

Net expensesd,e

    1.87 %     1.62 %     1.69 %     1.56 %     1.88 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     248 %     156 %     212 %     172 %

 

 

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

Excluding interest and dividend expense related to short sales, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be:

 

 

 

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

12/31/18

12/31/17

 

A-Class

1.41%

1.37%

1.41%

1.41%

1.42%

 

C-Class

2.16%

2.12%

2.16%

2.16%

2.17%

 

P-Class

1.41%

1.37%

1.41%

1.41%

1.42%

 

Institutional Class

1.16%

1.12%

1.16%

1.16%

1.17%

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

December 31, 2021

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a benchmark for commodities. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (“GSCI” or “Index”).

 

For the one-year period ended December 31, 2021, the Fund’s H-Class returned 39.06%, compared with a return of 40.35% for the Index.

 

Commodities prices continued to rebound throughout 2021 with a strengthening U.S. and global economy. The rally was led by strong increases in petroleum along with industrial metals and grain prices. Broad central bank and government support throughout the world helped maintain consumer demand which helped lead a broad increase in commodities prices.

 

Twenty of the twenty-four components in the Index had positive returns during the period. The best-performing component was Unleaded Gasoline with a return above 70%. Coffee, Brent Crude, and Crude Oil all had returns above 60% for the year. Silver was down more than 10% after being the strongest commodity a year earlier.

 

Four of the five S&P GSCI sectors experienced positive performance during the period. Energy (+61%), Industrial Metals (+30%), Agriculture (+25%), and Livestock (+8%) were the S&P GSCI sectors with positive performance. Precious Metals (-5%) was the only sector with negative performance.

 

Derivatives in the Fund are used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner, as well as to provide liquidity. Derivatives are the primary way in which the Fund gains exposure to commodities, and therefore most of the Fund’s performance is due to derivatives.

 

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund and Guggenheim Strategy Funds were utilized within the Fund to achieve higher yields than what would otherwise be achieved through overnight repurchase agreements or short-term investments.

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2021

 

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. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2021

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 25, 2005

C-Class

May 25, 2005

H-Class

May 25, 2005

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as swap agreements and futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

6.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

6.4%

Total

12.9%

   

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

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2021

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended December 31, 2021

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

39.06%

1.66%

(6.84%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

32.45%

0.68%

(7.29%)

C-Class Shares

38.08%

0.89%

(7.52%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

37.08%

0.89%

(7.52%)

H-Class Shares

39.06%

1.65%

(6.83%)

S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index

40.35%

2.80%

(5.50%)

 

*

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 Goldman Sachs Commodity Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares 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.

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2021

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 12.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    56,518     $ 1,406,176  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    141,704       1,405,703  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $2,822,291)

            2,811,879  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 16.1%

Freddie Mac

2.38% due 01/13/22

    2,498,000       2,499,625  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.07% (U.S. Prime Rate - 3.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/222

    1,000,000       999,763  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $3,499,836)

            3,499,388  

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 5.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.04% due 01/06/223,4

  1,227,000     1,227,000  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,226,993)

            1,227,000  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 65.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 12/31/21 at 0.05%
due 01/03/22

    7,959,739       7,959,739  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 12/31/21 at 0.01%
due 01/03/22

    3,291,911       3,291,911  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 12/31/21 at 0.02%
due 01/03/22

    2,992,647       2,992,647  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $14,244,297)

            14,244,297  
                 

Total Investments - 99.9%

       

(Cost $21,793,417)

  $ 21,782,564  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.1%

    22,235  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 21,804,799  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

Goldman Sachs Commodity Index Futures Contracts

    155       Jan 2022     $ 21,752,313     $ 837,019  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated 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

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at December 31, 2021. 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

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at December 31, 2021.

4

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at December 31, 2021 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 2,811,879     $     $     $ 2,811,879  

Federal Agency Notes

          3,499,388             3,499,388  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          1,227,000             1,227,000  

Repurchase Agreements

          14,244,297             14,244,297  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    837,019                   837,019  

Total Assets

  $ 3,648,898     $ 18,970,685     $     $ 22,619,583  

 

**

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

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

December 31, 2021

COMMODITIES STRATEGY 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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund 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 December 31, 2021, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
12/31/21

   

Shares
12/31/21

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 202,174     $ 1,210,000     $     $     $ (5,998 )   $ 1,406,176       56,518     $ 12,508  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    208,126       1,205,000                   (7,423 )     1,405,703       141,704       8,353  
    $ 410,300     $ 2,415,000     $     $     $ (13,421 )   $ 2,811,879             $ 20,861  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

December 31, 2021

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,726,829)

  $ 4,726,388  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,822,291)

    2,811,879  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $14,244,297)

    14,244,297  

Cash

    20  

Segregated cash with broker

    722,910  

Receivables:

Interest

    27,832  

Fund shares sold

    11,808  

Dividends

    2,894  

Total assets

    22,548,028  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    441,798  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    254,494  

Management fees

    13,351  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,915  

Distribution and service fees

    4,682  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,827  

Trustees’ fees*

    175  

Miscellaneous

    21,987  

Total liabilities

    743,229  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 21,804,799  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 25,247,883  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,443,084 )

Net assets

  $ 21,804,799  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 724,159  

Capital shares outstanding

    24,477  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.59  

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

  $ 31.07  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 183,063  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,521  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.23  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,897,577  

Capital shares outstanding

    705,438  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.62  

 

 

*

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

 

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 20,861  

Interest

    9,555  

Total investment income

    30,416  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    141,784  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,137  

C-Class

    1,439  

H-Class

    38,782  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    44,305  

Professional fees

    20,063  

Portfolio accounting fees

    16,111  

Custodian fees

    2,182  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,244  

Miscellaneous

    19,570  

Total expenses

    286,617  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (23,287 )

Net expenses

    263,330  

Net investment loss

    (232,914 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (5,047 )

Futures contracts

    2,365,863  

Net realized gain

    2,360,816  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (443 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (13,421 )

Futures contracts

    775,725  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    761,861  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    3,122,677  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 2,889,763  

 

 

*

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (232,914 )   $ (18,325 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    2,360,816       (438,192 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    761,861       (125,419 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,889,763       (581,936 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (20,464 )     (134,155 )

C-Class

    (8,077 )     (37,215 )

H-Class

    (603,257 )     (569,791 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (631,798 )     (741,161 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    919,688       108,251  

C-Class

    142,753       394  

H-Class

    87,058,046       7,866,887  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    19,901       116,280  

C-Class

    7,304       37,106  

H-Class

    596,439       535,101  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (521,253 )     (311,469 )

C-Class

    (49,482 )     (29,316 )

H-Class

    (69,747,995 )     (11,492,371 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    18,425,401       (3,169,137 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    20,683,366       (4,492,234 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,121,433       5,613,667  

End of year

  $ 21,804,799     $ 1,121,433  
                 

 

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2020

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    32,719       3,057  

C-Class

    8,052       13  

H-Class

    3,084,506       201,034  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    702       5,462  

C-Class

    396       2,619  

H-Class

    21,016       25,099  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (18,569 )     (8,589 )

C-Class

    (2,702 )     (999 )

H-Class

    (2,439,032 )     (267,560 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    687,088       (39,864 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.93     $ 61.06     $ 53.27     $ 88.34     $ 85.75  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.40 )     (.28 )     .36       .39       (.22 )

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

    8.94       (14.84 )     7.88       (11.90 )     4.13  

Total from investment operations

    8.54       (15.12 )     8.24       (11.51 )     3.91  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.88 )     (24.01 )     (.45 )     (23.56 )     (1.32 )

Total distributions

    (.88 )     (24.01 )     (.45 )     (23.56 )     (1.32 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.59     $ 21.93     $ 61.06     $ 53.27     $ 88.34  

 

Total Returnb

    39.06 %     (23.58 %)     15.47 %     (15.47 %)     4.68 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 724     $ 211     $ 592     $ 830     $ 819  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.43 %)     (0.65 %)     0.60 %     0.44 %     (0.28 %)

Total expensesc

    1.78 %     1.79 %     1.88 %     1.81 %     1.73 %

Net expensesd

    1.63 %     1.61 %     1.73 %     1.68 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          5 %           65 %     25 %

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.59     $ 51.84     $ 45.63     $ 79.89     $ 78.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.41 )     (.50 )     (.07 )     (.41 )     (.70 )

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

    5.93       (12.74 )     6.73       (10.29 )     3.59  

Total from investment operations

    5.52       (13.24 )     6.66       (10.70 )     2.89  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.88 )     (24.01 )     (.45 )     (23.56 )     (1.32 )

Total distributions

    (.88 )     (24.01 )     (.45 )     (23.56 )     (1.32 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.23     $ 14.59     $ 51.84     $ 45.63     $ 79.89  

 

Total Returnb

    38.08 %     (24.15 %)     14.61 %     (16.11 %)     3.80 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 183     $ 55     $ 111     $ 110     $ 332  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.18 %)     (1.44 %)     (0.13 %)     (0.49 %)     (0.94 %)

Total expensesc

    2.53 %     2.54 %     2.63 %     2.55 %     2.48 %

Net expensesd

    2.38 %     2.36 %     2.48 %     2.42 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          5 %           65 %     25 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY 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.

 

H-Class

 

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.96     $ 61.10     $ 53.31     $ 88.39     $ 85.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.41 )     (.34 )     .35       .25       (.25 )

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

    8.95       (14.79 )     7.89       (11.77 )     4.14  

Total from investment operations

    8.54       (15.13 )     8.24       (11.52 )     3.89  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.88 )     (24.01 )     (.45 )     (23.56 )     (1.32 )

Total distributions

    (.88 )     (24.01 )     (.45 )     (23.56 )     (1.32 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.62     $ 21.96     $ 61.10     $ 53.31     $ 88.39  

 

Total Return

    39.06 %     (23.58 %)     15.48 %     (15.50 %)     4.65 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 20,898     $ 855     $ 4,911     $ 8,744     $ 6,002  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.44 %)     (0.77 %)     0.59 %     0.27 %     (0.31 %)

Total expensesc

    1.77 %     1.78 %     1.89 %     1.81 %     1.74 %

Net expensesd

    1.63 %     1.61 %     1.74 %     1.68 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          5 %           65 %     25 %

 

 

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.

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”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 seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market 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, but will not exceed 4.75%. 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 10-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. At December 31, 2021, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

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

 

Fund Name

 

Investment
Company Type

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    Diversified  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    Non-diversified  

 

At December 31, 2021, A-Class, C-Class, H-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

The Commodities Strategy Fund is designed and operated to accommodate frequent trading by shareholders and, unlike most mutual funds, offers unlimited exchange priviledges with no minimum holding periods or transactions fees, which may cause the Fund to experience high portfolio turnover.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund include the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have eliminated in consolidation for the Funds.

 

Each 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 each Fund’s investment in its respective Subsidiary is as follows:

 

Fund

 

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

   

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
December 31,
2021

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
December 31,
2021

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    09/18/09     $ 1,709,069       2.4 %

Commodities Strategy Fund

    09/08/09       3,937,548       18.1 %

 

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 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 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 “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and/or other assets.

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Funds’ officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.

 

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

 

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 shall 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. If there is no sale on the valuation date, exchange-traded U.S. equity securities will be valued on the basis of the last bid 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 business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, 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, the Board has authorized the Valuation Committee and GI to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor 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 valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued 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 values of swap agreements entered into by a fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index or other underlying position that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. 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 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.

 

(c) 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.

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

(d) 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).

 

(e) 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.

 

(f) 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 GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

(g) 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 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.

 

(h) 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 Consolidated 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 December 31, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Consolidated Statements 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

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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. 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.

 

(j) 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.

 

(k) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific 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) 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 0.07% at December 31, 2021.

 

(m) 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.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategy, 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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated 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:

 

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.

 

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.

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 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 Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Consolidated 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

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Duration, Hedge, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 144,992,554     $ 87,331,383  

Commodities Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    15,670,339        

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

Custom basket swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as custom basket of securities) for a fixed or variable interest rate. 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 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 custom basket swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Hedge, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 51,889,057     $ 42,684,531  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2021:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Commodity/currency/equity/ interest rate 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

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at December 31, 2021:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
December 31,
2021

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 208,653     $ 5,934,449     $ 121,638     $ 104,947     $ 366,867     $ 6,736,554  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            837,019       837,019  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
December 31,
2021

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 113,975     $ 1,955,347     $ 301,977     $ 278,972     $ 345,159     $ 2,995,430  

 

*

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

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Commodity/currency/equity/interest rate 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 GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended December 31, 2021:

 

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

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ (286,849 )   $ 87,120     $ 276,859     $ (1,391,499 )   $ 2,448,788     $ 1,134,419  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            2,365,863       2,365,863  

 

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

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 137,524     $ 3,305,633     $ (397,398 )   $ (265,540 )   $ (201,820 )   $ 2,578,399  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            775,725       775,725  

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

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
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 5,934,449     $     $ 5,934,449     $ (1,955,347 )   $     $ 3,979,102  

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Consolidated
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 1,955,347     $     $ 1,955,347     $ (1,955,347 )   $     $  

 

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 December 31, 2021.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

  $ 722,910     $  

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. 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 —

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 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 used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored 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)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    1.15 %

Commodities Strategy Fund

    0.75 %

 

When the aggregate assets of each series of the Trust (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) and each series of Rydex Dynamic Funds equal or exceed $10 billion, the advisory fee rate paid by each individual Fund

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) will be reduced in accordance with the asset level and breakpoint schedule set forth below.

 

Fund Assets Under Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

 

$500 million - $1 billion

    0.025 %

$1 billion - $2 billion

    0.050 %

> $2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from each 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 Funds invest in the Subsidiaries, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Funds’ Board for such termination. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund waived $29,112 and $20,950, respectively, related to advisory fees in the Subsidiary.

 

As part of its agreement with the Trust, GI will pay all expenses of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, except interest expense, taxes (expected to be de minimis), brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with execution of portfolio transactions, short dividend expenses, subsidiary expenses and extraordinary expenses.

 

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 a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class shares, P-Class shares and H-Class shares for which GFD and other firms that provide distribution and/or shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Funds will pay distribution fees to GFD at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. GFD, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. GFD may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services.

 

The Board has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to C-Class shares that allows the Funds to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Funds’ C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, GFD retained sales charges of $128,027 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

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 December 31, 2021, the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund waived $10,562 and $2,337, respectively, related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

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. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At December 31, 2021, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.05%

                 

1.25%

               

Due 01/03/22

  $ 132,534,999     $ 132,535,551    

Due 11/30/26

  $ 135,013,600     $ 135,185,818  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

0.01%

                 

0.13%

               

Due 01/03/22

    54,812,529       54,812,575    

Due 07/15/30

    49,979,168       55,908,855  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.02%

                 

2.88%

               

Due 01/03/22

    49,829,572       49,829,655    

Due 11/30/25

    47,581,300       50,826,225  

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of 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’ consolidated 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 Funds intend to invest up to 25% of their assets in the respective Subsidiary, which is expected to provide the Funds 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 Funds have received a private letter ruling from the IRS that concludes that the income the Funds

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

receive 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 December 31, 2021 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 633,561     $     $ 633,561  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    631,798             631,798  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 564,222     $     $ 564,222  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    741,161             741,161  

 

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 December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 1,370,577     $     $ (1,755,029 )   $ (2,030,247 )   $ (2,414,699 )

Commodities Strategy Fund

    810,092             (2,843,730 )     (56,874 )     (2,090,512 )

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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 December 31, 2021, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

         

Fund

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ (1,667,979 )   $     $ (1,667,979 )

Commodities Strategy Fund

    (40,762 )     (16,112 )     (56,874 )

 

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 subsidiaries, the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives, investments in securities sold short, straddle loss deferrals, foreign currency gains and losses, 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 Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2021 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 3,423,133     $ (3,423,133 )

Commodities Strategy Fund

    2,322,865       (2,322,865 )

 

At December 31, 2021, 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)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 58,529,410     $ 6,601,411     $ (8,355,719 )   $ (1,754,308 )

Commodities Strategy Fund

    27,336,856       2,707,493       (5,551,237 )     (2,843,744 )

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 8 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Funds may lend their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is shown net of rebates paid to the borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. Within this arrangement, the Funds act as the lender, U.S. Bank acts as the lending agent, and other approved registered broker dealers act as the borrowers. The Funds receive cash collateral, valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. Under the terms of the Funds’ securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank, cash collateral and proceeds are invested in the First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z. The Funds bear the risk of loss on cash collateral investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Funds the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering their securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Funds have the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities lending agreement is overnight and continuous.

 

At December 31, 2021, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated
Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     

Securities Lending Collateral

 

Fund

 

Value of
Securities
Loaned

   

Collateral
Received
(a)

   

Net
Amount

     

Cash
Collateral
Invested

   

Cash
Collateral
Uninvested

   

Total
Collateral

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 276,598     $ (276,598 )   $       $ 281,926     $     $ 281,926  

 

(a)

Actual collateral received by the Fund is generally greater than the amount shown due to overcollateralization.

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers to evaluate potential risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, 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

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 123,146,056     $ 120,315,245  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    2,415,000        

 

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 December 31, 2021, the Funds did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 7, 2021, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 6, 2022. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 1.25% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2021.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the year ended December 31, 2021, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 1,562  

 

Note 11 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave Tribune insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.” On December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020, and plaintiffs filed a reply in support of the petition for certiorari on September 8, 2020. On March 12, 2021, the Solicitor General filed an amicus brief recommending that certiorari be denied. Plaintiffs filed a supplemental brief in response to the Solicitor General’s amicus brief on March 31, 2021, and Defendants filed a supplemental brief on April 1, 2021. The Court denied the petition for certiorari on April 19, 2021.

 

On May 23, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the FitzSimons action, including a global motion to dismiss Count I, which is the claim brought against former Tribune shareholders for intentional fraudulent conveyance under U.S. federal law. On January 6, 2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the shareholder defendants’ motion to dismiss the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim in the FitzSimons action. In dismissing the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request to amend the complaint. The plaintiff requested that the Court direct entry of a final judgment in order to make the order immediately appealable. On February 23, 2017, the Court issued an order stating that it intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020. On August 20, 2021, the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court’s orders: (1) dismissing the intentional fraudulent conveyance claims against the shareholder-defendants; and (2) denying the plaintiff leave to amend the complaint to add a constructive fraudulent conveyance claim against the shareholder-defendants. Plaintiff filed a petition for rehearing en banc on September 3, 2021. On October 7, 2021, the Second Circuit denied the petition. On January 5, 2022, Plaintiff filed a petition for certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. That petition was denied on February 22, 2022.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

Note 12 – COVID-19

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the recovery response causes at times disruption to consumer demand, economic output, and supply chains. There are still travel restrictions, quarantines, and disparate global vaccine distributions. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators have responded to this situation with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes. These include providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs, and considerably lowering interest rates. In some cases, these responses resulted in negative interest rates and higher inflation. Recently, the U.S. and other governments have also made investments and engaged in infrastructure modernization projects that have also increased public debt and spending. These actions, including their possible unexpected or sudden reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase volatility in securities and other financial markets, reduce market liquidity, continue to cause higher inflation, heighten investor uncertainty, and adversely affect the value of the Funds’ investments and the performance of the Funds. These actions also contribute to a risk that asset prices have a higher degree of correlation

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

than historically seen across markets and asset classes. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Funds will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Management continues to monitor and evaluate this situation.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ consolidated financial statements.

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (two of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations 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 each of the Funds (two of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds) at December 31, 2021, the consolidated results of their operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their 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 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 December 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

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
February 28, 2022

 

90 | 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 2022, 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 2021.

 

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 ending December 31, 2021, 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 December 31, 2021, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1). See qualified interest income in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    0.00 %     0.04 %

Commodities Strategy Fund

    0.00 %     0.06 %

 

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.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

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.

 

92 | 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, upon request, 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 2019 (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).

156

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (1987-2012).

155

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

Former: Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

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 2005 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present).

155

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).

Former: 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 2019

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

156

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

Former: 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).

 

94 | 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 2016 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (2007-2017).

155

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

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 2019

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. (1982-1999).

155

Former: 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).

 

96 | 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 2019

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).

155

Former: 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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income 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 Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

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 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

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 2018

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

98 | 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 (Vice President, 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 2016

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 2019

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 | 99

 

 

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

 

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

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.

 

100 | 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 | 101

 

 

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

 

102 | 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 passwords. These safeguards vary based

 

 

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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.

 

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12.31.2021

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RMFSF-ANN-1221x1222

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

9

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

45

OTHER INFORMATION

47

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

48

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

56

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) that is part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Fund for the annual period ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Investment Adviser is a 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 Performance Report and Fund Profile for the Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

January 31, 2022

 

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.

 

COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the recovery response causes at times disruption to consumer demand, economic output, and supply chains. There are still travel restrictions, quarantines, and disparate global vaccine distributions. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators have responded to this situation with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes. These include providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs, and considerably lowering interest rates. In some cases, these responses resulted in negative interest rates and higher inflation. Recently, the U.S. and other governments have also made investments and engaged in infrastructure modernization projects that have also increased public debt and spending. These actions, including their possible unexpected or sudden reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase volatility in securities and other financial markets, reduce market liquidity, continue to cause higher inflation, heighten investor uncertainty, and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and the performance of the Fund. These actions also contribute to a risk that asset prices have a higher degree of correlation than historically seen across markets and asset classes. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Fund will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Management continues to monitor and evaluate this situation.

 

The Managed Futures Strategy Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ●The Fund’s investments in securities and derivatives, in general, are subject to market risks that may cause their prices, and therefore the Fund’s value, to fluctuate over time. An investment in the Fund may lose money. ● 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. To the extent the Fund invests in derivatives to seek to hedge risk or limit leveraged exposure created by other investments, there is no guarantee that such hedging strategies will be effective at managing risk or limiting exposure to leveraged investments. ● The Fund’s use of leverage will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ●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. Theoretically, securities sold short have the risk of unlimited losses. ●The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund‘s exposure to high yield, asset backed and mortgaged backed securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ●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. ●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 may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or indirectly through the use of other investment companies and financial instruments that are linked to the performance of foreign issuers. 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. ●This Fund is considered nondiversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ●See the prospectus for more information on these and additional risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

December 31, 2021

 

During the 12-month period ended December 31, 2021, the S&P 500 Index reached all-time highs as investors largely brushed off concerns about new COVID-19 variants, global supply chain disruptions, inflationary fears, and other worrying factors that resulted in little more than brief selloffs before the index resumed its upward march.

 

The economic recovery made considerable progress in 2021 with the help of COVID-19 vaccines and enormous policy stimulus. We expect policymakers, led by the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), will begin to scale back their support in 2022. However, because of their dovish policy framework, the Fed is deliberately “behind the curve.” As such, we expect real interest rates could remain negative in the near term, supporting above-potential economic growth and risk asset returns. Eventually an overheated economy will require that the Fed apply the brakes more firmly, but we believe that will be a greater concern in 2023.

 

U.S. real gross domestic product (“GDP”) slowed to 2.3% in the third quarter of 2021, but output has now fully recovered and now exceeds its supply side potential. We believe growth could bounce back to a robust 6–7% in the fourth quarter and remain well above potential in 2022, which would ensure a continued rapid decline in the unemployment rate.

 

A rapidly tightening labor market will put further pressure on wages, which are already surging. The Employment Cost Index, which is a measure of wage growth given that it controls for compositional changes (e.g. low paid industries losing jobs disproportionately), saw the largest quarterly gain in over 30 years in the third quarter reading. The share of businesses reporting plans to raise wages is also spiking, which suggests that further wage gains are in the pipeline.

 

As a result, the inflation narrative is evolving from a focus on the series of “transitory” shocks of 2021 to a focus on accelerating wage growth and housing inflation. While we believe that overall inflation will slow in 2022 as durable goods prices recede, core inflation should remain meaningfully above the Fed’s 2.0% target. We therefore expect that the Fed will deliver four rate increases in 2022, starting in March, and begin the process of quantitative tightening.

 

A key risk to our positive outlook is China, where massive property and credit imbalances threaten to unravel. Real GDP growth in 2021 slowed to a pace of just 4.0%, the weakest in the modern era excluding the first half of 2020. However, Chinese policymakers appear ready to step in to support faster growth. Separately, while the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has produced record cases, reduced severity and vaccines/treatments may portend only a modest drag on growth.

 

For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2021, the S&P 500® Index* returned 28.71%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 11.26%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -2.54%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.54% return for the 12-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 5.28%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.05% for the 12-month period.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2021

 

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® 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.

 

SG (Societe Generale) CTA Index is designed to track the largest 20 (by AUM) Commodity Trading Advisors, or CTAs, and be representative of the managed futures space. The CTA Index is equally weighted, and reblanced and reconstituted annually.

 

 

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 June 30, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021.

 

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
June 30,
2021

Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

A-Class

1.76%

(1.86%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 981.40

$ 8.79

C-Class

2.53%

(2.28%)

1,000.00

977.20

12.61

P-Class

1.76%

(1.91%)

1,000.00

980.90

8.79

Institutional Class

1.50%

(1.71%)

1,000.00

982.90

7.50

 

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

A-Class

1.76%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.33

$ 8.94

C-Class

2.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.45

12.83

P-Class

1.76%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.33

8.94

Institutional Class

1.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.64

7.63

 

 

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 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

December 31, 2021

 

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to achieve absolute returns.

 

For the one-year period ended December 31, 2021, the Managed Futures Strategy Fund Institutional shares returned 2.76%. The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, the Fund’s benchmark, returned 0.05%. The Fund underperformed the SG CTA Index for the year, which returned 6.17%, but within expected performance dispersion.

 

The Fund is comprised of multiple proprietary strategies designed to systematically profit from market inefficiencies in futures markets around the world.

 

For the one-year period ending December 31, 2021, positions in Equity Indexes and Commodities contributed positively to the fund. Positions in Fixed Income detracted from fund returns.

 

The Fund held derivatives for a number of reasons, including liquidity, leverage, speculation, and hedging. Derivatives were liquid and allowed the Fund to gain leveraged access to markets in order to express investment views and to hedge exposures. Futures are an integral part of a managed futures strategy, and therefore derivatives performance was the primary driver of the Fund’s performance for the period.

 

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund and Guggenheim Strategy Funds were utilized within the Fund to achieve higher yields than what would otherwise be achieved through overnight repurchase agreements or short-term investments.

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2021

 

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. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 2, 2007

C-Class

March 2, 2007

P-Class

March 2, 2007

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

27.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

23.3%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

8.3%

Total

59.4%

   

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

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2021

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2021

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended December 31, 2021

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

2.51%

2.12%

(0.52%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(2.36%)

1.13%

(1.00%)

C-Class Shares

1.75%

1.36%

(1.27%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

0.75%

1.36%

(1.27%)

P-Class Shares

2.50%

2.16%

(0.50%)

Institutional Class Shares

2.76%

2.38%

(0.28%)

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

0.05%

1.14%

0.63%

 

*

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 graphs are based on A-Class shares and P-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2021

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 59.4%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    235,195     $ 5,886,936  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    199,023       4,951,696  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    176,770       1,753,560  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $12,552,320)

            12,592,192  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 14.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.04% due 01/06/222,3

  $ 2,980,000       2,979,999  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $2,979,984)

            2,979,999  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 25.0%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 12/31/21 at 0.05%
due 01/03/22
  2,962,991   2,962,991 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 12/31/21 at 0.01%
due 01/03/22
   1,225,405    1,225,405 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 12/31/21 at 0.02%
due 01/03/22
   1,114,005    1,114,005 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $5,302,401)        5,302,401 
           
Total Investments - 98.5%          
(Cost $20,834,705)       $20,874,592 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.5%        322,626 
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $21,197,218 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    25       Jul 2022     $ 1,346,625     $ 55,021  

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    20       Jan 2022       1,866,396       49,958  

FCOJ-A Futures Contracts

    12       Mar 2022       251,910       17,875  

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    18       Feb 2022       1,005,480       15,830  

Palladium Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       189,400       15,497  

CME Cash-Settled Butter Futures Contracts

    3       Feb 2022       139,500       11,052  

WTI Crude Futures Contracts

    3       Jan 2022       226,350       10,086  

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       340,000       10,029  

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    69       Jun 2022       3,839,160       8,658  

CME Class III Milk Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       166,000       7,136  

Soybean Futures Contracts

    6       Mar 2022       401,925       6,346  

Canadian Canola (WCE) Futures Contracts

    16       Mar 2022       256,328       5,847  

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       225,300       4,659  

CME Nonfat Dry Milk Futures Contracts

    3       Feb 2022       210,969       4,381  

NYMEX Chicago Ethanol Platts Swap Futures Contracts

    1       Jan 2022       96,600       4,200  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022     $ 135,768     $ 3,538  

CBOT Rough Rice Futures Contracts

    12       Mar 2022       356,880       3,503  

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

    2       Jan 2022       195,577       2,381  

Corn Futures Contracts

    10       Mar 2022       296,250       2,035  

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

    2       Feb 2022       133,200       1,397  

Brent Crude Futures Contracts

    3       Jan 2022       233,820       1,235  

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

    9       Feb 2022       631,125       904  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    3       Jan 2022       112,950       772  

LME Zinc Futures Contracts

    2       Feb 2022       178,133       739  

Copper Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       111,413       572  

CME Cheese Futures Contracts

    3       Feb 2022       113,760       319  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures Contracts

    2       Feb 2022       24,190       286  

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       119,970       151  

LME Lead Futures Contracts

    1       Feb 2022       57,988       128  

Dry Whey Futures Contracts

    1       Feb 2022       29,876       (135 )

Euro - Mill Wheat Futures Contracts

    2       Mar 2022       31,705       (496 )

CME Random Length Lumber Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       125,411       (762 )

LME Tin Futures Contracts

    1       Feb 2022       196,025       (1,217 )

Platinum Futures Contracts

    3       Apr 2022       144,690       (1,381 )

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    32       Feb 2022       674,150       (3,248 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures Contracts

    6       Mar 2022       507,938       (6,053 )

Oat Futures Contracts

    6       Mar 2022       205,350       (8,540 )

ECX Emission Futures Contracts

    1       Dec 2022       91,815       (10,859 )

Red Spring Wheat Futures Contracts

    14       Mar 2022       685,300       (13,096 )

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    30       Feb 2022       1,077,600       (36,376 )
                    $ 17,032,827     $ 162,372  

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022     $ 326,505     $ 14,094  

SPI 200 Index Futures Contracts††

    19       Mar 2022       2,557,523       9,293  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Index Futures Contracts

    5       Mar 2022       1,013,029       6,235  

FTSE Taiwan Index Futures Contracts

    13       Jan 2022       833,170       4,415  

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts

    6       Mar 2022       1,086,900       3,682  

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       951,900       2,557  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Jan 2022       53,232       1,887  

Amsterdam Index Futures Contracts††

    4       Jan 2022       725,674       1,717  

Tokyo Stock Price Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Mar 2022       346,582       535  

CAC 40 10 Euro Index Futures Contracts††

    13       Jan 2022       1,055,065       371  

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Mar 2022       501,353       (855 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Mar 2022       197,769       (1,013 )

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts††

    12       Mar 2022       583,090       (1,552 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    11       Feb 2022       241,450       (1,869 )

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    10       Jan 2022     $ 197,200     $ (20,741 )
                    $ 10,670,442     $ 18,756  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

British Pound Futures Contracts

    8       Mar 2022     $ 676,000     $ 11,695  

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       237,195       2,733  

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       205,050       2,014  

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       427,200       1,161  

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    20       Mar 2022       2,173,250       (13,486 )
                    $ 3,718,695     $ 4,117  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

    14       Mar 2022     $ 1,824,594     $ 13,256  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    2       Mar 2022       392,188       2,019  

U.S. Treasury 2 Year Note Futures Contracts

    19       Mar 2022       4,144,523       447  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       479,813       (370 )

Euro - Bobl Futures Contracts††

    2       Mar 2022       303,188       (912 )

Euro - Schatz Futures Contracts††

    100       Mar 2022       12,753,871       (2,276 )

Euro - 30 year Bond Futures Contracts††

    1       Mar 2022       235,257       (3,702 )

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts††

    5       Mar 2022       975,182       (6,307 )

Euro - OATS Futures Contracts††

    14       Mar 2022       2,599,021       (24,520 )

Euro - BTP Italian Government Bond Futures Contracts††

    19       Mar 2022       3,177,914       (33,051 )
                    $ 26,885,551     $ (55,416 )

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    27       May 2022     $ 681,210     $ 27,131  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    22       Jun 2022       562,540       4,226  

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       112,125       212  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       348,105       (125 )

IBEX 35 Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Jan 2022       197,073       (1,091 )

DAX Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Mar 2022       449,542       (4,764 )
                    $ 2,350,595     $ 25,589  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

    28       Mar 2022     $ 4,726,053     $ 26,994  

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

    7       Mar 2022       1,365,255       13,165  

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       521,313       536  

Australian Government 3 Year Bond Futures Contracts††

    57       Mar 2022       4,730,739       (1,076 )

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts††

    17       Mar 2022       1,726,314       (5,489 )

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts††

    30       Mar 2022       3,380,111       (10,745 )
                    $ 16,449,785     $ 23,385  

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    32       Mar 2022     $ 1,131,520     $ 31,598  

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    5       Feb 2022       162,600       2,638  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Corn Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022     $ 29,625     $ 1,110  

Black Sea Wheat Financially Settled (Platts) Futures Contracts

    3       Mar 2022       50,100       (8 )

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       33,942       (219 )

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    4       Mar 2022       159,960       (492 )

LME Lead Futures Contracts

    3       Feb 2022       173,963       (665 )

Copper Futures Contracts

    1       Mar 2022       111,413       (1,570 )

Cocoa Futures Contracts

    6       Mar 2022       152,340       (2,870 )

Gold 100 oz. Futures Contracts

    2       Feb 2022       366,040       (3,626 )

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    14       Mar 2022       788,550       (21,573 )

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    69       Apr 2022       3,995,790       (26,582 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    19       Mar 2022       1,860,298       (90,941 )
                    $ 9,016,141     $ (113,200 )

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    13       Mar 2022     $ 1,412,613     $ 6,506  

Mexican Peso Futures Contracts

    14       Mar 2022       337,050       546  

British Pound Futures Contracts

    6       Mar 2022       507,000       (583 )

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    9       Mar 2022       711,585       (4,503 )

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

    9       Mar 2022       615,150       (5,947 )

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    15       Mar 2022       2,136,000       (8,238 )

Australian Dollar Futures Contracts

    28       Mar 2022       2,034,900       (21,416 )

Swiss Franc Futures Contracts

    71       Mar 2022       9,745,637       (129,348 )
                    $ 17,499,935     $ (162,983 )

 

**

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 — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at December 31, 2021.

3

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2021

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at December 31, 2021 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 12,592,192     $     $     $ 12,592,192  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          2,979,999             2,979,999  

Repurchase Agreements

          5,302,401             5,302,401  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    279,881                   279,881  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    62,552       13,803             76,355  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    29,423       26,994             56,417  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    24,655                   24,655  

Total Assets

  $ 12,988,703     $ 8,323,197     $     $ 21,311,900  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Commodity Futures Contracts**

  $ 230,709     $     $     $ 230,709  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    183,521                   183,521  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    370       88,078             88,448  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    22,735       9,275             32,010  

Total Liabilities

  $ 437,335     $ 97,353     $     $ 534,688  

 

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

December 31, 2021

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY 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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund 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 December 31, 2021, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
12/31/21

   

Shares
12/31/21

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 3,510,413     $ 2,658,326     $ (1,200,000 )   $ 19,979     $ (37,022 )   $ 4,951,696       199,023     $ 58,334  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    5,614,498       789,403       (500,000 )     3,281       (20,246 )     5,886,936       235,195       89,635  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    2,594,622       770,615       (1,600,000 )     4,745       (16,422 )     1,753,560       176,770       20,666  
    $ 11,719,533     $ 4,218,344     $ (3,300,000 )   $ 28,005     $ (73,690 )   $ 12,592,192             $ 168,635  

 

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

December 31, 2021

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,979,984)

  $ 2,979,999  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $12,552,320)

    12,592,192  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $5,302,401)

    5,302,401  

Cash

    2,034  

Segregated cash with broker

    191,318  

Receivables:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    126,648  

Fund shares sold

    58,955  

Dividends

    16,842  

Interest

    5  

Total assets

    21,270,394  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    17,671  

Management fees

    16,018  

Registration fees

    7,926  

Professional fees

    5,193  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,883  

Fund shares redeemed

    3,780  

Distribution and service fees

    3,250  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,815  

Trustees’ fees*

    231  

Miscellaneous

    12,409  

Total liabilities

    73,176  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 21,197,218  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 65,105,662  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (43,908,444 )

Net assets

  $ 21,197,218  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,760,498  

Capital shares outstanding

    312,968  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.41  

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

  $ 19.33  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 570,305  

Capital shares outstanding

    35,027  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.28  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,697,115  

Capital shares outstanding

    362,420  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.48  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,169,300  

Capital shares outstanding

    429,977  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.00  

 

 

*

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 168,635  

Interest

    3,260  

Total investment income

    171,895  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    235,507  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    15,791  

C-Class

    8,387  

P-Class

    18,892  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    64,584  

Portfolio accounting fees

    23,062  

Professional fees

    22,734  

Registration fees

    21,194  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,214  

Custodian fees

    3,354  

Miscellaneous

    646  

Total expenses

    418,365  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (33,622 )

Net expenses

    384,743  

Net investment loss

    (212,848 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (6 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    28,005  

Futures contracts

    1,578,525  

Foreign currency transactions

    5,697  

Net realized gain

    1,612,221  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (34 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (73,690 )

Futures contracts

    (694,940 )

Foreign currency translations

    287  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (768,377 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    843,844  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 630,996  

 

 

*

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

 

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (212,848 )   $ (172,698 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    1,612,221       (133,795 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (768,377 )     980,520  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    630,996       674,027  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (451,080 )

C-Class

          (80,374 )

P-Class

          (543,862 )

Institutional Class

          (548,863 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1,624,179 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    537,216       2,075,146  

C-Class

    19,947       121,954  

P-Class

    7,859,685       51,171,335  

Institutional Class

    2,520,243       7,313,155  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          436,975  

C-Class

          80,300  

P-Class

          532,574  

Institutional Class

          546,866  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,245,643 )     (2,942,119 )

C-Class

    (594,228 )     (835,458 )

P-Class

    (9,126,556 )     (54,761,136 )

Institutional Class

    (2,375,208 )     (6,807,075 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (2,404,544 )     (3,067,483 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (1,773,548 )     (4,017,635 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    22,970,766       26,988,401  

End of year

  $ 21,197,218     $ 22,970,766  
                 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2020

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    29,197       108,202  

C-Class

    1,220       7,056  

P-Class

    415,340       2,659,332  

Institutional Class

    132,079       372,363  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          24,786  

C-Class

          5,108  

P-Class

          30,072  

Institutional Class

          30,130  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (67,428 )     (152,744 )

C-Class

    (36,270 )     (48,680 )

P-Class

    (482,276 )     (2,836,006 )

Institutional Class

    (124,121 )     (349,861 )

Net decrease in shares

    (132,259 )     (150,242 )

 

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.96     $ 18.96     $ 17.65     $ 19.19     $ 18.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.18 )     (.12 )     .15       .15       .04  

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

    .63       .48       1.16       (1.69 )     1.34  

Total from investment operations

    .45       .36       1.31       (1.54 )     1.38  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.36 )                 (.90 )

Total distributions

          (1.36 )                 (.90 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.41     $ 17.96     $ 18.96     $ 17.65     $ 19.19  

 

Total Returnb

    2.51 %     2.01 %     7.42 %     (8.03 %)     7.41 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,760     $ 6,306     $ 7,033     $ 6,793     $ 10,621  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.99 %)     (0.62 %)     0.82 %     0.80 %     0.21 %

Total expensesc

    1.88 %     1.87 %     1.90 %     1.84 %     1.78 %

Net expensesd

    1.73 %     1.75 %     1.80 %     1.79 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    27 %     111 %     26 %     21 %     68 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.00     $ 17.03     $ 15.97     $ 17.49     $ 17.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.29 )     (.23 )     .01       .01       (.10 )

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

    .57       .41       1.05       (1.53 )     1.23  

Total from investment operations

    .28       .18       1.06       (1.52 )     1.13  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.21 )                 (.90 )

Total distributions

          (1.21 )                 (.90 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.28     $ 16.00     $ 17.03     $ 15.97     $ 17.49  

 

Total Returnb

    1.75 %     1.25 %     6.64 %     (8.69 %)     6.64 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 570     $ 1,121     $ 1,815     $ 4,485     $ 8,234  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.74 %)     (1.37 %)     0.06 %     0.04 %     (0.56 %)

Total expensesc

    2.63 %     2.62 %     2.65 %     2.59 %     2.53 %

Net expensesd

    2.49 %     2.50 %     2.57 %     2.53 %     2.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    27 %     111 %     26 %     21 %     68 %

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.03     $ 19.00     $ 17.70     $ 19.23     $ 18.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.18 )     (.12 )     .15       .15       .06  

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

    .63       .49       1.15       (1.68 )     1.36  

Total from investment operations

    .45       .37       1.30       (1.53 )     1.42  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.34 )                 (.90 )

Total distributions

          (1.34 )                 (.90 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.48     $ 18.03     $ 19.00     $ 17.70     $ 19.23  

 

Total Return

    2.50 %     2.05 %     7.34 %     (7.96 %)     7.68 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,697     $ 7,741     $ 10,946     $ 13,669     $ 21,426  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.99 %)     (0.63 %)     0.82 %     0.80 %     0.29 %

Total expensesc

    1.88 %     1.88 %     1.90 %     1.84 %     1.78 %

Net expensesd

    1.73 %     1.77 %     1.81 %     1.78 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    27 %     111 %     26 %     21 %     68 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY 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
Dec. 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.49     $ 19.48     $ 18.09     $ 19.61     $ 19.07  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.14 )     (.08 )     .21       .20       .08  

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

    .65       .49       1.18       (1.72 )     1.36  

Total from investment operations

    .51       .41       1.39       (1.52 )     1.44  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.40 )                 (.90 )

Total distributions

          (1.40 )                 (.90 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.00     $ 18.49     $ 19.48     $ 18.09     $ 19.61  

 

Total Return

    2.76 %     2.29 %     7.68 %     (7.75 %)     7.69 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,169     $ 7,802     $ 7,195     $ 7,711     $ 10,339  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.73 %)     (0.38 %)     1.07 %     1.05 %     0.41 %

Total expensesc

    1.63 %     1.61 %     1.65 %     1.59 %     1.53 %

Net expensesd

    1.48 %     1.49 %     1.55 %     1.54 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    27 %     111 %     26 %     21 %     68 %

 

 

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.

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”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 seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market 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, but will not exceed 4.75%. 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 10-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. At December 31, 2021, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At December 31, 2021, only 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”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

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.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

A summary of the Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary is as follows:

 

 

 

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

   

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
December 31,
2021

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
December 31,
2021

 
      05/01/08     $ 3,312,108       15.6 %

 

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 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 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 “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.

 

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

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, 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. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value.

 

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued 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.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. 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 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.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(c) 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.

 

(d) 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 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.

 

(e) 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.

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(f) 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.

 

(g) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific 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.

 

(h) 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 0.07% at December 31, 2021.

 

(i) 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 may utilize a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the 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 Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

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

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.

 

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 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 Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the 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

 

Hedge, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 81,712,785     $ 58,360,001  

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 December 31, 2021:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/interest rate/currency/ commodity future contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at December 31, 2021:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
December 31,
2021

 
    $ 76,355     $ 24,655     $ 56,417     $ 279,881     $ 437,308  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
December 31,
2021

 
    $ 32,010     $ 183,521     $ 88,448     $ 230,709     $ 534,688  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the 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 December 31, 2021:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/interest rate/currency/commodity future contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

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 Consolidated Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended December 31, 2021:

 

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

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ 1,186,723     $ 424,917     $ (1,721,715 )   $ 1,688,600     $ 1,578,525  

 

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

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ (97,194 )   $ (354,384 )   $ (101,345 )   $ (142,017 )   $ (694,940 )

 

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 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 over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives, including foreign exchange

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 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 they believe 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 Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund does not have any derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of December 31, 2021.

 

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 December 31, 2021.

 

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash
Pledged

   

Cash
Received

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures Contracts

  $ 191,318     $  

 

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 with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

the investment or liability. 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 —

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 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 used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored 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 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

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 December 31, 2021, the Fund waived $27,946 related to advisory fees in the Subsidiary.

 

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 a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class and P-Class shares for which GFD and other firms that provide distribution and/or shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Fund will pay distribution fees to GFD at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. GFD, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. GFD may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services.

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Board has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to C-Class shares that allows the Fund to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Fund’s C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, GFD retained sales charges of $128,027 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

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 December 31, 2021, the Fund waived $5,675 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

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. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund transfers uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At December 31, 2021, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.05%

                 

1.25%

               

Due 01/03/22

  $ 132,534,999     $ 132,535,551    

Due 11/30/26

  $ 135,013,600     $ 135,185,818  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

0.01%

                 

0.13%

               

Due 01/03/22

    54,812,529       54,812,575    

Due 07/15/30

    49,979,168       55,908,855  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.02%

                 

2.88%

               

Due 01/03/22

    49,829,572       49,829,655    

Due 11/30/25

    47,581,300       50,826,225  

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of 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 consolidated 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

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 December 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Return
of Capital

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 1,624,179     $     $     $ 1,624,179  

 

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 December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 
    $ 1,802,000     $     $ (16,896,675 )   $ (28,093,768 )   $ (43,188,443 )

 

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 December 31, 2021, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

         

 

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 
    $ (5,135,816 )   $ (22,957,952 )   $ (28,093,768 )

 

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 subsidiaries, foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, and the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives. To the extent these differences

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2021 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

 

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 
    $ 1,815,135     $ (1,815,135 )

 

At December 31, 2021, 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)

 
    $ 50,372,061     $     $ (16,896,644 )   $ (16,896,644 )

 

Note 8 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 4,218,344     $ 3,300,000  

 

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 December 31, 2021, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 9 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 7, 2021, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 6, 2022. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 1.25% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2021.

 

The average daily balance borrowed for the year ended December 31,2021 was $134.

 

Note 10 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave Tribune insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.” On December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020, and plaintiffs filed a reply in support of the petition for certiorari on September 8, 2020. On March 12, 2021, the Solicitor General filed an amicus brief recommending that certiorari be denied. Plaintiffs filed a supplemental brief in response to the Solicitor General’s amicus brief on March 31, 2021, and Defendants filed a supplemental brief on April 1, 2021. The Court denied the petition for certiorari on April 19, 2021.

 

On May 23, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the FitzSimons action, including a global motion to dismiss Count I, which is the claim brought against former Tribune shareholders for intentional fraudulent conveyance under U.S. federal law. On January 6, 2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the shareholder defendants’ motion to dismiss the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim in the FitzSimons action. In dismissing the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request to amend the complaint. The plaintiff requested that the Court direct entry of a final judgment in order to make

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

the order immediately appealable. On February 23, 2017, the Court issued an order stating that it intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020. On August 20, 2021, the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court’s orders: (1) dismissing the intentional fraudulent conveyance claims against the shareholder-defendants; and (2) denying the plaintiff leave to amend the complaint to add a constructive fraudulent conveyance claim against the shareholder-defendants. Plaintiff filed a petition for rehearing en banc on September 3, 2021. On October 7, 2021, the Second Circuit denied the petition. On January 5, 2022, Plaintiff filed a petition for certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. That petition was denied on February 22, 2022.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

Note 11 – COVID-19

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the recovery response causes at times disruption to consumer demand, economic output, and supply chains. There are still travel restrictions, quarantines, and disparate global vaccine distributions. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators have responded to this situation with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes. These include providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs, and considerably lowering interest rates. In some cases, these responses resulted in negative interest rates and higher inflation. Recently, the U.S. and other governments have also made investments and engaged in infrastructure modernization projects that have also increased public debt and spending. These actions, including their possible unexpected or sudden reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase volatility in securities and other financial markets, reduce market liquidity, continue to cause higher inflation, heighten investor uncertainty, and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and the performance of the Fund. These actions also contribute to a risk that asset prices have a higher degree of correlation than historically seen across markets and asset classes. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Fund will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Management continues to monitor and evaluate this situation.

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements.

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statement of operations 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 Rydex Series Funds) at December 31, 2021, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its 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 December 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

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
February 28, 2022

 

46 | 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 2022, 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 2021.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

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, upon request, 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 2019 (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).

156

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (1987-2012).

155

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

Former: Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

48 | 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 2005 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present).

155

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).

Former: 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 2019

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

156

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

Former: 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 | 49

 

 

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 2016 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (2007-2017).

155

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

50 | 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 2019

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. (1982-1999).

155

Former: 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 | 51

 

 

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 2019

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).

155

Former: 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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income 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 Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

 

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

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

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 2018

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 (Vice President, 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).

 

 

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

OFFICERS - continued

   

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 2016

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 2019

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).

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

 

54 | 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 | 55

 

 

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

 

56 | 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 | 57

 

 

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.

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

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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 during the period covered by this report. The Code 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 of 1940, as amended) 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 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $96,915 and $96,915, 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 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $0 and $0, respectively.

 

 

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-investment 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 (“Service Affiliates”) which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee which related to the review of the transfer agent function for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $0 and $0, 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, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $40,229, and $36,979, 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, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $0 and $0, 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 Principal/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 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

 

(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 fiscal year for 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 were $40,229, and $36,979, 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.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) 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 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.

 

(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 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is 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) Rydex Series Funds  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Brian E. Binder  
  Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date March 10, 2022  

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Brian E. Binder  
Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date March 10, 2022  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John L. Sullivan
  John L. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer  
     
Date March 10, 2022  

 

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