As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 9, 2005
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-21210
Alpine Income Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
615 East Michigan Street
3rd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Samuel A. Lieber
Alpine Management & Research, LLC
2500 Westchester Avenue, Suite 215
Purchase, NY 10577
(Name and address of agent for service)
1-888-785-5578
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Date of fiscal year end: October 31,2005
Date of reporting period: October 31,2005
Item 1. Report to Stockholders.
Table of Contents
Alpine’s Investment Outlook | 1 | |
Fund Manager Reports | ||
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund | 4 | |
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund | 8 | |
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund | 14 | |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund | 16 | |
Schedules of Portfolio Investments | 20 | |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 31 | |
Statements of Operations | 33 | |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 35 | |
Financial Highlights | 39 | |
Notes to Financial Statements | 45 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 51 | |
Additional Information | 52 |
Dear Investor,
We are pleased to report that for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, the Alpine Funds have continued to deliver outstanding performance compared to either the relevant broad equity and debt markets, or applicable benchmark indices, as detailed in the individual reports of each fund. Alpine’s investment returns are a product of a continuous process of evaluation and selection even though investors focus on standardized periods as of a point in time. Over time, distinct events, such as this year’s “Gulf Hurricane Season’’, which transfixed our country, can focus our attention on simmering problems in a manner which may at first be painful, but could prove beneficial over time. We believe that this pattern may well depict a transition of investor sentiment during the 4th quarter of 2005 into the 2nd quarter next year.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inflicted horrendous suffering on hundreds of thousands of people, but they significantly damaged our nation’s confidence as well as our infrastructure. The credibility of certain institutions and individuals was questioned, the resiliency of our economy became a concern, and the capacity to improve future protection from catastrophe came into doubt. As a result, equity market indices sagged, hitting a nadir in late October, before they began to rally in anticipation of next year. Indeed, consumer confidence is now recovering, October’s new home sales hit a record level, employment remains strong, and the dollar has surged towards recent highs. Of greatest importance to the capital markets, energy prices have retraced some of their meteoric rise, while the Federal Reserve’s round of recurring interest rate increases appear to be in the home stretch (perhaps to 4.5%).
The major influences upon business economics during the past year were dominated by the gradual increase of short-term interest rates set by the Federal Reserve and the dramatic increases in oil and gas prices. Given the restraining influences on both business and consumer activity of each of these trends, it is impressive that share prices have remained within a narrow range of average price fluctuation throughout the year. Corporate earnings results suggested that most industries and businesses adjusted well to these diverse pressures. Profitability and corporate cash flow were well maintained with few exceptions. Most impressively, the combination of stability in the economy and higher interest rates supported a recovery of the dollar up 5.9% and 9.3%, respectively versus the Euro and the Yen during Alpine Fund’s fiscal year. Most significantly, consumer purchasing was sustained in the face of not only higher short-term interest rates and large increases in fuel costs, but also the shock and disruption of the hurricanes. Government mishandling of both Iraq and the Katrina response severely hurt consumer confidence, but as we suspected, its market impact was short-lived. Anxieties over the military burden and its consequences in the Iraq war have become prominent issues for the Administration and Congress in recent months, suggesting that pressures to reduce both American economic and military exposure in Iraq will grow in advance of next year’s mid-term elections.
The capital markets and economy appear to be finishing a period of transition between the 2003/2004 recovery and an extended mid-cycle expansion. Rising interest rates, commodity capacity constraints and rising productivity all reflect transitional adjustments. Needless to say, transitions create uncertainty, which had restrained market pricing, although sentiment is now benefiting from improved clarity as to America’s ongoing exposure in Iraq and the approaching end to Fed tightening. Thus, Alpine is increasingly optimistic that companies can achieve projected low-teens percentage earnings growth which would be rewarded by higher market price to earnings (P/E) multiples. Even stronger outperformance will accrue to those companies which can generate strong, sustained growth based upon unique assets or products and better execution of their business plans.
Looking forward to 2006, we see positive factors which suggest an outlook of improving confidence on behalf of consumers, businesses and investors. This should be reflected in higher corporate dividend payouts, larger corporate capital expenditures and expanded corporate share buy-backs, plus accelerating activity in merger and acquisitions. This should all help to sustain profits growth. We assume that the majority of interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve have already been made, that the peak of the energy panic is past and will not be exacerbated, and that Congressional and Administration economic and tax policies will be limited to moderate change rather than radical shifts. With ample liquidity in both domestic and international capital markets, we believe opportunities for significant corporate profits growth will reward appropriate individual stock selection by concentrating on the outstanding business performances in the economy.
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Momentum investors may focus on big cap stocks, but we do not expect a “nifty fifty’’ emphasis on large companies, so Alpine’s multi-cap value oriented approach should do well. Opportunity and private equity funds have amassed huge cash commitments, which leads us to expect a high level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) next year. At this stage of the business cycle, few companies trade well below break up value, so buy-out firms will be drawn to companies with either dynamic growth potential supported by unique business franchises or companies with stable cash earners.
Financial services is one segment of the stock market where we expect to see attractive investment opportunities. Alpine has been fortunate that our bank analyst, Peter Kovalski, has been managing a private investment partnership for us with excellent results. Given the confluence of Peter’s performance and our perception of the potential for these stocks, we recently launched the Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund. During his fifteen years of experience as a bank analyst, over 100 of his selections of banks and thrifts have been acquired by other institutions. Please visit our website or contact our call center for a prospectus and other information. Read it carefully before investing. |
Having projected an optimistic tone for the equity markets next year, we should note that our underlying caution of the past few years has not dissipated. Rather, we believe the business cycle is strong enough to sustain our somewhat stretched economy, despite its reduced capacity to rebound from systemic or cyclical shocks. Alpine is projecting a gradual moderation in both home price appreciation and sales volume, as well as, moderate income growth. After a few years, affordability levels would likely normalize. This may lead to slower per capita consumer spending, but business capital expenditures should sustain employment growth. The net effect might be a stable business environment producing 3% GDP growth. If this leads observers to proclaim, “Goldilocks economy!’’—part 2, then we will all be thankful next December. We look forward to reporting on our progress in Alpine’s next report.
Sincerely,
Samuel A. Lieber
President, Alpine Mutual Funds
This letter and those that follow represent the opinions of Alpine Funds management and are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
The Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be obtained by calling 888-785-5578, or visiting www.alpinefunds.com. Read it carefully before investing.
Price to earnings ratio is a common tool for comparing the prices of different common stocks and is calculated by dividing the current market price of a stock by the earnings per share.
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3
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund |
This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 888-785-5578.
The Moody’s Equity Mutual Fund Balanced Index tracks a group of similar funds that typically correspond to standard classifications based on global funds. The S&P Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Lipper Balanced Funds Average is an average of funds whose primary objective is to conserve principal by maintaining at all times a balanced portfolio of both stocks and bonds. The Moody’s Equity Mutual Fund Balanced Index, the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Balanced Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Dynamic Balance Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.
Comparative Annualized Total Returns as of 10/31/05 | |||
Since Inception | |||
1 Year | 3 Year | (6/7/01) | |
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund | 8.46% | 15.22% | 8.79% |
Moody’s Equity Mutual Fund Balanced Index | 6.96% | 9.25% | 2.27% |
S&P 500 Index | 8.72% | 12.85% | 0.40% |
Lipper Balanced Funds Average | 6.81% | 9.67% | 2.26% |
Lipper Balanced Fund Rank | 139/634 | 11/466 | 4/388 |
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Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund
Commentary
We are pleased to report that the Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund completed its fourth full fiscal year on October 31, 2005 with a gain of +8.46%. This total return compares with +6.94% for the Moody’s Balanced Equity Fund Index, in the same 12-month period, and +8.71% for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index. From the inception of the Fund on June
7, 2001, the Fund has provided a total return of +44.85%, equal to an annualized rate of +8.79%. This compares with annual returns of +2.27% for the Moody’s Balanced Equity Fund Index during the same period, and +0.75% for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index. The Fund’s performance was in the top +2% since it’s inception (6/7/01), according to Lipper, ranking #4 among 388 Balanced funds (based on total returns). The Fund ranked #139 out of 634 Funds in the 12 months to October 31, 2005, and #11 out of 466 for the three-year period. The Fund also received the 2005 Lipper Fund Award for the outstanding 3-year risk adjusted performance among balanced funds for the three-year period ending 12/31/04.
Basic Investment Strategies
The Fund continued to follow the basic investment strategies initiated at its inception in 2001. Our overall strategy centers on searching for unique opportunities in companies or sectors offering potential benefits of current undervaluation, both among equities and bonds. Outstanding performers in the Fund’s portfolio over the fiscal year represented a variety of industry sectors and unique opportunities. The following were the top ten in performance:
Consol Energy Inc. | +74.1% |
Bankshares of Florida | +59.1% |
Eagle Materials | +56.1% |
Allegheny Energy | +54.3% |
Student Loan Corp. | +52.8% |
PennVirginia Corp. | +52.5% |
J.C. Penney Co. | +49.6% |
SJW Corp. | +48.5% |
Ryland Group | +41.6% |
Sunstone Hotel Investors | +39.9% |
Realized capital gains covered a broad variety of opportunities, ranging from a gain of over 90% in a position held in RPM Inc. over three years, and a gain of 39% in the shares of R.R. Donnelly & Sons held over a year and a half, to a gain of more than 8% in long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds (due 2026) held three years. Portfolio repositioning also generated losses as both economic and corporate trends changed. The portfolio’s net short-term realized loss for the fiscal year was $532,000, approximately one-third the amount of gains. The largest single loss was in the shares of newly public company, Great Wolf Resorts, which failed to meet its earnings projection. A loss of just over 6% was recorded in the shares of Microsoft Corp, but these were more than offset by Microsoft’s special year-end dividend in 2004.
5
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund
The largest category among the Fund’s holdings is the varied group designated as Commercial Products and Services. Commitments range from our largest holdings in the group, Eagle Materials Inc., a southwestern producer of building materials and cement, and Autoliv Inc., the world’s largest producer of auto passenger safety equipment (air bags and seat belts), to a major specialist in electrical connectors and lighting devices, Hubbell, Inc.
Two complementary sectors, Financial Services and Banks, together account for 18% of the portfolio. The bank group is characterized by our long employed strategy of selecting smaller banks which we consider to be potential acquisition candidates, as well as larger banks, which we believe may have been temporarily undervalued due to near term adversities. Three of the banks held at the beginning of the year, BankNorth Group, Hudson United Bank Corp. and Taylor Capital Group, received acquisition or change of control offers during this period. Banknorth Group shares were sold with a 22% gain, the Hudson United transaction is still pending with a current 14% gain and Taylor Capital Group was sold with a 100% gain. Another equity in this category, Doral Financial Corp., a major bank and mortgage issuer serving Puerto Rico and New York City, proved our most disappointing investment in the portfolio this year, as regulators requested a restatement of its financials in response to certain classes of mortgage investments. In the Financial Services Group, the corporate acquisition trend is evidenced in the proposed buyout of MBNA Corporation by Bank of America at a price approximately 25% above the Fund’s cost.
The Homebuilder group is the second largest in the portfolio, representing 10% of investments at the end of the fiscal year. It was a source of major appreciation among holdings. The leading gainer in this group was Ryland Group, up +41.66%. The two largest positions in this sector, Standard Pacific Corporation and Pulte Homes, each appreciated 38% during the fiscal year. Our investment strategy holds that this group remains significantly undervalued relative to the market as a whole. Major public homebuilders should continue to demonstrate, as they have in the past, their ability to sustain earnings gains even if somewhat lower levels of affordability reduce the total volume of new home building in the United States.
The Real Estate Investment Trust group, with 9.4% of assets, again proved rewarding both in terms of capital appreciation and income. The largest holdings in the group showed significant gains; 39% in Sunstone Hotels Investors, 28% in Vornado Realty Trust, and 27% in Simon Property Investors.
The Oil and Gas Production group was increased to 5% of the portfolio, led by coal miner, Consol Energy Inc., up 74.1% in the period, followed by a 50% gain in coal and natural gas producer, PennVirginia Corp.
Performance Drivers
A broader picture of the Fund’s diverse drivers of long-term equity performance can be seen in the return over cost of the top 10 performers:
% Return | |
Company | over Cost |
PennVirginia Corp. | 169.70% |
Ryland Group, Inc. | 154.60% |
Developers Diversified Realty | 146.20% |
Pulte Corp. | 143.90% |
Consol Energy, Inc. | 128.30% |
Allegheny Energy, Inc. | 108.80% |
MDC Holdings, Inc. | 92.10% |
Bancshares of Florida, Inc. | 82.00% |
Vornado Realty Trust | 81.10% |
SJW Corp. | 73.60% |
The fixed income portion of the portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, representing 29% of the overall portfolio at the end of the fiscal year, generated just under $1 million. Net realized gains on bond holdings were $592,000.
Our basic bond market strategy was to predominantly hold long maturity bonds in the belief that the large flows into the U.S. dollar through the growing U.S. trade deficit, would tend to sustain foreign investment in such obligations. We hold that so long as the Federal Reserve policy is one of fighting inflation through increasing short-term interest rates, foreign investors will gain confidence in the stability of the dollar and its obligations. This would be beneficial to long-term bond values, as compared with the declining values of short-term obligations in a period of rising rates. As the overall volatility in the bond market increased, we retained a greater than 10% year-end cash equivalent position. This facilitates flexibility in response to changes in interest rate patterns and money flows. As in the previous year, we did not see the fiscal year as a period when greater returns would be obtained in bonds than in selected stocks, so we maintained the bulk of investments in equity positions.
6
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund
Dividend Increases
By fiscal year-end, the Fund’s portfolio benefited from 41 dividend increases among its holdings and a number of special dividends. We anticipate the trend of rising dividends to continue, reflecting liquidity and sustained earning power. In the new fiscal year, our selection of investments will continue to focus on the choice of common stocks of companies with potentially favorable business or financial transformations. With improved balance sheet positions and high liquidity of corporations throughout the U.S. business spectrum, we anticipate more aggressive programs of mergers, acquisitions, and share buybacks.
We look forward to continuing the Fund’s achievement, having strengthened our organization with additional staffing of highly experienced, proven investment personnel. We thank our shareholders for their continuing support.
Stephen A. Lieber
Samuel A. Lieber
Co-Portfolio Managers
Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holdings information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
Investing in this fund involves special risks, including but not limited to, options and futures transactions. Please refer to the prospectus for further details. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. is an independent mutual fund research and rating service. Each Lipper average presents a universe of Funds with similar invest objectives. Rankings for the periods shown include dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges.
A Lipper Fund Award is awarded to one fund in each Lipper classification for achieving the strongest trend of consistent risk-adjusted performance against its classification peers over a three-year period. Although Lipper makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained herein, the accuracy is not guaranteed by Lipper. Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. is an independent mutual fund research and rating service.
7
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund |
This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 888-785-5578. The Fund charges a redemption fee equal to 1.00% of the net amount of the redemption if you redeem your shares less than 60 days after you purchase them.
The Moody’s Equity Mutual Fund Growth Income Index tracks a group of similar funds that typically correspond to standard classifications based on investment objectives and fundamental policies. The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Lipper Equity Income Funds Average is an average of funds that seek relatively high current income and income growth through investing 60% or more of their respective portfolios in equities. The Moody’s Equity Mutual Fund Growth Income Index, the S&P Index and the Lipper Equity Income Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as advisor fees. The performance for the Dynamic Dividend Fund reflects fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.
Comparative Annualized Total Returns as of 10/31/05 | ||
Since Inception | ||
1 Year | (9/22/03) | |
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund | 11.85% | 20.97% |
Moody’s Equity Mutual Fund Growth Income Index | 8.69% | 8.52% |
S&P 500 Index | 8.72% | 10.09% |
Lipper Equity Income Funds Average | 2.36% | 12.27% |
Lipper Equity Income Fund Rank | 61/219 | 2/192 |
8
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund
Commentary
The Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund (ADVDX) completed its second full year of operation with strong results, providing a total return of 11.85% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005. This compares to an 8.72% gain for the S&P 500 Stock Index and an 8.69% return for the Moody’s Equity Growth Income Index for the same time period. Since inception on September 22, 2003, ADVDX has produced an annual return of 20.97%, which compares favorably to a return of 10.09% for the S&P 500 Index and an 8.52% return for the Moody’s Equity Growth Income Index.
ADVDX increased its dividend payment by 59% in fiscal 2005, providing a dividend distribution of $1.51
The Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund increased its dividend payment by 59% year over year. The Fund’s shareholders received $1.51 in ordinary dividend income in fiscal 2005, with over 98% of the distribution expected to be qualified for the maximum taxable rate of 15%. This represents a 59% increase versus the $0.95 paid in fiscal 2004. Based on the Fund’s closing NAV per share of $11.98 on 10/31/05, the dividend payout of $1.51 represents a high level of dividend income that is unique among equity dividend oriented funds. For example, the comparable dividend yield for the S&P 500 Electric Utility Index is 3.44% and for the IShares DJ Select Dividend Index Fund (DVY) is 3.76%.
Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited) | ||
1. | Phelps Dodge Corp. | 2.28% |
2. | Todco | 2.27% |
3. | General Electric Company | 2.19% |
4. | The Dow Chemical Company | 2.18% |
5. | Anixter International, Inc. | 2.17% |
6. | Gambro AB - Class A | 2.06% |
7. | Starwood Hotels & Resorts | |
Worldwide Inc. | 2.05% | |
8. | Ameritrade Holding Corporation | 2.05% |
9. | Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. | 2.04% |
10. | Macquarie Infrastructure | |
Company Trust | 2.02% | |
* Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/05 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings does not include short-term investments. |
Beginning in April 2005, ADVDX increased its regular monthly minimum dividend by $0.01, from $0.05 to $0.06 per share. In addition, in the third month of each quarter the Fund distributes excess dividend income that has accumulated during the quarter.
The fund captured 90 dividend increases and over 50 special dividends in fiscal 2005
ADVDX was designed specifically to maximize the amount of distributed dividend income that is qualified for the new 15% tax rate, while also employing a research driven approach to identifying companies with the potential for dividend increases and capital appreciation. In fiscal 2005, the Fund owned 52 stocks that declared special dividends and 90 stocks that raised their dividends in that time period.
9
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund
We believe we have taken a unique and dynamic approach to maximizing both income and capital appreciation by combining three different investment strategies with a multi-cap focus. These strategies are reflected in both our top 10 holdings as well as our best performing stocks in fiscal 2005.
Our “Dividend Capture Strategy’’ enhances the qualified dividend income generated by the Fund
First, we run a portion of our portfolio with a dividend capture strategy, where we invest in typically high yielding stocks or in special situations where large cash balances are being returned to shareholders as one-time special dividends. These actions reflect strong corporate balance sheets as well as management’s incentive to distribute excess retained cash as dividend income based on the low qualified tax rates. We enhance the return of this portfolio by electively rotating a portion of our high yielding holdings after the 61-day ownership period required to obtain the 15% dividend tax rate.
Five of our current top 10 holdings are companies with strong operating performance and which also recently announced the return of a portion of excess income in the form of special dividends. Our two largest holdings are companies that have seen earnings surge on increased global demand for commodities. Phelps Dodge, the world’s second largest copper producer, has experienced a rebound in earnings and cash flow as the price of copper recently hit record highs. In October, 2005 the company announced a $5 per share ($500 million) or 4% special dividend payment. In addition, the company intends to return another $1 billion in cash to shareholders in 2006 via either share repurchases (about 8.5% of existing shares) or another potential special dividend. Our second largest holding, Todco, is also experiencing strong demand and constrained supply for its oil and gas drilling services primarily in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As the price of natural gas hit recent all time highs of over $15.00 per MMbtu versus a price of $7.09 on 12/30/04, Todco’s earnings have soared. The company responded by distributing excess income as a special dividend of $1 per share (3% yield) in August 2005.
The other three special dividend payers in our top ten holdings are also producing strong operating results and are forecasted to have double digit earnings growth annually over the next few years. Anixter International, one of the world’s largest distributors of data networking products and specialty wire and cables, announced a $4 special dividend (10% yield) in
September 2005. The company is benefiting from a rebound in non-residential and industrial construction and is taking significant market share in a highly fragmented business. Gambro AB, based in Sweden, is a maker of kidney dialysis equipment and blood supplies. It sold its U.S. dialysis centers and announced a return of $3.77 per share (27% yield) to shareholders in October 2005. Lastly, Ameritrade, the online brokerage service, announced that it will pay out $6 per share of retained earnings (32% yield) in January 2006 when it completes it’s acquisition of the brokerage firm TD Waterhouse.
As part of our dividend capture strategy we also look to core holdings in companies that historically generate consistent strong free cash flow and regular large dividend distributions. This would include Macquarie Infrastructure Trust with a 7.2% annual yield. The company owns and operates infrastructure businesses in the U.S. including airport service, parking facilities, water utilities, and privately owned toll roads. These businesses have high barriers to entry, long-term contracts and strong cash flow, and are growing through acquisition.
Our “Growth and Income Strategy’’ targets capital appreciation in addition to yield
Our second strategy identifies core growth and income stocks that may have slightly lower but still attractive current dividend yields and predictable earnings streams plus a catalyst for capital appreciation and dividend increases. In our top 10 holdings, we would group General Electric (2.8% current yield) and Starwood Hotels (1.3% yield) in this category. These companies are estimated to grow earnings annually by 15-20% over the next several years. In addition, GE recently raised its dividend by 14% and we anticipate Starwood will announce a dividend increase by the end of 2005.
We believe GE is an excellent value as a diversified, international player with strong growth in China and other emerging economies. GE is entering the sweet spot for its mid- to late-cycle businesses, which include Industrial Products, Power Generation, Water, Transportation, and Infrastructure plus it offers stability from its Financial, Medical, and Entertainment units. The fundamentals for Starwood Hotels also look attractive for the next few years. Demand has rebounded for business and leisure travel while little new supply has been built over the past several years, resulting in strong room price increases.
Our “Value/Restructuring Strategy’’ looks for attractively valued or restructuring dividend payers
Our third strategy is what we call “value with a catalyst or restructuring strategy’’, where we look for under-valued or turnaround situations where there may exist high current dividend yields due to depressed earnings that we believe are poised to recover.
10
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund
We would categorize Dow Chemical in our top ten holding in this category, with a 3% current yield. Dow’s earnings are estimated to grow 60% in 2005 and close to 25% in 2006 on strong global demand for its diversified chemical and plastic products. Based on the cyclical nature of its business, Dow is trading at only 8 times forward earnings estimates, which we believe is attractive relative to historical valuation ranges and future earnings prospects for this industry leader.
Our “multi-cap research approach’’ finds rewarding opportunities in the small cap dividend universe
Although several of our top 10 holdings are from the traditional large capitalization segment of the dividend-paying universe, we believe we have taken a different approach relative to many other dividend funds in that a large portion of our holdings are in small and mid-cap stocks. As of 10/31/05, the median market capitalization of the 96 holdings in our portfolio was $4.7 billion versus $6.3 billion in the first half of fiscal 2005 (ended 4/30/05). This reflected our view that the valuations and growth prospects for some of our smaller cap holdings looked increasingly attractive as we gained more confidence in the outlook for sustained solid economic growth, contained inflation, and the potential ending of the Fed’s interest rate increases.
For fiscal year 2005, eight of our top 10 performers had market capitalizations of less than $4 billion as our research-driven, bottom-up approach helped us find value in the small and mid cap dividend universe. Our methodology identified specialized businesses where each had a catalyst that we believe will produce attractive earnings and cash flow growth and higher dividends.
The fund’s top performers in 2005 were small cap, high growth companies in niche markets
Our four best performers in 2005 were small cap (less than $700 million market cap), high growth companies in niche markets and all produced internal rates of return for the Fund of over 50% in fiscal 2005. Our best performer was Meridian Bioscience, the maker of disposable rapid diagnostic tests with an emerging life sciences and biodefense business. It is growing earnings 20% annually and is committed to paying out 75-80% of it earnings in dividends. In addition, the company has raised its dividend every year for the past 10 years. Another winner was Healthcare Services Group, a provider of housekeeping, laundry and foodservice to nursing homes and hospitals. It is also experiencing 20% earnings growth from its favorable demographic and market share gains. Micro-cap Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory benefited from its growth strategy of rolling out updated franchise stores and mall kiosks for its line of chocolate candy. Lastly, McGrath RentCorp is experiencing strong demand for its relocatable modular offices and classrooms.
Other small cap top performers that produced returns of over 30% in fiscal 2005 included Todco, the previously discussed oil and gas driller, poultry producer Sanderson Farms, which benefited from strong demand and higher chicken prices, Gtech Holdings, which sells computerized lottery systems worldwide, and Jubilee Mines, a producer and exporter of nickel and other minerals in Australia.
Two of our top ten performers were large cap stocks (over $25 billion market cap) and produced returns of over 40%. TXU in the utility sector experienced a sharp earnings rebound from its core energy businesses and from shedding unprofitable businesses. Caterpillar realized strong global demand for its heavy machinery and equipment. As of 10/31/05, we no longer held positions in Sanderson Farms, Gtech, Caterpillar, TXU, or Jubilee as these stocks achieved our price objectives and we saw better opportunities in other investments.
Although small cap stocks can provide strong earnings growth and performance on the upside, they can also have large price swings to the downside when news flow or fundamentals unexpectedly turn negative. Our five worst performers in 2005 were also small cap stocks, but each position was relatively small and represented only a minor percentage of the portfolio.
Our worst performer in fiscal 2005 was Angelica Corporation, a provider of laundry services and uniform rentals to the healthcare and hospitality industry. The surge in natural gas prices resulted in significantly higher energy prices which impacted margins. Next, Russ Berrie, the maker of gifts and baby products, and Doral Financial, a financial services company serving Puerto Rico, each brought in new management who failed to execute on promised corporate restructurings. Doral also experienced concerns over its derivative portfolio. Two other weak performers were Gloucester Coal and Macarthur Coal. These Australian coal companies are being hurt by relatively high coal inventories in China and the uncertainty surrounding the annual negotiations for iron ore contracts by the Asian steel companies. We continue to hold Angelica, and the Australian coal companies since valuations are appealing and offer attractive risk/reward profiles at current levels. We no longer hold Russ Berrie or Doral.
11
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund
Capturing international dividend opportunities is an important component of our dividend strategy
Besides taking a multi-cap approach, we also invest approximately 20-25% of our assets in international holdings. We have found attractive growth opportunities and traditionally larger dividend payouts than we see in the U.S. However, we were negatively impacted throughout the year by the rise in the U.S. dollar, particularly against the Euro, which declined 12.1% from its high of 1.364 on 12/30/04 to 1.199 on 10/31/05. We believe that the dollar will stabilize around current levels and that our international strategy and the opportunities we see overseas will continue to benefit our shareholders.
Two of our best international holdings provided an internal rate of return over 20% in fiscal 2005 and each distributed an attractive special dividend. Savills Plc is a U.K. real estate broker and consultant for high end residential and commercial properties that declared a 5% special and final dividend payment in April 2005. NKT Holding A/S, a conglomerate based in Denmark, was able to distribute a 4% special and final dividend payment also in April 2005. This was supported by cost cuts and new product launches in its telecom cable unit and a successful acquisition in its commercial cleaning equipment unit.
Outlook for 2006: We Believe Dividend Payers Will Continue to Outperform
As we look into 2006, we continue to be optimistic about the prospect for dividend paying stocks. Some of our favorite sectors for dividend increases and capital appreciation continue to be in oil services, industrials, financial services, gaming and lodging, business services, healthcare, and commodities. In a moderate growth environment, we believe investors will be drawn to high quality, internationally oriented, and more defensive stocks and that should bode well for dividend payers.
Based on our assumption of slowing, single-digit earnings growth for the S&P 500 over the next few years, we believe investors will continue to demand higher dividend yields. As dividends become a larger part of their total return expectations, investors will focus particularly on the lower 15% tax rate. The current yield on the S&P 500 is 1.8%, but historically the dividend component of total return was much higher. The average annual total return on stocks since 1926 has been about 7%, with dividends accounting for 40% of that total return. We believe investors will look to put more money in attractive tax-advantaged dividend payers to enhance returns.
With companies still sitting on record levels of cash, we expect strong merger and acquisition activity in 2006 as companies look to supplement slowing organic growth. However, we still expect a substantial amount of cash will be returned to shareholders as either share repurchases or increased dividend payouts. Alpine also looks for companies with high levels of inside ownership, as the 15% tax rate provides additional incentive for dividends. Companies in the S&P 500 index currently payout 34% of their earnings in the form of dividends versus a historical average of 54%. Given large cash positions, solid earnings potential, low payout ratios and lack of other uses of cash, we continue to believe that companies will continue to increase their dividends in 2006.
These positive fundamentals will be balanced with the risks of rising interest rates and oil prices, potentially slower global growth and continued geopolitical uncertainties. Our approach is to remain broadly diversified within the dividend-paying universe while actively looking for undervalued opportunities. The selection of stocks in our portfolio is based on our independent appraisal of each company’s potential for profits, dividend growth and market revaluation across a broad spectrum of stock market capitalizations, industries, and international borders. Our goal in 2006 is to continue to be able to distribute attractive dividend payouts to our shareholders by capitalizing on our research driven approach to identifying attractive situations as well as through our active management of the portfolio.
Thank you for your participation and we look forward to a prosperous year in 2006.
Jill K. Evans
Portfolio Manager
Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
Investing in small and mid cap stocks involves additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility as compared to large cap stocks.
Investing in foreign securities tends to involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.
Neither the Fund nor any of its representatives may give tax advice. Investors should consult their tax advisor for information concerning their particular situation.
12
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund |
* | The Advisor return for 2004 is from 3/30/04 (inception)-12/31/04. |
The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver of certain fees. Without the waiver of fees, the Fund’s total return would have been lower.
14
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund
Equivalent Taxable Yields as of 10/31/05 | ||||
Joint Return | Single Return | Marginal Tax Rate | Your Tax-Exempt Effective Yield of 2.75% is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of: | |
$ 59,401-119,950 | $ | 29,701-71,950 | 25% | 3.66% |
$119,951-192,800 | $ | 71,951-150,150 | 28% | 3.82% |
$182,801-326,450 | $ | 150,151-326,450 | 33% | 4.10% |
Over $326,450 | Over $326,450 | 35% | 4.23% | |
The chart reflects projected 2005 marginal federal tax rates before limitations and phaseouts. Individuals with adjusted gross income in excess of $142,700 should consult a tax professional to determine their actual 2005 marginal tax rate.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than the performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 888-785-5578.
The Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Funds Average is an average of funds that invest in high quality municipal obligations with dollar-weighted average maturities of less than 90 days. The Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds Average is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment advisor fees. The performance for the Municipal Money Market Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.
Comparative Annualized Total Returns as of 10/31/05 | ||
1 Year | Since Inception(1) | |
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund—Investor Class | 2.24% | 1.49% |
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund—Advisor Class | 1.98% | 1.58% |
Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds Average | 1.49% | 0.84% |
Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund Rank | 1/118 | 1/102 |
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund—Investor Class, 7-day effective yield (as of10/31/05): 2.75% | ||
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund—Advisor Class, 7-day effective yield (as of10/31/05): 2.50% | ||
(1) | Advisor Class shares commenced on March 30, 2004 and Investor Class shares commenced on December 5, 2002. Returns for indices are since December 5, 2002. |
15
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund |
* The Advisor return for 2004 is from 3/30/04 (inception)-12/31/04.
The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver of certain fees. Without the waiver of fees, the Fund’s total return would have been lower.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 888-785-5578. The Fund charges a redemption fee equal to 0.25% of the net amount of the redemption if you redeem your shares lees than 30 days after you purchase them.
The Lehman Brothers Municipal 1 Year Bond Index is the 1-year (1-2) component of the Municipal Bond Index. The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is a rules-based, market-value weighted index engineered for the long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Index is an unmanaged index that tracks funds that invest in municipal debt issues with dollar-weighted average maturities of less than three years. The Lehman Brothers Municipal 1 Year Bond Index and the Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment advisor fees. The performance for the Tax Optimized Income Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.
Comparative Annualized Total Returns as of 10/31/05 | ||
Since | ||
1 Year | Inception(1) | |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund—Investor Class | 1.84% | 2.89% |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund—Investor Class (Pre-liquidation, After-tax)* | 0.77% | 1.90% |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund—Investor Class (Post-liquidation, After-tax)* | 1.19% | 1.89% |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund —Advisor Class | 1.60% | 1.35% |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund—Advisor Class (Pre-liquidation, After-tax)* | 0.62% | 0.37% |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund—Advisor Class (Post-liquidation, After-tax)* | 1.04% | 0.59% |
Lehman Brothers Municipal 1 Year Bond Index | 1.19% | 1.52% |
Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Average | 1.06% | 1.60% |
Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Rank—Investor Class | 8/63 | 2.48% |
* | Pre-liquidation basis assumes a shareholder continues to hold his shares at the end of a measurement period. Post-liquidation basis assumes a shareholder redeems his shares at the end of a measurement period. |
(1) | Adviser Class shares commenced on March 30, 2004 and Investor Class shares commenced on December 6, 2002. Returns for indices are since December 6, 2002. |
16
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund / Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund — Commentary
We are pleased to provide you with the commentary for the Alpine Income Trust for the period ending October 31, 2005. The Income Trust includes both the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund and the Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund.
Performance Summary
For the one-year period, each Fund continued to produce relative performance leadership when compared against its counterparts in their respective categories. Based on total returns, The Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund was ranked number one out of 118 Tax Exempt Money Market Funds according to Lipper Analytical. It had a total return for the period of 2.24%. Lipper ranked the Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund number eight out of 63 funds in the Short Municipal Debt category and had a total return for the period of 1.84%. The Lipper Analytical peer average of the period was 1.49% and 1.06% for the Tax Exempt Money Market Fund and Short Municipal Debt peer groups, respectively.
Market Overview
Economic growth remained relatively strong during the course of your fund’s fiscal year. Consequently, the Federal Reserve Board continued increasing the federal funds rate in an effort to restrain inflation. In September, the Fed implemented its 11th increase in the federal funds rate since June 2004. In a typical cycle, the Fed tightens monetary conditions in an attempt to reduce rising inflationary pressure generated by an overheating economy, a condition that may cause long-term rates to rise. But these increases in short-term rates, according to the Fed have not been intended to forestall a major inflationary threat or cool economic overheating. Instead the Fed is gradually removing the extra stimulus it applied to support a recessionary, post-bubble economy. The Fed’s gradual approach to reining in economic growth may have helped allay investor fears of higher longer-term rates, as long-term bond yields at the end of our reporting period were lower then where they were at the start of the calendar year despite rising short-term rates. As shorter and longer-term interest rates began to converge, the yield curve flattened significantly.
Soon after our reporting period ended, the Fed raised the federal funds rate in early November for a 12th time to 4.00%. The continued rate increases indicate the Fed’s belief that the economy is strong enough to withstand the long-term effects and higher energy costs associated with Hurricane Katrina. Unless a disruptive event jars the U.S economy, we do not anticipate the Fed will stop lifting interest rates for the foreseeable future. We do, however, expect the impact of the Fed’s tightenings to become more pronounced in the first half of 2006.
17
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund
Municipal issuance throughout the past six months been remained on pace to equal last year’s record. Despite the large issuance and lackluster demand by mutual funds, the ratio of AAA municipal versus US Treasury yields for the most part remained range-bound throughout the period. The one exception was in late August as Treasuries rallied and municipals underperformed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Credit spreads for areas damaged by the hurricane widened out, with insured bonds trading slightly wider in early September.
We have examined both portfolios in the wake of the hurricane and are pleased to report that we have no holdings with any direct exposure to issuers in the area. Though the Funds hold a very small portion of securities in the region, all of them are credit enhanced with a direct pay letter of credit from a major financial institution.
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund
Given our expectation for rising interest rates, your portfolio’s maturity was short at the start of the fiscal year and we continued to shorten it as the year progressed. We continued to move out of a laddered strategy by selling securities in the two to four year range that were most sensitive to the rise in short-term interest rates and developed more of a barbelled approach. It most be noted, that although we did make some select purchases on the long end of the curve, we remain committed to capital preservation and therefore will be very sensitive to maintaining a conservative posture in this interest rate environment.
While we continue to explore all areas of the fixed income market for attractive after-tax returns, we find ourselves with limited choices because of the attractive ratio of municipal securities relative to their taxable counterparts. One area of the corporate market that we chose to invest in again was short-term bonds issued by Ford Motor Credit. With the auto industry going through a very volatile period now, very attractive yields can be attained with minimum price fluctuation on this debt. Although we have explored other depressed areas of the corporate bond market, we have been hesitant to make investments as high demand from investors looking for greater returns has resulted in the narrowing of spreads for these securities.
The one area on the long end of the curve that we have invested in is tobacco settlement bonds. There has been strong interest from buyers in search of higher yields and we have chosen to pursue only maturities with short turbo call features. This type of call feature allows the issuer to redeem the bonds at an earlier date should surplus collections or partial lump sum payments occur. We are hoping that with continued favorable legal rulings, demand for these securities will increase and yields will fall.
The remainder of our investments have been in municipal securities with one year or less to maturity. With the two to ten year part of the yield curve so flat now, we have chosen step back for a moment until we see a reason to justify extending out on the curve. In addition, with short-term rates backing up so much the past year, attractive yields are now available justify staying short for the meantime.
Going forward, we will continue to search for the most attractive opportunities among fixed-income securities and work to balance the pursuit of current income with prudent risk management.
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund
The Fed’s hikes impacted money market funds the most, pushing yields up as older, lower-yielding securities matured and new, higher-yielding securities took their place. In addition, municipal money market securities saw some seasonal volatility due to various supply and demand factors that affected municipal securities much more than taxable securities. For example, in early May, tax-time redemptions caused yields to reach levels of taxable securities while in July and August, yields fell as cash flooded into funds due to maturing securities and coupon payments. Yields then backed up again throughout September as investments in the short-term municipal market declined as corporations made quarterly tax payments and parents sold holdings to pay for college tuition.
We continued to pursue the fund’s objective, seeking preservation of principal and high current income that is exempt from federal income tax. Over the reporting period, we maintained a very defensive position by keeping the average maturity of the fund very short. On October 31, 2005, the fund’s average weighted maturity was 25 days which was shorter than the industry average of 30 days. We focused primarily on investing in variable rate demand notes in an attempt to maintain liquidity and keep funds available for higher yielding instruments as they became available. VRDNs, which comprised over 80% of our portfolio, have long-term maturities, but their coupons reset daily and weekly making them highly responsive to changes interest rates. Our other investments include short-term put bonds and a very small amount of commercial paper.
18
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund
With our expectations of continued moderate economic growth and gradual Fed tightenings, our investment decisions will continue to focus on keeping the portfolio responsive to rising interest rates. While we plan to maintain a defensive position for the fund, we will continue to search for fixed-rate opportunities in the market whose pricing incorporates our view of higher rates.
Thank you for your investment in the Alpine Mutual Funds.
Steven C. Shachat
Portfolio Manager
An investment in these Funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Funds.
Investing in these funds involves special risks, including but not limited to, investing in municipal obligations and derivative securities, mortgage-related and asset-backed investments. Please refer to the prospectus for further details. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. is an independent mutual fund research and rating service. Each Lipper average represents a universe of Funds with similar invest objectives. Rankings for the periods shown include dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges.
The federal government guarantees interest payments from government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, while dividend payments carry no such guarantee. Government securities, if held to maturity, guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest.
19
Alpine Mutual Funds - Dynamic Balance Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2005
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—70.8% | ||||
Commercial Products & Services—9.5% | ||||
13,000 | AMETEK, Inc. | $ | 529,490 | |
35,000 | Autoliv, Inc. | 1,503,600 | ||
10,000 | Certegy, Inc. | 374,600 | ||
14,290 | Eagle Materials, Inc.—Class B | 1,421,712 | ||
5,443 | Eagle Materials, Inc. | 579,625 | ||
300 | Hubbell, Incorporated — Class A | 13,155 | ||
6,500 | Hubbell, Incorporated — Class B | 313,040 | ||
32,500 | McGrath Rentcorp | 927,875 | ||
15,500 | PACCAR, Inc. | 1,085,310 | ||
30,000 | Ryder System, Inc. | 1,190,100 | ||
20,000 | W.W. Grainger, Inc. | 1,339,600 | ||
9,278,107 | ||||
Conglomerates—2.5% | ||||
20,000 | 3M Co. | 1,519,600 | ||
25,000 | Temple-Inland Inc. | 920,750 | ||
2,440,350 | ||||
Consumer Products & Services—3.2% | ||||
18,000 | The Black & Decker Corporation | 1,478,340 | ||
20,000 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | 639,600 | ||
18,000 | The Procter & Gamble Company | 1,007,820 | ||
3,125,760 | ||||
Energy, Oil, & Gas—2.5% | ||||
2,000 | Amerada Hess Corp. | 250,200 | ||
15,000 | Chevron Corporation | 856,050 | ||
10,000 | Murphy Oil Corporation | 468,500 | ||
16,000 | Penn Virginia Corporation | 869,760 | ||
2,444,510 | ||||
Financial—Banks—8.9% | ||||
12,730 | Arrow Financial Corporation | 342,437 | ||
18,000 | Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc. | 648,000 | ||
6,000 | Bancshares of Florida, Inc. (a) | 136,500 | ||
8,000 | Comerica Incorporated | 462,240 | ||
45,000 | Doral Financial Corp. (b) | 385,200 | ||
20,000 | Golden West Financial Corporation | 1,174,600 | ||
10,000 | Hudson United Bancorp | 414,700 | ||
40,000 | J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. | 1,464,800 | ||
31,500 | New York Community Bancorp, Inc. | 509,355 | ||
25,500 | North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. | 646,170 | ||
2,200 | Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. | 100,100 | ||
8,000 | PNC Financial Services Group | 485,680 | ||
5,500 | Rurban Financial Corp. | 70,400 | ||
5,871 | Southside Bancshares, Inc. | 114,895 | ||
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—continued | ||||
Financial—Banks—continued | ||||
20,000 | Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. | $ | 431,400 | |
15,000 | Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. | 346,350 | ||
20,000 | Webster Financial Corporation | 923,400 | ||
8,656,227 | ||||
Financial Services—8.8% | ||||
10,000 | Ambac Financial Group, Inc. | 708,900 | ||
26,000 | American International Group, Inc. | 1,684,800 | ||
4,000 | The Chubb Corporation | 371,880 | ||
10,000 | Countrywide Financial Corporation | 317,700 | ||
10,000 | Fannie Mae | 475,200 | ||
10,000 | Fidelity National Financial, Inc. | 374,600 | ||
1,750 | Fidelity National Title Group, Inc. | 38,063 | ||
13,000 | The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 1,642,810 | ||
46,000 | MBNA Corporation | 1,176,220 | ||
8,000 | The Student Loan Corporation | 1,753,600 | ||
8,543,773 | ||||
Food & Staples Retailing—0.7% | ||||
26,000 | Albertson’s, Inc. | 652,860 | ||
Homebuilders — 10.0% | ||||
30,000 | Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A (a) | 1,349,700 | ||
28,000 | Lennar Corporation—Class A | 1,556,240 | ||
7,150 | M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. | 490,490 | ||
50,000 | Pulte Homes, Inc. | 1,889,500 | ||
17,000 | The Ryland Group, Inc. | 1,144,100 | ||
51,400 | Standard-Pacific Corp. | 1,983,012 | ||
35,000 | Toll Brothers, Inc. (a) | 1,291,850 | ||
9,704,892 | ||||
Medical Instruments—1.3% | ||||
12,200 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | 600,972 | ||
10,000 | Guidant Corporation | 630,000 | ||
1,230,972 | ||||
Metals & Mining—2.9% | ||||
37,000 | CONSOL Energy Inc. | 2,253,300 | ||
5,000 | Phelps Dodge Corp. | 602,350 | ||
2,855,650 | ||||
Pharmaceuticals—2.9% | ||||
22,000 | Johnson & Johnson | 1,377,640 | ||
25,000 | Pfizer Inc. | 543,500 | ||
20,000 | Wyeth | 891,200 | ||
2,812,340 | ||||
See notes to financial statements.
20
Alpine Mutual Funds - Dynamic Balance Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—continued | ||||
Real Estate Investment Trusts—9.7% | ||||
15,000 | Boston Properties, Inc. | $ | 1,038,300 | |
10,000 | Developers Diversified Realty Corporation | 436,800 | ||
60,000 | DiamondRock Hospitality Company | 669,000 | ||
20,000 | General Growth Properties, Inc. | 849,600 | ||
45,000 | Impac Mortgage Holdings, Inc | 451,800 | ||
10,000 | Mack-Cali Realty Corporation | 426,500 | ||
45,000 | Origen Financial, Inc | 322,650 | ||
23,000 | Simon Property Group, Inc. | 1,647,260 | ||
80,000 | Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | 1,792,000 | ||
23,000 | Vornado Realty Trust | 1,863,000 | ||
9,496,910 | ||||
Retail—1.4% | ||||
10,000 | Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. | 338,200 | ||
20,000 | J.C. Penney Company, Inc. | 1,024,000 | ||
1,362,200 | ||||
Transportation—1.0% | ||||
15,000 | Union Pacific Corporation | 1,037,700 | ||
Transportation Services—2.3% | ||||
25,000 | FedEx Corp. | 2,298,250 | ||
Utilities—3.2% | ||||
61,000 | Allegheny Energy, Inc. (a) | 1,723,860 | ||
21,500 | ITC Holdings Corp. | 591,250 | ||
15,600 | SJW Corp. | 763,152 | ||
3,078,262 | ||||
Total Common Stocks | 69,018,763 | |||
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Bonds and Notes—17.2% | ||||
U.S. Government Obligations—17.2% | ||||
2,000,000 | 7.250%, 05/15/2016 | $ | 2,427,814 | |
2,000,000 | 6.250%, 08/15/2023 | 2,334,766 | ||
4,000,000 | 6.000%, 02/15/2026 | 4,599,688 | ||
5,000,000 | 5.250%, 11/15/2028 | 5,303,910 | ||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/15/2011 | 2,052,502 | ||
Total Bonds and Notes | 16,718,680 | |||
Short-Term Investments—10.3% | ||||
10,059,019 | Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund | $ | 10,059,019 | |
558 | Fidelity Institutional Government Portfolio | 558 | ||
14 | Milestone Funds Treasury | |||
Obligations Portfolio | 14 | |||
Total Short-term Investments | 10,059,591 | |||
Total Investments | ||||
(Cost $84,551,535)—98.3% | 95,797,034 | |||
Other Assets, less Liabilities—1.7% | 1,673,628 | |||
TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0% | $ | 97,470,662 | ||
(a) | Non-income producing securities |
(b) | Foreign security which trades on U.S. exchange |
See notes to financial statements.
21
Alpine Mutual Funds - Dynamic Dividend Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2005
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—98.6% | ||||
Building—Maintenance & Service — 2.0% | ||||
171,580 | Healthcare Services Group, Inc. | $ | 3,198,251 | |
101,626 | McGrath Rentcorp | 2,901,423 | ||
6,099,674 | ||||
Business Services—0.4% | ||||
79,500 | Angelica Corporation . | 1,128,105 | ||
Capital Markets—1.3% | ||||
75,000 | Morgan Stanley | 4,080,750 | ||
Chemicals—2.2% | ||||
146,500 | The Dow Chemical Company. | 6,718,490 | ||
Commercial Banks—1.2% | ||||
90,000 | Marshall & Ilsley Corp. | 3,866,400 | ||
Commercial Products & Services —3.8% | ||||
47,000 | Hubbell, Incorporated—Class B. | 2,263,520 | ||
117,700 | MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.. | 4,493,786 | ||
135,000 | Temple-Inland Inc. | 4,972,050 | ||
11,729,356 | ||||
Computers & Peripherals—1.1% | ||||
40,000 | International Business Machines Corp | 3,275,200 | ||
Conglomerate—2.2% | ||||
199,000 | General Electric Company | 6,748,090 | ||
Construction—2.4% | ||||
600,000 | Dorbyl Limited (c) | 1,059,849 | ||
35,000 | KB HOME | 2,287,250 | ||
75,000 | Lennar Corporation—Class A | 4,168,500 | ||
7,515,599 | ||||
Consumer Products & Services—2.1% | ||||
127,400 | Aldila, Inc. | 3,122,574 | ||
25,000 | Altria Group, Inc. | 1,876,250 | ||
90,358 | Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated | 1,691,502 | ||
6,690,326 | ||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.2% | ||||
208,000 | Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. — ADR | 3,602,560 | ||
Electronic Equipment & Instruments —2.1% | ||||
180,000 | Anixter International, Inc. | 6,674,400 | ||
Energy—6.0% | ||||
25,000 | BP p.l.c.—ADR (b) | 1,660,000 | ||
95,000 | Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. | 5,363,700 | ||
70,000 | Exxon Mobil Corporation | 3,929,800 | ||
57,000 | GlobalSantaFe Corporation (b) | 2,539,350 | ||
85,000 | Marathon Oil Corporation | 5,113,600 | ||
18,606,450 | ||||
Energy Equipment & Services—2.9% | ||||
62,400 | Rowan Companies, Inc. | 2,058,576 | ||
156,000 | Todco | 6,981,000 | ||
9,039,576 | ||||
Entertainment—3.4% | ||||
103,700 | Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. | 6,271,776 |
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—continued | ||||
Entertainment—continued | ||||
238,700 | Regal Entertainment Group— Class A | $ | 4,399,241 | |
10,671,017 | ||||
Financial—Banks—6.0% | ||||
97,000 | Bank of America Corporation | 4,242,780 | ||
122,300 | Citigroup Inc | 5,598,894 | ||
56,700 | J.P. Morgan Chase & Co | 2,076,354 | ||
54,500 | Wachovia Corporation | 2,753,340 | ||
66,000 | Wells Fargo & Company | 3,973,200 | ||
18,644,568 | ||||
Financial Services—2.0% | ||||
300,000 | Ameritrade Holding Corporation (a) | 6,309,000 | ||
Food & Beverages—1.6% | ||||
56,000 | PepsiCo, Inc. | 3,308,480 | ||
113,516 | Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. | 1,800,364 | ||
5,108,844 | ||||
Food & Staples Retailing—1.2% | ||||
150,000 | Albertson’s, Inc | 3,766,500 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services— 0.6% | ||||
48,500 | Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. | 1,789,650 | ||
Hotels Restaurants & Leisure—6.1% | ||||
60,000 | Carnival Corporation | 2,980,200 | ||
36,000 | Enterprise Inns plc (c) | 496,699 | ||
230,000 | Hilton Hotels Corporation | 4,473,500 | ||
200,000 | Hilton Group plc (c) | 1,200,949 | ||
111,000 | Hyatt Regency SA (c) | 1,359,547 | ||
203,733 | Stanley Leisure PLC (a) | 2,188,897 | ||
108,000 | Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | 6,310,440 | ||
19,010,232 | ||||
Industrial Conglomerates—0.7% | ||||
30,000 | Textron, Inc. | 2,161,200 | ||
Investment Advice—0.7% | ||||
105,000 | CapitalSource, Inc. (a) | 2,310,000 | ||
IT Services—1.0% | ||||
85,000 | Certegy, Inc | 3,184,100 | ||
Machinery—0.7% | ||||
40,000 | Ingersoll-Rand Co. (b) | 1,511,600 | ||
82,600 | Metka S.A. (c) | 736,501 | ||
2,248,101 | ||||
Manufacturing—Diversified—3.1% | ||||
55,000 | 3M Co | 4,178,900 | ||
105,000 | American Power Conversion Corporation | 2,245,950 | ||
145,000 | Nam Tai Electronics, Inc | 3,284,250 | ||
9,709,100 | ||||
Media—1.1% | ||||
75,000 | Cablevision Systems | |||
Corporation (a) | 1,860,000 |
See notes to financial statements.
22
Alpine Mutual Funds - Dynamic Dividend Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—continued | ||||
Media—continued | ||||
50,000 | Viacom, Inc.—Class B | $ | 1,548,500 | |
3,408,500 | ||||
Medical Supplies—5.5% | ||||
40,250 | Chr. Hansen Holding A/S © | 3,774,821 | ||
450,000 | Gambro AB—Class A © | 6,357,688 | ||
139,750 | Meridian Bioscience, Inc. | 2,926,365 | ||
121,500 | PolyMedica Corporation | 4,010,715 | ||
17,069,589 | ||||
Metals & Mining—6.8% | ||||
240,000 | Algoma Steel, Inc. | 4,680,000 | ||
80,000 | BHP Billiton Limited — ADR (b) | 2,484,000 | ||
82,500 | Companhia Siderurgica Nacional S.A.—ADR | 1,584,000 | ||
940,913 | Gloucester Coal Ltd. © | 2,040,339 | ||
75,500 | Kumba Resources Ltd © | 1,115,475 | ||
400,000 | Macarthur Coal Limited © | 1,749,729 | ||
80,000 | Mittal Steel South Africa Ltd © | 630,245 | ||
58,350 | Phelps Dodge Corp. | 7,029,424 | ||
21,313,212 | ||||
Oil & Gas —5.4% | ||||
147,500 | Double Hull Tankers, Inc. (a) (b) | 1,744,925 | ||
60,000 | ConocoPhillips | 3,922,800 | ||
800,000 | New Hope Corporation Limited © | 819,531 | ||
269,000 | OMI Corp. | 4,863,520 | ||
70,000 | Overseas Shipholding Group | 3,332,000 | ||
89,000 | Woodside Petroleum Limited | 2,102,965 | ||
16,785,741 | ||||
Pharmaceuticals—2.0% | ||||
75,000 | Abbott Laboratories | 3,228,750 | ||
49,000 | Johnson & Johnson | 3,068,380 | ||
6,297,130 | ||||
Retail—1.2% | ||||
50,000 | Home Depot, Inc. | 2,052,000 | ||
65,000 | Sears Canada, Inc. © | 1,763,822 | ||
3,815,822 | ||||
Semiconductors—0.6% | ||||
75,000 | Intel Corporation | 1,762,500 | ||
Software—1.3% | ||||
160,000 | Microsoft Corporation | 4,112,000 | ||
Shares/ | Security | |||
Par Value | Description | Value | ||
Common Stocks—continued | ||||
SpecialtyRetail—0.8% | ||||
50,000 | Abercrombie & Fitch Co.—Class A | $ | 2,599,500 | |
Telecommunications—2.3% | ||||
287,500 | Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. | 3,812,250 | ||
195,700 | Iowa Telecommunications Services Incorporated | 3,229,050 | ||
7,041,300 | ||||
Transportation—7.7% | ||||
284,700 | Aries Maritime Transport Ltd. (a) (b) | 3,963,024 | ||
232,100 | Diana Shipping Inc. (b) | 3,632,365 | ||
238,000 | Dryships Inc. (b) | 3,581,900 | ||
43,500 | Frontline Limited (b) | 1,727,385 | ||
92,100 | Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd (a) (b) | 1,513,203 | ||
151,763 | Ship Finance International Limited (b) | 2,889,568 | ||
291,000 | Quintana Maritime Ltd. (b) | 3,148,620 | ||
103,600 | Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (b) | 3,556,588 | ||
24,012,653 | ||||
Utilities—5.9% | ||||
50,000 | Exelon Corp. | 2,601,500 | ||
3,800 | ITC Holdings Corp. | 104,500 | ||
207,300 | Macquarie Infrastructure Company Trust | 6,219,000 | ||
333,469 | National Grid PLC (a) | 3,048,600 | ||
60,000 | PPL Corporation | 1,880,400 | ||
44,000 | TXU Corp. | 4,433,000 | ||
18,287,000 | ||||
Total Common Stocks | 307,192,235 | |||
Short-Term Investments—0.4% | ||||
1,000,000 | Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund | $ | 1,000,000 | |
148,574 | Fidelity Institutional Government Portfolio | 148,574 | ||
Total Short-Term Investments | 1,148,574 | |||
Total Investments | ||||
(Cost $319,063,559)—99.0% | 308,340,809 | |||
Other Assets, less Liabilities—1.0% | 3,000,083 | |||
TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0% | ||||
$ | 311,340,892 | |||
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
ADR—American Depository Receipt
(a) Non-income producing securities
(b) Foreign Security which trades on U.S. exchange
(c) Foreign security
See notes to financial statements.
23
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds —98.9% | ||||
Alabama—4.4% | ||||
830,000 | Butler County Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Revenue—Series A | ||||
(LOC: Whitney National | ||||
Bank; SunTrust Bank) | ||||
3.020%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | $ | 830,000 | ||
1,325,000 | Forsyth Housing Authority | |||
Multi-Family Revenue, Union | ||||
Hill Apartments Project | ||||
(LOC: Columbus | ||||
Bank & Trust) | ||||
2.990%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,325,000 | |||
2,000,000 | Mobile Industrial Development | |||
Revenue, Hosea O Weaver & | ||||
Sons | ||||
(LOC: Regions Bank) | ||||
2.920%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 2,000,000 | |||
280,000 | Montgomery Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Dev-Kinpak Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Regions Bank) | ||||
2.970%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 280,000 | |||
1,260,000 | Montgomery Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Norment Industries Inc. | ||||
(LOC: LaSalle Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.920%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,260,000 | |||
320,000 | Pell City Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Kinder Gorbel | ||||
(LOC: Key Bank of New York) | ||||
2.970%, 11/01/2005 (a) | 320,000 | |||
1,675,000 | Tuscaloosa County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Automotive Corridor LLC | ||||
(LOC: Regions Bank) | ||||
2.920%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,675,000 | |||
1,295,000 | Tuscaloosa County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Automotive Corridor LLC | ||||
(LOC: Regions Bank) | ||||
2.920%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,295,000 | |||
8,985,000 | ||||
Alaska—0.9% | ||||
930,000 | Alaska Industrial Development | |||
& Export Authority—Lot 6 | ||||
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 930,000 | |||
940,000 | Alaska Industrial Development | |||
& Export Authority—Lot 12 | ||||
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 940,000 | |||
1,870,000 | ||||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
California—0.5% | ||||
1,000,000 | Stockton Certificates, United | |||
Christian Schools | ||||
(LOC: Pacific Capital Bank) | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 1,000,000 | ||
Colorado—11.5% | ||||
3,000,000 | Bachelor Gulch Metropolitan | |||
District General Obligation | ||||
(LOC: Compass Bank) | ||||
2.350%, 12/01/2005 (a) | 3,000,000 | |||
1,900,000 | Broomfield Village | |||
Metropolitan District 2, | ||||
Special Obligation Revenue | ||||
(LOC: Compass Bank) | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,900,000 | |||
4,549,000 | Cherry Creek South Metro | |||
District No. 1—Series B | ||||
(LOC: Compass Bank) | ||||
2.350%, 12/15/2005 (a)(b) | 4,547,934 | |||
1,475,000 | Colorado Housing & Finance | |||
Authority Economic | ||||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Top Shop—Series A | ||||
(LOC: JP Morgan Chase Bank) | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,475,000 | |||
1,000,000 | Colorado Housing & Finance | |||
Authority Economic Revenue, | ||||
Casarosa & Denver Gasket | ||||
2.930%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,000,000 | |||
1,000,000 | Four Mile Ranch Metro District | |||
No 1 Ltd Tax | ||||
(LOC: Zions First National) | ||||
2.800%, 12/01/2005 (a)(b) | 1,000,000 | |||
2,177,000 | Jefferson County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
EPI-Center LLC | ||||
(LOC: JP Morgan Chase Bank) | ||||
2.910%, 11/01/2005 (a)(b) | 2,177,000 | |||
Triview Metropolitan District— | ||||
Series A | ||||
(LOC: Compass Bank) | ||||
1,000,000 | 1.375%, 10/31/2005 (a)(b) | 1,000,000 | ||
1,000,000 | 2.100%, 11/01/2005 (a)(b) | 1,000,000 | ||
3,000,000 | Vail Multifamily Housing | |||
Revenue, Middle Creek | ||||
Village Apartments—Series A | ||||
(LOC: California | ||||
Bank & Trust) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 3,000,000 | |||
3,500,000 | Wildgrass Metro District | |||
(LOC: Compass Bank) | ||||
2.400%, 12/01/2005 | 3,500,019 | |||
23,599,953 | ||||
See notes to financial statements.
24
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Delaware—0.4% | ||||
800,000 | Delaware St. Economic | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Waste Disposal, CIBA | ||||
Specialty Chemicals—Series A | ||||
2.980%, 11/01/2005 (a) (b) | $ | 800,000 | ||
Georgia—1.7% | ||||
1,310,000 | De Kalb County Housing | |||
Authority Revenue, Stone | ||||
Mill Run Apartments | ||||
(LOC: First Tennessee Bank) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,310,000 | |||
1,605,000 | Douglas County Development | |||
Authority Revenue, Denyse Signs Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Bank of North Georgia) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,605,000 | |||
580,000 | Franklin County Industrial | |||
Building Authority Revenue, | ||||
Ross Operating Valve Co. | ||||
(LOC: Comerica Bank) | ||||
2.970%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 580,000 | |||
3,495,000 | ||||
Illinois—8.0% | ||||
1,240,000 | Carol Stream Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, MI | ||||
Enterprises | ||||
(LOC: JP Morgan | ||||
Chase & Co) | ||||
2.95%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,240,000 | |||
1,105,000 | Clinton Industrial Development | |||
Revenue | ||||
(LOC: AmSouth Bank) | ||||
2.970%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,105,000 | |||
1,275,000 | Harvard Health Care Facility | |||
Revenue, Harvard Memorial | ||||
Hospital Inc. | ||||
(LOC: M&I Bank) | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,275,000 | |||
800,000 | Illinois Development Finance | |||
Authority Multifamily | ||||
Revenue, Butterfield Creek | ||||
(LOC: LaSalle Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 800,000 | |||
8,000,000 | Lakemoor Multifamily Revenue | |||
(CS: Bayerische) | ||||
2.930%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 8,000,000 | |||
4,000,000 | Phoenix Realty Special Account | |||
-U LP Multifamily Revenue, | ||||
Brightons Mark | ||||
(LOC: Northern Trust Company) | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 4,000,000 | |||
16,420,000 | ||||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds —continued | ||||
Indiana—2.1% | ||||
980,000 | Lawrence Industrial Economic | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Southwark Metal | ||||
Manufacturing Co. | ||||
(LOC: Citizens Bank) | ||||
2.900%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | $ | 980,000 | ||
1,000,000 | Monroe County Industrial | |||
Economic Development | ||||
Revenue | ||||
(LOC: Old National Bank) | ||||
3.290%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,000,000 | |||
300,000 | Princeton Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, Orion | ||||
Denki American Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Bank of Tokyo | ||||
Mitsubishi) | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 300,000 | |||
2,150,000 | Shelbyville Industrial Economic | |||
Development Revenue, AFR | ||||
Properties & American | ||||
Resources | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 2,150,000 | |||
4,430,000 | ||||
Louisiana—3.2% | ||||
1,050,000 | Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port | |||
Commission, Shreveport | ||||
Fabrications | ||||
(LOC: Hibernia | ||||
National Bank) | ||||
3.170%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,050,000 | |||
5,500,000 | Environment Facilities | |||
Community Development | ||||
Authority Revenue, Caddo- | ||||
Bossier Parishes | ||||
(LOC: Hibernia | ||||
National Bank) | ||||
3.170%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 5,500,000 | |||
6,550,000 | ||||
Maine—2.5% | ||||
Dover & Foxcroft Revenue, | ||||
Pleasant River Lumber Co. | ||||
(LOC: CoBank ACB; Wachovia | ||||
Bank N.A.) | ||||
3,000,000 | 2.940%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 3,000,000 | ||
2,050,000 | 2.940%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 2,050,000 | ||
5,050,000 | ||||
Michigan—4.6% | ||||
4,500,000 | Municipal Bond Authority | |||
Revenue, Detroit School | ||||
District—Series A | ||||
(LOC: JP Morgan Chase Bank) | ||||
3.750%, 03/21/2006 | 4,513,309 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
25
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Michigan—continued | ||||
1,000,000 | Strategic Fund Ltd. Obligation | |||
Revenue Series A, Waterland | ||||
Battle Creek Properties LLC | ||||
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank) | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | $ | 1,000,000 | ||
4,000,000 | Strategic Fund Ltd. Obligation | |||
Revenue, Rudolph Etta | ||||
Dejong—1982 | ||||
(LOC: Farm Credit Services | ||||
America; Bank of the West) | ||||
2.940%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 4,000,000 | |||
9,513,309 | ||||
Minnesota—2.6% | ||||
3,810,000 | Ramsey Industrial Development | |||
Revenue, Kilkenny Ltd.— | ||||
Series A | ||||
2.900%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 3,810,000 | |||
1,580,000 | St. Cloud Housing & | |||
Redevelopment Authority | ||||
Industrial Development | ||||
Revenue, CMMB LLP | ||||
3.250%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,580,000 | |||
5,390,000 | ||||
Missouri—6.5% | ||||
2,105,000 | Springfield Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Revenue, DMP Properties LLC | ||||
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 2,105,000 | |||
1,700,000 | Springfield Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Revenue, DMP Properties LLC | ||||
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,700,000 | |||
3,760,000 | St. Charles County Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Revenue, Dev-Craftsmen | ||||
Industries | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 3,760,000 | |||
2,000,000 | St. Joseph Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Industrial Development | ||||
Revenue, Albaugh Inc.— | ||||
Series A | ||||
(LOC: Mercantile Bank N.A.) | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 2,000,000 | |||
3,750,000 | Washington Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Industrial Revenue, Clemco | ||||
Industries | ||||
2.980%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 3,750,000 | |||
13,315,000 | ||||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
New Mexico���1.4% | ||||
1,300,000 | New Mexico Housing Authority | |||
Region III Multifamily | ||||
Revenue, El Pueblo | ||||
Apartments—Series A | ||||
(LOC: PNC Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | $ | 1,300,000 | ||
1,500,000 | New Mexico Housing Authority | |||
Region III Multifamily | ||||
Revenue, Madeira Court | ||||
Apartments—Series B | ||||
(LOC: PNC Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,500,000 | |||
2,800,000 | ||||
New York—6.9% | ||||
910,000 | Erie County Industrial | |||
Development Agency | ||||
Revenue, MMars—B&G | ||||
Properties—Class B | ||||
3.250%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 910,000 | |||
13,160,000 | New York City Transitional | |||
Finance Authority Revenue — PT 406 | ||||
(SPA: Merrill Lynch) | ||||
2.830%, 02/09/2006 (a) | 13,160,000 | |||
145,000 | Niagara County Industrial | |||
Development Agency | ||||
Revenue, MMars Second | ||||
Program—Series A | ||||
3.250%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 145,000 | |||
14,215,000 | ||||
Ohio—1.1% | ||||
800,000 | Cuyahoga County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, Edge | ||||
Seal Technologies | ||||
(LOC: FirstMerit Bank) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 800,000 | |||
1,400,000 | Hamilton County Economic | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Union Institute | ||||
(LOC: Huntington National | ||||
Bank) | ||||
2.930%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,400,000 | |||
2,200,000 | ||||
South Carolina—1.7% | ||||
3,500,000 | Dorchester County School | |||
District—No. 002 | ||||
4.000%, 06/01/2006 | 3,519,544 | |||
South Dakota —1.2% | ||||
1,500,000 | Brookings Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Lormar Development Co. | ||||
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.850%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 1,500,000 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
26
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
South Dakota —continued | ||||
985,000 | South Dakota Economic | |||
Development Finance | ||||
Authority Economic Revenue, | ||||
Vicom Ltd. | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.980%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 985,000 | ||
2,485,000 | ||||
Tennessee—6.3% | ||||
6,380,000 | Capitol View II Limited | |||
Partnership Grantor Trust | ||||
3.500, 11/30/2005 (a) (b) | 6,380,000 | |||
1,300,000 | Hamilton County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Hamilton Plastics Inc. | ||||
(LOC: First American | ||||
National Bank) | ||||
2.970%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,300,000 | |||
355,000 | Jackson Health Educational & | |||
Housing Facility Board | ||||
Revenue, Creekside | ||||
Apartments | ||||
(LOC: First Tennessee Bank) | ||||
3.000%, 12/01/2005 (a) | 355,000 | |||
5,000,000 | Jackson Health Educational & | |||
Housing Facility Board | ||||
Revenue, Park Ridge | ||||
Apartments | ||||
(LOC: First Tennessee Bank) | ||||
2.920%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 5,000,000 | |||
13,035,000 | ||||
Texas—3.9% | ||||
2,000,000 | Gulf Coast Waste Disposal | |||
Authority, Republic Waste | ||||
Services | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 2,000,000 | |||
2,000,000 | Montgomery County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Medical Manufacturing | ||||
Partners | ||||
(LOC: Bank One Texas N.A.) | ||||
2.830%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 2,000,000 | |||
1,500,000 | Port Corpus Christi Authority | |||
Nueces County Waste | ||||
Disposal, Flint Hills | ||||
Resources LP | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,500,000 | |||
1,500,000 | Port Corpus Christi Authority | |||
Nueces County Waste | ||||
Disposal, Flint Hills | ||||
Resources LP | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,500,000 | |||
1,000,000 | Travis County Health Facilities | |||
Development Corporation | ||||
Revenue, Ascension Health | ||||
Credit—Series A | ||||
5.000%, 11/15/2005 | 1,000,770 | |||
8,000,770 | ||||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Utah—1.2% | ||||
2,500,000 | Utah Housing Corporation | |||
Multifamily Revenue, Todd | ||||
Hollow Apartments—A | ||||
(CS: AIG) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 2,500,000 | ||
Washington—1.5% | ||||
1,985,000 | Washington Economic | |||
Development Finance | ||||
Authority Revenue, B&H | ||||
Dental Laboratory | ||||
3.100%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,985,000 | |||
1,110,000 | Washington Economic | |||
Development Finance | ||||
Authority Revenue, Belina | ||||
Interiors Inc.—Series F | ||||
(LOC: Keybank N.A.) | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,110,000 | |||
3,095,000 | ||||
Wisconsin—8.2% | ||||
635,000 | Fox Lake Redevelopment | |||
Authority Revenue, Karavan | ||||
Trailers Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.980%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 635,000 | |||
2,750,000 | Fox Lake Redevelopment | |||
Authority Revenue, Karavan | ||||
Trailers Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.980%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 2,750,000 | |||
1,380,000 | Franklin Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Howard Henz Co. Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,380,000 | |||
1,750,000 | Franklin Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Smyczek/ECS | ||||
(LOC: Wells Fargo Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.970%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,750,000 | |||
4,500,000 | Hull Industrial Development | |||
Revenue, Welcome Dairy Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
2.950%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 4,500,000 | |||
560,000 | Neenah Industrial Development | |||
Revenue, Galloway Co. | ||||
(LOC: Bank One Wisconsin) | ||||
2.940%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 560,000 | |||
1,980,000 | Reedsburg Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Cellox LLC | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,980,000 | |||
See notes to financial statements
27
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Wisconsin—continued | ||||
1,700,000 | Rhinelander Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Superior Diesel/SDI Properties | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.) | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 1,700,000 | ||
1,300,000 | Sheboygan Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Polyfab & Gill-Janssen | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank | ||||
Lakeshore) | ||||
2.980%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,300,000 | |||
200,000 | Sturgeon Bay Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
Midwest Wire Realty | ||||
(LOC: Associated Bank | ||||
Milwaukee) | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 200,000 | |||
16,755,000 | ||||
Multistate—16.6% | ||||
11,220,000 | Class B Revenue Bond | |||
Certificates—Series Trust | ||||
2004-1 | ||||
(SPA: AIG Retirement | ||||
Services) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 11,220,000 | |||
10,685,000 | Puttable Floating Option | |||
Tax-Exempt Receipts, Regular | ||||
Floats Mode A PPT-38 | ||||
(LOC: Lloyds TSB Bank Plc) | ||||
3.460, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 10,685,000 | |||
5,000,000 | Revenue Bond Certificate Trust | |||
2005-1 | ||||
(CS: AIG) | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 5,000,000 | |||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Multistate—continued | ||||
2,000,000 | Revenue Bond Certificate Series | |||
Trust 2004-1, Castlegate 1 | ||||
(CS: AIG Retirement Services, Inc.) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 2,000,000 | ||
2,000,000 | Revenue Bond Certificate Series | |||
Trust 2004-1, Castlegate 2 | ||||
(CS: AIG Retirement Services, Inc.) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 2,000,000 | |||
3,100,000 | Revenue Bond Certificate Series | |||
Trust 2004-13, Centennial | ||||
(CS: AIG) | ||||
3.150%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 3,100,000 | |||
34,005,000 | ||||
Total Municipal Bonds | 203,028,576 | |||
Money Market Funds—0.0% | ||||
92,393 | Federated Government | |||
Obligations Fund | 92,393 | |||
Total Money Market Funds | 92,393 | |||
Variable RateDemand Notes—1.3% | ||||
2,600,000 | Puerto Rico GDB | 2,600,000 | ||
Total Variable Rate Demand | ||||
Notes | 2,600,000 | |||
Total Investments | ||||
(Cost $205,720,969)—100.2% | 205,720,969 | |||
Liabilities, less Other Assets—(0.2)% | (415,688) | |||
TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0% | $ | 205,305,281 | ||
(a) Variable Rate Security—The rate reported is the rate in effect as of October 31, 2005. The date shown is the next reset date.
(b) Maturity date represents first available put date.
CS—Credit Support
LOC—Letter of Credit
SPA—Stand by Purchase Agreement
GDB—Government Development Bank
See notes to financial statements.
28
Alpine Mutual Funds - Tax Optimized Income Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Corporate Bonds—16.3% | ||||
1,000,000 | AOL Time Warner Inc | |||
6.150%, 05/01/2007 | $ | 1,017,641 | ||
1,800,000 | Boeing Capital Corporation | |||
5.750%, 02/15/2007 | 1,821,317 | |||
CIT Group Inc. | ||||
500,000 | 4.000%, 05/08/2008 | 489,954 | ||
1,150,000 | 5.910%, 11/23/2005 | 1,150,978 | ||
3,000,000 | Ford Motor Credit Company | |||
6.875%, 02/01/2006 | 2,998,641 | |||
Total Corporate Bonds | 7,478,531 | |||
Municipal Bonds—77.9% | ||||
Alabama—4.4% | ||||
2,000,000 | Birmingham Special Care | |||
Facilities Financing Authority | ||||
Revenue, Baptist Medical | ||||
Centers | ||||
4.350%, 07/01/2006 | 2,004,300 | |||
Arizona—1.0% | ||||
445,000 | Maricopa County Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Multifamily Revenue, San | ||||
Fernando Apartments LP— | ||||
Series A (Fannie Mae) | ||||
3.010%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 445,000 | |||
Arkansas—4.1% | ||||
100,000 | Magnolia Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, | ||||
American Fuel Cell | ||||
(LOC: HSBC Bank USA N.A.) | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 100,000 | |||
1,800,000 | Searcy Industrial Development | |||
Revenue, Yarnell Ice Cream | ||||
Co. (SPA: AmSouth Bank of | ||||
Alabama) | ||||
3.700%, 01/01/2010 . | 1,800,000 | |||
1,900,000 | ||||
California—4.3% | ||||
1,000,000 | California Pollution Control | |||
Financing Authority Solid | ||||
Waste Disposal Revenue, | ||||
Republic Services Inc. | ||||
2.850%, 12/01/2005 . | 999,340 | |||
1,000,000 | California Statewide | |||
Communities Development | ||||
Authority Solid Waste | ||||
Facilities Revenue, Waste | ||||
Management Inc. (CS: Waste | ||||
Management) | ||||
2.900%, 04/01/2007 (a) (b) | 987,590 | |||
1,986,930 | ||||
Indiana—4.4% | ||||
2,000,000 | Vigo County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue | ||||
Republic Services Inc. | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a) (b) | 2,000,000 | |||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Kentucky—1.7% | ||||
785,000 | Shelby County Industrial | |||
Building Revenue, Roll | ||||
Forming Corp. | ||||
(LOC: Bayerishe) | ||||
3.100%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 785,000 | ||
Louisiana—9.2% | ||||
2,000,000 | Ascension Parish Solid Waste | |||
Disposal, Alliedsignal Inc. | ||||
3.050%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 2,000,000 | |||
2,200,000 | Jefferson Parish LA Industrial | |||
Development Board, Sara Lee | ||||
Corp. | ||||
3.800%, 11/01/2005 (a)(b) | 2,200,000 | |||
4,200,000 | ||||
Massachusetts —7.3% | ||||
1,150,000 | Massachusetts State Industrial | |||
Finance Agency Revenue, | ||||
Asahi/America Inc. | ||||
3.125%, 03/01/2009 (a)(b) | 1,124,505 | |||
2,200,000 | Massachusetts State Port | |||
Authority Revenue, Delta Air | ||||
Lines | ||||
3.200%, 11/30/2005 (a)(b) | 2,200,000 | |||
3,324,505 | ||||
Michigan—4.4% | ||||
1,000,000 | Michigan Strategic Fund, Dow | |||
Chemical Company | ||||
3.800%, 06/01/2006 (a)(b) | 1,002,760 | |||
1,000,000 | Michigan Strategic Fund, Waste | |||
Management Inc. | ||||
3.150%, 02/01/2006 (a)b) | 999,030 | |||
2,001,790 | ||||
Missouri—3.7% | ||||
1,700,000 | St. Charles County Industrial | |||
Development Authority | ||||
Revenue, Dev-Craftsmen | ||||
Industries | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,700,000 | |||
New Jersey—9.3% | ||||
1,000,000 | Bayonne BD Anticipation Notes | |||
4.500%, 06/29/2006 | 1,003,350 | |||
1,000,000 | Bayonne Tax Anticipation Notes, | |||
Series B | ||||
5.000%, 11/15/2005 | 1,000,470 | |||
500,000 | Bayonne Tax Anticipation Notes, | |||
Series A | ||||
5.000%, 10/13/2006 | 504,440 | |||
515,000 | New Jersey St Educational | |||
Facilities Authority Revenue, | ||||
Stevens Institute of | ||||
Technology | ||||
4.000%, 07/01/2006 | 517,086 | |||
1,205,000 | Tobacco Settlement Finance | |||
Corporation | ||||
5.750%, 06/01/2012 | 1,251,657 | |||
4,277,003 | ||||
See notes to financial statements.
29
Alpine Mutual Funds - Tax Optimized Income Fund
Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2005
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
New Mexico—2.2% | ||||
1,000,000 | Sandoval County Incentive | |||
Payment Revenue | ||||
4.250%, 12/01/2006 | $ | 1,012,080 | ||
New York—5.9% | ||||
2,245,000 | New York Counties TOB Trust | |||
4.750%, 06/01/2015 | 2,185,665 | |||
500,000 | Westchester Tobacco Asset | |||
Securitization Corporation | ||||
5.000%, 06/01/2015 | 501,110 | |||
2,686,775 | ||||
Ohio—3.9% | ||||
1,500,000 | Ohio Water Development | |||
Authority Pollution Control | ||||
Facilities Revenue, Ohio Edison | ||||
Company | ||||
3.350%, 12/01/2005 (a)(b) | 1,499,745 | |||
310,000 | Summit County Industrial | |||
Development Revenue, LKL | ||||
Properties Inc. | ||||
(LOC: Firstmerit Bank N.A.) | ||||
3.870%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 310,000 | |||
1,809,745 | ||||
South Carolina—2.2% | ||||
1,000,000 | Charleston County Industrial | |||
Revenue, Tandy Corporation | ||||
4.050%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,000,000 | |||
Texas—6.0% | ||||
1,200,000 | Cypress-Fairbanks Independent | |||
School District—Series B | ||||
5.000%, 08/15/2007 (a)(b) | 1,234,992 | |||
Principal | Security | |||
Amount | Description | Value | ||
Municipal Bonds—continued | ||||
Texas—continued | ||||
1,500,000 | Port Corpus Christi Authority | |||
Nueces County Waste Disposal, | ||||
Flint Hills Resources LP | ||||
3.000%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | $ | 1,500,000 | ||
2,734,992 | ||||
Washington—3.9% | ||||
1,800,000 | Washington Economic | |||
Development Finance | ||||
Authority Revenue, Hillstrom | ||||
Ventures LLC | ||||
2.910%, 11/07/2005 (a)(b) | 1,800,000 | |||
Total Municipal Bonds | 35,668,120 | |||
Short-Term Investments—4.8% | ||||
Money Market Funds—0.2% | ||||
86,009 | Federated Government | |||
Obligations Fund | 86,009 | |||
Variable Rate Demand Notes—4.6% | ||||
Puerto Rico GDB | ||||
1,136,000 | 3.500%, 01/19/2006 | 1,136,000 | ||
1,000,000 | 3.500%, 01/21/2006 | 1,000,000 | ||
2,136,000 | ||||
Total Short-Term Investments | 2,222,009 | |||
Total Investments | ||||
(Cost $45,377,771)—99.0% | 45,368,660 | |||
Other Assets, Less | ||||
Liabilities—1.0% . | 435,221 | |||
TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0% | $ | 45,803,881 | ||
(a) | Variable Rate Security—The rate reported is the rate in effect as of October 31, 2005. The date shown is the next reset date. |
(b) | Maturity date represents first available put date. |
CS—Credit Support
LOC—Letter of Credit
SPA—Stand by Purchase Agreement
GDB—Government Development Bank
See notes to financial statements.
30
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2005
Dynamic Balance Fund | Dynamic Dividend Fund | ||||||
ASSETS: | |||||||
Investments, at value (1) | $ | 95,797,034 | $ | 308,340,809 | |||
Dividends receivable | 49,993 | 843,343 | |||||
Interest receivable | 314,966 | 14,418 | |||||
Receivable for capital shares issued | 67,067 | 1,116,635 | |||||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 1,490,569 | 9,557,245 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 7,923 | 27,000 | |||||
Total assets | 97,727,552 | 319,899,450 | |||||
LIABILITIES: | |||||||
Payable for investment securities purchased | — | 7,553,354 | |||||
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 115,234 | 568,400 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities: | |||||||
Investment advisory fees | 83,365 | 261,125 | |||||
Other | 58,291 | 175,679 | |||||
Total liabilities | 256,890 | 8,558,558 | |||||
Net Assets | $ | 97,470,662 | $ | 311,340,892 | |||
Net assets represented by | |||||||
Capital Stock | $ | 84,462,024 | $ | 323,900,566 | |||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income | 96,291 | 3,463,833 | |||||
Accumulated net realized gains/(losses) on investments sold and foreign currency related | |||||||
transactions | 1,666,848 | (5,293,731 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | |||||||
investments | 11,245,499 | (10,722,750 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation | — | (7,026 | ) | ||||
Total Net Assets | $ | 97,470,662 | $ | 311,340,892 | |||
Net asset value | |||||||
Net assets | $ | 97,470,662 | $ | 311,340,892 | |||
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding | 7,693,028 | 25,980,128 | |||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share | $ | 12.67 | $ | 11.98 | |||
(1) Cost of Investments | $ | 84,551,535 | $ | 319,063,559 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
31
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2005
Municipal Money Market Fund | Tax Optimized Income Fund | ||||||
ASSETS: | |||||||
Investments, at value for Tax Optimized Income Fund; at amortized cost for | |||||||
Municipal Money Market Fund (1) | $ | 205,720,969 | $ | 45,368,660 | |||
Interest receivable | 857,134 | 462,731 | |||||
Receivable for capital shares issued | 316,269 | 100 | |||||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 2,305,405 | — | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 72,881 | 20,248 | |||||
Total assets | 209,272,658 | 45,851,739 | |||||
LIABILITIES: | |||||||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 3,000,167 | — | |||||
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 683,564 | 270 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities: | |||||||
Investment advisory fees | 93,477 | 29,247 | |||||
Distribution fees | 596 | 167 | |||||
Payable to custodian | 6,795 | 1,153 | |||||
Other | 182,778 | 17,021 | |||||
Total liabilities | 3,967,377 | 47,858 | |||||
Net Assets | $ | 205,305,281 | $ | 45,803,881 | |||
Net assets represented by | |||||||
Capital Stock | $ | 205,305,693 | $ | 45,796,449 | |||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income | — | 5,475 | |||||
Accumulated net realized gains from investments sold | (412 | ) | 11,068 | ||||
Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments | — | (9,111 | ) | ||||
Total Net Assets | $ | 205,305,281 | $ | 45,803,881 | |||
Net asset value | |||||||
Adviser Class Shares | |||||||
Net assets | $ | 616,521 | $ | 112,454 | |||
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding | 616,595 | 11,209 | |||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share | $ | 1.00 | $ | 10.03 | |||
Investor Class Shares | |||||||
Net assets | $ | 204,688,760 | $ | 45,691,427 | |||
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding | 204,713,442 | 4,554,331 | |||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share | $ | 1.00 | $ | 10.03 | |||
(1) Cost of Investments | $ | 205,720,969 | $ | 45,377,771 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
32
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Operations
Year Ended October 31, 2005
Dynamic Balance Fund | Dynamic Dividend Fund | ||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |||||||
Interest income | $ | 939,444 | $ | 270,068 | |||
Dividend income* | 1,651,000 | 32,201,543 | |||||
Total investment income | 2,590,444 | 32,471,611 | |||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||
Investment advisory fees | 889,124 | 2,102,039 | |||||
Administration fees | 38,856 | 89,241 | |||||
Fund accounting fees | 22,993 | 51,691 | |||||
Audit and tax fees | 19,395 | 21,976 | |||||
Custodian fees | 8,826 | 20,420 | |||||
Interest expense | 54 | — | |||||
Legal fees | 1,624 | 4,083 | |||||
Registration and filing fees | 26,501 | 77,445 | |||||
Printing fees | 15,268 | 47,760 | |||||
Transfer agent fees | 39,372 | 90,116 | |||||
Trustee fees | 3,732 | 3,632 | |||||
Other fees | 6,266 | 5,052 | |||||
Total expenses before expense recovery by Adviser | 1,072,011 | 2,513,455 | |||||
Expense recovery by Adviser. | 91,794 | 76,518 | |||||
Net expenses | 1,163,805 | 2,589,973 | |||||
Net investment income | 1,426,639 | 29,881,638 | |||||
REALIZED/UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | |||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | |||||||
Investment transactions | 1,579,292 | (5,293,810 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation | — | (285,088 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) | 1,579,292 | (5,578,898 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | |||||||
Investments | 2,912,439 | (12,570,661 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation | — | (6,945 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 2,912,439 | (12,577,606 | ) | ||||
Net realized/unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 4,491,731 | (18,156,504 | ) | ||||
Change in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 5,918,370 | $ | 11,725,134 | |||
* Net of foreign taxes withheld | $ | — | $ | 1,600,723 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
33
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Operations
Year Ended October 31, 2005
Municipal Money Market Fund | Tax Optimized Income Fund | ||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |||||||
Interest income | $ | 5,800,749 | $ | 1,751,436 | |||
Total investment income | 5,800,749 | 1,751,436 | |||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||
Investment advisory fees | 1,029,823 | 366,768 | |||||
Administration fees | 23,143 | 5,029 | |||||
Distribution fees—Adviser Class | 569 | 167 | |||||
Fund accounting fees | 23,143 | 5,054 | |||||
Audit and tax fees | 15,176 | 15,450 | |||||
Custodian fees | 23,140 | 5,050 | |||||
Interest expense | 249 | 166 | |||||
Legal fees | 3,995 | 963 | |||||
Registration and filing fees | 54,662 | 28,293 | |||||
Printing fees | 3,881 | 946 | |||||
Transfer agent fees | 23,118 | 5,072 | |||||
Trustee fees | 3,924 | 3,782 | |||||
Other fees | 7,575 | 5,240 | |||||
Total expenses before expense reimbursement by Adviser | 1,212,398 | 441,980 | |||||
Less: Reimbursement by Adviser | (574,245 | ) | (148,232 | ) | |||
Net expenses | 638,153 | 293,748 | |||||
Net investment income | 5,162,596 | 1,457,688 | |||||
REALIZED/UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | |||||||
Net realized gain on investments | 2,815 | 46,520 | |||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | — | (616,587 | ) | ||||
Net realized/unrealized loss on investments | 2,815 | (570,067 | ) | ||||
Change in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 5,165,411 | $ | 887,621 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
34
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Dynamic Balance Fund | |||||||
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
OPERATIONS: | |||||||
Net investment income | $ | 1,426,639 | $ | 1,066,776 | |||
Net realized gain on investments | 1,579,292 | 3,750,643 | |||||
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments | 2,912,439 | 3,043,286 | |||||
Change in net assets resulting from operations | 5,918,370 | 7,860,705 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | |||||||
Distributions to Shareholders: | |||||||
From net investment income | (1,322,306 | ) | (1,016,661 | ) | |||
From net realized gain on investment | (3,659,345 | ) | — | ||||
Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders | (4,981,651 | ) | (1,016,661 | ) | |||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | |||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 30,307,445 | 10,731,576 | |||||
Dividends reinvested | 4,421,872 | 898,869 | |||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (8,900,384 | ) | (1,525,813 | ) | |||
Change in net assets from capital share transactions | 25,828,933 | 10,104,632 | |||||
Total change in net assets | 26,765,652 | 16,948,676 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | |||||||
Beginning of period | 70,705,010 | 53,756,334 | |||||
End of period* | $ | 97,470,662 | $ | 70,705,010 | |||
* Including undistributed net investment income of | $ | 96,291 | $ | 79,511 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
35
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Dynamic Dividend Fund | |||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
OPERATIONS: | |||||||
Net investment income | $ | 29,881,638 | $ | 2,468,054 | |||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |||||||
Long transactions | (5,293,810 | ) | 1,483,063 | ||||
Foreign currency translation | (285,088 | ) | (6,398 | ) | |||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | |||||||
Investments | (12,570,661 | ) | 1,067,523 | ||||
Foreign currency translation | (6,945 | ) | (81 | ) | |||
Change in net assets resulting from operations | 11,725,134 | 5,012,161 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | |||||||
Distributions to Shareholders: | |||||||
From net investment income. | (26,364,397 | ) | (2,259,008 | ) | |||
From net realized gain on investment | (1,494,879 | ) | — | ||||
Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders | (27,859,276 | ) | (2,259,008 | ) | |||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | |||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 328,736,945 | 29,533,128 | |||||
Dividends reinvested | 22,881,710 | 1,883,922 | |||||
Redemption fees | 80,834 | 7,373 | |||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (67,754,875 | ) | (4,174,516 | ) | |||
Change in net assets from capital share transactions | 283,944,614 | 27,249,907 | |||||
Total change in net assets | 267,810,472 | 30,003,060 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | |||||||
Beginning of period | 43,530,420 | 13,527,360 | |||||
End of period* | $ | 311,340,892 | $ | 43,530,420 | |||
* Including undistributed net investment income of: | $ | 3,463,833 | $ | 259,626 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
36
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Municipal Money Market Fund | |||||||
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
OPERATIONS: | |||||||
Net investment income | $ | 5,162,596 | $ | 963,350 | |||
Net realized gain on investments | 2,815 | — | |||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | — | — | |||||
Change in net assets resulting from operations | 5,165,411 | 963,350 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | |||||||
Distributions to Adviser Class Shareholders: | |||||||
From net investment income | (4,859 | ) | (115 | ) | |||
Distributions to Investor Class Shareholders: | |||||||
From net investment income | (5,185,308 | ) | (963,235 | ) | |||
Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders | (5,190,167 | ) | (963,350 | ) | |||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | |||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 459,390,771 | 166,115,193 | |||||
Dividends reinvested | 2,955,883 | 866,133 | |||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (387,244,093 | ) | (95,880,229 | ) | |||
Change in net assets from capital share transactions | 75,102,561 | 71,101,097 | |||||
Total change in net assets | 75,077,805 | 71,101,097 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | |||||||
Beginning of period | 130,227,476 | 59,126,379 | |||||
End of period* | $ | 205,305,281 | $ | 130,227,476 | |||
* Including undistributed net investment income of | $ | — | $ | 2,815 | |||
See notes to financial statements.
37
Alpine Mutual Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Tax Optimized Income Fund | |||||||
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
OPERATIONS: | |||||||
Net investment income | $ | 1,457,688 | $ | 1,409,745 | |||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 46,520 | (35,452 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized/(depreciation) on investments | (616,587 | ) | (60,107 | ) | |||
Change in net assets resulting from operations | 887,621 | 1,314,186 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | |||||||
Distributions to Adviser Class Shareholders: | |||||||
From net investment income | (1,966 | ) | (197 | ) | |||
Distributions to Investor Class Shareholders: | |||||||
From net investment income | (1,461,892 | ) | (1,397,873 | ) | |||
From net realized gain on investments | — | (31,474 | ) | ||||
Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders | (1,463,858 | ) | (1,429,544 | ) | |||
SHARES OF CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS; | |||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 1,774,244 | 9,292,083 | |||||
Dividends reinvested | 1,450,040 | 1,412,683 | |||||
Redemption fees | 274 | — | |||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (8,168,307 | ) | (14,856,164 | ) | |||
Change in net assets from capital share transactions | (4,943,749 | ) | (4,151,398 | ) | |||
Total change in net assets | (5,519,986 | ) | (4,266,756 | ) | |||
NET ASSETS: | |||||||
Beginning of period | 51,323,867 | 55,590,623 | |||||
End of period* | $ | 45,803,881 | $ | 51,323,867 | |||
* Including undistributed net investment income of | $ | 5,475 | $ | 11,645 | |||
(1) | Commencement of Operations |
See notes to financial statements.
38
Alpine Mutual Funds - Dynamic Balance Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Year October 31, Ended | Period Ended October 31, | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 (a) | ||||||||||||
Per Share Data: | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value per share, beginning of period | $ | 12.44 | $ | 11.08 | $ | 9.17 | $ | 10.10 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.22 | 0.24 | 0.09 | |||||||||||
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) on investments | 0.85 | 1.37 | 1.91 | (0.91 | ) | 0.07 | ||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.04 | 1.56 | 2.13 | (0.67 | ) | 0.16 | ||||||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.19 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.22 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||
Net realized gains on investments | (0.62 | ) | — | — | (0.01 | ) | — | |||||||||
Total distributions | (0.81 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.22 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||
Net asset value per share, end of period | $ | 12.67 | $ | 12.44 | $ | 11.08 | $ | 9.17 | $ | 10.10 | ||||||
Total return | 8.46 | % | 14.19 | % | 23.50 | % | -6.82 | % | 1.64%(b | ) | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||
Net Assets at end of period (000) | $ | 97,471 | $ | 70,705 | $ | 53,756 | $ | 43,027 | $ | 38,203 | ||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries | 1.21 | % | 1.27 | % | 1.51 | % | 1.50 | % | 1.40%(c | ) | ||||||
After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries | 1.31 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.35%(c | ) | ||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 1.60 | % | 1.78 | % | 2.26 | % | 2.45 | % | 2.55%(c | ) | ||||||
Portfolio turnover | 36 | % | 56 | % | 39 | % | 42 | % | 9 | % |
(a) | For the Period from June 7, 2001 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2001. |
(b) | Not Annualized. |
(c) | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
39
Alpine Mutual Funds - Dynamic Dividend Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Year Ended October 31, | Period Ended October 31, | |||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 (a) | ||||||||
Per Share Data: | ||||||||||
Net asset value per share, beginning of period | $ | 12.34 | $ | 10.69 | $ | 10.00 | ||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||
Net investment income | 1.57 | 1.09(b | ) | 0.06 | ||||||
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) on investments | (0.14 | ) | 1.51 | 0.63 | ||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.43 | 2.60 | 0.69 | |||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (1.51 | ) | (0.95 | ) | — | |||||
Net realized gains on investments | (0.28 | ) | — | — | ||||||
Total distributions | (1.79 | ) | (0.95 | ) | — | |||||
Net asset value per share, end of period | $ | 11.98 | $ | 12.34 | $ | 10.69 | ||||
Total return | 11.85 | % | 24.90 | % | 6.90%(c | ) | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||
Net Assets at end of period (000) | $ | 311,335 | $ | 43,530 | $ | 13,527 | ||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||
Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries | 1.20 | % | 1.56 | % | 3.11%(d | ) | ||||
After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries | 1.23 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.35%(d | ) | ||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 14.22 | % | 9.08 | % | 5.69%(d | ) | ||||
Portfolio turnover | 216 | % | 194 | % | 9 | % |
(a) For the period from September 22, 2003 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2003.
(b) Net investment income is calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Not Annualized.
(d) Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
40
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Year Ended October 31, | Period Ended October 31, | |||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 (a) | ||||||||
Investor Class Shares: | ||||||||||
Net asset value per share, beginningof period | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||
Net investment income. | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||
Net realized/unrealized gains on investments | — | — | — | |||||||
Total from investment operations. | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.02 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Net realized gains on investments | — | — | — | |||||||
Total distributions | (0.02 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Net asset value per share, end of period | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||
Total return | 2.24 | % | 1.09 | % | 1.00%(b | ) | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||
Net Assets at end of period (000) | $ | 204,689 | $ | 130,147 | $ | 59,126 | ||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||
Before waivers and reimbursements. | 0.53 | % | 0.70 | % | 0.73%(c | ) | ||||
After waivers and reimbursements | 0.27 | % | 0.34 | % | 0.32%(c | ) | ||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 2.26 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.09%(c | ) |
(a) | For the period from December 5, 2002 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2003. |
(b) | Not Annualized. |
(c) | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
41
Alpine Mutual Funds - Municipal Money Market Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 (a) | ||||||
Advisor Class Shares: | |||||||
Net asset value per share, beginning of period | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | |||
Income from investment operations: | |||||||
Net investment income | 0.02 | 0.01 | |||||
Net realized/unrealized gains on investments | — | — | |||||
Total from investment operations | 0.02 | 0.01 | |||||
Less Distributions: | |||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.02 | ) | (0.01 | ) | |||
Net realized gains on investments | — | — | |||||
Total distributions | (0.02 | ) | (0.01 | ) | |||
Net asset value per share, end of period | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | |||
Total return | 1.98 | % | 0.89%(b | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||||
Net Assets at end of period | $ | 616,521 | $ | 80,114 | |||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | |||||||
Before waivers and reimbursements | 0.78 | % | 0.93%(c | ) | |||
After waivers and reimbursements . | 0.53 | % | 0.59%(c | ) | |||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 2.01 | % | 0.90%(c | ) | |||
(a) | For the period from March 30, 2004 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2004. |
(b) | Not Annualized. |
(c) | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
42
Alpine Mutual Funds - Tax Optimized Income Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 (a) | ||||||
Adviser Class Shares: | |||||||
Net asset value per share, beginning of period | $ | 10.15 | $ | 10.26 | |||
Income from investment operations: | |||||||
Net investment income | 0.28 | 0.16 (b | ) | ||||
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) on investments | (0.12 | ) | (0.11 | ) | |||
Total from investment operations | 0.16 | 0.05 | |||||
Less Distributions: | |||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.28 | ) | (0.16 | ) | |||
Net realized gains on investments | — | — | |||||
Total distributions | (0.28 | ) | (0.16 | ) | |||
Net asset value per share, end of period | $ | 10.03 | $ | 10.15 | |||
Total return | 1.60 | % | 0.55%(c | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||||
Net Assets at end of period | $ | 112,454 | $ | 22,159 | |||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | |||||||
Before waivers and reimbursements | 1.15 | % | 1.25%(d | ) | |||
After waivers and reimbursements . | 0.85 | % | 0.85%(d | ) | |||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 2.73 | % | 2.41%(d | ) | |||
Portfolio turnover | 97 | % | 55%(e | ) | |||
(a) | For the period from March 30, 2004 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2004. |
(b) | Net investment income per share is calculated using ending balances prior to consideration of adjustment for permanent book and tax differences. |
(c) | Not Annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole, without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
See notes to financial statements.
43
Alpine Mutual Funds - Tax Optimized Income Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | Year Ended October 31, 2003 (a) | ||||||||
Investor Class Shares: | ||||||||||
Net asset value per share, beginning of Period | $ | 10.15 | $ | 10.18 | $ | 10.00 | ||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.30 | 0.27 | 0.23 | |||||||
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) on investments | (0.12 | ) | (0.02 | ) | 0.18 | |||||
Total from investment operations | 0.18 | 0.25 | 0.41 | |||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.30 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.23 | ) | ||||
Net realized gains on investments | — | (0.01 | ) | — (d | ) | |||||
Total distributions | (0.30 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.23 | ) | ||||
Net asset value per share, end of period | $ | 10.03 | $ | 10.15 | $ | 10.18 | ||||
Total return | 1.84 | % | 2.42 | % | 4.12%(b | ) | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||
Net Assets at end of period (000) | $ | 45,691 | $ | 51,302 | $ | 55,591 | ||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||
Before waivers and reimbursements | 0.90 | % | 1.04 | % | 1.02%(c | ) | ||||
After waivers and reimbursements | 0.60 | % | 0.60 | % | 0.60%(c | ) | ||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 2.98 | % | 2.62 | % | 2.48%(c | ) | ||||
Portfolio Turnover(e) | 97 | % | 55 | % | 46 | % | ||||
(a) | For the period from December 6, 2002 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2003. |
(b) | Not Annualized. |
(c) | Annualized. |
(d) | Amount is less than $.0005. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole, without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
See notes to financial statements.
44
Alpine Mutual Funds
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2005
1. | Organization: |
Alpine Series Trust (the “Series Trust’’) was organized in 2001 as a Delaware Business Trust, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 , as amended (the “1940 Act’’), as an open-ended management investment company. Alpine Income Trust (the “Income Trust’’) was organized in 2002 as a Delaware Business Trust, and is registered under the 1940 Act, as open-ended management investment company. Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund and Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund are two separate funds of the Series Trust and Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund and Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund are two separate funds of the Income Trust. Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund, Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund, Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund, and Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund (individually referred to as a “Fund’’ and collectively, “the Funds’’) are diversified funds. Alpine Management & Research, LLC (the “Adviser’’) is a Delaware Corporation and serves as investment manager to the Funds. Effective March 30, 2004, the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund and the Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund began to offer both Investor Class and Adviser Class shares.
2. | Significant Accounting Policies: |
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP’’), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported herein. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A. Valuation of Securities:
The Dynamic Balance, Dynamic Dividend, and Tax Optimized Income Funds value securities for which the primary market is on a domestic or foreign exchange and over-the-counter admitted to trading on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation Market System (“NASDAQ’’) National List at the last quoted sale price at the end of each business day or, if no sale, at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National List for which market quotations are readily available are valued at a price quoted by one or more brokers. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or whose values have been materially affected by events occurring before the close of U.S. markets but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith according to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The valuation of certain debt securities for which market quotations are not readily available may be based upon current market prices of securities which are comparable in coupon, rating, and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors.
The Municipal Money Market Fund values its investments at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, amortized cost, as defined, is a method of valuing securities at acquisition cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount rather than at their value based on current market factors.
B. Security Transactions and Investment Income:
Securities transactions are recorded on the date a security is purchased or sold (i.e. on the trade date). Realized gains and losses are computed on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, where applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or in the case of some foreign securities, on the date thereafter when the Funds are made aware of the dividend. Foreign income may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which are accrued as applicable. Capital gains realized on some foreign securities are subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable.
C. Short Sale Transactions:
The Dynamic Balance Fund and the Dynamic Dividend Fund are authorized to engage in short selling. Short sales are transactions in which a fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, a fund must borrow the security to deliver to the buyer when affecting a short sale. The fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it in the open market at some later date.
45
Alpine Mutual Funds
Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2005
When a fund sells a security short, an amount equal to the sales proceeds is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and an equal amount as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the short position. A fund will incur a loss, which could be substantial and potentially unlimited, if the market price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the borrowed security. A fund will realize a gain if the security declines in value between those dates. A fund is also at risk of incurring dividend expense if the issuer of the security that has been sold short declares a dividend. A fund must pay the dividend to the lender of the security.
All short sales must be fully collateralized. Accordingly, the funds maintain collateral in a segregated account with their custodian, consisting of cash and/or liquid securities sufficient to collateralize their obligations on short positions.
D. Interest Expense:
The Funds are charged by U.S. Bank, N.A. for all cash overdrafts at the bank’s prime lending rate. The average prime lending rate was 5.92% for the year ended October 31, 2005. The Dynamic Balance Fund, Municipal Money Market Fund, and the Tax Optimized Fund incurred interest expense totaling $54, $249, and $167, respectively for the year ended October 31, 2005. Cash overdrafts at the balance sheet date are reported as payable to custodian.
E. Income Taxes:
It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute timely, all of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is recorded.
Under applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends, and capital gains earned on foreign investments. Where available, the Funds will file for claims on foreign taxes withheld.
F. Dividends and Distributions:
The Dynamic Balance Fund, the Dynamic Dividend Fund, and the Tax Optimized Income Fund intend to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, throughout the year to their shareholders in the form of dividends. The Municipal Money Market Fund declares and accrues dividends daily on each business day based upon the Fund’s net income, and pays dividends monthly. Distributions to shareholders are recorded at the close of business on the ex-dividend date. All dividends are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of a Fund at net asset value per share, unless otherwise requested.
The amounts of dividends from net investment income and of distributions from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment.
G. Class Allocations:
Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Tax Optimized Income Fund and Municipal Money Market Fund are allocated among the classes of each respective Fund based on the relative net assets of each class. Class specific expenses are allocated to the class to which they relate. Currently, class specific expenses are limited to those incurred under the Distribution Plan for Adviser Class shares.
H. Foreign Translation Transactions:
The Dynamic Balance and Dynamic Dividend Funds may invest up to 15% and 25%, respectively, of the value of their total assets in foreign securities. The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars.
46
Alpine Mutual Funds
Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2005
Non-U.S. denominated amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows, with the resultant translation gains and losses recorded in the Statements of Operations:
i) | market value of investment and other assets and liabilities at the exchange rate on the valuation date, |
ii) | purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective date of such transactions. |
Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by the Funds are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 30%. Such withholding taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties, and the Funds intend to undertake any procedural steps required to claim the benefits of such treaties.
I. Risk Associated With Foreign Securities and Currencies:
Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is a possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.
Certain countries may also impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available to the Funds or result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
3. | Capital Share Transactions |
The Funds have an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.0001 par value, authorized. Transactions in shares and dollars of the Funds were as follows:
Dynamic Balance Fund
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||
Shares sold | 2,357,599 | $ | 30,307,445 | 880,345 | $ | 10,731,576 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 347,482 | 4,421,872 | 74,954 | 898,869 | |||
Shares redeemed | (695,107) | (8,900,384) | (125,979) | (1,525,813) | |||
Net change | 2,009,974 | $ | 25,828,933 | 829,320 | $ | 10,104,632 | |
Dynamic Dividend Fund
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||
Shares sold | 26,088,374 | $ | 328,736,945 | 2,450,382 | $ | 29,533,128 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 1,851,414 | 22,881,710 | 156,598 | 1,883,922 | |||
Redemption fees . | — | 80,834 | — | 7,373 | |||
Shares redeemed | (5,487,954) | (67,754,875) | (344,339) | (4,174,516) | |||
Total net change. | 22,451,834 | $ | 283,944,614 | 2,262,641 | $ | 27,249,907 | |
47
Alpine Mutual Funds
Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2005
Municipal Money Market Fund
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||
Investor Class | |||||||
Shares sold | 458,637,794 | $ | 458,637,794 | 166,030,693 | $ | 166,030,693 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of | |||||||
dividends | 2,951,047 | 2,951,047 | 866,018 | 866,018 | |||
Shares redeemed | (387,022,761) | (387,022,761) | (95,875,729) | (95,875,729) | |||
Total net change | 74,566,080 | $ | 74,566,080 | 71,020,982 | $ | 71,020,982 | |
Adviser Class | |||||||
Shares sold | 752,977 | $ | 752,977 | 84,500 | $ | 84,500 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of | |||||||
dividends | 4,836 | 4,836 | 115 | 115 | |||
Shares redeemed | (221,332) | (221,332) | (4,500) | (4,500) | |||
Total net change | 536,481 | $ | 536,481 | 80,115 | $ | 80,115 | |
Tax Optimized Income Fund
Year Ended October 31, 2005 | Year Ended October 31, 2004 | ||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||
Investor Class | |||||||
Shares sold | 166,813 | $ | 1,685,243 | 910,320 | $ | 9,270,083 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 143,767 | 1,448,075 | 138,854 | 1,412,486 | |||
Redemption Fees | — | 274 | — | — | |||
Shares redeemed | (810,106) | (8,168,307) | (1,455,861) | (14,856,164) | |||
Total net change | (499,526) | $ | (5,034,715) | (406,687) | $ | (4,173,595) | |
Adviser Class | |||||||
Shares sold | 8,831 | $ | 89,000 | 2,164 | $ | 22,000 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 195 | 1,965 | 20 | 197 | |||
Shares redeemed | — | — | — | — | |||
Total net change | 9,026 | $ | 90,965 | 2,184 | $ | 22,197 | |
4. | Purchases and Sales of Securities: |
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the year ended October 31, 2005 are as follows:
Non-U.S. Government | U.S. Government | ||||||
Purchases | Sales | Purchases | Sales | ||||
Dynamic Balance Fund | $33,250,865 | $19,118,201 | $13,003,792 | $8,926,776 | |||
Dynamic Dividend Fund | 710,582,096 | 424,872,726 | — | — | |||
Tax Optimized Income Fund | 26,637,011 | 38,024,760 | — | — |
48
Alpine Mutual Funds
Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2005
5. | Distribution Plans: |
Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar’’) serves as the Funds’ distributor. The Municipal Money Market Fund and the Tax Optimized Income Fund have each adopted a distribution and servicing plan (the “Plan’’) for its Adviser Class shares as allowed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan authorizes payments by the Fund in connection with the distribution and servicing of its shares at an annual rate, as determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees, of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Amounts paid under the Plan by the Fund may be spent by the Fund on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, including but not limited to advertising, compensation for sales and marketing activities of financial institutions and others such as dealers and distributors, shareholder account servicing, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders and the printing and mailing of sales literature. The Municipal Money Market Fund incurred $569 and the Tax Optimized Income Fund incurred $167 pursuant to the Plan for the year ended October 31, 2005.
The Plan for the Municipal Money Market Fund and the Tax Optimized Income may be terminated at any time by vote of the Trustees of the Income Trust who are not “interested persons’’, as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Income Trust, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the respective class.
6. | Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Affiliated Transactions: |
Alpine Management & Research, LLC (“Alpine’’) provides investment advisory services to the Funds. Pursuant to the investment adviser’s agreement with the Funds, Alpine is entitled to an annual fee based on 1.00% of each Fund’s average daily net assets for the Dynamic Balance Fund and the Dynamic Dividend Fund. Alpine is entitled to an annual fee based on 0.45% of the Municipal Money Market Fund’s average daily net assets and an annual fee based on 0.75% of the Tax Optimized Income Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Adviser agreed to reimburse the Dynamic Balance Fund, Dynamic Dividend Fund and Tax Optimized Income Fund-Investor Class to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) did not exceed 1.35%, 1.35% and 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, respectively. For the year ended October 31, 2005, the Adviser agreed to reimburse the Municipal Money Market Fund-Investor Class to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) did not exceed certain limits. The limits ranged from 0.15% to 0.36% of the Fund’s average daily net assets during 2005. The expense caps for the Adviser Class Shares of the Municipal Money Market Fund and Tax Optimized Income Fund are 0.25% higher than the Investor Class shares. The Adviser may recover expenses paid in excess of the cap on expenses for the three previous years, as long as the recovery does not cause the Fund to exceed such cap on expenses. For the year ended October 31, 2005, the Adviser waived investment advisory fees totaling $574,245 and $148,232 for the Municipal Money Market Fund and Tax Optimized Income Fund, respectively. For the year ended October 31, 2005, the Adviser recovered previously reimbursed/absorbed expenses totaling $91,794 and $76,518 for the Dynamic Balance Fund and Dynamic Dividend Fund, respectively. The expense limitation will remain in effect unless and until the Board of Trustees of the Series and Income Trusts approve its modification or termination.
Reimbursed/absorbed expenses subject to potential recovery by year of expiration as follows:
Year of Expiration | Dynamic Dividend Fund | Municipal Money Market Fund | Tax Optimized Income Fund | ||
10/31/06 | $ — | $175,958 | $181,472 | ||
10/31/07 | $2,149 | $311,122 | $233,633 | ||
10/31/08 | $ — | $574,245 | $148,232 |
At October 31, 2005, the Dynamic Balance Fund and Dynamic Dividend had $10,059,019 and $1,000,000, respectively, invested in the Municipal Money Market Fund.
49
Alpine Mutual Funds
Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2005
7. | Federal Income Tax Information: |
At October 31, 2005, the components of accumulated earnings/(losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
Dynamic Balance Fund | Dynamic Dividend Fund | Municipal Money Market Fund | Tax Optimized Income Fund | |||||
Cost of Investments | $ | 84,455,244 | $ | 320,022,243 | $ | 205,720,969 | $ | 45,377,771 |
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 14,777,839 | $ | 9,905,900 | $ | — | $ | 110,536 |
Gross unrealized depreciation | (3,436,049) | (21,587,334) | — | (119,647) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | $ | 11,341,790 | $ | (11,681,434) | $ | — | $ | (9,111) |
Undistributed ordinary income | $ | — | $ | 3,463,833 | $ | — | $ | 5,475 |
Undistributed long-term capital gain | 1,667,048 | — | — | 11,068 | ||||
Total distributable earnings | $ | 1,667,048 | $ | 3,463,833 | $ | — | $ | 16,543 |
Other accumulated gains/(losses) | $ | (200) | $ | (4,342,073) | $ | (412) | $ | — |
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) | $ | 13,008,638 | $ | (12,559,674) | $ | (412) | $ | 7,432 |
The tax basis of investments for tax and financial reporting purposes differs principally due to the deferral of losses on wash sales, REIT tax adjustments, and mark-to-market cost basis adjustments for investments in foreign passive investment companies (PFICs) for tax purposes.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:
2005 | 2004 | |||
Dynamic Balance Fund | ||||
Ordinary Income | $ | 1,778,074 | $ | 1,016,661 |
Long-term capital gain | 3,203,577 | — | ||
$ | 4,981,651 | $ | 1,016,661 | |
Dynamic Dividend Fund | ||||
Ordinary Income | $ | 27,647,226 | $ | 2,259,008 |
Long-term capital gain | 212,050 | — | ||
$ | 27,859,276 | $ | 2,259,008 | |
Municipal Money Market Fund | ||||
Exempt interest dividend | $ | 5,190,167 | $ | 963,350 |
Long-term capital gain | — | — | ||
$ | 5,190,167 | $ | 963,350 | |
Tax Optimized Income Fund | ||||
Ordinary Income | $ | 619,728 | $ | 758,470 |
Exempt interest dividends | 844,130 | 671,074 | ||
Long-term capital gain | — | — | ||
$ | 1,463,858 | $ | 1,429,544 | |
Capital loss carryovers as of October 31, 2005 are as follows:
Net Capital Loss Carryover* | Capital Loss Carryover Expiration | |||
Dynamic Dividend Fund | $ | 4,335,047 | 10/31/2013 | |
Municipal Money Market Fund | $ | 412 | 10/31/2012 |
* | Capital gain distributions will resume in the future to the extent gains are realized in excess of the available gains. |
50
Alpine Mutual Funds
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Boards of Trustees
of Alpine Series Trust and Alpine Income Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments of Alpine Series Trust, comprising the Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund and Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund; and Alpine Income Trust, comprising the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund and Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund (collectively, the “Funds’’), as of October 31, 2005 and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the two years then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The Funds’ financial highlights for the periods ended prior to October 31, 2004 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated December 19, 2003, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2005, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of October 31, 2005, the results of their operations for the year then ended, and the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the two years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Milwaukee, WI
December 28, 2005
51
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)
Expense Examples
October 31, 2005
As a shareholder of the Dynamic Balance Fund and the Municipal Money Market Fund, Adviser and Investor Class, you will incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service fees; and other Fund expenses. As a shareholder of the Dynamic Dividend Fund and the Tax Optimized Income Fund, Adviser & Investor Class, you will incur two types of costs: (1) redemption fees and (2) ongoing costs. The examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on in investment of $1,000 for the period 5/1/05-10/31/05.
The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The Funds charge no sales load or transaction fees, but do assess shareholders for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent. If you request a redemption by wire transfer, currently a $15.00 fee is charged by the Funds’ transfer agent. Shareholders in the Dynamic Dividend Fund will be charged a redemption fee equal to 1.00% of the net amount of the redemption if they redeem their shares less than 60 calendar days after purchase.
Shareholders in the Tax Optimized Income Fund, Adviser & Investor Class, will be charged a redemption fee equal to 0.25% of the net amount of the redemption if they redeem their shares less than 30 calendar days after purchase. IRA accounts will be charged a $15.00 annual maintenance fee. To the extent the Funds invest in shares of other investment companies as a part of their investment strategies, you will indirectly bear your proportionate share of any fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in which the Funds invest in addition to the expenses of the Fund. These expenses are not included in the example below. The example below includes, but is not limited to, management fees, shareholder servicing fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. However, the example below does not include portfolio trading commissions, related expenses and other extraordinary expenses as determined under GAAP. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period’’ to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which does not represent the Funds’ actual returns. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund
Beginning Account Value 5/01/2005 | Ending Account Value 10/31/2005 | Expenses Paid During Period 5/1/05-10/31/05 | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,039.50 | $6.58 | ||
Hypothetical | $1,000.00 | $1,018.40 | $6.51 |
(1) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 3.95% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the fund. |
(2) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the fund. |
52
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
Expense Examples
October 31, 2005
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund
Beginning Account Value 5/01/2005 | Ending Account Value 10/31/2005 | Expenses Paid During Period 5/1/05-10/31/05 | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,060.80 | $6.13 | ||
Hypothetical | $1,000.00 | $1,019.26 | $6.01 |
(1) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 6.08% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the fund. |
(2) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the fund. |
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund
Adviser Class Shares
Beginning Account Value 5/01/2005 | Ending Account Value 10/31/2005 | Expenses Paid During Period 5/1/05-10/31/05 | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,011.40 | $2.74 | ||
Hypothetical | $1,000.00 | $1,022.48 | $2.75 |
(1) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 1.14% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the fund. |
(2) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the fund. |
Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund
Investor Class Shares
Beginning Account Value 5/01/2005 | Ending Account Value 10/31/2005 | Expenses Paid During Period 5/1/05-10/31/05 | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,012.60 | $1.47 | ||
Hypothetical | $1,000.00 | $1,023.74 | $1.48 |
(1) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 1.26% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the fund. |
(2) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the fund. |
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund
Adviser Class Shares
Beginning Account Value 5/01/2005 | Ending Account Value 10/31/2005 | Expenses Paid During Period 5/1/05-10/31/05 | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,011.40 | $4.31 | ||
Hypothetical | $1,000.00 | $1,020.92 | $4.33 |
(1) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 1.14% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the fund. |
(2) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the fund. |
53
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
Expense Examples
October 31, 2005
Alpine Tax Optimized Income Fund
Investor Class Shares
Beginning Account Value 5/01/2005 | Ending Account Value 10/31/2005 | Expenses Paid During Period 5/1/05-10/31/05 | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,012.60 | $3.04 | ||
Hypothetical | $1,000.00 | $1,022.18 | $3.06 |
(1) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 1.26% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the fund. |
(2) | Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the fund. |
54
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
October 31, 2005
Investment Advisor and Advisory Contract
On December 20, 2004, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, the Boards of Trustees, including all of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Contracts or interested persons of any such party (the non-interested Trustees), approved the continuance of the Advisory Contracts for the Funds. In so doing, the Board Members studied materials specifically relating to the Advisory Contracts provided by the Adviser, the Funds’ counsel and the Funds’ administrator. The Board Members considered a variety of factors, including the following:
The Board Members considered the expected nature, quality and scope of the management and investment advisory services and personnel provided each Fund by the Adviser; the rate of investment advisory fees payable to the Adviser and a comparison of the fees paid by comparable funds; the compensation (in addition to the investment advisory fees) and other benefits received by the Adviser and its respective affiliates; the Adviser’s costs in providing services; the economies of scale realized by the Adviser; the annual operating expenses of each Fund; and the policies and practices of the Adviser with respect to portfolio transactions for each Fund.
The Board Members also evaluated the investment performance of the Funds relative to their respective benchmark indices over the last year, three years, five years, ten years and since inception (as applicable).
The Board Members also reviewed Lipper analytical data relating to average expenses and advisory fees for comparable funds. Based on the information provided, the Board Members determined that each Fund’s fee structure is competitive with funds having similar investment goals and strategies.
The Board Members considered the Funds’ total expense ratios and contractual investment advisory fees compared to their respective industry average by quartile, within the appropriate Lipper benchmark category and Lipper category range. The Board Members also considered the amount and nature of fees paid by shareholders. The Board Members considered the fact that the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fees for the Dynamic Balance Fund, the Dynamic Dividend Fund, the Municipal Money Market Fund and the Tax Optimized Income Fund for a period of one year, to be reviewed again at the next Advisory Contract renewal. It was noted that each Fund’s management fee and expense ratio are within the average range compared to its peer funds.
The Board Members considered the extent to which economies of scale would be realized with respect to operational costs as the Funds grow in their number of shareholders and assets under management, the existence of breakpoints previously established by the Adviser, and whether fee levels to be charged by the Adviser reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors and are fair under the circumstances, which the Board Members, including all of the non-interested Trustees, believed to be the case.
Based on the Board Members’ review and consultation with the Funds’ independent counsel, of the material aspects of the Advisory Contracts, including the foregoing factors and such other information believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Advisory Contracts, the Board Members, including all of the non-interested Trustees voting separately, concluded that the continuation of the Advisory Contracts would be in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders, and determined that the compensation to the Adviser provided for in the Advisory Contracts is fair and equitable.
55
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
October 31, 2005
Information about Trustees and Officers
The business and affairs of the Funds are managed under the direction of Funds’ Board of Trustees. Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of the Funds is set forth below. The SAI includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-888-785-5578.
Independent Trustees
Name, Address and Age | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past Five Years | # of Portfolios in Fund Complex* | Other Directorships Held by Trustee |
Laurence B. Ashkin (76), 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Independent Trustee | Indefinite, Since the Trust’s inception | Real estate developer and construction consultant since 1980; Founder and President of Centrum Properties, Inc. since 1980. | 7 | Trustee of Alpine Equity and Alpine Series Trusts (formerly Evergreen Global Equity Trust). |
H. Guy Leibler (50), 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Independent Trustee | Indefinite, since the Trust’s inception. | Chief Operating Officer L&L Acquisitions, LLC since 2004; President, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, 2001-2003, Director of Brand Space Inc., a brand marketing/advertising company (1997-1999); | 7 | Director, White Plains Hospital Center; Founding Director, Stellaris Health Network, Trustee of Alpine Equity and Alpine Series Trusts |
Jeffrey E. Wacksman (44) 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Independent Trustee | Indefinite, since 2004 | Partner, Loeb, Block & Partners LLP, since 1994. | 7 | Director, Adair International Limited; Director, Cable Beach Properties, Inc.; Director, Bondi Icebergs Inc.; Trustee, Larchmont Manor Park Society; Trustee of Alpine Equity and Alpine Series Trusts |
* The term “Fund Complex’’ refers to the Funds in the Alpine Equity Trust, Alpine Series Trust and Alpine Income Trust.
56
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued October 31, 2005
Interested Trustees and Officers
Name, Address and Age | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past Five Years | # of Portfolios in Fund Complex** | Other Directorships Held by Trustee |
Samuel A. Lieber* (48), 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Interested Trustee, Portfolio Manager, and President | Indefinite, since inception. | CEO of Alpine Management & Research, LLC since November 1997. Formerly Senior Portfolio Manager with Evergreen Asset Management Corp. (1985-1997) | 7 | Trustee of Alpine Equity and Alpine Series Trusts |
Stephen A. Lieber (79) 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Vice President | Indefinite, since inception | Chairman and Senior Portfolio Manager, Saxon Woods Advisors, LLC Since 1999. Formerly President, Evergreen Asset Management Corp. (1971-1999). Formerly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lieber & Company (1969-1999) | 7 | None |
Steven C. Shachat (44) 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Vice President and Portfolio Manager | Indefinite, since 2002 | Managing Director of Alpine Management and Research, LLC since September 2002. Formerly, Senior Portfolio Manager with Evergreen Investment Management Corp. (1989-2001) | 7 | None |
Sheldon R. Flamm (57) 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Treasurer and Chief Compliance Of ficer | Indefinite, since 2002 | Chief Financial Officer, Saxon Woods Advisors, LLC, 1999 - Present; Chief Financial Officer, Lieber & Co. a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union National Bank), 1997-1999, Chief Financial Officer of Evergreen Asset Management Corp March 1987 to September 1999. | 7 | None |
Oliver Sun (40) 2500 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 | Secretary | Indefinite, | Controller of Alpine Management since 2002 & Research, LLC, 1998 to present. | 7 | None |
* | Denotes Trustees who | is an “interested | persons’’ | of the | Trust or Fund under the 1940 Act. |
** | The term “Fund Complex’’ refers to the Funds in the Alpine Equity Trust, Alpine Series Trust, and Alpine Income Trust. |
57
Alpine Mutual Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
October 31, 2005
Tax Information
The Funds designated the following percentages of dividends declared from net investment income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 as qualified dividend income under the Jobs & Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
Dynamic Balance Fund | 82.44% |
Dynamic Dividend Fund | 98.54% |
The Funds designated the following percentages of dividends declared during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 as dividends qualifying for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund | 32.4% |
Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund | 80.3% |
Availability of Proxy Voting Information
Information regarding how the Fund votes proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free at 1-888-785-5578 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the period ending June 30, 2005 is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by calling the toll-free number listed above.
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
Beginning with the Fund’s fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2004, the Funds filed their complete schedules of portfolio holdings on Form N-Q with the SEC. Going forward, the Funds will file Form N-Q for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. TheFund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
58
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TRUSTEES | SUB-CUSTODIAN | FUND COUNSEL | ||
Samuel A. Lieber | The Bank of New York | Blank Rome LLP | ||
Laurence B. Ashkin | One Wall Street | The Chrysler Building | ||
H. Guy Leibler | New York, NY 10286 | 405 Lexington Avenue | ||
Jeffrey W. Wacksman | New York, NY 10174 | |||
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED | ||||
CUSTODIAN | PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | DISTRIBUTOR | ||
U.S. Bank, N.A. | Deloitte & Touche LLP | Quasar Distributors, LLC | ||
425 Walnut Street | 555 East Wells Street | 615 East Michigan Street | ||
Cincinnati, OH 45202 | Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Milwaukee, WI 53202 | ||
INVESTMENT ADVISER | TRANSFER AGENT & ADMINISTRATOR | |
Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC | U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC | |
2500 Westchester Ave., Suite 215 | 615 East Michigan Street | |
Purchase, NY 10577 | Milwaukee, WI 53202 | |
SHAREHOLDER / INVESTOR INFORMATION (888) 785-5578 |
www.alpinefunds.com
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
A copy of the registrant’s Code of Ethics is filed herewith.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant’s board of [trustees/directors] has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Laurence Ashkin is the “audit committee financial expert” and is considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. “Other services” provided by the principal accountant were not applicable. The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.
FYE 10/31/2005 | FYE 10/31/2004 | |
Audit Fees | $25,400 | $22,500 |
Audit-Related Fees | 0 | 0 |
Tax Fees | $6,000 | $5,500 |
All Other Fees | 0 | 0 |
The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant. All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal accountant.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchases.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not Applicable.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) | The Registrant’s President and Treasurer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rules 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
(b) | There were no significant changes in the Registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's last fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a) | (1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Filed herewith. |
(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
(b) | Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith. |
(c) | Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) Alpine Income Trust
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Samuel A. Lieber
Samuel A. Lieber, President
Date January 9, 2005
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Samuel A. Lieber
Samuel A. Lieber, President
Date January 9, 2005
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Sheldon Flamm
Sheldon Flamm, Treasurer
Date January 9, 2005
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.