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 811-21720
Northern Lights Fund Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, OH 45246
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Stephanie Shearer, Gemini Fund Services, LLC.
80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2600
Date of fiscal year end: 6/30
Date of reporting period: 12/31/20
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
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PSI STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND
PSI TACTICAL GROWTH FUND
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
December 31, 2020
1-888-9-BUYPSI
(1-888-928-9774)
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of shareholders and are not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. Nothing herein contained is to be considered an offer of sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the PSI Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.
Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
Member FINRA
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present the semi-annual report for the two Portfolio Strategies, Inc. (PSI) Mutual Funds for the six months ended December 31, 2020.
Our goal is to help investors with investments that can lower their portfolio’s correlation to the overall markets and provide the opportunity for gains. To that end, we have created two different PSI Funds which attempt to achieve that goal: PSI Strategic Growth Fund and PSI Tactical Growth Fund.
Here is a brief overview of each Fund:
Strategic Growth Fund: FXSAX
Investment Strategy
The Strategic Growth Fund seeks to provide growth using mainly equity investments. The Fund primarily seeks long-term capital appreciation and secondarily, capital preservation. When markets reach extreme levels of volatility, the Fund can use cash as an asset class to help reduce that volatility.
The third quarter of 2020 was very good for the Strategic Growth Fund, which far surpassed its goal of capturing 80% of the market’s upside by more than doubling the return of the S&P 500.
We have September 2020 to thank for this achievement. We came into the month 100% invested from an August 6 buy signal. Then, on September 2, which turned out to be the day when both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 hit their last new all-time highs, the Fund gave a spot-on sell signal. The Nasdaq 100 plunged more than 11% over the next three days—its speediest correction (a drawdown of 10% or more) in history. The S&P 500 dropped by almost 10%. We then bought back 100% on September 22, one day off the September low. The Fund was up 19.21% for the third quarter of 2020. The BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index (the benchmark used for the Strategic Growth Fund) returned 3.18% for the same period.
In an otherwise rotten year for humanity at large, the stock market was one bright spot for investors. Strategic Growth ended the year making new highs, up 29.14% for the year.
The mechanical algorithm that powers the Strategic Growth Fund makes numerous short-term trades over the course of a year. Based entirely on probabilities, the goal is to win more trades than we lose, and overtime, compound our short-term gains into long-term results that exceed that of a buy and hold strategy. Since the algorithm’s inception in 2002, we’ve won 62% of trades, with an average gain of 3.96%, and an average loss of -2.45%.
What was different about this year is that the algorithm produced far fewer trades than we expected: whereas the model predicts up to 20 round-trip trades a year, this year we only had six. This obscured the activity that was happening underneath the hood, however. In reality, we had far more signals—only this time, they were overlapping—keeping us in the market for longer periods of time. However, the six round trip trades we had proved opportune, helping us dodge over 30% of the March 2020 market decline, when U.S. stock indices lost about 34% of their value in less than six weeks, and almost the entirety of September’s brief correction, where the Nasdaq 100 plunged more than 11% over three days.
By avoiding losses like these, while using 1.5x leverage when invested, the Fund was able to take a great year in the market, and make it even better.
2088-NLD-1/25/2021
The Fund was up 17.07% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index (the benchmark used for the Strategic Growth Fund) returned 9.38% for the same period.
Overall, the Strategic Growth Fund was up 39.56% for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020. The six-month return for the BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index (the benchmark used for the Strategic Growth Fund) was 12.86% for the same period.
Tactical Growth Fund: FXTAX
Investment Strategy
The Tactical Growth Fund seeks to provide investors with a combination of multiple disciplines in one account. The Fund primarily seeks total return from income and capital appreciation and secondarily, capital preservation.
In the past, news about the stock market centered around earnings, the ability of companies to employ people, and sell product at a profit. When more companies did this more successfully, the stock market rose. After a few rocky recessions, the focus started to move to the Federal Reserve. The question then became when and how much the Federal Reserve would step in to support the stock market if the economy started to wane. As with all things in 2020, additional concerns have been added to that question. We believe that movement in the stock market is now solely dependent on three things:
| 1. | Any new Federal Reserve easing; |
| 2. | Any new fiscal easing by the government (that is, new stimulus deals to the tune of trillions of dollars in new debt); |
| 3. | Coronavirus cases and the vaccine calendar. |
If progress is being made on any of these items on a particular day, the stock market tends to go up. If there are any setbacks on any of these items, the stock market tends to go down for the day.
Because news on any of these items tends to come out sporadically and randomly, there is notable volatility in the market. Moves tend to be exaggerated and compressed, that is, big moves tend to happen in short periods of time. As such, the Tactical Growth Fund, which relies on more of a mean-reverting strategy (that is, an exaggerated move one day will tend to be corrected the next day to some degree), has had to widen its parameters to take into account this new normal.
This means that the Fund has to give the market more time than in the past when deciding whether to enter or exit a market. This should make for fewer whipsaws in the Fund, but also means that we may be a little late getting in, and a little late getting out. The trade-off is that, by doing this, we may be able to capture more of the up move in between. As the markets (and the economy, and the world, it seems) continue to change in drastic, unforeseen ways, the ability of the Fund to adapt may pay dividends down the road. The Fund returned -0.36% for the third quarter of 2020. The BarclayHedge Global Macro Index (the benchmark used for the Tactical Growth Fund) returned 3.70% for the same period.
If there was one bit of good news to finish off 2020, it was that the Santa Claus rally (the typically rally in the stock market that closes out the year) was in full force. Stock market participants, full of stimulus money and promises of $2,000 individual payments, saw no reason to hold back in their continued purchase of stocks. While one might have qualms about the exponential growth of the country’s debt, that was a can to kick farther down the road as, for the time being at least, there didn’t seem to be any bad news that could derail the rally.
2088-NLD-1/25/2021
Tactical Growth had to do a little adapting as well. In looking at how the Fund responded to the market in 2020, it was easy to see that we were a little late in getting out in the spring (though we did move everything to cash for the bulk of the decline), and we were a little late in getting back in when the stimulus/rescue programs were announced. Furthermore, the defensive portion of the portfolio acted as a brake even as the market was going full steam ahead. For the second half of 2020, we relaxed the parameters a bit in that we were more forgiving of down days that would typically cause us to become defensive. These down days in the market were really just brief pauses before the up-move resumed. It got to the point in December during the aforementioned Santa Claus rally where the Fund barely moved from its most aggressive position for the whole month. The Fund was up 5.61% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The BarclayHedge Global Macro Index (the benchmark used for the Tactical Growth Fund) returned 4.39% for the same period.
We believe the decline will come. Nobody knows when or what will cause it. However, the market mandates right now that we give it the benefit of the doubt. Any number of situations (not the least of which is a new President) might cause us to dust off the defensive positions in the portfolio before a substantial portion of the gains are given back. The trick is not to get lulled into a false sense of security—which the market loves to do.
The Tactical Growth Fund was up 5.22% for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020. The six-month return for the BarclayHedge Global Macro Index (the benchmark used for the Tactical Growth Fund) was 8.25% for the same period.
We continue to have confidence that over-exposure to mutual funds such as ours can help to preserve capital during this potentially volatile period. With that said, we strongly suggest that you meet with your financial adviser to discuss your portfolio to help meet your individual investment needs and your future goals relative to your risk-tolerance level.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Sincerely,
David Jajewski
President
Definitions
The indices shown are for informational purposes only and are not reflective of any investment. As it is not possible to invest in the indices, the data shown does not reflect or compare features of an actual investment, such as its objectives, costs and expenses, liquidity, safety, guarantees or insurance, fluctuation of principal or return, or tax features. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index: The BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index represents funds involving equity-oriented strategies that invest in both the long and short sides of the market. The objective is not to be market neutral. Managers have the ability to shift from value to growth, from small to medium to large capitalization stocks, and from a net long position to a net short position. Managers may use futures and options to hedge. The focus may be regional or sector specific.
BarclayHedge Global Macro Index: The BarclayHedge Global Macro Index represents a measure of the average return of the macro geared/strategized hedge funds within the Barclay database whose positions reflect the direction of the overall market as attributed to major economic trends and/or events. The portfolios of these funds comprise an offering of stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities in the form of cash or derivative instruments. A majority of these funds invest globally in both developed and emerging markets.
S&P 500 Index: The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 widely held stocks often used as a proxy for the stock market. It measures the movement of the largest issues. You cannot invest directly in an index.
Investments cannot be made in an index. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
2088-NLD-1/25/2021
PSI Strategic Growth Fund |
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
The Fund’s performance figures* for the periods ended December 31, 2020, compared to its benchmarks:
| Six Months | One Year | Five Year | Ten Year |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund - Class A | 39.56% | 29.14% | 7.01% | 3.91% |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund - Class A with load | 31.60% | 21.73% | 5.74% | 3.29% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index ** | 22.16% | 18.40% | 15.22% | 13.88% |
BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index *** | 12.86% | 10.49% | 4.72% | 4.38% |
| * | The performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance figures for periods greater than 1 year are annualized. Per the fee table in the Fund’s October 28, 2020 prospectus, the total annual operating expense before waivers for the Fund’s Class A shares is 2.64%. The maximum sales load imposed on purchases is 5.75%, while the maximum deferred sales load is 1.00%. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-928-9774. |
| ** | The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged capitalization weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of the 500 stocks representing all major industries. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
| *** | The BarclayHedge Equity Long/Short Index is an index of hedge funds which use a directional strategy that involves equity-oriented investing on both the long and short sides of the market. The objective is not to be market neutral. Managers have the ability to shift from value to growth, from small to medium to large capitalization stocks, and from a net long position to a net short position. Managers may use futures and options to hedge. The focus may be regional or sector specific. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
Portfolio Composition as of December 31, 2020:
| | % of Net Assets | |
Exchange Traded Funds | | | 65.0 | % |
Mutual Funds | | | 27.0 | % |
Other Assets Less Liabilities, Net | | | 8.0 | % |
| | | 100.0 | % |
Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this semi-annual report for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.
PSI Tactical Growth Fund |
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
The Fund’s performance figures* for the periods ended December 31, 2020, compared to its benchmarks:
| Six Months | One Year | Five Year | Ten Year |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund - Class A | 5.22% | (1.59)% | 2.30% | 0.88% |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund - Class A with load | (0.80)% | (7.28)% | 1.09% | 0.29% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index ** | 22.16% | 18.40% | 15.22% | 13.88% |
BarclayHedge Global Macro Index *** | 8.25% | 9.81% | 3.44% | 2.69% |
| * | The performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance figures for periods greater than 1 year are annualized. Per the fee table in the Fund’s October 28, 2020 prospectus, the total annual operating expense before waivers for the Fund’s Class A shares is 3.32%. The maximum sales load imposed on purchases is 5.75%, while the maximum deferred sales load is 1.00%. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-928-9774. |
| ** | The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged capitalization weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of the 500 stocks representing all major industries. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
| *** | The BarclayHedge Global Macro Index carries long and short positions in any of the world’s major capital or derivative markets. These positions reflect Global Macro managers views on overall market direction as influenced by major economic trends and or events. The portfolios of these funds can include stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities in the form of cash or derivatives instruments. Most funds invest globally in both developed and emerging markets. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
Portfolio Composition as of December 31, 2020:
| | % of Net Assets | |
Exchange Traded Funds | | | 66.5 | % |
Common Stock | | | 20.9 | % |
Mutual Funds | | | 4.6 | % |
Other Assets Less Liabilities, Net | | | 8.0 | % |
| | | 100.0 | % |
Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this semi-annual report for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.
PSI Strategic Growth Fund |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
Shares | | | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 65.0% | | | | |
| | | | EQUITY FUNDS - 50.4% | | | | |
| 94,881 | | | Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X Shares | | $ | 6,855,152 | |
| 12,344 | | | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | | | 4,633,814 | |
| | | | | | | 11,488,966 | |
| | | | FIXED INCOME - 14.6% | | | | |
| 44,124 | | | Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF | | | 2,231,792 | |
| 18,002 | | | Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF | | | 1,108,923 | |
| | | | | | | 3,340,715 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost - $14,564,277) | | | 14,829,681 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | MUTUAL FUNDS - 27.0% | | | | |
| 55,490 | | | Rydex Nova Fund - Investor Class * (Cost - $6,150,000) | | | 6,150,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 92.0% (Cost - $20,714,277) | | $ | 20,979,681 | |
| | | | OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - NET - 8.0% | | | 1,827,124 | |
| | | | NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | $ | 22,806,805 | |
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund
| * | Non-income producing security. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
PSI Tactical Growth Fund |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
Shares | | | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | COMMON STOCK - 20.9% | | | | |
| | | | BEVERAGES- 2.5% | | | | |
| 1,657 | | | Coca-Cola Co. | | $ | 90,870 | |
| 2,875 | | | Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | | | 92,000 | |
| 607 | | | PepsiCo., Inc. | | | 90,018 | |
| | | | | | | 272,888 | |
| | | | BIOTECH - 2.4% | | | | |
| 510 | | | Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 86,108 | |
| 586 | | | Johnson & Johnson | | | 92,225 | |
| 2,317 | | | Pfizer, Inc. | | | 85,289 | |
| | | | | | | 263,622 | |
| | | | COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 1.6% | | | | |
| 919 | | | Republic Services, Inc. | | | 88,500 | |
| 756 | | | Waste Management, Inc. | | | 89,155 | |
| | | | | | | 177,655 | |
| | | | DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIALS - 0.8% | | | | |
| 501 | | | 3M Co. | | | 87,570 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 3.2% | | | | |
| 1,695 | | | Alliant Energy Corp. | | | 87,343 | |
| 966 | | | Duke Energy Corp. | | | 88,447 | |
| 1,568 | | | NorthWestern Corp. | | | 91,430 | |
| 1,455 | | | Southern Co. | | | 89,381 | |
| | | | | | | 356,601 | |
| | | | FOOD - 3.2% | | | | |
| 1,861 | | | Hormel Foods Corp. | | | 86,741 | |
| 1,429 | | | Kellogg Co. | | | 88,927 | |
| 951 | | | McCormick & Co., Inc. | | | 90,916 | |
| 1,534 | | | Mondelez International, Inc. | | | 89,693 | |
| | | | | | | 356,277 | |
| | | | HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 0.8% | | | | |
| 1,615 | | | Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 86,499 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 2.4% | | | | |
| 432 | | | Clorox Co. | | | 87,229 | |
| 648 | | | Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 87,370 | |
| 662 | | | Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 92,111 | |
| | | | | | | 266,710 | |
| | | | LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 1.6% | | | | |
| 411 | | | McDonald’s Corp. | | | 88,192 | |
| 854 | | | Starbucks Corp. | | | 91,361 | |
| | | | | | | 179,553 | |
| | | | TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 1.6% | | | | |
| 2,902 | | | AT&T, Inc. | | | 83,462 | |
| 1,469 | | | Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 86,303 | |
| | | | | | | 169,765 | |
| | | | WHOLESALE - CONSUMER STAPLES - 0.8% | | | | |
| 1,199 | | | Sysco Corp. | | | 89,038 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost - $2,126,306) | | | 2,306,178 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
PSI Tactical Growth Fund |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
Shares | | | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 66.5% | | | | |
| | | | EQUITY FUNDS - 36.3% | | | | |
| 3,809 | | | First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund * | | $ | 808,384 | |
| 10,561 | | | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | | | 770,531 | |
| 4,851 | | | ProShares Ultra QQQ | | | 558,399 | |
| 6,161 | | | ProShares Ultra Russell2000 | | | 552,087 | |
| 6,090 | | | ProShares Ultra S&P500 | | | 556,321 | |
| 5,420 | | | SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | | | 763,027 | |
| | | | | | | 4,008,749 | |
| | | | FIXED INCOME - 30.2% | | | | |
| 19,108 | | | iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF | | | 1,668,128 | |
| 10,586 | | | iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF | | | 1,669,730 | |
| | | | | | | 3,337,858 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost - $7,244,008) | | | 7,346,607 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | MUTUAL FUNDS - 4.6% | | | | |
| 29,278 | | | Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Fund - Institutional Class | | | 255,300 | |
| 36,195 | | | Ivy High Income Fund - Class I | | | 254,452 | |
| | | | TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost - $517,971) | | | 509,752 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 92.0% (Cost - $9,888,285) | | $ | 10,162,537 | |
| | | | OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - NET - 8.0% | | | 888,708 | |
| | | | NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | $ | 11,051,245 | |
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund
| * | Non-income producing security. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unuadited) |
December 31, 2020 |
| | PSI | | | PSI | |
| | Strategic Growth | | | Tactical Growth | |
| | Fund | | | Fund | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Investment securities: | | | | | | | | |
At cost | | $ | 20,714,277 | | | $ | 9,888,285 | |
At value | | $ | 20,979,681 | | | $ | 10,162,537 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 7,274,745 | | | | 993,938 | |
Receivable for securities sold | | | 16,066,680 | | | | 7,297,092 | |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | | | 49,359 | | | | 86 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 148 | | | | 5,520 | |
Due from advisor | | | — | | | | 2,619 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 13,678 | | | | 16,722 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | | 44,384,291 | | | | 18,478,514 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | 21,530,295 | | | | 7,332,385 | |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | | | 4,493 | | | | 63,578 | |
Investment advisory fees payable | | | 10,653 | | | | — | |
Payable to related parties | | | 16,653 | | | | 15,201 | |
Distribution (12b-1) fees payable | | | 4,783 | | | | 2,358 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 10,609 | | | | 13,747 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES | | | 21,577,486 | | | | 7,427,269 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 22,806,805 | | | $ | 11,051,245 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Assets Consist Of: | | | | | | | | |
Paid in capital ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized) | | $ | 20,242,131 | | | $ | 12,669,999 | |
Accumulated earnings (losses) | | | 2,564,674 | | | | (1,618,754 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 22,806,805 | | | $ | 11,051,245 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share: | | | | | | | | |
Class A Shares: | | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 22,806,805 | | | $ | 11,051,245 | |
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | | | 1,816,318 | | | | 1,276,438 | |
Net asset value (Net assets ÷ Shares outstanding) and redemption price per share | | $ | 12.56 | | | $ | 8.66 | |
Maximum offering price per share (maximum sales charges of 5.75%) | | $ | 13.33 | | | $ | 9.19 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) |
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2020 |
| | PSI | | | PSI | |
| | Strategic Growth | | | Tactical Growth | |
| | Fund | | | Fund | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | $ | 92,385 | | | $ | 93,421 | |
Interest | | | 942 | | | | 288 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 93,327 | | | | 93,709 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fees | | | 104,754 | | | | 56,150 | |
Distribution (12b-1) fees | | | 26,188 | | | | 14,037 | |
Administrative services fees | | | 25,363 | | | | 26,070 | |
Shareholder service fees | | | 15,897 | | | | 8,606 | |
Transfer agent fees | | | 12,880 | | | | 12,115 | |
Accounting services fees | | | 12,512 | | | | 11,960 | |
Registration fees | | | 12,225 | | | | 11,890 | |
Legal fees | | | 11,576 | | | | 11,245 | |
Audit fees | | | 9,097 | | | | 7,030 | |
Trustees’ fees | | | 8,677 | | | | 8,742 | |
Compliance officer fees | | | 6,440 | | | | 4,780 | |
Printing expenses | | | 3,382 | | | | 1,840 | |
Custodian fees | | | 2,392 | | | | 2,576 | |
Other expenses | | | 924 | | | | 1,202 | |
TOTAL EXPENSES | | | 252,307 | | | | 178,243 | |
Less: Fees waived by Advisor | | | (53,089 | ) | | | (71,583 | ) |
NET EXPENSES | | | 199,218 | | | | 106,660 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INVESTMENT LOSS | | | (105,891 | ) | | | (12,951 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain from security transactions | | | 8,130,174 | | | | 123,207 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (1,135,775 | ) | | | 446,012 | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS | | | 6,994,399 | | | | 569,219 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | | $ | 6,888,508 | | | $ | 556,268 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | PSI Strategic | | | PSI Tactical | |
| | Growth Fund | | | Growth Fund | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | |
| | December 31, 2020 | | | June 30, 2020 | | | December 31, 2020 | | | June 30, 2020 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | | | (Unaudited) | | | | |
FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (105,891 | ) | | $ | (120,523 | ) | | $ | (12,951 | ) | | $ | (41,761 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) from security transactions | | | 8,130,174 | | | | (2,307,071 | ) | | | 123,207 | | | | (661,804 | ) |
Distributions of realized gains by underlying investment companies | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 11,021 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (1,135,775 | ) | | | 756,531 | | | | 446,012 | | | | (244,801 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net operations | | | 6,888,508 | | | | (1,671,063 | ) | | | 556,268 | | | | (937,345 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Return of Capital | | | — | | | | (7,681 | ) | | | — | | | | (52,072 | ) |
Total distributions paid | | | (1,015,977 | ) | | | (1,481,210 | ) | | | — | | | | (553,950 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders | | | (1,015,977 | ) | | | (1,488,891 | ) | | | — | | | | (606,022 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | | 743,566 | | | | 11,970,378 | | | | 278,419 | | | | 1,952,133 | |
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,015,809 | | | | 1,484,024 | | | | — | | | | 605,540 | |
Payments for shares redeemed | | | (4,085,890 | ) | | | (12,322,793 | ) | | | (1,335,250 | ) | | | (3,091,570 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | | | (2,326,515 | ) | | | 1,131,609 | | | | (1,056,831 | ) | | | (533,897 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | | | 3,546,016 | | | | (2,028,345 | ) | | | (500,563 | ) | | | (2,077,264 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of Period | | | 19,260,789 | | | | 21,289,134 | | | | 11,551,808 | | | | 13,629,072 | |
End of Period | | $ | 22,806,805 | | | $ | 19,260,789 | | | $ | 11,051,245 | | | $ | 11,551,808 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHARE ACTIVITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares Sold | | | 63,259 | | | | 1,156,920 | | | | 33,816 | | | | 226,538 | |
Shares Reinvested | | | 81,070 | | | | 144,360 | | | | — | | | | 68,500 | |
Shares Redeemed | | | (372,392 | ) | | | (1,303,367 | ) | | | (161,093 | ) | | | (357,520 | ) |
Net decrease in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | | | (228,063 | ) | | | (2,087 | ) | | | (127,277 | ) | | | (62,482 | ) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period Presented
| | PSI Strategic Growth Fund | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | |
Class A Shares | | December 31, 2020 | | | June 30, 2020 | | | June 30, 2019 | | | June 30, 2018 | | | June 30, 2017 | | | June 30, 2016 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 9.42 | | | $ | 10.40 | | | $ | 9.42 | | | $ | 10.49 | | | $ | 9.43 | | | $ | 10.19 | |
Activity from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (1) | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.13 | ) | | | (0.12 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | | 3.79 | | | | (0.31 | ) | | | 1.01 | | | | (0.83 | ) | | | 1.25 | | | | (0.50 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 3.73 | | | | (0.37 | ) | | | 0.98 | | | | (0.96 | ) | | | 1.13 | | | | (0.65 | ) |
Paid-in-Capital from redemption fees | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.00 | (2) | | | 0.00 | (2) | | | 0.00 | (2) |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.00 | (2) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (0.59 | ) | | | (0.61 | ) | | | — | | | | (0.11 | ) | | | (0.07 | ) | | | (0.11 | ) |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | 0.00 | (2) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.59 | ) | | | (0.61 | ) | | | — | | | | (0.11 | ) | | | (0.07 | ) | | | (0.11 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 12.56 | | | $ | 9.42 | | | $ | 10.40 | | | $ | 9.42 | | | $ | 10.49 | | | $ | 9.43 | |
Total return (3) | | | 39.56 | % (5) | | | (4.05 | )% | | | 10.40 | % | | | (9.33 | )% | | | 12.03 | % | | | (6.45 | )% |
Net assets, end of period (000’s) | | $ | 22,807 | | | $ | 19,261 | | | $ | 21,289 | | | $ | 19,164 | | | $ | 20,983 | | | $ | 30,169 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (4) | | | 2.41 | % (6) | | | 2.32 | % | | | 2.28 | % | | | 2.20 | % | | | 2.21 | % | | | 1.98 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (4) | | | 1.90 | % (6) | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (4) | | | (1.01 | )% (6) | | | (0.59 | )% | | | (0.35 | )% | | | (1.12 | )% | | | (1.24 | )% | | | (1.49 | )% |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 2335 | % (5) | | | 3662 | % | | | 5155 | % | | | 6067 | % | | | 5910 | % | | | 5232 | % |
| (1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average share method, which appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
| (2) | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
| (3) | Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales loads/redemption fees. |
| (4) | The ratios shown do not include the Fund’s proportionate shares of the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued) |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period Presented
| | PSI Tactical Growth Fund | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | | | For the | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | |
Class A Shares | | December 31, 2020 | | | June 30, 2020 | | | June 30, 2019 | | | June 30, 2018 | | | June 30, 2017 | | | June 30, 2016 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 8.23 | | | $ | 9.30 | | | $ | 9.99 | | | $ | 9.46 | | | $ | 9.19 | | | $ | 10.17 | |
Activity from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (1) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | 0.27 | | | | 0.18 | | | | (0.00 | ) (2) | | | (0.05 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | | 0.44 | | | | (0.60 | ) | | | (0.24 | ) | | | 0.52 | | | | 0.27 | | | | (0.89 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 0.43 | | | | (0.63 | ) | | | 0.03 | | | | 0.70 | | | | 0.27 | | | | (0.94 | ) |
Paid-in-Capital from redemption fees | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.00 | (2) | | | 0.00 | (2) |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.33 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | — | | | | (0.04 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (0.37 | ) | | | (0.39 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | (0.04 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | — | | | | (0.44 | ) | | | (0.72 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | — | | | | (0.04 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 8.66 | | | $ | 8.23 | | | $ | 9.30 | | | $ | 9.99 | | | $ | 9.46 | | | $ | 9.19 | |
Total return (3) | | | 5.22 | % (5) | | | (7.14 | )% | | | 0.88 | % | | | 7.43 | % | | | 2.94 | % | | | (9.20 | )% |
Net assets, end of period (000’s) | | $ | 11,051 | | | $ | 11,552 | | | $ | 13,629 | | | $ | 16,785 | | | $ | 18,493 | | | $ | 24,254 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (4) | | | 3.18 | % (6) | | | 2.90 | % | | | 2.58 | % | | | 2.43 | % | | | 2.10 | % | | | 2.48 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (4) | | | 1.90 | % (6) | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (4) | | | (0.23 | )% (6) | | | (0.34 | )% | | | 2.86 | % | | | 1.79 | % | | | (0.05 | )% | | | (0.57 | )% |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 1218 | % (5) | | | 6627 | % | | | 6333 | % | | | 5702 | % | | | 5656 | % | | | 5609 | % |
| (1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average share method, which appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
| (2) | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
| (3) | Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales loads/redemption fees. |
| (4) | The ratios shown do not include the Fund’s proportionate shares of the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
The PSI Strategic Growth Fund (“SGF”) and the PSI Tactical Growth Fund (“TGF”) (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) are each a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on January 19, 2005. The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. SGF and TGF are diversified funds. SGF primarily seeks long-term capital appreciation and secondarily, capital preservation. TGF primarily seeks total return from income and capital appreciation and secondarily, capital preservation.
The Funds each currently offer Class A shares. Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Class A shares are also subject to a maximum deferred sales charge of 1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if redeemed within 18 months of purchase. Prior to June 5, 2018, the Funds were subject to a redemption fee of 2.00% of the amount redeemed if sold within 30 days of purchase.
| 2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies” including FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-08.
Securities Valuation – Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the primary exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. In the absence of a sale, such securities shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Options contracts listed on a securities exchange or board of trade for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Option contracts not listed on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Index options shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Debt securities (other than short term obligations) are valued each day by an independent pricing service approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“the Board”) based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type, indications as to values from dealers, and general market conditions or market quotations from a major market maker in the securities.
When market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable, the Funds may value securities at their fair value as determined in good faith by a Fair Value committee as described below and in accordance with the Trust’s fair value procedures. The Board will review the fair value method in use for securities requiring a fair value determination at least quarterly. The fair value procedures consider, among others, the following factors to determine a security’s fair value: the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; and possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security. Fair value may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant world market but prior to the NYSE close. The independent pricing service does not distinguish between smaller-sized bond positions known as “oddlots” and larger institutional-sized bond positions known as “round lots”. The Funds may fair value a particular bond if the adviser does not believe that the round lot value provided by the independent pricing service reflects fair value of the Fund’s holding. Short-term debt obligations having 60 days or less remaining until maturity, at time of purchase, may be valued at amortized cost.
Each Fund may hold securities, such as private investments, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) adviser. The committee may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board has also engaged a third party valuation firm to attend valuation meetings held by the Trust, review minutes of such meetings and report to the Board on a quarterly basis. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.
Fair Valuation Process – As noted above, the fair value committee is composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) adviser. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a “significant event”) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the applicable Fund’s calculation of its net asset value. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private investments or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the adviser based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If the adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value committee shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the applicable Fund’s holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.
Valuation of Fund of Funds – The Funds may invest in portfolios of open-end or closed -end investment companies (“underlying funds”). Open-end investment companies are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies. Open-end investment companies value securities in their portfolios for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value by the methods established by the Boards of the underlying funds. The shares of many closed-end investment companies, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is different than the net asset value per share. Investments in closed-end investment companies are valued at their last sales price. The difference represents a market premium or market discount of such shares. There can be no assurances that the market discount or market premium on shares of any closed-end investment company purchased by the Funds will not change.
The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of all of their investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument in an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used as of December 31, 2020 for the Funds’ investments measured at fair value:
PSI Strategic Growth Fund
Assets* | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Exchange Traded Funds | | $ | 14,829,681 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14,829,681 | |
Mutual Fund | | | 6,150,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,150,000 | |
Total | | $ | 20,979,681 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 20,979,681 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund
Assets* | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Common Stock | | $ | 2,306,178 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | 2,306,178 | |
Exchange Traded Funds | | | 7,346,607 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,346,607 | |
Mutual Funds | | | 509,752 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 509,752 | |
Total | | $ | 10,162,537 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 10,162,537 | |
The Funds did not hold any Level 3 securities during the period.
| * | Refer to the Portfolios of Investments for security classifications. |
Security Transactions and Related Income – Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized on securities purchased over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends that represent long term capital gain distributions from underlying investments are reclassified out of dividend income and presented separately for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains or losses from sales of securities are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.
Exchange Traded Funds – The Funds may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are a type of index fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and may be actively traded or represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities they are designed to track, although the lack of liquidity on an ETF could result in it being more volatile. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the ETF. Additionally, ETFs have fees and expenses that reduce their value.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Distributable net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and distributed annually. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are considered either temporary (e.g., deferred losses) 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; temporary differences do not require reclassification. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets, results from operations or net asset value per share of the Funds. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
Federal Income Taxes – It is the Funds’ policy to qualify as regulated investment companies by complying with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income and net realized gains to shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for the open tax years of 2018 through 2020, or expected to be taken in the Funds’ June 30, 2021 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, state of Ohio, and foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments; however the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months. The Funds recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest and other expenses, respectively. For the six months ended December 31, 2020, the Funds did not have any interest or penalties.
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Expenses – Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses that are not readily identifiable to a specific fund are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the funds in the Trust.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash and overnight investments in interest-bearing demand deposits with a financial institution with original maturities of three months or less. As of December 31, 2020, SGF and TGF held $7,274,745 and $988,351, respectively, in overnight sweep accounts with Union Bank. These instruments are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Indemnification – The Trust indemnifies its officers and trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be remote.
| 3. | INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS |
For the six months ended December 31, 2020, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term investments amounted to the following:
Fund | | Purchases | | | Sales | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 433,753,027 | | | $ | 437,534,259 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 127,617,711 | | | | 127,380,987 | |
| 4. | INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES |
Portfolio Strategies, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser (the “Adviser”). Pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, the Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, directs the daily operations of the Funds and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. As compensation for its services and the related expenses borne by the Adviser, the Funds pay the Adviser a management fee, computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of SGF and TGF.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
During the six months ended December 31, 2020, the advisory fees accrued for the Funds were as follows:
Fund | | Advisory Fees | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 104,754 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 56,150 | |
Pursuant to an operating expenses limitation agreement (“Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed, at least until October 31, 2021 to waive a portion of its advisory fees and if necessary, reimburse the Funds for other expenses to the extent necessary so that the total expenses incurred by the Funds (excluding any front end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes or extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Advisor)), not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds’ business) do not exceed 1.90% per annum for the SGF and TGF.
During the six months ended December 31, 2020, the Advisor waived fees for the Funds as follows:
Fund | | Waiver | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 53,089 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 71,583 | |
Any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser is subject to repayment by a Fund within the three years from the date the Adviser waived any payment or reimbursed any expense, if the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the lesser of the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or the current expense limitation and the repayment is approved by the Board.
Cumulative expenses subject to recapture pursuant to the aforementioned conditions as of June 30, 2020 will expire on June 30 of the following years:
Fund | | June 30, 2021 | | | June 30, 2022 | | | June 30, 2023 | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 65,872 | | | $ | 79,077 | | | $ | 86,478 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 93,753 | | | | 102,178 | | | | 121,563 | |
The Trust, with respect to the Funds, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan (the “Plan”) for Class A shares. The Plan provides that a monthly service fee is calculated by SGF and TGF at an annual rate of up to 0.40% of its average daily net assets, however, the Board has approved a current rate of 0.25% of net assets. Pursuant to the Plan, each of these Funds may compensate the securities dealers or other financial intermediaries, financial institutions, investment advisers, and others for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders. The Plan further provides for periodic payments to brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries, including insurance companies, for providing shareholder services and for promotional and other sales-related costs. During the six months ended December 31, 2020, SGF and TGF were charged $26,188 and $14,037, respectively, pursuant to the Plan.
The Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Funds’ shares. For the six months ended December 31, 2020, SGF and TGF did not incur any underwriting commissions.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
In addition, certain affiliates of the Distributor provide services to the Funds as follows:
Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”)
GFS, an affiliate of the Distributor, provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agent services to the Trust. Pursuant to separate servicing agreements with GFS, the Funds pay GFS customary fees for providing administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Funds. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of GFS, and are not paid any fees directly by the Funds for serving in such capacities.
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”)
NLCS, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives customary fees from the Funds.
Blu Giant, LLC (“Blu Giant”)
Blu Giant, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Funds on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, Blu Giant receives customary fees from the Funds.
| 5. | UNDERLYING INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
SGF currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a portion of its assets in Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X Shares and Rydex Nova Fund – Investor Class. The funds are registered open-end investment companies incorporated in the USA. The Fund may redeem its investment from the funds at any time if the Adviser determines that it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to do so.
The performance of the Fund will be directly affected by the performance of the above listed open-end investment companies. The annual reports of the open-end investment companies, along with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm are included in the companies N-CSR available at www.sec.gov. As of December 31, 2020, SGF invested approximately 30.1% and 27.0% of its assets in each of Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X Shares and Rydex Nova Fund – Investor Class, respectively.
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a portfolio creates presumption of control of the portfolio under section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of December 31, 2020, National Financial Services LLC. held 30.27% of the voting securities of SGF and E*TRADE Savings Bank held 47.85% and 73.36% of the voting securities of SGF and TGF, respectively. The Trust has no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of shares owned of record by National Financial Services LLC and E*TRADE Savings Bank are also owned beneficially and, therefore, may be deemed to control the applicable Funds.
| 7. | AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION |
At December 31, 2020, the aggregate cost for federal tax purposes, which differs from fair value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities, are as follows:
| | | | | Gross Unrealized | | | Gross Unrealized | | | Net Unrealized | |
Fund | | Tax Cost | | | Appreciation | | | Depreciation | | | Depreciation | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 22,168,320 | | | $ | 272,664 | | | $ | (1,461,303 | ) | | $ | (1,188,639 | ) |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 10,303,681 | | | | 316,388 | | | | (457,532 | ) | | | (141,144 | ) |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
| 8. | DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL |
The tax character of Fund distributions for the years ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 were as follows:
| | For the year ended June 30, 2020 | |
| | Ordinary | | | Long-Term | | | Return | | | | |
| | Income | | | Capital Gains | | | of Capital | | | Total | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 1,488,523 | | | | — | | | $ | 368 | | | $ | 1,488,891 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 525,810 | | | | 39,350 | | | | 40,862 | | | | 606,022 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended June 30, 2019 | |
| | Ordinary | | | Long-Term | | | Return | | | | |
| | Income | | | Capital Gains | | | of Capital | | | Total | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | $ | 1,092,011 | | | $ | 4,285 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,096,296 | |
As of June 30, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/ (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | Post October Loss | | | Capital Loss | | | Unrealized | | | Total | |
| | and | | | Carry | | | Appreciation/ | | | Accumulated | |
| | Late Year Loss | | | Forwards | | | (Depreciation) | | | Earnings/(Deficits) | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | (2,003,121 | ) | | $ | (1,251,872 | ) | | $ | (52,864 | ) | | $ | (3,307,857 | ) |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | (1,537,482 | ) | | | (50,384 | ) | | | (587,156 | ) | | | (2,175,022 | ) |
The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and accumulated net realized gains (losses) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
Late year losses incurred after December 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Funds incurred and elected to defer such late year losses as follows:
| | Late Year Losses | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 113,210 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 30,551 | |
Capital losses incurred after October 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Funds incurred and elected to defer such capital losses as follows:
| | Post October Losses | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 1,889,911 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | 1,506,931 | |
At June 30, 2020, the Funds had capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes available to offset future capital gains as follows:
| | Non-Expiring | |
| | Short-Term | | | Long-Term | | | Total | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | 1,251,872 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,251,872 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | — | | | | 50,384 | | | | 50,384 | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
December 31, 2020 |
Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the book/tax basis treatment of net operating losses and the reclassification of Fund distributions, resulted in reclassifications for the Funds for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 as follows:
| | | | | Accumulated Earnings | |
| | Paid in Capital | | | (Losses) | |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | | $ | (7,681 | ) | | $ | 7,681 | |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | | | (52,072 | ) | | | 52,072 | |
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
The Fund has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the Investment Company Act. The program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Fund’s investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources.
During the period ended December 31, 2020 the Trust’s Liquidity Risk Management Program Committee (the “Committee”) reviewed the Fund’s investments and determined that the Fund held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. Accordingly, the Committee concluded that (i) the Fund’s liquidity risk management program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Fund’s liquidity risk management program has been effectively implemented.
EXPENSE EXAMPLES (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2020 |
As a shareholder of the PSI Strategic Growth Fund or the PSI Tactical Growth Fund you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchases, and contingent deferred sales charges (loads) on certain redemptions; (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. These examples 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.
These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
Actual Expenses
The “Actual Expenses” line in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information below 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 table under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid during Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The “Hypothetical” line in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balances or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to 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 sales charges (loads), or redemption fees. Therefore, 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.
| Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | Expense Ratio |
| Account Value | Account Value | During Period* | During Period** |
Actual | 7/1/20 | 12/31/20 | 7/1/20 – 12/31/20 | 7/1/20 – 12/31/20 |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | $1,000.00 | $1,395.60 | $11.47 | 1.90% |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | $1,000.00 | $1,052.20 | $9.83 | 1.90% |
| | | | |
| Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | Expense Ratio |
Hypothetical | Account Value | Account Value | During Period* | During Period** |
(5% return before expenses) | 7/1/20 | 12/31/20 | 7/1/20 – 12/31/20 | 7/1/20 – 12/31/20 |
PSI Strategic Growth Fund | $1,000.00 | $1,015.63 | $9.65 | 1.90% |
PSI Tactical Growth Fund | $1,000.00 | $1,015.63 | $9.65 | 1.90% |
| * | Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period, multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184) divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (365). |
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust
Rev. February 2014
FACTS | WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some, but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. |
What? | The types of personal information we collect and share depends on the product or service that you have with us. This information can include: ● Social Security number and wire transfer instructions ● account transactions and transaction history ● investment experience and purchase history When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information: | Does Northern Lights Fund Trust share information? | Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes - such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus. | YES | NO |
For our marketing purposes - to offer our products and services to you. | NO | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your transactions and records. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your credit worthiness. | NO | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | NO | We don’t share |
QUESTIONS? | Call 1-402-493-4603 |
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust
What we do: |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust protect my personal information? | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust collect my personal information? | We collect your personal information, for example, when you ● open an account or deposit money ● direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities ● seek advice about your investments We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? | Federal law gives you the right to limit only: ● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness. ● affiliates from using your information to market to you. ● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you. State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions |
Affiliates | Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. ● Northern Lights Fund Trust does not share with our affiliates. |
Nonaffiliates | Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. ● Northern Lights Fund Trust does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. |
Joint marketing | A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. ● Northern Lights Fund Trust doesn’t jointly market. |
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent period ended June 30 as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-928-9774 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, within sixty days after the end of the period. Form N-PORT reports are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Portfolio Strategies, Inc.
621 Pacific Avenue, Suite 15
Tacoma, WA 98402
ADMINISTRATOR
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
Elkhorn, NE 68022
PSI-SAR20
Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included under Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. 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 Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Based on an evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of filing date of this Form N-CSR, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Registrant are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the filing date, including that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s last fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(a)(2) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.
(a)(3) Not applicable for open-end investment companies.
(b) Certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(b) of Form N-CSR) are filed 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) Northern Lights Fund Trust
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Kevin E. Wolf
Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President
Date 3/1/21
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/ Kevin E. Wolf
Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President
Date 3/1/21
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ James Colantino
James Colantino, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer
Date 3/1/21