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)
Richard Malinowski, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC.
17645 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2600
Date of fiscal year end: 9/30
Date of reporting period: 9/30/21
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund
Class A shares: GPAAX | Class C shares: GPACX | Class I shares: GPAIX |
Class N shares: GPANX |
Annual Report
September 30, 2021
Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
Member FINRA/SIPC
This report is authorized for distribution only to shareholders and to others who have received a copy of the Prospectus.
Performance Review for the Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund
October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund (Ticker: GPAIX)
Oct 1, 2020 - Sep 30, 2021
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Source: Morningstar
Positive performance was driven by the Fund’s ability to identify profitable opportunities across global financial and commodities markets. The Fund’s active management is primarily driven by a quantitative analysis of directionally-persistent price movement and volatility within its investment universe. The systems are designed to reduce market exposure during periods of heightened volatility and price uncertainty.
Market reactions to inflationary concerns drove Fund performance in the commodities, global equities, and currencies markets during the reporting period. A lack of persistent, directional price movement in the fixed income sector partially offset positive performance.
A view of the Fund’s sector exposure and quarterly returns provides a summary of performance for the reporting period.
Commodities | Equities | |||||||||
Q4 ’20 | Q1 ’21 | Q2 ’21 | Q3 ’21 | Q4 ’20 | Q1 ’21 | Q2 ’21 | Q3 ’21 | |||
Return | +2.12% | +1.81% | +1.47% | +0.91% | Return | +3.18% | +1.96% | +1.15% | -0.38% | |
Currencies | Fixed Income | |||||||||
Q4 ’20 | Q1 ’21 | Q2 ’21 | Q3 ’21 | Q4 ’20 | Q1 ’21 | Q2 ’21 | Q3 ’21 | |||
Return | +1.10% | -0.46% | -0.11% | -0.10% | Return | -0.73% | -0.84% | -0.60% | +0.05% | |
Sector performance will differ from Fund performance due to income earned in the cash management portfolio
1
Distributions
Fund Dividend & Capital Gains Distributions Record Date: December 15, 2020 Ex-Dividend/Payable/Reinvestment Date: December 16, 2020 | |||||
Share Class | Re-Investment Price | Dividend Income | Short-Term Capital Gain | Long-Term Capital Gain | Distribution Total |
A (GPAAX) | $11.08 | $0.0446 | $0.0000 | $0.1341 | $0.1787 |
C (GPACX) | $10.71 | $0.0000 | $0.0000 | $0.1341 | $0.1341 |
1 (GPAIX) | $11.20 | $0.0682 | $0.0000 | $0.1341 | $0.2023 |
N (GPANX | $11.10 | $0.0446 | $0.0000 | $0.1341 | $0.1787 |
Past distributions are no guarantee of future distributions or performance results |
The one year performance for the Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 as compared to its benchmarks was:
As of September 30, 2021 | 1-Year Return |
GPAAX | 9.39% |
GPAAX (with load) | 3.11% |
GPACX | 8.60% |
GPAIX | 9.59% |
GPANX | 9.37% |
Bloomberg 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index | 0.02% |
Bloomberg U.S. Government/Corporate Long Bond Index | -3.16% |
Investment Outlook
Uncertainty about the post-pandemic economic recovery, rising inflation, and rising interest rates increased volatility and risks across markets during the past 12 months. Moving forward, we believe they will continue to be key factors that will drive market performance.
While global equity markets have rallied throughout 2021, volatility will likely remain high as investors weigh the impact of supply chain shortages and rising costs. Additionally, central banks may be forced to increase rates sooner than expected to combat rising inflation. An accelerated timeline may negatively affect markets.
Fixed income portfolios will likely remain under pressure as interest rates continue to climb. Declining returns and a lack of equity diversification may force investors to consider the future role of bonds in their portfolios. Going forward, we believe bonds will provide fewer benefits in a traditional portfolio.
These challenges will continue to produce investment opportunities across financial and commodities markets. The foundation of our investment approach is to create a multi-asset portfolio that has the potential to profit as prices rise or fall. We believe aggressive risk management and active trading will continue to be the keys to pursuing investment opportunities.
We appreciate your support and commitment to the Fund.
1672-NLD-10292021
2
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
September 30, 2021
The Fund’s performance figures* for the periods ended September 30, 2021, as compared to its benchmarks:
Inception - | |||
Annualized | September 30, 2021 ** | ||
One Year | Five Year | (Annualized) | |
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund - Class A | 9.39% | 4.67% | 5.16% |
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund - Class A with load | 3.11% | 3.43% | 4.36% |
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund - Class C | 8.60% | 3.90% | 4.40% |
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund - Class I | 9.59% | 4.94% | 5.44% |
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund - Class N | 9.37% | 4.68% | 5.19% |
Bloomberg 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index *** | 0.02% | 1.64% | 1.38% |
Bloomberg U.S. Government/Corporate Long Bond Index **** | (3.16)% | 5.22% | 7.31% |
* | The performance data quoted here represents past performance. The performance comparison includes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains and has been adjusted for the Class A maximum applicable sales charge of 5.75%. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s 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 one year are annualized. The Fund’s total annual operating expenses are 1.83% for Class A shares, 2.57% for Class C shares, 1.57% for Class I shares, and 1.82% for Class N shares per the Fund’s Prospectus dated January 28, 2021. Class A Shares are subject to a maximum deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Redemptions made within 60 days of purchase of any share class may be assessed a redemption fee of 1.00%. The Fund’s advisor has agreed to waive and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund. Absent this agreement, the performance shown would have been lower. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call toll-free 1-855-501-4758. |
** | Inception date is December 31, 2013. |
*** | The Bloomberg 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index measures the performance of U.S. Treasury securities that have a remaining maturity of at least one year and less than three years. Investors can not invest directly in an index. |
**** | The Bloomberg U.S. Government/Corporate Long Bond Index measures the performance of all medium and larger public issues of U.S. Treasury, agency, investment-grade corporate bonds with maturities longer than 10 years. Investors can not invest directly in an index. |
Comparison of the Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment
3
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)(Continued)
September 30, 2021
Portfolio Composition as of September 30, 2021
Holdings by type of investment | % of Net Assets at Value | |||
Bonds & Notes | 66.2 | % | ||
Short-Term Investment | 22.5 | % | ||
Exchange Traded Funds | 5.2 | % | ||
Other Assets Less Liabilities - Net | 6.1 | % | ||
100.0 | % |
Please refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments in this annual report for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.
Derivative exposure is included in Other Assets Less Liabilities - Net.
4
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS |
September 30, 2021 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||||||
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 5.2% | ||||||||||||
EQUITY FUNDS - 4.1% | ||||||||||||
5,782 | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | $ | 2,491,001 | |||||||||
15,058 | iShares MSCI ACWI ETF | 1,504,595 | ||||||||||
25,110 | iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF | 1,391,345 | ||||||||||
17,740 | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | 1,383,897 | ||||||||||
20,003 | iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF | 1,488,423 | ||||||||||
27,912 | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 1,406,207 | ||||||||||
10,339 | iShares Russell 1000 ETF | 2,499,040 | ||||||||||
11,594 | iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 2,536,188 | ||||||||||
31,581 | iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF | 2,470,266 | ||||||||||
19,110 | iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF | 1,956,673 | ||||||||||
19,127,635 | ||||||||||||
DEBT FUNDS - 1.1% | ||||||||||||
60,000 | Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 4,944,600 | ||||||||||
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost - $19,477,972) | 24,072,235 | |||||||||||
Coupon Rate | ||||||||||||
Par Value | (%) | Maturity | ||||||||||
BONDS & NOTES - 66.2% | ||||||||||||
BANKING - 2.2% | ||||||||||||
$ | 5,000,000 | Bank of Montreal | 2.900 | 3/26/2022 | 5,065,946 | |||||||
5,000,000 | Wells Fargo & Company | 3.500 | 3/8/2022 | 5,070,304 | ||||||||
10,136,250 | ||||||||||||
COMPUTERS - 1.1% | ||||||||||||
5,000,000 | Apple, Inc. | 2.100 | 9/12/2022 | 5,084,821 | ||||||||
ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT - 1.2% | ||||||||||||
5,600,000 | TWDC Enterprises 18 Corporation | 2.450 | 3/4/2022 | 5,653,774 | ||||||||
INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES - 2.2% | ||||||||||||
5,000,000 | The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 5.750 | 1/24/2022 | 5,084,979 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 0.481 | 1/27/2023 | 5,000,996 | ||||||||
10,085,975 | ||||||||||||
INSURANCE - 2.2% | ||||||||||||
5,000,000 | New York Life Global Funding - 144A | 2.300 | 6/10/2022 | 5,073,094 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Metropolitan Life Global Funding - 144A | 0.900 | 6/8/2023 | 5,049,351 | ||||||||
10,122,445 | ||||||||||||
MULTI-NATIONAL - 0.9% | ||||||||||||
4,000,000 | European Investment Bank | 2.875 | 12/15/2021 | 4,022,005 | ||||||||
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS - 1.1% | ||||||||||||
5,000,000 | Shell International Finance | 2.000 | 11/7/2024 | 5,196,781 | ||||||||
PHARMACEUTICALS - 1.1% | ||||||||||||
5,000,000 | Pfizer, Inc. | 2.800 | 3/11/2022 | 5,057,345 | ||||||||
SOFTWARE - 2.3% | ||||||||||||
5,000,000 | Microsoft Corp. | 2.375 | 5/1/2023 | 5,144,138 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Microsoft Corp. | 3.125 | 11/3/2025 | 5,423,512 | ||||||||
10,567,650 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
Coupon Rate | ||||||||||||
Par Value | (%) | Maturity | Fair Value | |||||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS - 49.6% | ||||||||||||
$ | 4,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corp | 1.600 | 1/21/2022 | $ | 4,018,661 | ||||||
5,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corp | 1.625 | 8/22/2022 | 5,069,435 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corp | 0.125 | 4/27/2023 | 4,992,685 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corp | 0.140 | 5/18/2023 | 4,993,679 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corp | 0.200 | 2/16/2024 | 9,944,231 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corp | 0.320 | 12/23/2024 | 9,907,623 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks | 2.625 | 12/10/2021 | 5,024,005 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks | 1.625 | 12/20/2021 | 5,017,341 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks | 2.250 | 3/11/2022 | 10,096,468 | ||||||||
12,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks | 2.000 | 9/9/2022 | 12,216,033 | ||||||||
9,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks | 0.260 | 12/22/2023 | 8,991,793 | ||||||||
7,180,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks | 0.375 | 6/24/2024 | 7,173,959 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.500 | 6/30/2026 | 9,983,172 | ||||||||
14,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.500 | 7/21/2026 | 13,953,736 | ||||||||
4,250,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.500 | 5/27/2027 | 4,243,105 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.500 | 6/30/2027 | 9,931,152 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.300 | 1/28/2028 | 9,883,137 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.400 | 2/24/2028 | 9,895,484 | ||||||||
14,750,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.300 | 2/25/2028 | 14,561,335 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.625 | 8/16/2028 | 9,974,786 | ||||||||
9,900,000 | Federal Home Loan Banks ** | 0.625 | 8/24/2028 | 9,866,783 | ||||||||
10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp | 0.700 | 8/19/2026 | 9,826,185 | ||||||||
4,000,000 | Federal National Mortgage Association | 2.000 | 1/5/2022 | 4,019,637 | ||||||||
6,000,000 | Federal National Mortgage Association | 0.550 | 8/25/2025 | 5,956,076 | ||||||||
5,000,000 | Federal National Mortgage Association | 0.750 | 1/20/2026 | 4,982,751 | ||||||||
13,000,000 | Federal National Mortgage Association | 0.850 | 6/30/2026 | 12,883,224 | ||||||||
3,486,806 | Government National Mortgage Association | 2.500 | 12/20/2049 | 3,651,835 | ||||||||
7,000,000 | United States Department of Housing and Urban Development | 2.800 | 8/1/2023 | 7,302,410 | ||||||||
228,360,721 | ||||||||||||
SUPRANATIONALS - 2.3% | ||||||||||||
10,500,000 | International Bank for Reconstruction & Development | 0.125 | 4/20/2023 | 10,481,581 | ||||||||
TOTAL BONDS & NOTES (Cost - $305,450,600) | 304,769,348 | |||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT - 22.5% | ||||||||||||
MONEY MARKET FUND - 22.5% | ||||||||||||
103,880,644 | Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Fund - Government Portfolio - Institutional Class, to yield 0.03% * | 103,880,644 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT - (Cost - $103,880,644) | ||||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 93.9% (Cost - $428,809,216) | $ | 432,722,227 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - NET - 6.1% | 28,113,940 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | $ | 460,836,167 |
* | Money Market Fund; Interest rate reflects seven-day effective yield on September 30, 2021. A portion represents positions held in GPMAS Fund Limited. |
** | STEP coupon bond |
ETF | Exchange Traded Fund |
144A | Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be resold subject to that rule, except to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2021, 144A securities amounted to $10,122,445 or 2.2% of net assets. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
LONG FUTURES CONTRACTS
Unrealized Appreciation/ | ||||||||||||||
Long Contracts | Description | Expiration | Notional Value ^ | (Depreciation) | ||||||||||
195 | CBOT 10 Year US Treasury Note | December 2021 | $ | 25,663,755 | $ | (298,890 | ) | |||||||
72 | CBOT Corn Future + | December 2021 | 1,932,300 | (35,100 | ) | |||||||||
47 | CBOT Oats Future + | December 2021 | 1,368,288 | 185,650 | ||||||||||
221 | CBOT US Long Bond Future | December 2021 | 35,187,399 | (681,406 | ) | |||||||||
13 | CBOT Wheat Future + | December 2021 | 471,575 | 662 | ||||||||||
51 | CME British Pound Currency Future | December 2021 | 4,295,156 | (127,931 | ) | |||||||||
27 | CME E-Mini NASDAQ 100 Index Future | December 2021 | 7,928,550 | (501,418 | ) | |||||||||
127 | CME E-Mini Standard & Poor’s 500 Index Future | December 2021 | 27,290,713 | (1,298,320 | ) | |||||||||
45 | CME E-Mini Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index | December 2021 | 11,849,400 | (317,335 | ) | |||||||||
2 | CME Random Length Lumber Future + | November 2021 | 138,050 | (1,793 | ) | |||||||||
76 | COMEX Gold 100 Troy Ounces Future + | December 2021 | 13,353,200 | (396,920 | ) | |||||||||
28 | Eurex DAX Index Future | December 2021 | 12,402,626 | (222,267 | ) | |||||||||
150 | FTSE 100 Index Future | December 2021 | 14,306,344 | 93,228 | ||||||||||
44 | ICE Brent Crude Oil Future + | December 2021 | 3,445,640 | 184,120 | ||||||||||
215 | ICE Gas Oil Future + | November 2021 | 14,523,250 | 1,090,625 | ||||||||||
153 | ICE US MSCI Emerging Markets EM Index Futures | December 2021 | 9,528,840 | (344,665 | ) | |||||||||
14 | LME Copper Future + | December 2021 | 3,127,688 | (214,112 | ) | |||||||||
128 | LME Nickel + | December 2021 | 57,396,800 | (1,297,800 | ) | |||||||||
71 | LME Primary Aluminum Future + | December 2021 | 5,071,619 | 449,519 | ||||||||||
121 | LME Zinc Future + | December 2021 | 9,035,675 | (170,950 | ) | |||||||||
62 | NYBOT CSC C Coffee Future + | December 2021 | 4,510,500 | 296,944 | ||||||||||
153 | NYBOT CSC Cocoa Future + | December 2021 | 4,057,560 | (5,450 | ) | |||||||||
389 | NYBOT CSC Number 11 World Sugar Future + | March 2022 | 8,861,731 | 171,573 | ||||||||||
453 | NYBOT CTN Number 2 Cotton Future + | December 2021 | 23,963,700 | 2,608,645 | ||||||||||
273 | NYBOT FINEX United States Dollar Index Future | December 2021 | 25,727,520 | 368,737 | ||||||||||
94 | NYMEX Henry Hub Natural Gas Futures + | November 2021 | 5,514,980 | 965,020 | ||||||||||
78 | NYMEX Light Sweet Crude Oil Future + | November 2021 | 5,852,340 | 109,010 | ||||||||||
37 | NYMEX NY Harbor ULSD Futures + | November 2021 | 3,634,029 | 63,172 | ||||||||||
35 | NYMEX Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygen + | November 2021 | 3,225,180 | 80,783 | ||||||||||
186 | SGX Nikkei 225 Stock Index Future | December 2021 | 24,730,540 | 208,698 | ||||||||||
23 | TSE Japanese 10 Year Bond Futures | December 2021 | 31,203,318 | (103,269 | ) | |||||||||
47 | WCE Canola Future + | November 2021 | 839,890 | 4,613 | ||||||||||
Net Unrealized Appreciation from Open Long Futures Contracts | $ | 863,373 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
SHORT FUTURES CONTRACTS
Short | Unrealized Appreciation/ | |||||||||||||
Contracts | Description | Expiration | Notional Value ^ | (Depreciation) | ||||||||||
2,298 | 3 Month Euro Euribor Future | June 2023 | $ | 668,114,223 | $ | 461,216 | ||||||||
1,679 | 3 Month Euroswiss Future | September 2022 | 452,934,931 | 196,064 | ||||||||||
4,342 | 90 Day Sterling Future | June 2023 | 725,158,109 | 2,089,247 | ||||||||||
386 | CBOT 5 Year US Treasury Note | December 2021 | 47,378,412 | 241,101 | ||||||||||
42 | CBOT Rough Rice Future + | November 2021 | 1,152,060 | (19,910 | ) | |||||||||
14 | CBOT Soybean Future + | November 2021 | 879,200 | 42,650 | ||||||||||
366 | CBOT Soybean Meal Future + | December 2021 | 12,030,420 | 107,960 | ||||||||||
33 | CBOT Soybean Oil Future + | December 2021 | 1,162,062 | (24,426 | ) | |||||||||
3,815 | CME 3 Month Eurodollar Future | June 2023 | 946,263,063 | 662,225 | ||||||||||
68 | CME Australian Dollar Currency Future | December 2021 | 4,919,120 | 99,440 | ||||||||||
272 | CME Euro Foreign Exchange Currency Future | December 2021 | 39,440,000 | 659,225 | ||||||||||
15 | CME Feeder Cattle Future + | November 2021 | 1,146,750 | 46,400 | ||||||||||
337 | CME Japanese Yen Currency Future | December 2021 | 37,832,463 | 477,787 | ||||||||||
15 | CME Lean Hogs Future + | December 2021 | 512,400 | (64,800 | ) | |||||||||
63 | CME Live Cattle Future + | December 2021 | 3,168,270 | 79,330 | ||||||||||
109 | CME Mexican Peso Currency Future | December 2021 | 2,615,455 | 21,215 | ||||||||||
81 | CME Swiss Franc Currency Future | December 2021 | 10,876,275 | 99,800 | ||||||||||
24 | COMEX Silver Future + | December 2021 | 2,645,640 | 210,510 | ||||||||||
233 | Eurex 10 Year Euro BUND Future | December 2021 | 45,857,429 | 367,139 | ||||||||||
1,605 | Eurex 2 Year Euro SCHATZ Future | December 2021 | 208,714,295 | 83,973 | ||||||||||
577 | Eurex 5 Year Euro BOBL Future | December 2021 | 90,229,652 | 243,928 | ||||||||||
29 | HKG Hang Seng Index Future | October 2021 | 4,567,938 | (89,984 | ) | |||||||||
38 | LME Copper Future + | December 2021 | 8,489,438 | 67,474 | ||||||||||
128 | LME Nickel + | December 2021 | 57,396,800 | 574,002 | ||||||||||
36 | LME Primary Aluminum Future + | December 2021 | 2,571,525 | (7,875 | ) | |||||||||
35 | LME Zinc Future + | December 2021 | 2,613,625 | (17,062 | ) | |||||||||
244 | Long Gilt Future | December 2021 | 41,174,063 | 617,227 | ||||||||||
11 | NYBOT CTN Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice A + | November 2021 | 218,625 | (1,155 | ) | |||||||||
7 | NYMEX Palladium Future + | December 2021 | 1,329,860 | 392,600 | ||||||||||
58 | NYMEX Platinum Future + | January 2022 | 2,790,960 | (87,275 | ) | |||||||||
Net Unrealized Appreciation from Open Short Futures Contracts | $ | 7,528,026 | ||||||||||||
Total Net Unrealized Appreciation from Open Futures Contracts | $ | 8,391,399 |
+ | This investment is a holding of GPMAS Fund Limited. |
^ | The amounts shown are the underlying reference notional amounts to stock exchange indices and equities upon which the fair value of the futures contracts held by the Fund are based. Notional values do not represent the current fair value of, and are not necessarily indicative of the future cash flows of the Fund’s futures contracts. Further, the underlying price changes in relation to the variables specified by the notional values affects the fair value of these derivative financial instruments. The notional values as set forth within this schedule do not purport to represent economic value at risk to the Fund. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2021 |
Assets | ||||
Investment securities: | ||||
Securities at cost | $ | 428,809,216 | ||
Securities at fair value | $ | 432,722,227 | ||
Deposit at Broker for futures contracts | 18,577,413 | |||
Net unrealized appreciation from open futures contracts | 8,391,399 | |||
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 1,520,987 | |||
Interest receivable | 662,229 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 65,216 | |||
Total Assets | 461,939,471 | |||
Liabilities | ||||
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 477,923 | |||
Investment advisory fees payable | 441,929 | |||
Payable to related parties | 96,302 | |||
Distribution (12b-1) fees payable | 19,517 | |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 67,633 | |||
Total Liabilities | 1,103,304 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 460,836,167 | ||
Net Assets Consist of: | ||||
Paid in capital ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized) | $ | 440,744,124 | ||
Accumulated earnings | 20,092,043 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 460,836,167 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
9
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
Net Asset Value Per Share: | ||||
Class A Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 18,473,679 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,581,234 | |||
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding) and redemption price per share (a) | $ | 11.68 | ||
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus maximum sales charge of 5.75%) (b) | $ | 12.39 | ||
Class C Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 13,552,614 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,207,357 | |||
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding), offering price and redemption price per share (a) | $ | 11.23 | ||
Class I Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 405,503,415 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 34,268,512 | |||
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding), offering price and redemption price per share (a) | $ | 11.83 | ||
Class N Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 23,306,459 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,991,949 | |||
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding), offering price and redemption price per share (a) | $ | 11.70 |
(a) | Redemptions made within 60 days of purchase may be assessed a redemption fee of 1.00%. |
(b) | On investments of $25,000 or more, the offering price is reduced. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
10
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
For The Year Ended September 30, 2021 |
Investment Income | ||||
Dividends | $ | 348,000 | ||
Interest | 2,130,154 | |||
Total Investment Income | 2,478,154 | |||
Expenses | ||||
Investment advisory fees | 4,595,427 | |||
Distribution (12b-1) fees: | ||||
Class A | 36,752 | |||
Class C | 123,841 | |||
Class N | 50,915 | |||
Administrative services fees | 329,638 | |||
Third party administrative servicing fees | 265,221 | |||
Transfer agent fees | 179,114 | |||
Registration fees | 161,404 | |||
Accounting services fees | 78,367 | |||
Custodian fees | 45,935 | |||
Printing and postage expenses | 41,381 | |||
Compliance officer fees | 40,834 | |||
Legal fees | 26,154 | |||
Audit and tax fees | 25,899 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses | 18,608 | |||
Insurance expense | 5,814 | |||
Other expenses | 5,074 | |||
Total Expenses | 6,030,378 | |||
Net Investment Loss | (3,552,224 | ) | ||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: | ||||
Investments | 203,006 | |||
Foreign currency transactions | 99,844 | |||
Future commissions | (504,646 | ) | ||
Futures contracts | 25,574,694 | |||
25,372,898 | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of: | ||||
Investments | 519,430 | |||
Foreign currency translations | (83,494 | ) | ||
Futures contracts | 8,978,272 | |||
9,414,208 | ||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain | 34,787,106 | |||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations | $ | 31,234,882 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
11
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
For the | For the | |||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||
From Operations | ||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (3,552,224 | ) | $ | (415,364 | ) | ||
Net realized gain from investment transactions, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions | 25,372,898 | 10,429,159 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, futures contracts, and foreign currency transactions | 9,414,208 | (1,945,894 | ) | |||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 31,234,882 | 8,067,901 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Total distributions paid | ||||||||
Class A | (190,694 | ) | (1,118,780 | ) | ||||
Class C | (145,428 | ) | (1,433,800 | ) | ||||
Class I | (5,181,020 | ) | (20,211,662 | ) | ||||
Class N | (272,426 | ) | (1,358,137 | ) | ||||
Total distributions to shareholders | (5,789,568 | ) | (24,122,379 | ) | ||||
Capital Transactions | ||||||||
Class A: | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 7,597,344 | 3,773,099 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 176,885 | 1,012,057 | ||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | 1,018 | 1,357 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (1,673,919 | ) | (1,879,753 | ) | ||||
Net increase from capital transactions | 6,101,328 | 2,906,760 | ||||||
Class C: | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 3,137,893 | 953,860 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 137,082 | 1,350,710 | ||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | 967 | 1,756 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (1,658,226 | ) | (3,118,930 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) from capital transactions | 1,617,716 | (812,604 | ) | |||||
Class I: | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 190,567,181 | 182,505,473 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 4,535,295 | 18,815,617 | ||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | 24,348 | 29,160 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (89,880,292 | ) | (77,313,006 | ) | ||||
Net increase from capital transactions | 105,246,532 | 124,037,244 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
12
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued) |
For the | For the | |||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||
Capital Transactions (Continued) | ||||||||
Class N: | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | $ | 11,573,386 | $ | 9,682,700 | ||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 265,489 | 1,315,522 | ||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | 1,476 | 1,895 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (5,944,211 | ) | (4,739,697 | ) | ||||
Net increase from capital transactions | 5,896,140 | 6,260,420 | ||||||
Total Increase in Net Assets From Capital Transactions | 118,861,716 | 132,391,820 | ||||||
Net Assets | ||||||||
Beginning of Year | 316,529,137 | 200,191,795 | ||||||
End of Year | $ | 460,836,167 | $ | 316,529,137 | ||||
SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Class A: | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 654,970 | 341,637 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 15,964 | 96,940 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (146,081 | ) | (173,712 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 524,853 | 264,865 | ||||||
Class C: | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 282,911 | 89,971 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 12,799 | 133,337 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (149,612 | ) | (296,439 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 146,098 | (73,131 | ) | |||||
Class I: | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 16,350,735 | 16,631,518 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 404,937 | 1,785,163 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (7,778,612 | ) | (7,074,512 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 8,977,060 | 11,342,169 | ||||||
Class N: | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 1,000,581 | 885,729 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 23,918 | 125,887 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (515,059 | ) | (437,304 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 509,440 | 574,312 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
13
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year Presented
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 10.85 | $ | 11.84 | $ | 10.89 | $ | 10.67 | $ | 11.23 | ||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) | (0.13 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.01 | ) | 0.01 | (0.02 | ) | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.13 | 0.42 | 1.12 | 0.40 | (0.36 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.00 | 0.39 | 1.11 | 0.41 | (0.38 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | (0.04 | ) | (1.19 | ) | — | — | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.13 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.17 | ) | (1.38 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||
Paid-in-capital from redemption fees (2) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 11.68 | $ | 10.85 | $ | 11.84 | $ | 10.89 | $ | 10.67 | ||||||||||
Total return (3) | 9.39 | % | 3.72 | % | 10.40 | % | 3.80 | % | (3.36 | )% | ||||||||||
Net assets, at end of year (000s) | $ | 18,474 | $ | 11,465 | $ | 9,371 | $ | 23,986 | $ | 33,575 | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets, including interest expense (4) | 1.74 | % | 1.78 | % (7) | 1.84 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.81 | % (5)(7) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, including interest expense | 1.74 | % | 1.79 | % (6) | 1.83 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.83 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | (1.11 | )% | (0.31 | )% | (0.12 | )% | 0.08 | % | (0.22 | )% | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 39 | % | 49 | % | 41 | % | 89 | % | 51 | % |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(2) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(3) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Had the advisor not absorbed a portion of Fund expenses for the year ended September 30, 2019, total returns would have been lower. |
(4) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers or expense recapture by the advisor. Interest expense is not included in the waiver. |
(5) | Ratios of gross expenses to average net assets, excluding interest expense are 1.80% for the year ended September 30, 2017. |
(6) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets after adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
(7) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets before adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
14
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year Presented
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 10.47 | $ | 11.47 | $ | 10.63 | $ | 10.50 | $ | 11.08 | ||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss (1) | (0.20 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.09 | 0.41 | 1.11 | 0.38 | (0.37 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.89 | 0.30 | 1.00 | 0.32 | (0.46 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | — | (1.11 | ) | — | — | (0.12 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.13 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.13 | ) | (1.30 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.12 | ) | ||||||||||
Paid-in-capital from redemption fees (2) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 11.23 | $ | 10.47 | $ | 11.47 | $ | 10.63 | $ | 10.50 | ||||||||||
Total return (3) | 8.60 | % | 2.96 | % | 9.61 | % | 3.00 | % | (4.08 | )% | ||||||||||
Net assets, at end of year (000s) | $ | 13,553 | $ | 11,109 | $ | 13,008 | $ | 14,126 | $ | 12,582 | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets, including interest expense (4) | 2.49 | % | 2.52 | % (7) | 2.59 | % | 2.53 | % | 2.56 | % (5)(7) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, including interest expense | 2.49 | % | 2.53 | % (6) | 2.58 | % | 2.53 | % | 2.58 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | (1.86 | )% | (1.04 | )% | (1.03 | )% | (0.56 | )% | (0.85 | )% | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 39 | % | 49 | % | 41 | % | 89 | % | 51 | % |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(2) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(3) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Had the advisor not absorbed a portion of Fund expenses for the year ended September 30, 2019, total returns would have been lower. |
(4) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers or expense recapture by the advisor. Interest expense is not included in the waiver. |
(5) | Ratios of gross expenses to average net assets, excluding interest expense are 2.56% for the year ended September 30, 2017. |
(6) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets after adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
(7) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets before adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
15
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year Presented
Class I | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 10.99 | $ | 11.97 | $ | 10.98 | $ | 10.73 | $ | 11.29 | ||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) | (0.10 | ) | (0.01 | ) | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.01 | |||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.14 | 0.45 | 1.07 | 0.39 | (0.37 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.04 | 0.44 | 1.15 | 0.44 | (0.36 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | (0.07 | ) | (1.23 | ) | — | — | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.13 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.20 | ) | (1.42 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||
Paid-in-capital from redemption fees (2) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 11.83 | $ | 10.99 | $ | 11.97 | $ | 10.98 | $ | 10.73 | ||||||||||
Total return (3) | 9.59 | % | 4.12 | % | 10.68 | % | 4.06 | % | (3.14 | )% | ||||||||||
Net assets, at end of year (000s) | $ | 405,503 | $ | 277,842 | $ | 167,041 | $ | 194,781 | $ | 195,509 | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets, including interest expense (4) | 1.49 | % | 1.52 | % (7) | 1.59 | % | 1.53 | % | 1.56 | % (5)(7) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, including interest expense | 1.49 | % | 1.53 | % (6) | 1.58 | % | 1.53 | % | 1.58 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | (0.86 | )% | (0.11 | )% | 0.75 | % | 0.41 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 39 | % | 49 | % | 41 | % | 89 | % | 51 | % |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(2) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(3) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Had the advisor not absorbed a portion of Fund expenses for the year ended September 30, 2019, total returns would have been lower. |
(4) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers or expense recapture by the advisor. Interest expense is not included in the waiver. |
(5) | Ratios of gross expenses to average net assets, excluding interest expense are 1.56% for the year ended September 30, 2017. |
(6) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets after adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
(7) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets before adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
16
��
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year Presented
Class N | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 10.87 | $ | 11.86 | $ | 10.90 | $ | 10.69 | $ | 11.25 | ||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) | (0.13 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.23 | 0.01 | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.13 | 0.44 | 0.89 | 0.39 | (0.35 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.00 | 0.40 | 1.12 | 0.40 | (0.38 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | (0.04 | ) | (1.20 | ) | — | — | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.13 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.17 | ) | (1.39 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||
Paid-in-capital from redemption fees (2) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 11.70 | $ | 10.87 | $ | 11.86 | $ | 10.90 | $ | 10.69 | ||||||||||
Total return (3) | 9.37 | % | 3.79 | % | 10.38 | % | 3.80 | % | (3.35 | )% | ||||||||||
Net assets, at end of year (000s) | $ | 23,306 | $ | 16,112 | $ | 10,771 | $ | 18,718 | $ | 36,619 | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets, including interest expense (4) | 1.74 | % | 1.77 | % (7) | 1.84 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.81 | % (5)(7) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, including interest expense | 1.74 | % | 1.78 | % (6) | 1.83 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.83 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | (1.11 | )% | (0.33 | )% | 2.11 | % | 0.06 | % | (0.24 | )% | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 39 | % | 49 | % | 41 | % | 89 | % | 51 | % |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(2) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(3) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Had the advisor not absorbed a portion of Fund expenses for the year ended September 30, 2019, total returns would have been lower. |
(4) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers or expense recapture by the advisor. Interest expense is not included in the waiver. |
(5) | Ratios of gross expenses to average net assets, excluding interest expense are 1.81% for the year ended September 30, 2017. |
(6) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets after adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
(7) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets before adviser recapture of waived/reimbursement fees from prior periods. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
17
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2021 |
1. | ORGANIZATION |
The Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified series of shares of beneficial interest of Northern Lights Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on January 19, 2005, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide positive absolute returns.
The Fund offers four classes of shares each: Class A, Class C, Class I, and Class N. Class C, I, and N shares are offered at net asset value. Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures and ongoing service and distribution charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. The Fund’s income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.
2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in preparation of its consolidated financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies” including FASB Accounting Standard Update ASU 2013-08. Fund level income and expenses and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative assets within the Fund. Class specific expenses are allocated to that share class.
Security 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. Futures and future options are valued at the final settled price or, in the absence of a settled price, at the last sale price 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 primary exchange 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 (“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. Investments valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. 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 “odd lots” and larger institutional -sized bond positions known as “round lots”. The Fund 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. Investments in open-end and closed-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.
The 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) advisor/sub-advisor. The committee may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of the 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 the 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) advisor/sub-advisor. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these
18
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
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 advisor, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the advisor to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an ask price is available; the spread between bid and ask 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 portfolio’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 advisor/sub-advisor 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 advisor/sub-advisor 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 portfolio’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.
The Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of all of its investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of the hierarchy are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument 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 a Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
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 September 30, 2021 for the Fund’s investments measured at fair value:
Assets * | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Exchange Traded Funds | $ | 24,072,235 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 24,072,235 | ||||||||
Bonds & Notes | — | 304,769,348 | — | 304,769,348 | ||||||||||||
Short-Term Investment | 103,880,644 | — | — | 103,880,644 | ||||||||||||
Long Futures Contracts | 863,373 | — | — | 863,373 | ||||||||||||
Short Futures Contracts | 7,528,026 | — | — | 7,528,026 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 136,344,278 | $ | 304,769,348 | $ | — | $ | 441,113,626 |
The Fund did not hold any Level 3 securities during the period.
* | Refer to the Consolidated Portfolios of Investments for security classifications. |
19
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
The Fund’s policy is to recognize a net asset or liability equal to the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for futures contracts. The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements or other similar agreements as of September 30, 2021:
Assets: | ||||||||||||
Gross Amounts of Liabilities | Net Amounts of Assets Presented in | |||||||||||
Gross Amounts of | Offset in the Consolidated | the Consolidated Statement of | ||||||||||
Description | Recognized Assets | Statement of Assets & Liabilities | Assets & Liabilities (1) | |||||||||
Futures Contracts | $ | 14,721,512 | $ | (6,330,113 | ) | $ | 8,391,399 | |||||
Total | $ | 14,721,512 | $ | (6,330,113 | ) | $ | 8,391,399 |
(1) | The amount is limited to the derivative balance and accordingly, does not include excess collateral pledged. Total collateral held for the futures contract as of September 30, 2021 was $18,577,413. |
Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the year ended September 30, 2021:
Derivative Investment Type | Asset/Liability Derivatives | |
Equity/Currency/Commodity/Interest Rate Contracts | Net unrealized appreciation from open futures contracts |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative contracts by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2021:
Equity | Currency | Commodity | Interest Rate | Total for the year ended | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Contracts | Contracts | Contracts | Contracts | September 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Futures | $ | (2,472,063 | ) | $ | 1,598,273 | $ | 5,386,634 | $ | 3,878,555 | $ | 8,391,399 |
Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statement of Operations
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2021:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives | |
Equity/Currency/Commodity/Interest Rate Contracts | Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts |
The following is a summary of the Fund’s net realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2021:
Net realized gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | Currency | Commodity | Interest Rate | Total for the year ended | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Contracts | Contracts | Contracts | Contracts | September 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Futures | $ | 19,322,747 | $ | (790,104 | ) | $ | 17,641,778 | $ | (10,599,727 | ) | $ | 25,574,694 |
20
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | Currency | Commodity | Interest Rate | Total for the year ended | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Contracts | Contracts | Contracts | Contracts | September 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Futures | $ | (2,369,608 | ) | $ | 1,953,387 | $ | 5,931,418 | $ | 3,463,075 | $ | 8,978,272 |
Consolidation of Subsidiary – The consolidated financial statements of the Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund include GPMAS Fund Limited (“GPMAS”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in a controlled foreign corporation, which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. GPMAS commenced operations on December 31, 2013.
A summary of the Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund’s investments in GPMAS is as follows:
GPMAS Fund Limited (GPMAS) | |||||
September 30, 2021 | |||||
Fair Value of GPMAS | $ | 38,193,165 | |||
Other Assets | $ | — | |||
Total Net Assets | $ | 38,193,165 | |||
For tax purposes, GPMAS is an exempted Cayman investment company. GPMAS received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, GPMAS is a controlled foreign corporation which generates and is allocated no income which is considered effectively connected with U.S. trade of business and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax. However, as a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation, GPMAS’s net income and capital gain, to the extent of its earnings and profits, will be included each year in the Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund’s investment company taxable income.
Management Risk – The Adviser’s judgements regarding the attractiveness of investing in certain securities and derivatives may prove incorrect and may result in significant losses to the Fund.
Market and Geopolitical Risk – The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your investment. Therefore, the Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. In times of severe market disruptions you could lose your entire investment.
Credit Risk – Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer to meet interest and principal payments, or both, as they come due. In general, lower-grade, higher-yield bonds are subject to credit risk to a greater extent than lower-yield, higher-quality bonds.
Counterparty Risk – Counterparty risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Fund by failing to discharge an obligation. A concentration of counterparty risk exists in that the part of a Fund’s cash is held at the broker. The Fund could be unable to recover assets held at the prime broker, including assets directly traceable to the Fund, in the event of the broker’s bankruptcy. The Fund does not anticipate any material losses as a result of this concentration.
21
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
Exchange Traded Funds – The Fund may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are a type of fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and represents a fixed portfolio of securities. 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. Additionally, ETFs have fees and expenses that reduce their value.
Futures Contracts – The Fund is subject to equity price risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts to hedge against market risk and to reduce return volatility. Initial margin deposits required upon entering into futures contracts as presented in deposit at broker for futures contracts in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities are satisfied by the segregation of specific securities or cash as collateral for the account of the broker (the Fund’s agent in acquiring the futures position). During the period the futures contracts are open, changes in the value of the contracts are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by “marking to market” on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the contracts at the end of each day’s trading. Variation margin payments are received or made depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from, or cost of, the closing transaction and the Fund’s basis in the contract. If the Fund was unable to liquidate a futures contract and/or enter into an offsetting closing transaction, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the value of the contracts and continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts. The Fund segregates liquid securities having a value at least equal to the amount of the current obligation under any open futures contract. Risks may exceed amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. With futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund because futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The derivative instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2021 as disclosed in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments and the amounts of net realized gain and losses and changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on derivative instruments during the period as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations serve as indicators of the volume of derivative activity for the Fund.
Security Transactions and Related Income – Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized on securities purchased to the earlier of the call date or the maturity of the respective securities. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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. The difference between the cost and fair value of open investments is reflected as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and any change in that amount from the prior period is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually for the Fund. 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 (i.e., deferred losses, capital loss carry forwards) 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. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Federal Income Taxes – The Fund intends to continue to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for Federal income tax is required. The Fund recognizes 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 reviewed the tax positions taken by the Fund on returns filed for open tax years 2018 to 2020 or expected to be taken in the Fund’s September 30, 2021 year-end tax return. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, Ohio (Nebraska in prior years) and foreign jurisdictions where the Fund makes significant investments; however the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the period, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Generally, tax authorities can examine tax returns filed for the last three years.
Expenses – Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses, which are not readily identifiable to a specific fund, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable (as determined by the Board), taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the funds in the Trust.
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 Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities appears to be remote.
22
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
3. | INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS |
For the year ended September 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from the sale and/or maturity of securities, other than short-term securities and U.S. Government securities, amounted to $213,313,821 and $109,529,985 respectively.
4. | AGGREGATE TAX UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION |
At September 30, 2021 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 | ||||||||||||
Tax Cost | Appreciation | Depreciation | Appreciation | |||||||||||
$ | 437,826,643 | $ | 5,542,859 | $ | (2,255,876 | ) | $ | 3,286,983 |
5. | INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES |
Dearborn Capital Management, LLC, serves as the Fund’s investment advisor (the “Advisor”). EMC Capital Advisors, LLC serves as the sub-advisor for the Fund and is paid by the Advisor, not the Fund.
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Advisor, under the oversight of the Board, directs the daily operations of the Fund and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. As compensation for its services and the related expenses borne by the Advisor, the Fund pays the Advisor a management fee, computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 1.18%, of the applicable Fund’s average daily net assets.
Pursuant to an operating expenses limitation agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, effective January 28, 2016 the Advisor has agreed, at least until January 31, 2022, to waive a portion of its advisory fee and has agreed to reimburse the Fund for other expenses to the extent necessary so that the total expenses incurred by the Fund (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example options and swap fees and expenses), borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers, other than the Advisor)) do not exceed 1.83%, 2.58%, 1.58%, and 1.83% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for Class A, Class C, Class I, and Class N shares, respectively (the “Expense Limitation”). For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Advisor earned $4,595,427 in management fees for the Fund.
With respect to the Fund, if the Advisor waives any applicable fees or reimburses any expense pursuant to the operating expenses limitation agreement, and the Fund’s operating expenses are subsequently less than the Expense Limitation, the Advisor shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for such waived fees or reimbursed expenses. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the end of the fiscal year during which the fees were waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits at the time of waiver or reimbursement or the then-current expense limits at the time of recoupment. For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Advisor recaptured $0 of previously waived expenses.
The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plans for Class A, Class C and Class N shares of the Fund (the “Plan”). The Plan provides that a monthly service fee is calculated at an annual rate of 0.25%, 1.00% and 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Class A, Class C and Class N shares, of the Fund, respectively. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund may compensate the securities dealers or other financial intermediaries, financial institutions, investment advisors, and others for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s 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 year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund incurred $211,508 in fees, pursuant to the Plan.
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s Class A, Class C, Class I and Class N shares. On sales of Class A shares for the year ended September 30, 2021, the Distributor received $90,949 from front-end sales charges of which $13,684 was retained by the principal underwriter or other affiliated broker-dealer.
23
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
In addition, certain affiliates of the Distributor provide services to the Fund as follows:
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“UFS”)
UFS, an affiliate of the Distributor, provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agent services to the Trust. Pursuant to separate servicing agreements with UFS, the Fund pays UFS customary fees for providing administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Fund. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of UFS, and are not paid any fees directly by the Fund for serving in such capacities.
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”)
NLCS, an affiliate of UFS 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 Fund.
Blu Giant, LLC (“Blu Giant”)
Blu Giant, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Fund on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, Blu Giant receives customary fees from the Fund.
6. | REDEMPTION FEE PROCEEDS |
The Fund may assess a short-term redemption fee of 1.00% of the total redemption amount if a shareholder sells its shares after holding them for less than 60 days. The redemption fee is paid directly to the Fund. For the year ended September 30, 2021 the redemption fees assessed for the Fund was $27,809.
7. | CONTROL OWNERSHIP |
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a portfolio creates presumption of the control of the portfolio, under section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of September 30, 2021, Charles Schwab & Co. held 33.52% of the voting securities of the Fund and may be deemed to control the Fund.
8. | TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 was as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||
September 30, 2021 | September 29, 2020 | |||||||
Ordinary Income | $ | 1,862,224 | $ | 20,812,614 | ||||
Long-Term Capital Gain | 3,927,344 | 3,309,765 | ||||||
Return of Capital | — | — | ||||||
$ | 5,789,568 | $ | 24,122,379 |
As of September 30, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings/ (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed | Undistributed | Post October Loss | Capital Loss | Other | Unrealized | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | and | Carry | Book/Tax | Appreciation/ | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income | Gains | Late Year Loss | Forwards | Differences | (Depreciation) | Earnings/(Deficits) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 24,564,015 | $ | 4,222,403 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (11,905,656 | ) | $ | 3,211,281 | $ | 20,092,043 |
The difference between book basis and tax basis accumulated net investment income, accumulated net realized gain, and unrealized appreciation from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the mark-to-market on futures contracts, and adjustments for the Grant Park Multi Alternative Fund’s wholly owned subsidiary. Other book/tax differences include unrealized losses from in kind liquidation proceeds received from a substantially held affiliate.
Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the adjustments for in kind liquidation proceeds received from a substantially held affiliate resulted in reclassifications for the following Funds for the year ended September 30, 2021 as follows:
Paid | ||||||
In | Accumulated | |||||
Capital | Losses | |||||
$ | 147,195 | $ | (147,195 | ) |
24
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
9. | RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTING UPDATES |
In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivative by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a Fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and require funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f -4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, and could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.
10. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Subsequent events after the date of the Statement 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.
25
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Fund Trust
and the Shareholders of Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund (the Fund), a series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust, including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of September 30, 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements), and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of September 30, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of September 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ RSM US LLP
We have served as the auditor of one or more Dearborn Capital Management, LLC advised investment companies since 2003.
Denver, Colorado
November 29, 2021
26
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
EXPENSE EXAMPLES (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2021 |
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchases of Class A shares and deferred sales charges on certain sales of class A shares; (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
Actual Expenses
The “Actual Expenses” columns in the tables below provide 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” columns in the tables below provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account 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 tables 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 tables are 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.
Hypothetical | ||||||||||||
Actual | (5% return before expenses) | |||||||||||
Consolidated | ||||||||||||
Expenses | Ending | Expenses | ||||||||||
Fund’s | Beginning | Ending | Paid During | Account | Paid During | |||||||
Annualized | Account Value | Account Value | Period * | Value | Period * | |||||||
Expense Ratio | 4/1/21 | 9/30/21 | 4/1/21– 9/30/21 | 9/30/21 | 4/1/21– 9/30/21 | |||||||
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund: | ||||||||||||
Class A | 1.74% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.40 | $8.80 | $1,016.26 | $8.80 | ||||||
Class C | 2.48% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.50 | $12.57 | $1,012.58 | $12.57 | ||||||
Class I | 1.49% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.90 | $7.54 | $1,017.60 | $7.54 | ||||||
Class N | 1.74% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.40 | $8.80 | $1,016.34 | $8.80 |
* | 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 (183) divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (365). |
27
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2021 |
The Trustees and the executive officers of the Trust are listed below with their present positions with the Trust and principal occupations over at least the last five years. The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. All correspondence to the Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 541150, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.
Independent Trustees
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position/Term of Office* | Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years |
Mark Garbin Born in 1951 | Trustee Since 2013 | Managing Principal, Coherent Capital Management LLC (since 2007). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2013); Two Roads Shared Trust (since 2012); Forethought Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2013); OHA Mortgage Strategies Fund (offshore), Ltd. (2014 - 2017); and Altegris KKR Commitments Master Fund (since 2014); Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund (since March 2018) and Independent Director OHA CLO Enhanced Equity II Genpar LLP (since June 2021). |
Mark D. Gersten Born in 1950 | Trustee Since 2013 | Independent Consultant (since 2012). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2013); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2013); Two Roads Shared Trust (since 2012); Altegris KKR Commitments Master Fund (since 2014); previously, Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund (2015- 2017); and Schroder Global Series Trust (2012 to 2017). |
Anthony J. Hertl Born in 1950 | Trustee Since 2005; Chairman of the Board since 2013 | Retired, previously held several positions in a major Wall Street firm including Capital Markets Controller, Director of Global Taxation, and CFO of the Specialty Finance Group. | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2005); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2006); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2010); Satuit Capital Management Trust (2007-2019). |
Gary W. Lanzen Born in 1954 | Trustee Since 2005 | Retired (since 2012). Formerly, Founder, President, and Chief Investment Officer, Orizon Investment Counsel, Inc. (2000-2012). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2005) Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2006); AdvisorOne Funds (since 2003); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2010); and previously, CLA Strategic Allocation Fund (2014-2015). |
John V. Palancia Born in 1954 | Trustee Since 2011 | Retired (since 2011). Formerly, Director of Futures Operations, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. (1975-2011). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2011); Northern Lights Fund Trust III (since February 2012); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2012) and Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2011). |
Mark H. Taylor Born in 1964 | Trustee Since 2007; Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2013 | Director, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy Muma College of Business, University of South Florida, Tampa FL (since 2019); Chair, Department of Accountancy and Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University (2009-2019); Vice President-Finance, American Accounting Association (2017-2020); President, Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association (2012-15). AICPA Auditing Standards Board Member (2009-2012). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2007); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2010); Northern Lights Fund Trust III (since 2012); and Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2007). |
9/30/21 – NLFT_v2
28
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued) |
September 30, 2021 |
Officers
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position/Term of Office* | Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years |
Kevin E. Wolf Born in 1969 | President Since June 2017 | Vice President, The Ultimus Group, LLC and Executive Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2019); President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012-2019) Treasurer of the Trust (2006-June 2017); Director of Fund Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006-2012); and Vice-President, Blu Giant, LLC, (2004-2013). | N/A | N/A |
Richard Malinowski Born in 1983 | Vice President Since March 2018 | Senior Vice President (since 2017); Vice President and Counsel (2016-2017) and Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012-2016). | N/A | N/A |
James Colantino Born in 1969 | Treasurer Since June 2017 | Assistant Treasurer of the Trust (2006-June 2017); Senior Vice President - Fund Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012). | N/A | N/A |
Stephanie Shearer Born in 1979 | Secretary Since February 2017 | Assistant Secretary of the Trust (2012-February 2017); Manager of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2018); Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (from 2013 - 2018); Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2010-2013). | N/A | N/A |
Michael J. Nanosky Born in 1966 | Chief Compliance Officer Since January 2021 | Chief Compliance Officer, of the Trust (since January 2021); Vice President-Senior Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions (since 2020); Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer for Williamsburg Investment Trust (2020-current); Senior Vice President- Chief Compliance Officer, PNC Funds (2014-2019). | N/A | N/A |
* | The term of office for each Trustee and officer listed above will continue indefinitely until the individual resigns or is removed. |
** | As of September 30, 2021, the Trust was comprised of 69 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds in the Trust advised by the Fund’s Adviser. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust that is not advised by the Fund’s Adviser. |
The Funds’ SAI includes additional information about the Trustees and is available free of charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at 1-855-501-4758.
9/30/21 – NLFT_v2
29
Grant Park Multi Alternative Strategies Fund |
Additional Information (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2021 |
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
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 year ended September 30, 2021, 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.
30
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 |
31
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust
Page 2 |
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 its 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. |
32
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve month 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 1-855 -501-4758 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
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 |
Dearborn Capital Management, LLC |
566 W Adams St., Suite 300 |
Chicago, IL 60661 |
ADMINISTRATOR |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100 |
Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 |
GRANTPARK-A21
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.
(b) For purposes of this item, “code of ethics” means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) | Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
(2) | Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant; |
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;
(4) | The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and |
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c) Amendments: During the period covered by the report, there have not been any amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics.
(d) Waivers: During the period covered by the report, the registrant has not granted any express or implicit waivers from the provisions of the code of ethics.
(e) The Code of Ethics is not posted on Registrant’ website.
(f) A copy of the Code of Ethics is attached as an exhibit.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a) The Registrant’s board of trustees has determined that Mark Gersten, Anthony J. Hertl, and Mark H. Taylor are audit committee financial experts, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Gersten, Mr. Hertl and Mr. Taylor are independent for purposes of this Item 3
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) | Audit Fees |
2021 - $19,250
2020 - $19,250
(b) | Audit-Related Fees |
2021 - None
2020 - None
(c) | Tax Fees |
2021 - $6,200
2020 - $6,200
Preparation of Federal & State income tax returns, assistance with calculation of required income, capital gain and excise distributions and preparation of Federal excise tax returns.
(d) | All Other Fees |
2021 - None
2020 – None
(e) | (1) Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies |
The registrant’s Audit Committee is required to pre-approve all audit services and, when appropriate, any non-audit services (including audit-related, tax and all other services) to the registrant. The registrant’s Audit Committee also is required to pre-approve, when appropriate, any non-audit services (including audit-related, tax and all other services) to its adviser, or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, to the extent that the services may be determined to have an impact on the operations or financial reporting of the registrant. Services are reviewed on an engagement by engagement basis by the Audit Committee.
(2) | Percentages of Services Approved by the Audit Committee |
2021 2020
Audit-Related Fees: 0.00% 0.00%
Tax Fees: 0.00% 0.00%
All Other Fees: 0.00% 0.00%
(f) | During the audit of registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees. |
(g) | The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant: |
2021 - None
2020 - None
(h) The registrant's audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
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) Code of Ethics filed herewith.
(a)(3) Not applicable for open-end investment companies.
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 12/8/2021
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 12/8/2021
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ James Colantino
James Colantino, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer
Date 12/8/2021