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, Ohio 45246
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2669
Date of fiscal year end: 09/30
Date of reporting period: 03/31/24
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
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Princeton Premium Fund |
Class A Shares: PPFAX |
Class I Shares: PPFIX |
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Semi-Annual Report |
March 31, 2024 |
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www.PrincetonPremiumFund.com |
1-888-868-9501 |
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Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Member FINRA/SIPC |
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Princeton Premium Fund |
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2024 |
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The Fund’s performance figures* for the period ended March 31, 2024, as compared to its benchmark:
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| | | Annualized | Annualized | Annualized Inception** - |
| Six Months | One Year | Three Year | Five Year | March 31, 2024 |
Princeton Premium Fund Class A | 3.35% | 7.32% | 6.03% | 6.63% | 5.30% |
Princeton Premium Fund Class A with load | (2.63)% | 1.16% | 3.95% | 5.38% | 4.46% |
Princeton Premium Fund Class I | 3.50% | 7.53% | 6.27% | 6.90% | 5.57% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index | 23.48% | 29.88% | 11.49% | 15.05% | 14.72% |
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| * | 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 investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns are calculated with the traded NAV on March 28, 2024. 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 return would have been lower had the advisor not waived fees or reimbursed expenses. The Fund’s total annual operating expenses before any fee waiver are 3.12% for Class A shares and 2.84% for Class I shares per the January 29, 2024 prospectus. After fee waivers, the Fund’s total annual operating expenses are 3.03% for Class A and 2.75% for Class I shares per the January 29, 2024 prospectus. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call toll-free 1-888-868-9501. |
The S&P 500 Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses.
Investors may not invest in the index directly.
| ** | Inception date for the fund is November 16, 2016. |
Holdings by Asset Class as of March 31, 2024 | | % of Net Assets | |
U.S. Government & Agencies | | | 95.0 | % |
Money Market Fund | | | 3.9 | % |
Put Options Purchased | | | 0.2 | % |
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities *** | | | 0.9 | % |
| | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | |
| *** | Includes derivative exposure. |
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments in this Semi-Annual Report for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.
PRINCETON PREMIUM FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2024 |
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Principal | | | | | | | | | | |
Amount ($) | | | | | Yield Rate (%) | | Maturity | | Fair Value | |
| | | | U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 95.0% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | U.S. TREASURY BILLS — 95.0% | | | | | | | | |
| 27,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2848 | | 04/04/24 | | $ | 26,988,331 | |
| 25,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2889 | | 04/11/24 | | | 24,963,653 | |
| 26,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2869 | | 04/18/24 | | | 25,935,434 | |
| 26,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2985 | | 04/25/24 | | | 25,908,968 | |
| 19,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2916 | | 05/02/24 | | | 18,913,703 | |
| 25,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2668 | | 05/09/24 | | | 24,861,089 | |
| 30,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2669 | | 05/16/24 | | | 29,804,105 | |
| 26,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2725 | | 05/23/24 | | | 25,803,284 | |
| 25,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2717 | | 05/30/24 | | | 24,784,589 | |
| 27,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2489 | | 06/06/24 | | | 26,741,981 | |
| 43,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2619 | | 06/13/24 | | | 42,545,673 | |
| 23,000,000 | | | United States Treasury Bill(a)(d) | | 5.2496 | | 06/20/24 | | | 22,733,634 | |
| | | | TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES (Cost $319,982,735) | | | | | 319,984,444 | |
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Shares | | | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT — 3.9% | | | | |
| | | | MONEY MARKET FUND - 3.9% | | | | |
| 13,170,114 | | | Dreyfus Government Cash Management, Class I, 5.19% (Cost $13,170,114)(b) | | | 13,170,114 | |
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Contracts(c) | | | | | Broker | | Expiration Date | | Exercise Price | | | Notional Value | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | INDEX OPTIONS PURCHASED - 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED - 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1,943 | | | S&P 500 Index | | IB | | 04/05/2024 | | $ | 4,800 | | | $ | 1,031,441,550 | | | $ | 92,293 | |
| 8,412 | | | S&P 500 Index | | IB | | 04/05/2024 | | | 4,855 | | | | 4,465,510,200 | | | | 420,600 | |
| 4,207 | | | S&P 500 Index | | IB | | 04/05/2024 | | | 4,865 | | | | 2,233,285,950 | | | | 220,867 | |
| | | | TOTAL PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED (Cost - $797,603) | | | | | | | | | | 733,760 | |
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| | | | TOTAL INDEX OPTIONS PURCHASED (Cost - $797,603) | | | | | | | | | | | 733,760 | |
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| | | | TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.1% (Cost $333,950,452) | | | | | | | | | $ | 333,888,318 | |
| | | | PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN - (0.3)% (Proceeds - $1,071,395) | | | | | | | | | | (974,022 | ) |
| | | | OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 1.2% | | | | | | | | | 3,870,680 | |
| | | | NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | | | | | | | | $ | 336,784,976 | |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements.
PRINCETON PREMIUM FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
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Contracts(c) | | | | | Broker | | Expiration Date | | Exercise Price | | | Notional Value | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | WRITTEN INDEX OPTIONS - (0.3)% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN - (0.3)% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1,943 | | | S&P 500 Index | | IB | | 04/05/2024 | | $ | 4,900 | | | $ | 1,031,441,550 | | | $ | 111,722 | |
| 8,412 | | | S&P 500 Index | | IB | | 04/05/2024 | | | 4,955 | | | | 4,465,510,200 | | | | 567,810 | |
| 4,207 | | | S&P 500 Index | | IB | | 04/05/2024 | | | 4,965 | | | | 2,233,285,950 | | | | 294,490 | |
| | | | TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (Proceeds - $1,071,395) | | | | | | | | | | 974,022 | |
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| | | | TOTAL INDEX OPTIONS WRITTEN (Proceeds - $1,071,395) | | | | | | | | | $ | 974,022 | |
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IB | Interactive Brokers |
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(a) | Zero coupon bond. |
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(b) | Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of March 31, 2024. |
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(c) | Each option contract allows the holder of the option to purchase or sell 100 shares of the underlying security. |
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(d) | All or a portion of these investments are segregated as collateral for option contracts. The amount of pledged securities collateral amounted to $310,088,340. |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Princeton Premium Fund |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2024 |
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ASSETS | | | | |
Investment securities: | | | | |
At cost | | $ | 333,950,452 | |
At fair value | | $ | 333,888,318 | |
Due from broker | | | 4,362,525 | |
Receivable for fund shares sold | | | 405,289 | |
Receivable for securities sold | | | 905,238 | |
Interest receivable | | | 102,619 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 35,187 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | | 339,699,176 | |
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LIABILITIES | | | | |
Options written, at fair value (proceeds $1,071,395) | | | 974,022 | |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | | | 640,653 | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | 667,926 | |
Investment advisory fees payable | | | 474,341 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 91,466 | |
Payable to related parties | | | 60,830 | |
Distribution (12b-1) fees payable | | | 4,962 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES | | | 2,914,200 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 336,784,976 | |
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Net Assets Consist Of: | | | | |
Paid in capital | | $ | 334,721,274 | |
Accumulated earnings | | | 2,063,702 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 336,784,976 | |
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Net Asset Value Per Share: | | | | |
Class A Shares: | | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 23,468,375 | |
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized) | | | 1,976,352 | |
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding), offering price and redemption price per share | | $ | 11.87 | (b) |
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus maximum sales charge of 5.75%) (a) | | $ | 12.60 | |
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Class I Shares: | | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 313,316,601 | |
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized) | | | 25,896,596 | |
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding), offering price and redemption price per share | | $ | 12.10 | |
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| (a) | On investments of $25,000 or more, the offering price is reduced. |
| (b) | The NAV and offering price shown above differs from the traded NAV on March 28, 2024 due to financial statement rounding and/or financial statement adjustments. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Princeton Premium Fund |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
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INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 8,324,651 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 8,324,651 | |
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EXPENSES | | | | |
Investment advisory fees | | | 2,813,356 | |
Distribution (12b-1) fees: | | | | |
Class A | | | 27,985 | |
Broker fees | | | 1,244,784 | |
Third Party Administrative Servicing fees | | | 118,419 | |
Administrative services fees | | | 114,846 | |
Registration fees | | | 40,192 | |
Accounting services fees | | | 35,907 | |
Transfer agent fees | | | 27,127 | |
Custodian fees | | | 16,706 | |
Printing and postage expenses | | | 16,702 | |
Compliance officer fees | | | 13,371 | |
Audit and tax fees | | | 11,995 | |
Legal fees | | | 10,951 | |
Trustees fees and expenses | | | 10,083 | |
Insurance expense | | | 3,049 | |
Other expenses | | | 11,394 | |
TOTAL EXPENSES | | | 4,516,867 | |
Less: Fees waived by the advisor | | | (106,761 | ) |
NET EXPENSES | | | 4,410,106 | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 3,914,545 | |
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REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) from: | | | | |
Investments | | | (22,371,490 | ) |
Options Written | | | 29,368,736 | |
| | | 6,997,246 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | | | |
Investments | | | (129,541 | ) |
Options Written | | | 139,929 | |
| | | 10,388 | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS | | | 7,007,634 | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 10,922,179 | |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Princeton Premium Fund |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
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| | Six Months Ended | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 | | | Year Ended | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | September 30, 2023 | |
FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 3,914,545 | | | $ | 4,800,194 | |
Net realized gain from investments and options written | | | 6,997,246 | | | | 16,655,266 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and options written | | | 10,388 | | | | (163,871 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 10,922,179 | | | | 21,291,589 | |
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DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,060,925 | ) | | | (935,012 | ) |
Class I | | | (14,118,057 | ) | | | (14,293,602 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders | | | (15,178,982 | ) | | | (15,228,614 | ) |
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FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | 4,835,104 | | | | 2,529,119 | |
Class I | | | 72,522,459 | | | | 115,646,482 | |
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | 1,043,637 | | | | 917,002 | |
Class I | | | 13,038,791 | | | | 13,209,246 | |
Payments for shares redeemed: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,754,994 | ) | | | (2,880,325 | ) |
Class I | | | (53,920,205 | ) | | | (143,639,872 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | | | 35,764,792 | | | | (14,218,348 | ) |
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TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | | | 31,507,989 | | | | (8,155,373 | ) |
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NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of Period | | | 305,276,987 | | | | 313,432,360 | |
End of Period | | $ | 336,784,976 | | | $ | 305,276,987 | |
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SHARE ACTIVITY | | | | | | | | |
Class A: | | | | | | | | |
Shares Sold | | | 401,114 | | | | 212,786 | |
Shares Reinvested | | | 88,450 | | | | 77,395 | |
Shares Redeemed | | | (147,334 | ) | | | (241,196 | ) |
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | | | 342,230 | | | | 48,985 | |
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Class I: | | | | | | | | |
Shares Sold | | | 5,952,029 | | | | 9,533,180 | |
Shares Reinvested | | | 1,085,463 | | | | 1,096,257 | |
Shares Redeemed | | | (4,434,070 | ) | | | (11,858,310 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | | | 2,603,422 | | | | (1,228,873 | ) |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Princeton Premium Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
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Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period |
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| | Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | |
Class A | | (Unaudited) | | | September 30, 2023 | | | September 30, 2022 | | | September 30, 2021 | | | September 30, 2020 | | | September 30, 2019 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.04 | | | $ | 11.82 | | | $ | 12.44 | | | $ | 10.65 | | | $ | 10.66 | | | $ | 10.53 | |
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Activity from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (1) | | | 0.13 | | | | 0.16 | | | | (0.18 | ) | | | (0.28 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (0.09 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and options written | | | 0.26 | | | | 0.64 | | | | 0.42 | | | | 2.12 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 0.31 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 0.39 | | | | 0.80 | | | | 0.24 | | | | 1.84 | | | | 0.02 | | | | 0.22 | |
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Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.18 | ) | | | (0.35 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (0.38 | ) | | | (0.23 | ) | | | (0.86 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.09 | ) |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.00 | )(10) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.56 | ) | | | (0.58 | ) | | | (0.86 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.09 | ) |
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Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 11.87 | | | $ | 12.04 | | | $ | 11.82 | | | $ | 12.44 | | | $ | 10.65 | | | $ | 10.66 | |
Total return (2) | | | 3.35 | % | | | 6.90 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 17.34 | % | | | 0.14 | % | | | 2.20 | % |
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | | $ | 23,468 | | | $ | 19,682 | | | $ | 18,742 | | | $ | 3,606 | | | $ | 3,724 | | | $ | 8,229 | |
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Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (3) | | | 3.03 | % (9) | | | 3.09 | % (8) | | | 2.55 | % (7) | | | 2.83 | % (6) | | | 2.95 | % (5) | | | 3.46 | % (4) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | | | 2.96 | % (9) | | | 3.00 | % (8) | | | 2.45 | % (7) | | | 2.44 | % (6) | | | 2.52 | % (5) | | | 3.00 | % (4) |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | 2.21 | % (9) | | | 1.32 | % (8) | | | (1.50 | )% (7) | | | (2.42 | )% (6) | | | (1.56 | )% (5) | | | (0.91 | )% (4) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
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| (1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
| (2) | Total returns shown assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Had the Advisor not waived a portion of its fees, total returns would have been lower. |
| (3) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Advisor. |
| (4) | Includes 0.80% for the year ended September 30, 2019 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (5) | Includes 0.32% for the year ended September 30, 2020 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (6) | Includes 0.24% for the year ended September 30, 2021 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (7) | Includes 0.25% for the year ended September 30, 2022 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (8) | Includes 0.80% for the year ended September 30, 2023 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (9) | Includes 0.76% for the six months ended March 31, 2024 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Princeton Premium Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
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Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period |
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| | Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | |
Class I | | (Unaudited) | | | September 30, 2023 | | | September 30, 2022 | | | September 30, 2021 | | | September 30, 2020 | | | September 30, 2019 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.26 | | | $ | 12.02 | | | $ | 12.59 | | | $ | 10.75 | | | $ | 10.74 | | | $ | 10.58 | |
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Activity from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (1) | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.19 | | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (0.26 | ) | | | (0.14 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and options written | | | 0.27 | | | | 0.65 | | | | 0.44 | | | | 2.15 | | | | 0.18 | | | | 0.31 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 0.42 | | | | 0.84 | | | | 0.29 | | | | 1.89 | | | | 0.04 | | | | 0.25 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.20 | ) | | | (0.37 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (0.38 | ) | | | (0.23 | ) | | | (0.86 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.09 | ) |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.00 | )(10) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.58 | ) | | | (0.60 | ) | | | (0.86 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.09 | ) |
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Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 12.10 | | | $ | 12.26 | | | $ | 12.02 | | | $ | 12.59 | | | $ | 10.75 | | | $ | 10.74 | |
Total return (2) | | | 3.50 | % | | | 7.14 | % | | | 2.31 | % | | | 17.64 | % | | | 0.33 | % | | | 2.48 | % |
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | | $ | 313,317 | | | $ | 285,595 | | | $ | 294,691 | | | $ | 68,434 | | | $ | 30,181 | | | $ | 39,722 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (3) | | | 2.80 | % (9) | | | 2.81 | % (8) | | | 2.29 | % (7) | | | 2.58 | % (6) | | | 2.70 | % (5) | | | 3.21 | % (4) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | | | 2.73 | % (9) | | | 2.72 | % (8) | | | 2.19 | % (7) | | | 2.19 | % (6) | | | 2.27 | % (5) | | | 2.75 | % (4) |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | 2.45 | % (9) | | | 1.56 | % (8) | | | (1.27 | )% (7) | | | (2.17 | )% (6) | | | (1.31 | )% (5) | | | (0.57 | )% (4) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
| (2) | Total returns shown assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Had the Advisor not waived a portion of its fees, total returns would have been lower. |
| (3) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Advisor. |
| (4) | Includes 0.80% for the year ended September 30, 2019 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (5) | Includes 0.32% for the year ended September 30, 2020 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (6) | Includes 0.24% for the year ended September 30, 2021 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (7) | Includes 0.24% for the year ended September 30, 2022 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (8) | Includes 0.77% for the year ended September 30, 2023 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
| (9) | Includes 0.78% for the six months ended March 31, 2024 attributed to margin expense on short sales, which are not subject to waiver by the Advisor. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
The Princeton Premium Fund (the “Fund”) is a non-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 investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation and income. The Fund commenced operations on November 16, 2016.
The Fund currently offers Class A and Class I shares. Class I shares are offered at net asset value (“NAV”). Class A shares are offered at NAV plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%, which may be waived at Princeton Fund Advisors, LLC, (the “Advisor”) discretion. Class C shares are not available for purchase. 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 financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of the 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 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.
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 (“NOCP”). In the absence of a sale, such securities shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the primary exchange on the day of valuation. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued each day by an independent pricing service approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) using methods which include current market quotations from a major market maker in the securities and based on methods which include the consideration of yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type. Short-term debt obligations having 60 days or less remaining until maturity, at time of purchase, may be at amortized cost.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
The Fund may hold investments, 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 the Advisor as its valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”). The Board may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist the Valuation Designee in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving fair value methodologies utilized by the Valuation Designee, which approval shall be based upon whether the Valuation Designee followed the valuation procedures established by the Board.
Fair Valuation Process – The applicable investments are valued by the Valuation Designee pursuant to valuation procedures established by the Board. 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 Valuation Designee, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument; factors which may cause the Valuation Designee 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; and (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 a Fund’s calculation of its NAV. 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 investments, such as private investments or non-traded securities are valued 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 a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties is unavailable, the Valuation Designee 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 Fund’s holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.
Options Transactions – When the Fund writes a call or put option, an amount equal to the premium received is included in the statement of assets and liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
on its stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, a gain or loss is realized. When the Fund purchases or sells an option, an amount equal to the premium paid or received by the Fund is recorded as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option purchased. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. Written and purchased options are non-income producing securities. With purchased options, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since these options are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded options, guarantees against a possible default. The Fund purchases and sells put options on the S&P 500 Index, utilizing a premium collection strategy that implements a put spread on the same option contract. For example, the Fund will sell a put option and buy back the same put option at a different price, thereby creating a defined risk trade. The difference is referred to as a “spread.” The Fund’s put spreads each utilize the S&P 500 Index contracts, same maturity date, and same number of contracts, but the options are at different strike prices. When the option expiration date arrives, if all options are out-of-the-money, they expire worthless and the Fund will retain the cash collected when opening the position, net of any cash (premium) paid to purchase the put positions.
Impact of Derivatives on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations
The derivative instruments outstanding, as of March 31, 2024, as disclosed in the Schedule of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities, and the amounts of realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments during the period, as disclosed in the Statement of Operations, serve as indicators of the volume of derivative activity for the Fund.
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the six months ended March 31, 2024:
Derivative | | Risk Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | Fair Value | |
Options purchased | | Equity | | Investment securities: at fair value | | $ | 733,760 | |
Options written | | Equity | | Options written, at fair value | | | (974,022 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2024:
Derivative Investment Type | | Location of Gain/Loss on Derivative |
Option purchased | | Net realized gain (loss) from Investments |
| | Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Investments |
Options written | | Net realized gain (loss) from Options Written |
| | Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Options Written |
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
The following is a summary of the Fund’s derivative investments activity recognized in the Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the six months ended March 31, 2024:
| | | | Realized gain | | | | |
| | Primary Risk | | (loss) on options | | | Change in unrealized appreciation | |
Derivative Investment Type | | Exposure | | contracts | | | (depreciation) on options contracts | |
Options Purchased | | Equity | | $ | (22,371,454 | ) | | $ | (90,993 | ) |
Options Written | | Equity | | | 29,368,736 | | | | 139,929 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
There were no offsetting arrangements as of March 31, 2024.
The Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of all of its investments on a recurring basis.
GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the 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 the 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. Investments valued using NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
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.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
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 March 31, 2024 for the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
Assets * | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
U.S. Treasury Bills | | $ | — | | | $ | 319,984,444 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 319,984,444 | |
Put Options Purchased | | | 733,760 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 733,760 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 13,170,114 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,170,114 | |
Total | | $ | 13,903,874 | | | $ | 319,984,444 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 333,888,318 | |
Liabilities * | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Put Options Written | | $ | 974,022 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 974,022 | |
Total | | $ | 974,022 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 974,022 | |
The Fund did not hold any Level 3 securities during the period.
| * | See Schedule of Investments for industry classification. |
In accordance with its investment objectives the Fund may have increased or decreased exposure to one or more of the following risk factors defined below:
Commodity Risk – Commodity risk relates to the change in value of commodities or commodity indexes as they relate to increases or decreases in the commodities market. Commodities are physical assets that have tangible properties. Examples of these types of assets are crude oil, heating oil, metals, livestock, and agricultural products.
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.
Equity Risk – Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk – Foreign exchange rate risk relates to the change in the U.S. dollar value of a security held that is denominated in a foreign currency. The U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency denominated security will decrease as the dollar appreciates against the currency, while the U.S. dollar value will increase as the dollar depreciates against the currency.
Interest Rate Risk – Interest rate risk refers to the fluctuations in value of fixed-income securities resulting from the inverse relationship between price and yield. For example, an increase in general interest rates will tend to reduce the market value of already issued fixed-income investments, and a decline in general interest rates will tend to increase their value. In addition, debt securities with longer maturities, which tend to have higher yields, are subject to potentially greater fluctuations in value from changes in interest rates than obligations with shorter maturities.
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
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
resources, natural disasters, climate-change and climate-related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years 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. 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.
Non-Diversified Risk – The Fund is non-diversified. This means that it may invest a larger portion of its assets in a limited number of securities or investments than a diversified fund. Because a relatively high percentage of the Fund’s assets may be invested in the same securities or in investments that could be in the same or related economic sectors, the Fund’s portfolio may be more susceptible to any single economic, technological or regulatory occurrence than the portfolio of a diversified fund.
Options Risk – Options are subject to changes in the underlying securities or index of securities on which such instruments are based. There is no guarantee that the Advisor’s Spread Traded options strategy will be effective or that suitable transactions will be available. The Fund’s Spread Traded option strategy’s profit potential is limited to the net premium received when entering the trades. The potential for loss is an amount equal to the 1) difference between either the strike price of the long put and the strike price of the short put, plus 2) any commissions paid. Maximum loss under the Spread Traded option strategy occurs from the put trade, when the underlying price is less than or equal to the strike price of the short put. A portion of any option premiums may be treated as short-term capital gains and when distributed to shareholders are usually taxable as ordinary income, which may have a higher tax rate than long-term capital gains for shareholders holding Fund shares in a taxable account.
Volatility Risk – Volatility risk refers to the magnitude of the movement, but not the direction of the movement, in a financial instrument’s price over a defined time period. Large increases or decreases in a financial instrument’s price over a relative time period typically indicate greater volatility risk, while small increases or decreases in its price typically indicate lower volatility risk.
Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for a full listing of risks associated with these investments.
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 to the call date. 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.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
Allocation of Income, Expenses, Gains and Losses – Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific class), realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated on a daily basis to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class. Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the operations of that class.
Trading Costs – Trading costs generally consists of brokerage commissions, brokerage fees, clearing fees, exchange and regulatory fees, transaction and National Futures Association fees. Fees vary by type of contract for each purchase and sale or sale and purchase (round turn) of futures, options on futures, and forward contracts. Commissions are paid on each individual purchase and sale transaction.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Distributable net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and distributed annually. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are considered either temporary (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 complies with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and distributes 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 analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken in the Fund’s September 30, 2021 through September 30, 2023 tax returns or expected to be taken in the Fund’s September 30, 2024 tax returns. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, Ohio 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 six months.
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.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
| 3. | INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS |
For the six months ended March 31, 2024 cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $0 and $0, respectively.
| 4. | INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES |
Princeton Fund Advisors, LLC serves as the Fund’s investment advisor (the “Advisor”).
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 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, the Fund incurred advisory fees of $2,813,356 of which $474,341 is payable at March 31, 2024.
Pursuant to a written contract (the “Waiver Agreement”), the Advisor has agreed, at least until January 31, 2025, 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); 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; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; 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 2.20% and 1.95% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for Class A, and Class I shares, respectively (the “Expense Limitation”). For the six months ended March 31, 2024 the Advisor waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $106,761 pursuant to the Waiver Agreement.
If the Advisor waives any fee or reimburses any expense pursuant to the Waiver 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 provided that such reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s expenses to exceed the Expense Limitation. If Fund Operating Expenses subsequently exceed the Expense Limitation the reimbursements shall be suspended.
The Advisor may seek reimbursement only for expenses waived or paid by it during the three years prior to such reimbursement; provided, however, that such expenses may only be reimbursed to the extent they were waived or paid after the date of the Waiver Agreement (or any similar agreement). The Board may terminate this expense reimbursement arrangement on 60 days written notice to the Advisor.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
The following amounts are subject to recapture by the Advisor by the following dates:
9/30/2024 | 9/30/2025 | 9/30/2026 |
$ 181,343 | $ 179,995 | $ 279,504 |
The Trust, with respect to the Fund’s Class A shares, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan provides that a monthly service and/or distribution fee is calculated by the Fund at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares, respectively, and is paid to Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD” or the “Distributor”), to provide compensation for ongoing distribution-related activities or services and/or maintenance of the Fund’s shareholder accounts, not otherwise required to be provided by the Advisor. The Plan is a compensation plan, which means that compensation is provided regardless of 12b-1 expenses incurred. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, the Fund’s Class A shares incurred $27,985 in fees under the Plan.
The Distributor acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, the Distributor received $11,236 in underwriting commissions for sales of Class A shares, of which $1,680 was retained by the principal underwriter or other affiliated broker-dealers.
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“UFS”) – UFS, 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, 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 NLCS, 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.
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
5. 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 March 31, 2024, the shareholders listed below each held more than 25% of the Fund and may be deemed to control the Fund.
| % of Outstanding Shares |
Schwab | 36.6% |
Pershing LLC | 33.7% |
| 6. | DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL |
The tax character of Fund distributions paid for the year ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, was as follows:
| | Fiscal Year Ended | | | Fiscal Year Ended | |
| | September 30, 2023 | | | September 30, 2022 | |
Ordinary Income | | $ | 10,904,798 | | | $ | 1,769,488 | |
Long-Term Capital Gain | | | 4,323,816 | | | | 5,087,958 | |
Return of Capital | | | — | | | | — | |
| | $ | 15,228,614 | | | $ | 6,857,446 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of September 30, 2023, 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/ | | | Distributable Earnings/ | |
Income | | | Gains | | | Late Year Loss | | | Forwards | | | Differences | | | (Depreciation) | | | (Accumulated Deficit) | |
$ | — | | | $ | 6,280,248 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 40,257 | | | $ | 6,320,505 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The difference between book basis and tax basis accumulated realized gain/(loss) on security transactions and unrealized appreciation is primarily attributable to the mark-to-market on 1256 option contracts.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund utilized tax equalization which is the use of earnings and profits distributions to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the book/tax basis treatment of equalization, resulted in reclassification for the year ended September 30, 2023, as follows:
Paid | | | | |
In | | | Distributable | |
Capital | | | Earnings | |
$ | 1,735,993 | | | $ | (1,735,993 | ) |
Princeton Premium Fund |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2024 |
|
7. AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION – TAX BASIS
| | | Gross | | | Gross | | | | |
Cost for Federal | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | Tax Net Unrealized | |
Tax purposes | | | Appreciation | | | Depreciation | | | Appreciation | |
$ | 332,879,057 | | | $ | 106,917 | | | $ | (71,678 | ) | | $ | 35,239 | |
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On January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will not appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.
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.
Princeton Premium Fund |
EXPENSE EXAMPLES (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2024 |
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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 (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Princeton Premium 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.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from October 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024.
Actual Expenses
The “Actual” table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information below, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the table under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The “Hypothetical” table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balances or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or redemption fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | Net Expense Ratio |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | During Period ** |
Actual | | 10/1/2023 | | 3/31/2024 | | 10/1/2023 - 3/31/2024 | | 10/1/2023 - 3/31/2024 |
Class A | | $1,000.00 | | $1,038.30 | | $15.10 | | 2.96% |
Class I | | 1,000.00 | | 1,038.90 | | 13.89 | | 2.73% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | Net Expense Ratio |
Hypothetical | | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | During Period ** |
(5% return before expenses) | | 10/1/2023 | | 3/31/2024 | | 10/1/2023 - 3/31/2024 | | 10/1/2023 - 3/31/2024 |
Class A | | $1,000.00 | | $1,010.18 | | $14.90 | | 2.96% |
Class I | | 1,000.00 | | 1,011.37 | | 13.70 | | 2.73% |
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| * | “Actual” 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 (366). “Hypothetical” expense information is presented on the basis of the full one-half year period to enable comparison to other funds. It is based on assuming the same net expense ratio and average account value over the period, but is multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the full half-year period). |
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust
Rev. February 2014
FACTS | WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
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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. |
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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. |
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How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information: | Does Northern Lights Fund Trust share information? | Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes - such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus. | YES | NO |
For our marketing purposes - to offer our products and services to you. | NO | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your transactions and records. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your credit worthiness. | NO | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | NO | We don’t share |
QUESTIONS? | Call 1-402-493-4603 |
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust
What we do: |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust protect my personal information? | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust collect my personal information? | We collect your personal information, for example, when you ● open an account or deposit money ● direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities ● seek advice about your investments We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? | Federal law gives you the right to limit only: ● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness. ● affiliates from using your information to market to you. ● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you. State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
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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. |
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Information regarding how the Fund 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 Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888 -868-9501 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 |
Princeton Fund Advisors, LLC |
1580 Lincoln Street, Suite 680 |
Denver, CO 80203 |
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ADMINISTRATOR |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 |
Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
PRINCEPREM-SA24
Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included under Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Based on an evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of filing date of this Form N-CSR, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Registrant are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the filing date, including that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(a)(2) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.
(a)(3) Not applicable for open-end investment companies.
(b) Certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(b) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) Northern Lights Fund Trust
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Kevin E. Wolf
Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President
Date 6/7/24
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 6/7/24
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Jim Colantino
Jim Colantino, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer
Date 6/7/24