As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7, 2018
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 811-22860
PINE GROVE ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTIONAL FUND
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-649-6600
Michelle McCloskey, Chief Executive Officer
Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Date of fiscal year end: March 31
Date of reporting period: April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001435109-18-000378/cover.jpg)
ASSETS | | | |
| | | |
Total investments, at fair value (Cost $50,335,153) | | $ | 54,361,026 | |
Cash | | | 232,320 | |
Subscriptions in Private Investment Funds paid in advance | | | 333,333 | |
Receivable from investments sold | | | 2,601,417 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 536 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 14,160 | |
Total Assets | | | 57,542,792 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
| | | | |
Repurchase of shares payable | | | 1,918,578 | |
Subscriptions received in advance | | | 50,000 | |
Accrued Liabilities: | | | | |
Management fees | | | 87,259 | |
Fund services fees | | | 7,297 | |
Shareholder servicing fees | | | 10,430 | |
Interest expense (Note 7) | | | 2,815 | |
Other expenses | | | 79,216 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 2,155,595 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 55,387,197 | |
| | | | |
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 60,520,872 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (5,370,842 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investments | | | (3,788,706 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 4,025,873 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 55,387,197 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | | | |
Class I Shares | | $ | 50,410,449 | |
Class A Shares | | $ | 4,976,748 | |
| | | | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING (200,000 total Fund shares authorized, $0.001 par value) | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | 51,844.69 | |
Class A Shares | | | 5,127.95 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE | | | | |
Class I Shares | | $ | 972.34 | |
Class A Shares | | $ | 970.51 | |
| | | | | | | | Fair Value | | Redemptions |
Portfolio Funds | | Shares/ Interests | | Cost | | Fair Value | | as a % of Net Assets | | Permitted | | Notice Period (Days) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Investment Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit Long/Short | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AG Mortgage Partners, Ltd. | 2,410 | | $ 2,410,000 | | $ 2,669,270 | | 4.8 | % | Quarterly | | 90 |
Anchorage Capital Partners Offshore, Ltd. | 1,708 | | 2,036,844 | | 2,042,235 | | 3.7 | | Annually | | 90 |
Aristeia International Limited | 1,934 | | 2,161,692 | | 2,249,072 | | 4.1 | | Quarterly | | 60 |
Candlewood Puerto Rico SP | 431 | | 430,787 | | 406,140 | | 0.7 | | Quarterly | | 180 |
Candlewood Structured Credit Harvest Fund Ltd | 196 | | 2,537,412 | | 3,053,729 | | 5.5 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
Diameter Offshore Fund LP | 1,780 | | 1,780,000 | | 1,788,888 | | 3.2 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
King Street Capital, Ltd. | 5,250 | | 737,692 | | 811,216 | | 1.5 | | Quarterly | | 65 |
LibreMax Offshore Fund, Ltd. | 1,771 | | 2,309,994 | | 2,595,691 | | 4.7 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
Luxor Capital Partners Offshore Liquidating SPV, Ltd. | 12 | | 11,927 | | 14,624 | | 0.1 | | Other* | | - |
One William Street Capital Offshore Fund, Ltd. | 1,897 | | 2,453,495 | | 2,523,810 | | 4.6 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
Rose Grove Offshore Fund, Ltd. | 1,323 | | 2,570,024 | | 2,608,601 | | 4.7 | | Quarterly | | 45 |
Silver Point Capital Offshore Fund, Ltd. | 184 | | 1,837,121 | | 2,222,836 | | 4.0 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
The Canyon Value Realization Fund (Cayman), Ltd. | 894 | | 2,648,820 | | 3,066,723 | | 5.5 | | Quarterly | | 60 |
Tilden Park Offshore Investment Fund Ltd | 1,378 | | 2,645,006 | | 3,134,413 | | 5.7 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
Tourmalet Matawin Offshore Fund, L.P. | 70,016 | | 69,008 | | 34,203 | | 0.1 | | Other* | | - |
Whitebox Credit Fund, Ltd. | 1,240 | | 1,792,304 | | 1,968,615 | | 3.5 | | Quarterly | | 60 |
Wingspan Overseas Fund, Ltd. | 40 | | 39,844 | | 26,210 | | 0.0 | | Quarterly | | 90 |
| | | 28,471,970 | | 31,216,276 | | 56.4 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Multi-Strategy | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Juniperus Insurance Opportunity Fund Limited Offshore Fund | 2,800 | | 2,800,000 | | 2,834,614 | | 5.1 | | Semi-Annually | | 90 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Relative Value | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Athos Asia Event Driven Offshore Fund | 1,997 | | 2,186,982 | | 2,215,143 | | 4.0 | | Monthly | | 60 |
Basso Investors Ltd | 1,136 | | 2,233,195 | | 2,425,160 | | 4.4 | | Quarterly | | 60 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Fair Value | | Redemptions |
Portfolio Funds | | Shares/ Interests | | Cost | | Fair Value | | as a % of Net Assets | | Permitted | | Notice Period (Days) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Relative Value (continued) | | | | | | | | | | | |
Black Diamond Arbitrage, Ltd. | 31,750 | | $ 3,175,000 | | $ 3,267,138 | | 5.9 | % | Monthly | | 45 |
Jet Capital Concentrated Offshore Fund, Ltd. | 1,579 | | 1,676,778 | | 1,627,105 | | 3.0 | | Monthly | | 30 |
MVN Event Driven Fund Limited | 17,476 | | 1,801,528 | | 1,875,891 | | 3.4 | | Monthly | | 45 |
PSAM WorldArb Fund Limited | 6,588 | | 3,049,332 | | 3,060,260 | | 5.5 | | Monthly | | 45 |
Sensato Asia Pacific Offshore Fund, Ltd. | 1,964 | | 1,963,226 | | 1,847,412 | | 3.3 | | Monthly | | 60 |
Whitebox Relative Value Fund, Ltd. | 1,636 | | 2,352,423 | | 3,367,308 | | 6.0 | | Quarterly | | 60 |
| | | | 18,438,464 | | 19,685,417 | | 35.5 | | | | |
Total Private Investment Funds | | $49,710,434 | | $53,736,307 | | 97.0 | % | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Mutual Fund | | | | | | | | | | | |
JPMorgan Liquidity Funds – US Dollar Treasury Liquidity Fund | 624,719 | | 624,719 | | 624,719 | | 1.1 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | | $50,335,153 | | $54,361,026 | | 98.1 | % | | | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net | | | | 1,026,171 | | 1.9 | % | | | |
Net Assets | | | | | | $55,387,197 | | 100.0 | % | | | |
* | The private investment funds do not have set redemption time frames but are liquidating investments and making distributions as underlying investments are sold. |
Portfolio Holdings (% of Net Assets) | |
Private Investment Funds | | | |
Credit Long/Short | | | 56.4 | % |
Multi-Strategy | | | 5.1 | |
Relative Value | | | 35.5 | |
Mutual Fund | | | 1.1 | |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | | | 1.9 | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % |
Investment Income | | | |
Dividends | | $ | 7,540 | |
Total investment income | | | 7,540 | |
| | | | |
Expenses | | | | |
Management fees | | | 529,732 | |
Fund services fees | | | 93,496 | |
Trustees' fees and expenses | | | 90,091 | |
Professional fees | | | 190,082 | |
Custodian fees | | | 11,643 | |
Registration fees | | | 24,774 | |
Shareholder servicing fees – Class A Shares | | | 43,171 | |
Interest expense (Note 7) | | | 30,011 | |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 74,887 | |
Total expenses | | | 1,087,887 | |
Expenses reimbursed by Investment Adviser | | | (131,817 | ) |
Net Expenses | | | 956,070 | |
| | | | |
NET INVESTMENT LOSS | | | (948,530 | ) |
| | | | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 3,202,095 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 492,163 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | | | 3,694,258 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 2,745,728 | |
| | Year Ended March 31, 2018 | | | Year Ended March 31, 2017 | |
OPERATIONS | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (948,530 | ) | | $ | (1,054,718 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | 3,202,095 | | | | (587,920 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 492,163 | | | | 6,810,493 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 2,745,728 | | | | 5,167,855 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | (2,406,055 | ) | | | (2,037,856 | ) |
Class A Shares | | | (193,945 | ) | | | (162,144 | ) |
Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders | | | (2,600,000 | ) | | | (2,200,000 | ) |
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | | | | | |
Sale of shares | | | 3,130,424 | | | | 2,090,000 | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,922,705 | | | | 1,552,656 | |
Repurchase of shares | | | (9,286,609 | ) | | | (22,362,059 | ) |
Class A Shares | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in exchange (Note 1) | | | - | | | | 5,170,072 | |
Sale of shares | | | 300,000 | | | | 100,000 | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 179,260 | | | | 153,458 | |
Repurchase of shares | | | (588,287 | ) | | | (376,133 | ) |
Decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions | | | (4,342,507 | ) | | | (13,672,006 | ) |
Decrease in net assets | | | (4,196,779 | ) | | | (10,704,151 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 59,583,976 | | | | 70,288,127 | |
End of year (including distributions in excess of net investment income of $5,370,842 and $5,817,925, respectively) | | $ | 55,387,197 | | | $ | 59,583,976 | |
SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 56,082.69 | | | | 75,633.63 | |
Sale of shares | | | 3,178.24 | | | | 2,200.25 | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,998.01 | | | | 1,622.27 | |
Repurchase of shares | | | (9,414.25 | ) | | | (23,373.46 | ) |
End of year | | | 51,844.69 | | | | 56,082.69 | |
Class A Shares | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 5,233.29 | | | | - | |
Shares issued in exchange (Note 1) | | | - | | | | 5,356.92 | |
Sale of shares | | | 308.57 | | | | 104.49 | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 186.25 | | | | 160.34 | |
Repurchase of shares | | | (600.16 | ) | | | (388.46 | ) |
End of year | | | 5,127.95 | | | | 5,233.29 | |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities | | | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 2,745,728 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from | | | | |
operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | |
Purchase of investments | | | (53,201,324 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of investments | | | 59,488,214 | |
Net realized gain on sale of investments | | | (3,202,095 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments | | | (492,163 | ) |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | |
Subscriptions in Private Investment Funds paid in advance | | | 1,166,667 | |
Receivable from investments sold | | | 2,990,083 | |
Dividends receivable | | | (452 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | 17,410 | |
Management fees payable | | | (25,674 | ) |
Fund services fees payable | | | 13 | |
Shareholder servicing fees payable | | | (633 | ) |
Interest expense (Note 7) | | | (1,785 | ) |
Other expenses payable | | | (3,165 | ) |
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities | | | 9,480,824 | |
| | | | |
Cash Flows From Financing Activities | | | | |
Sale of shares | | | 3,180,424 | |
Payments for shareholder distributions | | | (498,035 | ) |
Repurchase of shares | | | (12,385,266 | ) |
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities | | | (9,702,877 | ) |
| | | | |
Net Decrease in Cash | | | (222,053 | ) |
| | | | |
Cash - Beginning of Year | | | 454,373 | |
| | | | |
Cash - End of Year | | $ | 232,320 | |
| | | | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Operating Activities | | | | |
Reinvestment of shareholder distributions | | $ | 2,101,965 | |
These financial highlights reflect selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period. | |
| Year Ended March 31, 2018 | | Year Ended March 31, 2017 | | Year Ended March 31, 2016 | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 | | January 1, 2014(a) through March 31, 2014 | |
CLASS I SHARES | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSET VALUE, Beginning of Period | $ 971.93 | | $ 929.32 | | $ 1,007.48 | | $ 1,028.21 | | $ 1,000.00 | |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (b) | (15.16) | | (14.71) | | (14.88) | | (15.34) | | (3.82) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 61.73 | | 89.60 | | (60.54) | | 14.17 | | 32.03 | |
Total from investment operations | 46.57 | | 74.89 | | (75.42) | | (1.17) | | 28.21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | (46.16) | | (32.28) | | (2.74) | | (19.20) | | - | |
Realized gains | - | | - | | - | | (0.36) | | - | |
Total distributions to shareholders | (46.16) | | (32.28) | | (2.74) | | (19.56) | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSET VALUE, End of Period | $ 972.34 | | $ 971.93 | | $ 929.32 | | $ 1,007.48 | | $1,028.21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL RETURN | 4.84 | % | 8.11 | % | (7.49) | % | (0.11) | % | 2.82 | %(c) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Period (000's omitted) | $ 50,410 | | $ 54,508 | | $ 70,288 | | $ 93,817 | | $ 58,265 | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (d) | (1.54) | % | (1.54) | % | (1.53) | % | (1.50) | % | (1.50) | %(e) |
Net expense (d) | 1.55 | %(f) | 1.54 | %(f) | 1.53 | %(f)(g) | 1.50 | %(f) | 1.50 | %(e) |
Gross expense (d) | 1.77 | %(f)(h) | 1.69 | %(f)(h) | 1.53 | %(f) | 1.78 | %(f)(h) | 2.36 | %(e)(h) |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE | 46 | % | 39 | % | 50 | % | 39 | % | 3 | %(c) |
(a) | Commencement of operations. | |
(b) | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during each period. | |
(c) | Not annualized. | | | | | | |
(d) | Does not include the expenses of other Private Investment Funds in which the Fund invests. |
(e) | Annualized. | | | | | | |
(f) | Includes interest expense of 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.03% and 0.00%, respectively (Note 7). |
(g) | Includes expense reimbursements recouped by Investment Adviser of 0.04% (Note 4). |
(h) | Reflects the expense ratio excluding any expense reimbursements by Investment Adviser. |
These financial highlights reflect selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period. | |
| Year Ended March 31, 2018 | | October 1, 2016 (a) through March 31, 2017 | |
CLASS A SHARES | | | | |
NET ASSET VALUE, Beginning of Period | $ 969.90 | | $ 965.12 | |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS | | | | |
Net investment loss (b) | (23.27) | | (11.43) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain | 61.55 | | 46.48 | |
Total from investment operations | 38.28 | | 35.05 | |
| | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: | | | | |
Net investment income | (37.67) | | (30.27) | |
| | | | |
NET ASSET VALUE, End of Period | $ 970.51 | | $ 969.90 | |
| | | | |
TOTAL RETURN | 3.98 | % | 3.67 | %(c) |
| | | | |
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Period (000's omitted) | $4,977 | | $5,076 | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | |
Net investment loss (d) | (2.37) | % | (2.36) | %(e) |
Net expense (d) | 2.38 | %(f) | 2.37 | %(e)(f) |
Gross expense (d) | 2.61 | %(f)(g) | 2.61 | %(e)(f)(g) |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE | 46 | % | 39 | %(c) |
(a) | Commencement of operations. The beginning net asset value of Class A Shares was based on the closing net asset value of the shares exchanged as outlined in Note 1. |
(b) | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during each period. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Does not include the expenses of other Private Investment Funds in which the Fund invests. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Includes interest expense of 0.02% and 0.04%, respectively (Note 7). |
(g) | Reflects the expense ratio excluding any expense reimbursements by Investment Adviser. |
Note 1. Organization
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund (the "Fund"), including the schedule of investments, as of March 31, 2018, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund at March 31, 2018, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The financial highlights for the period from January 1, 2014 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2014, were audited by other auditors whose report dated May 28, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on such financial highlights.
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 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 the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 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 March 31, 2018, by correspondence with management of the underlying investment funds. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Fund's auditor since 2014.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
May 29, 2018
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund's portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling (855) 699-3103 and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30, 2017 is available, without charge and upon request by calling (855) 699-3103 and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. These filings are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Trustees and Officers of the Trust
The Board is responsible for oversight of the management of the Trust's business affairs and of the exercise of all the Trust's powers except those reserved for the shareholders. The following table provides information about each Trustee and certain officers of the Trust. Each Trustee and officer holds office until the person resigns, is removed, or is replaced. Unless otherwise noted, the persons have held their principal occupations for more than five years. The address for all Trustees and officers is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 600, Portland, Maine 04101. Ms. McCloskey is considered an Interested Trustee due to her affiliation with the Investment Adviser. For the purposes of certifying the March 31, 2018 annual report in the role of Chief Financial Officer, Colin Bettison of FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC performs the duties as defined by the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. The Fund Complex includes closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Adviser and any funds that have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the Investment Adviser. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge and upon request, by calling (855) 699-3103.
Name and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with Fund | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Funds in Complex Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships Held by Trustee During the Past 5 Years(1) |
Independent Trustees: | |
Jonathan Morgan Born: 1963 | Trustee | Since 2013 | Principal, Sound Fund Advisors LLC, since 2011; Global Head of Research, Alternative Investments, UBP Asset Management, LLC ("UBP"), 2009 – 2011; Managing Director, Barclays Global Investors, 2005 – 2009. | 1 | None. |
Boris Onefater Born: 1967 | Trustee | Since 2013 | Managing Partner and CEO, Constellation Advisers LLC, since 2008. | 1 | None. Formerly, served as Director to funds advised by Dreman Value Management, LLC. |
Mattia Auriemma Born: 1973 | Trustee | Since 2014 | Fund Director/Principal, HighWater Limited, since 2012; Head of Operational Due Diligence/Senior Managing Director, UBP Asset Management, LLC, 2009 – 2012. | 1 | None. |
Interested Trustee: | |
Michelle McCloskey Born: 1961 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee | Since 2016 | President of Man Americas (since 2017); President of FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC (since 2015); Head of Research of FRM (since 2012); Head of Research RMF Investment Management (USA) Corp. (since 2010). | 2 | None. |
(1) | This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Trustee at any time during the past five years. |
Name and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with Fund | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Principal Officers who are Not Trustees: | | |
Linzie Steinbach Born: 1980 | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | Since 2015 | Fund Controller at FRM USA since April 2015; Senior Vice President and Fund Controller, Bank of America, 2007 – March 2015. |
Gino Malaspina Born: 1968 | Vice President and Secretary | Since 2016 | Senior Counsel, Atlantic since 2014; Senior Counsel and Managing Director, Cipperman & Company/Cipperman Compliance Services LLC, 2010 -2014; and Associate, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2009 – 2010. |
Lee M. Binks Born: 1973 | Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Since 2016 | Head of FRM Compliance, Deputy CCO Man Investments USA since 2014; Director Compliance, Barclays Capital 2008 – 2014. |
Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund
INVESTMENT ADVISER
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10018
TRANSFER AGENT
Atlantic Fund Services
P.O. Box 588
Portland, Maine 04112
www.atlanticfundservices.com
DISTRIBUTOR
Foreside Fund Services, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101
www.foreside.com
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus, which includes information regarding the Fund's risks, objectives, fees and expenses experience of its management, and other information.
218-ANR-0318
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) | As of the end of the period covered by the report to shareholders included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR, Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund (the "Registrant") has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in item 2(b) of Form N-CSR, that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions (the "Code of Ethics"). |
(c) | There were no amendments to the Registrant's Code of Ethics during the period covered by the report to shareholders included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR. |
(d) | There were no waivers to the Registrant's Code of Ethics during the period covered by the report to shareholders included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR. |
(f) (1) A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed under Item 12(a)(1) hereto.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
The Registrant's Board of Trustees (the "Board") has determined that Boris Onefater, who meets the definition of an independent director as specified in Item 3(a)(2) of Form N-CSR, is an audit committee financial expert as that term is defined under Items 3(b) and 3(c) of Form N-CSR.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) Audit Fees - The aggregate fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018 (the "Reporting Periods") to the Registrant for the Reporting Period for professional services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant for the audit of the Registrant's annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Period were $47,000 in 2017 and $47,000 in 2018.
(b) Audit-Related Fees - There were no fees billed to the Registrant in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant's financial statements and were not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4.
(c) Tax Fees - The aggregate fees billed to the Registrant in the Reporting Period for professional services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $11,000 in 2017 and $11,000 in 2018.
(d) All Other Fees - There were no other fees billed in the Reporting Period for products and services provided to the Registrant by the principal accountant, or services provided to the Registrant's investment adviser, other than the services reported above.
(e) (1) The audit committee of the Board (the "Audit Committee") reviews and approves in advance all audit and "permissible non-audit services" (as that term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission) to be rendered to the Registrant. Pre-approval of "permissible non-audit services" to the Registrant is not required if: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the Registrant constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Registrant to the Registrant's principal accountant during the fiscal year in which such services are provided; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Registrant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved by the Audit Committee, or its authorized delegates, prior to the completion of the audit.
In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and approves in advance all "permissible non-audit services" to be provided to the Registrant's investment adviser (other than a sub-adviser), or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Registrant's investment adviser that provides on-going services to the Registrant ("Affiliate"), by the Registrant's principal accountant if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant. Pre-approval by the Audit Committee of permissible non-audit services rendered to the Registrant's investment adviser or an Affiliate is not required if the aggregate amount of all such services constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of expenses paid by the Registrant, the Registrant's investment adviser and its Affiliates to the Registrant's principal accountant during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided. The Audit Committee considers whether fees paid by the Registrant's investment adviser or an Affiliate to the Registrant's principal accountant for audit and permissible non-audit services are consistent with the principal accountant's independence.
(e) (2) No services included in (b) - (d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) During the fiscal years ending March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, non-audit fees (inclusive of tax fees) billed by the Registrant's principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the Registrant for the Reporting period were $11,000 and $11,000, respectively. During the fiscal years ending March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, non-audit fees billed by the Registrant's principal accountant for non-audit services provided 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 affiliated entities of the Registrant (including the Adviser) were $5,958,943 and $5,257,872, respectively.
(h) The Registrant's Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that may be rendered to the Registrant's 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. No such services were rendered.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.
(a) | Included as part of the report to shareholders under Item 1. |
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
The Registrant's proxy voting procedures are filed under Item 12(a)(4) hereto. The Registrant delegates proxy voting decisions to its investment adviser.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a)(1) Portfolio Manager and Business Experience. As of the date of the filing of this report on Form N-CSR, the day-to-day management of the Registrant's portfolios is the responsibility of the Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, Thomas N. Williams (the "Portfolio Manager"). Mr. Williams is the Chief Investment Officer of Pine Grove Funds at FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC ("FRM"), based in New York, and a member of FRM's Investment Executive. Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Williams was a Managing Member, the Chief Investment Officer and the Head of Investments at Pine Grove Asset Management (now operating as Pine Grove Funds under the FRM business). Prior to this, Mr. Williams practiced law in California for three years, specializing in intellectual property and venture capital transaction. Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Trinity College and a JD from the University of Southern California School of Law. Mr. Williams is also a member of the CFA Institute and the New York Society of Security Analysts.
(a)(2) Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Manager. The chart below shows the number of other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager as of March 31, 2018.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER | REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES ($) | | OTHER POOLED INVESTMENT VEHICLES ($) | | OTHER ACCOUNTS ($) |
Thomas N. Williams | None | | $ | 428,000,000 | | None |
(a)(3) Compensation of the Portfolio Manager. The of the Portfolio Manager is comprised of a fixed annual salary and a discretionary annual bonus determined by the Adviser. In addition, the Portfolio Manager may be eligible to receive additional compensation based on certain factors, including but not limited to, the economic performance of the Adviser. Any amounts earned by the Portfolio Manager are payable by the Adviser and not by the Fund.
(a)(4) Beneficial Ownership by Portfolio Manager. As of March 31, 2018 the dollar range of equity securities in the Registrant beneficially owned by the Portfolio Manager had a value in the range of $100,001 – $500,000.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Period | Date Each Plan or Program Was Announced | | Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased | | | Dollar Amount (or Share or Unit Amount) Approved | | | Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) | | | Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | Expiration Date (if any) of Each Plan or Program | | (a)(b) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |
April 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | February 17, 2017 | | | 1,277.775 | | | $ | 11,238,519 | | | $ | 988.23 | | | | 1,277.775 | | March 22, 2017 | | | - | |
Class A Shares | February 17, 2017 | | | 203.103 | | | $ | 1,080,763 | | | $ | 984.11 | | | | 203.103 | | March 22, 2017 | | | - | |
July 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
August 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | May 22, 2017 | | | 4,732.484 | | | $ | 11,219,253 | | | $ | 999.25 | | | | 4,732.484 | | August 31, 2017 | | | - | |
Class A Shares | May 22, 2017 | | | 190.722 | | | $ | 1,060,267 | | | $ | 992.99 | | | | 190.722 | | August 31, 2017 | | | - | |
October 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
November 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
December 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | August 22, 2017 | | | 1,484.950 | | | $ | 10,031,448 | | | $ | 962.31 | | | | 1,484.950 | | December 29, 2017 | | | - | |
Class A Shares | August 22, 2017 | | | 152.110 | | | $ | 990,996 | | | $ | 962.50 | | | | 152.110 | | December 29, 2017 | | | - | |
January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
February 1, 2018 to February 29, 2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Class A Shares | | | | - | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | - | | | | | - | |
March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I Shares | November 21, 2017 | | | 1,919.039 | | | $ | 10,455,287 | | | $ | 972.34 | | | | 1,919.039 | | March 30, 2018 | | | - | |
Class A Shares | November 21, 2017 | | | 54.219 | | | $ | 1,005,874 | | | $ | 970.51 | | | | 54.219 | | March 30, 2018 | | | - | |
Total | | | | 10,014.402 | | | | | | | | N/A | | | | 10,014.402 | | | | | - | |
a. b. | Each plan or program expired during the period covered by the table. Each plan or program the Registrant has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which the Registrant does not intend to make further purchases – None. |
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Registrant does not accept nominees to the Board of Trustees from shareholders.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) The Registrant's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act")) are effective, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b) There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of 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
The Registrant did not participate in securities lending activities during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics (Exhibit filed herewith).
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) of the Act, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Exhibits filed herewith).
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(a)(4) Proxy Voting Procedures of Registrant (Exhibit filed herewith).
(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) of the Act, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Exhibit 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 Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund
By: /s/ Michelle McCloskey
Michelle McCloskey, Chief Executive Officer
Date: 6/7/18
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: /s/ Michelle McCloskey
Michelle McCloskey, Chief Executive Officer
Date: 6/7/18
By: /s/ Colin Bettison
Colin Bettison, Chief Financial Officer