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 811-22923
Infinity Core Alternative Fund |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
c/o UMB Fund Services, Inc. |
235 West Galena Street |
Milwaukee, WI 53212 |
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) |
Terrance P. Gallagher |
235 West Galena Street |
Milwaukee, WI 53212 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
registrant's telephone number, including area code: (414) 299-2270
Date of fiscal year end: March 31
Date of reporting period: September 30, 2023
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
ITEM 1.(a) REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Semi-Annual Report |
| |
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2023 |
(Unaudited) |
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
|
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2023 |
Table of Contents
This report has been prepared for shareholders and may be distributed to others only if preceded or accompanied by a prospectus for the Fund. Please read it carefully before investing.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Schedule of Investments |
September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | Redemptions | | Redemption | | Investment | | | | | | | | Original |
Investment Funds (104.55%) | | Permitted | | Notice Period | | Strategy | | Cost | | | Fair Value | | | Acquisition Date |
Anchorage Capital Partners, L.P., Series K a,b | | Annually d | | 90 Days | | Event driven credit | | $ | 1,514,442 | | | $ | 2,157,031 | | | 3/1/2015 |
Atlas Enhanced Fund, L.P. a,b | | Monthly | | 45 Days | | Multi-strategy | | | 8,346,679 | | | | 12,805,756 | | | 5/1/2014 |
D.E. Shaw Composite International Fund, Collective Liquidity Class a,b | | Quarterly | | 75 Days | | Multi-strategy | | | 5,431,878 | | | | 13,693,168 | | | 10/1/2013 |
Elliott Associates, L.P., Class B a,b | | Semi-annually c,d | | 60 Days | | Multi-strategy | | | 10,832,491 | | | | 18,949,375 | | | 10/1/2013 |
King Street Capital, L.P. a,b | | Quarterly c | | 65 Days | | Global long/short credit and event-driven | | | 10,845,048 | | | | 13,005,978 | | | 10/1/2013 |
Millennium USA LP, Class EE a,b | | Quarterly c | | 90 Days | | Multi-strategy | | | 14,662,611 | | | | 18,976,502 | | | 10/1/2013 |
Point72 Capital, L.P., Class A-n a,b | | Quarterly c | | 45 Days | | Multi-strategy | | | 13,757,903 | | | | 21,870,662 | | | 1/1/2019 |
Schonfeld Strategic Partners Offshore Fund Ltd., Class B a,b | | Quarterly d | | 45 Days | | Multi-strategy | | | 11,900,000 | | | | 13,503,732 | | | 5/1/2020 |
Voloridge Fund, LP a,b | | Monthly | | 30 Days | | Quantitative Equities and Futures | | | 6,650,000 | | | | 7,417,009 | | | 12/1/2020 |
Total Investment Funds (cost $83,941,052) (104.55%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | 122,379,213 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments (cost $83,941,052) (104.55%) | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 122,379,213 | | | |
Liabilities less other assets (-4.55%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5,325,564 | ) | | |
Shareholders' Equity - 100.00% | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 117,053,649 | | | |
a Non-income producing.
b Investment Funds are issued in private placement transactions and as such are restricted as to resale.
c The Investment Fund can institute a gate provision on redemptions at the investor level of 25% of the fair value of the investment in the Investment Fund.
d The Investment Fund can institute a gate provision on redemptions at the fund level of 10 - 20% of the fair value of the investment in the Investment Fund.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF INVESTMENT FUND HOLDINGS AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL INVESTMENT FUNDS (Unaudited)
Investment strategies as a percentage of total investment funds are as follows:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity |
September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Assets | | | | |
Investments, at fair value (cost $83,941,052) | | $ | 122,379,213 | |
Cash | | | 486,217 | |
Investments in Investment Funds paid in advance | | | 7,929 | |
Other assets | | | 45,002 | |
Total Assets | | | 122,918,361 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Payable for fund shares repurchased | | | 1,104,815 | |
Proceeds from sale of fund shares received in advance | | | 486,000 | |
Due to Investment Manager | | | 101,593 | |
Line of credit payable | | | 3,984,625 | |
Professional fees payable | | | 104,418 | |
Interest expense payable | | | 50,036 | |
Commitment fee payable | | | 10,440 | |
Accounting and administration fees payable | | | 9,884 | |
Insurance fees payable | | | 1,336 | |
Custody fees payable | | | 709 | |
Other fees payable | | | 10,856 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 5,864,712 | |
| | | | |
Shareholders' Equity | | $ | 117,053,649 | |
| | | | |
Shareholders' Equity consists of: | | | | |
Shareholders' Equity paid-in capital | | $ | 110,364,253 | |
Total distributable earnings | | | 6,689,396 | |
| | | | |
Total Shareholders' Equity | | $ | 117,053,649 | |
| | | | |
Number of Shares Outstanding | | | 1,061,166 | |
| | | | |
Shareholders' Equity per Share | | $ | 110.31 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Statement of Operations |
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Investment Income | | | |
Interest | | $ | 31 | |
Total Investment Income | | | 31 | |
| | | | |
Expenses | | | | |
Investment management fee | | | 716,526 | |
Interest expense | | | 185,065 | |
Professional fees | | | 107,575 | |
Accounting and administration fees | | | 57,276 | |
Other expenses | | | 34,354 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 32,087 | |
Trustees' fees | | | 31,500 | |
Registration fees | | | 23,728 | |
Chief Compliance Officer fees | | | 16,300 | |
Insurance fees | | | 3,959 | |
Custody fees | | | 355 | |
Total Expenses | | | 1,208,725 | |
| | | | |
Expense Waivers | | | (149,292 | ) |
| | | | |
Net Expenses | | | 1,059,433 | |
| | | | |
Net Investment Loss | | | (1,059,402 | ) |
| | | | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 304,411 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | | | 4,363,170 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | | | 4,667,581 | |
| | | | |
Net Increase in Shareholders' Equity from Operations | | $ | 3,608,179 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity |
| | For the | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | | |
| | September 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | March 31, 2023 | |
Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (1,059,402 | ) | | $ | (1,782,745 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 304,411 | | | | 3,806,424 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | | | 4,363,170 | | | | 3,265,651 | |
Net change in shareholders' equity from operations | | | 3,608,179 | | | | 5,289,330 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | | | | | | | |
Distributions | | | - | | | | (11,186,503 | ) |
Net change in shareholders' equity from distributions to shareholders | | | - | | | | (11,186,503 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital Share Transactions | | | | | | | | |
Sale of fund shares | | | 6,827,000 | | | | 17,734,500 | |
Reinvested distributions | | | - | | | | 10,227,567 | |
Fund shares repurchased | | | (2,232,431 | ) | | | (7,884,001 | ) |
Net change in shareholders' equity from capital transactions | | | 4,594,569 | | | | 20,078,066 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Increase | | | 8,202,748 | | | | 14,180,893 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 108,850,901 | | | | 94,670,008 | |
End of period | | $ | 117,053,649 | | | $ | 108,850,901 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Statement of Cash Flows |
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | |
Net Increase in Shareholders' Equity from Operations | | $ | 3,608,179 | |
Adjustments to reconcile Net Increase in Shareholders' Equity from Operations to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | (304,411 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | | | (4,363,170 | ) |
Purchases of Investment Funds | | | (1,552,067 | ) |
Proceeds from Investment Funds sold | | | 958,616 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | |
Increase in other assets | | | (34,542 | ) |
Increase in due to Investment Manager | | | 402 | |
Increase in professional fees payable | | | 18,668 | |
Increase in accounting and administration fees payable | | | 585 | |
Increase in custody fees payable | | | 304 | |
Increase in insurance fees payable | | | 643 | |
Decrease in commitment fees payable | | | (11,112 | ) |
Increase in interest expense payable | | | 17,244 | |
Increase in other fees payable | | | 3,681 | |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | | | (1,656,980 | ) |
| | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of fund shares, including sale of fund shares received in advance | | | 6,723,000 | |
Payments for fund shares repurchased | | | (5,837,872 | ) |
Draw on line of credit | | | 6,414,625 | |
Repayments on line of credit | | | (5,800,000 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | | | 1,499,753 | |
| | | | |
Net change in cash | | | (157,227 | ) |
| | | | |
Cash at beginning of period | | | 643,444 | |
| | | | |
Cash at end of period | | $ | 486,217 | |
| | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of interest expense paid | | $ | 167,821 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND |
(a Maryland Statutory Trust) |
Financial Highlights |
| | For the | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Per share operating performance. | | September 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | |
For a capital share outstanding throughout each period. | | (Unaudited) | | | March 31, 2023 | | | March 31, 2022 | | | March 31, 2021 | | | March 31, 2020 | | | March 31, 2019 | |
Shareholders' Equity, Beginning of Period | | $ | 106.90 | | | $ | 112.93 | | | $ | 108.52 | | | $ | 100.84 | | | $ | 105.22 | | | $ | 107.18 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (1) | | | (1.01 | ) | | | (1.89 | ) | | | (1.83 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (1.74 | ) | | | (1.74 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | | | 4.42 | | | | 7.53 | | | | 15.14 | | | | 20.53 | | | | 3.99 | | | | 2.57 | |
Total from investment operations: | | | 3.41 | | | | 5.64 | | | | 13.31 | | | | 18.73 | | | | 2.25 | | | | 0.83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | - | | | | (6.48 | ) | | | (6.63 | ) | | | (8.19 | ) | | | (4.11 | ) | | | - | |
From net realized gains | | | - | | | | (5.19 | ) | | | (2.27 | ) | | | (2.86 | ) | | | (2.52 | ) | | | (2.79 | ) |
Net change in shareholders' equity due to distributions to shareholders | | | - | | | | (11.67 | ) | | | (8.90 | ) | | | (11.05 | ) | | | (6.63 | ) | | | (2.79 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' Equity, End of Period | | $ | 110.31 | | | $ | 106.90 | | | $ | 112.93 | | | $ | 108.52 | | | $ | 100.84 | | | $ | 105.22 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return (2) | | | 3.19 | %(6) | | | 5.07 | % | | | 12.54 | % | | | 18.83 | % | | | 2.01 | % | | | 0.82 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' Equity, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 117,054 | | | $ | 108,851 | | | $ | 94,670 | | | $ | 82,415 | | | $ | 71,015 | | | $ | 79,212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss to average shareholders' equity | | | (1.87 | )%(7) | | | (1.69 | )% | | | (1.64 | )% | | | (1.68 | )% | | | (1.64 | )% | | | (1.63 | )% |
Ratio of gross expenses to average shareholders' equity (3) | | | 2.13 | %(7) | | | 2.02 | % | | | 1.99 | % | | | 1.98 | % | | | 1.91 | % | | | 1.85 | % |
Ratio of expense waiver to average shareholders' equity | | | (0.26 | )%(7) | | | (0.33 | )% | | | (0.35 | )% | | | (0.30 | )% | | | (0.27 | )% | | | (0.22 | )% |
Ratio of net expenses to average shareholders' equity | | | 1.87 | %(4)(7) | | | 1.69 | %(4) | | | 1.64 | %(4) | | | 1.68 | %(4) | | | 1.64 | %(4) | | | 1.63 | %(4) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover | | | 0.80 | %(6) | | | 10.14 | % | | | 12.99 | % | | | 16.78 | % | | | 3.30 | % | | | 15.98 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total borrowings (000's omitted) | | $ | 3,985 | | | $ | 3,370 | | | $ | 2,100 | | | $ | 3,655 | | | $ | 2,510 | | | $ | - | |
Asset coverage per $1,000 unit of senior indebtedness (5) | | $ | 30,376 | | | $ | 33,300 | | | $ | 46,081 | | | $ | 23,548 | | | $ | 29,293 | | | $ | - | |
(1) | Based on average shares outstanding for the period. |
| |
(2) | Total Return based on shareholders' equity is the combination of changes in shareholders' equity and reinvested dividend income in shareholders' equity, if any. Total Return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
| |
(3) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average shareholders' equity absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement by the Advisers. |
| |
(4) | The Fund's operating expenses include fees and interest expense associated with the Line of Credit, which are excluded from the Expense Limitation calculation. If the interest expense associated with the Line of Credit was excluded from operating expenses, the net expense ratio would be 1.50%. |
| |
(5) | Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including borrowings) from the Fund's total assets and dividing this by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of senior indebtedness. |
| |
(6) | Not annualized. |
| |
(7) | Annualized. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
Infinity Core Alternative Fund (the “Fund”) is a Maryland statutory trust that operates under an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 15, 2013 and commenced operations on October 1, 2013. Effective December 20, 2013, the Fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Effective April 18, 2014, the Fund also registered its shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. First Trust Capital Management L.P. serves as the investment adviser (the “Investment Manager”) of the Fund. Infinity Capital Advisors, LLC serves as sub-adviser to the Fund (the “Sub-Adviser” and, together with the Investment Manager, the “Advisers”). Each of the Advisers is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term capital growth. The Fund invests primarily in general or limited partnerships, funds, corporations, trusts or other investment vehicles (collectively, “Investment Funds”) based primarily in the United States that invest or trade in a wide range of securities, and, to a lesser extent, other property and currency interests. The Fund may also make investments outside of Investment Funds to hedge exposures deemed too risky or to invest in strategies not employed by the Fund’s Investment Funds. Such investments could also be used to hedge a position in an Investment Fund that is locked up or difficult to sell. Direct investments could include U.S. and foreign equity securities, debt securities, exchange-traded funds and derivatives related to such instruments, including futures and options thereon.
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the business operations of the Fund.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Fund is an investment company and follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.
a. Valuation of Investments
UMB Fund Services, Inc., the Fund’s Administrator, calculates the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) as of the close of business on the last day of each month and at such other times as the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may determine, including in connection with repurchases of Shares, in accordance with the procedures described below or as may be determined from time to time in accordance with policies established by the Board (each, a “Determination Date”).
For purposes of calculating NAV, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. A market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the Fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. As a general principle, the fair value of a security or other asset is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Investment Manager as the valuation designee (“Valuation Designee”) for the Fund to perform in good faith the fair value determination relating to all Fund investments, under the Board’s oversight. The Investment Manager carries out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through its Valuation Committee. The fair values of one or more assets may not be the prices at which those assets are ultimately sold and the differences may be significant.
The Valuation Designee may value Fund portfolio securities for which market quotations are not readily available and other Fund assets utilizing inputs from pricing services, quotation reporting systems, valuation agents and other third-party sources.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
Fair value as of each month-end or other applicable accounting periods, as applicable, ordinarily will be the value determined as of such date by each Investment Fund in accordance with the Investment Fund’s valuation policies and reported at the time of the Fund’s valuation. As a general matter, the fair value of the Fund’s interest in an Investment Fund will represent the amount that the Fund could reasonably expect to receive from the Investment Fund if the Fund’s interest was redeemed at the time of valuation, based on information reasonably available at the time the valuation is made and that the Valuation Designee believes to be reliable. Generally, the fair value of an Investment Fund is its NAV. In the event that the Investment Fund does not report a month-end net NAV to the Fund on a timely basis, the Fund will determine the fair value of such Investment Fund based on the most recent final or estimated value reported by the Investment Fund, as well as any other relevant information available at the time the Fund values its portfolio. Using the nomenclature of the hedge fund industry, any values reported as “estimated” or “final” are expected to reasonably reflect fair market values of securities when available or fair value as of the Fund’s valuation date. A substantial amount of time may elapse between the occurrence of an event necessitating the pricing of the Fund’s assets and the receipt of valuation information from the underlying manager of an Investment Fund.
The Valuation Designee will consider whether it is appropriate, in light of all relevant circumstances, to value such interests at the NAV as reported by the Underlying Manager at the time of valuation, or whether to adjust such value to reflect a premium or discount to NAV. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and industry practice, the Fund may not always apply a discount in cases where there is no contemporaneous redemption activity in a particular Underlying Fund. In other cases, as when an Underlying Fund imposes extraordinary restrictions on redemptions, when other extraordinary circumstances exist, or when there have been no recent transactions in Underlying Fund interests, the Fund may determine that it is appropriate to apply a discount to the NAV of the Underlying Fund. Any such decision will be made in good faith by the Valuation Designee, under oversight by the Board.
Investors should be aware that situations involving uncertainties as to the value of portfolio positions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s net assets if the judgments of the Valuation Designee (in reliance on the Underlying Funds and/or their administrators) regarding appropriate valuations should prove incorrect. In no event does First Trust Portfolios L.P. (the “Distributor”) have any responsibility for any valuations of the Fund’s investments (including the accuracy, reliability or completeness thereof) or for the valuation processes utilized for the Fund, and the Distributor disclaims any and all liability for any direct, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of any inaccuracy or incompleteness in valuations. The Distributor has no duty to calculate the NAV of Fund Shares or to inquire into, or liability for, the accuracy of the NAV per Share (including a Class thereof) as calculated by or for the Fund.
The Fund classifies its assets and liabilities into three levels based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Estimated values may differ from the values that would have been used if a ready market existed or if the investments were liquidated at the valuation date.
The three-tier hierarchy distinguishes between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
| · | Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities |
| · | Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, ability to redeem in the near term (generally within the next calendar quarter for Investment Funds), etc.) |
| · | Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) or investments that cannot be fully redeemed at the NAV in the “near term” (these are investments thatgenerally have one or more of the following characteristics: gated redemptions, suspended redemptions, or have lock-up periods greater than 90 days). |
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
Investments in private investment funds valued at the net asset value as practical expedient are not required under U.S. GAAP to be classified in the fair value hierarchy. Investment Funds with a fair value of $122,379,213 are excluded from the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2023.
As of September 30, 2023, the Fund does not hold any investments that are required to be included in the fair value hierarchy.
The Advisers generally categorize the investment strategies of the Investment Funds into investment strategy categories. The investment objective of multi-strategy hedge funds is to deliver consistently positive returns regardless of the directional movement in equity, interest rates or currency markets by engaging in a variety of investment strategies. The investment objective of global long/short credit investing involves investing in instruments around the world related to any level of an issuer’s capital structure. On the long side, this strategy focuses on companies, assets and instruments that are perceived to be trading below their inherent value. On the short side, the strategy involves securities of companies that are believed to have their credit quality deteriorate due to operating or financial challenges, become subject to a leveraging event or have a negative event in the future. Event-driven investing involves the purchase or sale of securities of companies which are undergoing substantial changes. The investment objective of quantitative futures and equities investing seek to exploit trading opportunities in equity and global futures markets while seeking to achieve near zero correlation to markets over the long-term using quantitative analysis and/or systematic-based trading systems.
The Investment Funds compensate their respective Investment Fund managers through management fees currently ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% of average net asset value of the Fund’s investment annually and incentive allocations typically ranging between 20.0% and 35.0% of profits, subject to loss carryforward provisions, as defined in the respective Investment Funds’ agreements.
As of September 30, 2023, the Fund has no outstanding investment commitments.
b. Investment Transactions
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. The Fund determines the gain or loss realized from the investment transactions by comparing the original cost of the security lot sold with the net sale proceeds.
c. Fund Expenses
The Fund will pay all of its expenses, or reimburse the Advisers or their affiliates to the extent they have previously paid such expenses on behalf of the Fund. The expenses of the Fund include, but are not limited to, any fees and expenses in connection with the offering and issuance of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) of the Fund; all fees and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Fund’s account such as direct and indirect expenses associated with the Fund’s investments, and enforcing the Fund’s rights in respect of such investments; all fees and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the operation of the Fund, such as investment management fee, legal fees, auditing fees, accounting, administration, and tax preparation fees, custodial fees, costs of insurance, registration expenses, trustees’ fees, and expenses of meetings of the Board.
d. Income Tax Information & Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized gains to its shareholders (“Shareholders”). Therefore, no provision is made for federal income or excise taxes. Due to the timing of dividend distributions and the differences in accounting for income and realized gains and losses for financial statement and federal income tax purposes, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the income and realized gains and losses are recorded by the Fund.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the “Income Tax Statement”) requires an evaluation of tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.
The Income Tax Statement requires management of the Fund to analyze tax positions expected to be taken in the Fund’s tax returns, as defined by Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) statute of limitations for all major jurisdictions, including federal tax authorities and certain state tax authorities. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. At September 30, 2023, the tax years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021, and October 31, 2022 remain open to examination by the IRS. The Fund has no examination in progress and is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations. For financial reporting purposes, dividends and distributions to Shareholders are recorded on the ex-date.
The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gain may differ from the characterization for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the recognition of income, expense and gain/(loss) items for financial statement and tax purposes. Where appropriate, reclassifications between net asset accounts are made for such differences that are permanent in nature.
Additionally, U.S. GAAP requires certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. Permanent differences between book and tax basis are attributable to partnerships and passive foreign investment companies adjustments. These reclassifications have no effect on Shareholders’ Equity or Shareholders’ Equity per Share. For the tax year ended October 31, 2022 the following amounts were reclassified:
Shareholder’s Equity paid-in capital | | $ | (903,495 | ) |
Total distributable earnings | | | 903,495 | |
At March 31, 2023, the federal tax cost of investment securities and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of the year-end were as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 5,175,487 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (8,328,528 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (3,153,041 | ) |
Cost of investments | | $ | 119,174,526 | |
The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses in security transactions.
As of October 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 523,230 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 1,412,461 | |
Tax accumulated earnings | | | 1,935,691 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | - | |
Unrealized depreciation | | | (2,450,872 | ) |
Other differences | | | - | |
Distributable net earnings (deficit) | | $ | (515,181 | ) |
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
The tax character of distributions paid during the tax years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
Distributions paid from: | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 5,486,299 | | | $ | 7,614,195 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 1,628,936 | | | | - | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 7,115,235 | | | | 7,614,195 | |
Non-taxable distributions | | | - | | | | - | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 7,115,235 | | | $ | 7,614,195 | |
e. Cash
Cash, if any, includes amounts held in interest bearing money market accounts. Such deposits, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on such accounts.
f. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Fund’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in Shareholders’ Equity from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a management fee (“Investment Management Fee”) at an annual rate of 1.25%, payable monthly in arrears, based upon the Fund’s net assets as of month-end. The Investment Management Fee is paid to the Investment Manager before giving effect to any repurchase of Shares in the Fund effective as of that date, and will decrease the net profits or increase the net losses of the Fund that are credited to its Shareholders. The Investment Manager pays the Sub-Adviser 50% of the Investment Management Fee it receives from the Fund.
The Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser have entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement”) with the Fund, whereby the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser have jointly agreed to waive fees that they would otherwise have been paid, and/or to assume expenses of the Fund (a “Waiver”), if required to ensure the Total Annual Expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, other transaction-related expenses, extraordinary expenses, commitment or non-use fees related to the Fund’s line of credit, and any acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 1.50% of the net assets of the Fund on an annualized basis (the “Expense Limit”).
For a period not to exceed three years from the date on which a Waiver is made, the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Adviser may recoup amounts waived or assumed, provided they are able to effect such recoupment without causing the Fund’s expense ratio (after recoupment) to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver, and (ii) the expense limit in effect at the time of recoupment. The Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement has an initial term of one year, during which the Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement may not be terminated by the Fund, the Investment Manager or the Sub-Adviser, and is in effect until July 31, 2024. Thereafter, the Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement will automatically renew for consecutive one-year terms unless terminated by the Fund, the Investment Manager or the Sub-Adviser upon 30 days advanced written notice. For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Advisers waived fees and reimbursed expenses of $149,292. Also, for the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Investment Manager is owed by the Fund an Investment Management Fee of $101,593 as disclosed in the Due to Investment Manager balance on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. At September 30, 2023, $227,940 is subject to recoupment through March 31, 2024, $308,696 is subject to recoupment through March 31, 2025, $349,220 is subject to recoupment through March 31, 2026, and $149,292 is subject to recoupment through March 31, 2027.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
UMB Fund Services, Inc (“UMBFS”) acts as the Fund’s platform manager pursuant to a Platform Manager Agreement with the Fund. UMBFS does not receive a fee pursuant to the Platform Manager Agreement.
First Trust Portfolios L.P, an affiliate of the Investment Manager, acts as Distributor to the Fund; UMBFS serves as the Fund’s fund accountant, transfer agent and administrator; UMB Bank, n.a., an affiliate of UMBFS, serves as the Fund’s custodian.
Prior to the close of business on November 1, 2021, Foreside Fund Services, LLC acted as distributor to the Fund.
A trustee and certain officers of the Fund are employees of UMBFS. The Fund does not compensate trustees or officers affiliated with the Fund’s administrator. For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Fund’s allocated fees incurred for trustees are reported on the Statement of Operations.
Vigilant Compliance Services, LLC provides Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) services to the Fund. The Fund’s allocated fees incurred for CCO services for the six months ended September 30, 2023 were $16,300.
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
At September 30, 2023, Shareholders who are affiliated with the Investment Manager or the Sub-Adviser owned approximately $3,119,849 (or 2.67% of Shareholders’ Equity) of the Fund.
5. ADMINISTRATION AND CUSTODY AGREEMENT
UMBFS serves as administrator (the “Administrator”) to the Fund and provides certain accounting, administrative, record keeping and investor related services. The Fund pays the Administrator an annual fee beginning at 0.11% of the Funds’ net assets and decreasing as combined assets under management reach certain levels. In addition, the Fund pays the Administrator its pro-rata share, based on combined assets under management, of an annual relationship-level base fee of $75,000 per fund paid by all registered investment companies advised by the Investment Manager and serviced by the Administrator. UMB Bank, n.a. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of the Administrator, serves as the primary custodian of the assets of the Fund, and may maintain custody of such assets with U.S. and non-U.S. sub-custodians, securities depositories and clearing agencies.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the purchase and sale of investments, excluding short-term investments and U.S. Government securities were $2,648,763 and $958,616, respectively.
7. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Shares are generally offered for purchase as of the first day of each calendar month at the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Share (determined as of the close of the preceding month), except that Shares may be offered more or less frequently as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. Transactions in Shares were as follows:
Shares outstanding, March 31, 2022 | | | 838,293.417 | |
Shares issued | | | 156,072.374 | |
Shares reinvested | | | 96,386.415 | |
Shares repurchased | | | (72,486.827 | ) |
Shares outstanding, March 31, 2023 | | | 1,018,265.379 | |
Shares issued | | | 63,311.431 | |
Shares repurchased | | | (20,411.193 | ) |
Shares outstanding, September 30, 2023 | | | 1,061,165.617 | |
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
8. REPURCHASE OF SHARES
At the discretion of the Board and provided that it is in the best interests of the Fund and Shareholders to do so, the Fund intends to provide a limited degree of liquidity to the Shareholders by conducting repurchase offers generally quarterly with a Valuation Date (as defined below) on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. In each repurchase offer, the Fund may offer to repurchase its Shares at their net asset value as determined as of approximately March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, of each year, as applicable. Repurchase offers ordinarily will be limited to the repurchase of approximately 5% of the Shares outstanding, but if the value of Shares tendered for repurchase exceeds the value the Fund intended to repurchase, the Fund may determine to repurchase less than the full number of Shares tendered. In such event, Shareholders will have their Shares repurchased on a pro rata basis, and tendering Shareholders will not have all of their tendered Shares repurchased by the Fund. Shareholders tendering Shares for repurchase will be asked to give written notice of their intent to do so by the date specified in the notice describing the terms of the applicable repurchase offer. Prior to the December 31, 2022 tender offer, repurchase offers were ordinarily limited to approximately 25% of the Shares outstanding.
9. CREDIT FACILITY
The Fund maintains a credit facility (the “Facility”) with a maximum borrowing amount of $12,000,000, which is secured by certain interests in Investment Funds. A fee of 115 basis points per annum is payable monthly in arrears on the unused portion of the Facility, while the interest rate charged on borrowings is the 3-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus a spread of 180 basis points (7.118% at September 30, 2023). Collateral for the Facility is held by the Custodian. The line of credit is secured by a portfolio of hedge funds. Interest and fees incurred for the six months ended September 30, 2023 are disclosed in the accompanying Statement of Operations. At September 30, 2023 the Fund had $3,984,625 payable on the Facility and a $50,036 interest payable balance on the borrowings.
For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the average interest rate, the average daily loan balance and the maximum balance outstanding for the 183 days the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Facility was 7.07%, $5,227,139 and $7,495,000, respectively. The Fund is subject to certain loan covenants, the most restrictive covenant being the maintenance of a loan to value ratio. The Fund was in compliance with these covenants for the six months ended September 30, 2023.
10. INDEMNIFICATION
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund, and therefore cannot be established; however, the Fund expects the risk of loss from such claims to be remote.
11. RISK FACTORS
The Fund is subject to substantial risks — including market risks, strategy risks and Investment Fund manager risks. Investment Funds generally will not be registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act and, therefore, the Fund will not be entitled to the various protections afforded by the 1940 Act with respect to its investments in Investment Funds. While the Advisers will attempt to moderate any risks of securities activities of the Investment Fund managers, there can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment activities will be successful or that the Shareholders will not suffer losses. The Advisers will not have any control over the Investment Fund managers, thus there can be no assurances that an Investment Fund manager will manage its Investment Funds in a manner consistent with the Fund’s investment objective.
Certain London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBORs”) were generally phased out by the end of 2021, and some regulated entities have ceased to enter into new LIBOR-based contracts beginning January 1, 2022. Further, a majority of USD LIBOR settings ceased publication after June 30, 2023. As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the LIBOR-based instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. The transition process away from LIBOR may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition process may also result in a reduction in the value of certain instruments held by the Fund or reduce the effectiveness of related Fund transactions. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or on financial instruments in which the Fund invests, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
The global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are widely available, it is unknown how long circumstances related to the pandemic will persist, whether they will reoccur in the future, whether efforts to support the economy and financial markets will be successful, and what additional implications may follow from the pandemic. The impact of these events and other epidemics or pandemics in the future could adversely affect Fund performance.
In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments.
The impairment or failure of one or more banks with whom the Fund transacts may inhibit the Fund's ability to access depository accounts. In such cases, the Fund may be forced to delay or forgo investments, resulting in lower Fund performance. In the event of such a failure of a banking institution where the Fund holds depository accounts, access to such accounts could be restricted and U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") protection may not be available for balances in excess of amounts insured by the FDIC. In such instances, the Fund may not recover such excess, uninsured amounts.
12. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates
In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions ("ASU 2022-03"). ASU 2022-03 clarifies the guidance in Topic 820 when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security and introduces new disclosure requirements for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions and measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Fund is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements, but the impact of the adoption is not expected to be material.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued. There have been no subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure or would be required to be recognized in the financial statements.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Other Information – September 30, 2023 (unaudited)
Proxy Voting
The Fund is required to file Form N-PX, with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31. The Fund’s Form N-PX filing and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures are available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at (877) 779-1999 or (ii) by visiting the SEC’s website at https://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-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Board Consideration of the Continuation of the Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) held on September 7-8, 2023 (the “Meeting”), the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreement between First Trust Capital Management L.P. (the “Investment Manager”) and the Fund (the “Investment Management Agreement”) and the sub-advisory agreement among the Investment Manager, the Fund and Infinity Capital Advisors, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser” and, together with the Investment Manager, the “Advisers”) (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and, together with the Investment Management Agreement, the “Advisory Agreements”).
In advance of the Meeting, the Board requested and received materials from the Advisers to assist them in considering the approval of the Advisory Agreements. Among other things, the Board reviewed reports from third parties and management about the below factors. The Board did not consider any single factor as controlling in determining whether to approve either Advisory Agreement. Nor are the items described herein all encompassing of the matters considered by the Board.
The Board engaged in a detailed discussion of the materials with management of the Advisers. The Independent Trustees then met separately with independent counsel for a full review of the materials. Following this session, the full Board reconvened and after further discussion determined that the information presented provided a sufficient basis upon which to approve the Advisory Agreements.
Nature, Extent and Quality Of Services
The Board reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the investment advisory services provided by the Advisers to the Fund under the Advisory Agreements, including the selection of Fund investments. The Board also reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the non-advisory, administrative services provided by the Advisers to the Fund, including, among other things, providing office facilities, equipment, and personnel. The Board reviewed and considered the qualifications of the portfolio managers and other key personnel of the Advisers who provide the investment advisory and administrative services to the Fund. The Board determined that the Advisers’ portfolio managers and key personnel are well-qualified by education and/or training and experience to perform the services for the Fund in an efficient and professional manner. The Board also took into account the Advisers’ compliance policies and procedures, including the those used by the Investment Manager to determine the value of the Fund’s investments. The Board concluded that the overall quality of the advisory and administrative services provided to the Fund was satisfactory.
Performance
The Board considered the investment performance of the Advisers with respect to the Fund, noting that the Advisers also act as investment adviser to certain funds with a similar investment objective and strategy. The Board considered the performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had mixed year-to-date performance against two key indices and strong performance against its peers for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Board further considered performance information of the Fund compared to other comparable peer funds. The Board concluded that the performance of the Fund was satisfactory.
INFINITY CORE ALTERNATIVE FUND
(a Maryland Statutory Trust)
Other Information – September 30, 2023 (unaudited)
Fees and Expenses
The Board reviewed the advisory fee rate, sub-advisory fee rate and total expense ratio of the Fund, noting that the Investment Manager pays the Sub-Adviser from its fee. The Board compared the advisory fee and total expense ratio for the Fund with various comparative data, including third-party reports on the expenses of other comparable funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s advisory fees and expenses were comparable to the fees and expenses payable by other comparable peer funds. In addition, the Board noted that the Advisers have contractually agreed to limit total annual operating expenses and that such agreement would automatically renew for consecutive one-year terms unless the agreement was terminated. The Board concluded that the advisory fees paid by the Fund, the sub-advisory fees payable to the Sub-Adviser and total expense ratio were reasonable and satisfactory in light of the services provided.
Breakpoints and Economies of Scale
The Board reviewed the structure of the advisory fees under the Investment Management Agreement and the fees paid by the Investment Manager to the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, neither of which included breakpoints. The Board considered the Fund’s advisory fees and the fees paid by the Investment Manager to the Sub-Adviser and concluded that such fees were reasonable and satisfactory in light of the services provided. The Board also noted that the Investment Manager did not expect to further realize economies of scale and believed that breakpoints were not necessary at this time.
Profitability of Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser
The Board considered and reviewed information concerning the costs incurred and profits realized by the Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser from their relationships with the Fund. The Board also reviewed the Investment Manager’s and Sub-Adviser’s financial condition. The Board noted that the financial condition of each of the Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser appeared stable. The Board determined that the advisory and sub-advisory fees and the compensation to the Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser were reasonable and the financial condition of each was adequate.
Ancillary Benefits and Other Factors
The Board also discussed other benefits to be received by the Advisers from their management of the Fund including, without limitation, reputational benefits and ability to market other investment products offered by the Investment Manager or Sub-Adviser. The Board noted that (i) the Fund’s distributor is an affiliate of the Investment Manager and receives certain compensation in its role as the distributor and for other services related to the Fund, which were paid by the Investment Manager; and (ii) an affiliate of the Investment Manager receives management fees for assets held in the Fund by such affiliate’s wealth management clients for services and resources provided by the affiliate to its clients. The Board noted that the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser did not have affiliations with the Fund’s transfer agent, administrator or custodian, and in the case of the Sub-Adviser, the distributor, and therefore would not derive any benefits from the relationships these parties may have with the Fund. The Board concluded that the advisory fees and sub-advisory fees were reasonable in light of the fall-out benefits.
General Conclusion
Based on its consideration of all factors that it deemed material, and assisted by the advice of its counsel, the Board concluded it would be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreements.
ITEM 1.(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
| (a) | Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1(a) of this form. |
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
| (a) | Not applicable to semi-annual reports. |
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407), or this Item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF THE SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT COMPANIES.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(a)(4) Not applicable.
(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
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) | Infinity Core Alternative Fund | |
| | |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Michael Peck | |
| Michael Peck, President | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| | |
Date | December 8, 2023 | |
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/ Michael Peck | |
| Michael Peck, President | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| | |
Date | December 8, 2023 | |
| | |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Chad Eisenberg | |
| Chad Eisenberg, Treasurer | |
| (Principal Financial Officer) | |
| | |
Date | December 8, 2023 | |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.