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- 01136
Guggenheim Funds Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Amy J. Lee
Guggenheim Funds Trust
702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 1-301-296-5100
Date of fiscal year end: September 30
Date of reporting period: September 30, 2018
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, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. §3507.
| Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
The registrant’s annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), is as follows:
9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
Guggenheim Funds Trust-Equity |
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund | | |
Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund | | |
Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | |
Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund | | |
Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | |
Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | |
Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | SBE-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 4 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 6 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | 9 |
LARGE CAP VALUE FUND | 28 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | 40 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | 51 |
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND | 66 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | 78 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | 92 |
WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND | 106 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 118 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 133 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 135 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 145 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 150 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (together, “Investment Advisers”) are pleased to present the annual shareholder report for eight equity funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). The report covers the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Advisers are part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Advisers.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for each Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Security Investors, LLC
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
Alpha Opportunity Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investments in securities and derivatives, in general, are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. An investment in the Fund may lose money. There can be no guarantee the Fund will achieve it investment objective. ●The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Certain of the derivative instruments, such as swaps and structured notes, are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ●The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs, including paying more for a security than it received from its sale and the risk of unlimited losses. ●In certain circumstances the fund may be subject to liquidity risk and it may be difficult for the Fund to purchase and sell particular investments within a reasonable time at a fair price. ●In certain circumstances, it may be difficult for the Fund to purchase and sell particular investments within a reasonable time at a fair price. ●The Fund’s fixed income investments will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. ● See the prospectus for more information on these and additional risks.
Large Cap Value Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means an investor could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. The Fund is subject to risk that large-capitalization stocks may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity markets as a whole.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. ● There are no assurances that any Fund will achieve its objective and/or strategy. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options, and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Investing in sector funds is more volatile than investing in broadly diversified funds, as there is a greater risk due to the concentration of the Funds’ holdings in issuers of the same or similar offerings. ● This
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● Short selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. This strategy may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investments in securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time ● Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. ● There are no assurances that any fund will achieve its objective and/or strategy. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Investing in sector funds is more volatile than investing in broadly diversified funds, as there is a greater risk due to the concentration of the Funds’ holdings in issuers of the same or similar offerings. ● This Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● Short selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. This strategy may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell you shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is no guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
Small Cap Value Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means investors could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. ● Investing in securities of small-capitalization companies may involve a greater risk of loss and more abrupt fluctuations in market price than investments in larger-capitalization companies.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investments in large capitalization stocks may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole. ● Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions regarding the growth potential of the issuing companies. Value stocks are subject to the risk that the intrinsic value of the stock may never be realized by the market or that the price goes down.● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund may invest in foreign securities which carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● The Fund may invest in fixed income securities whose market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund may invest in bank loans and asset-backed securities, including mortgage backed, which involve special types of risks. ● The Fund may invest in restricted securities which may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investments in mid-sized company securities may present additional risks such as less predictable earnings, higher volatility and less liquidity than larger, more established companies. ● Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions regarding the growth potential of the issuing companies. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund may invest in foreign securities which carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). ● The Fund may invest in fixed income securities whose market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions, among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund may invest in bank loans and asset-backed securities, including mortgage backed, which involve special types of risks. ● The Fund may invest in restricted securities which may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
World Equity Income Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ●Investments in securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. ●The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets are generally subject to an even greater level of risks). Additionally, the Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar. ● The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments, including illiquidity of the derivatives, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, lack of availability and counterparty risk. ●The Fund’s use of leverage, through instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ●The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ●The Fund may have significant exposure to securities in a particular capitalization range e.g., large-, mid- or small-cap securities. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the risk that the pre-denominate capitalization range may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500®”) Index* generated a total return of 17.91%, rising from 2,519.36 to 2,913.98. The path was not straight, however, as equities tumbled in February when interest rates backed up. In September, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Total Return Index (“FNRE”) is one of the FTSE NAREIT US Real Estate Index Series that contains all Equity REITs not designated as Timber REITs or Infrastructure REITs. FTSE NAREIT US Real Estate Index Series is designed to present investors with a comprehensive family of REIT performance indexes that spans the commercial real estate space across the US economy. The index series provides investors with exposure to all investment and property sectors. In addition, the more narrowly focused property sector and sub-sector indexes provide the facility to concentrate commercial real estate exposure in more selected markets. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) is the trade association for REITs and publicly traded real estate companies with an interest in the US property and investment markets.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets excluding the U.S. and Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
MSCI World Index (Net) is calculated with net dividends reinvested. It is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.
Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average is the average return of funds Morningstar places in a given category based on their portfolio statistics and compositions over the past three years. Long-short portfolios hold sizeable stakes in both long and short positions in equities, exchange traded funds, and related derivatives. Some funds that fall into this category will shift their exposure to long and short positions depending on their macro outlook or the opportunities they uncover through bottom-up research. At least 75% of the assets are in equity securities or derivatives, and funds in the category will typically have beta values to relevant benchmarks of between 0.3 and 0.8 over a three-year period.
Russell 1000® Value Index is a measure of the performance for the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values.
Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.
Russell Midcap Growth® Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) | |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Funds’ costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Funds’ expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) | |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 |
Alpha Opportunity Fund |
A-Class | 1.54% | (2.59%) | $ 1,000.00 | $ 974.10 | $ 7.70 |
C-Class | 2.31% | (2.98%) | 1,000.00 | 970.20 | 11.53 |
P-Class | 1.57% | (2.63%) | 1,000.00 | 973.70 | 7.85 |
Institutional Class | 1.12% | (2.42%) | 1,000.00 | 975.80 | 5.61 |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.15% | (7.06%) | 1,000.00 | 1,070.60 | 6.03 |
C-Class | 1.90% | (6.64%) | 1,000.00 | 1,066.40 | 9.95 |
P-Class | 1.15% | (7.05%) | 1,000.00 | 1,070.50 | 6.03 |
Institutional Class | 0.90% | (7.18%) | 1,000.00 | 1,071.80 | 4.73 |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.65% | (3.79%) | 1,000.00 | 962.10 | 8.20 |
C-Class | 2.40% | (4.16%) | 1,000.00 | 958.40 | 11.91 |
P-Class | 1.65% | (3.79%) | 1,000.00 | 962.10 | 8.20 |
Institutional Class | 1.40% | (3.65%) | 1,000.00 | 963.50 | 6.97 |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.31% | 5.32% | 1,000.00 | 1,053.20 | 6.82 |
C-Class | 2.07% | 4.88% | 1,000.00 | 1,048.80 | 10.75 |
P-Class | 1.32% | 5.30% | 1,000.00 | 1,053.00 | 6.87 |
Institutional Class | 1.04% | 5.44% | 1,000.00 | 1,054.40 | 5.41 |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.30% | 6.79% | 1,000.00 | 1,067.90 | 6.81 |
C-Class | 2.05% | 6.48% | 1,000.00 | 1,064.80 | 10.73 |
P-Class | 1.30% | 6.79% | 1,000.00 | 1,067.90 | 6.81 |
Institutional Class | 1.05% | 6.99% | 1,000.00 | 1,069.90 | 5.51 |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.41% | 10.33% | 1,000.00 | 1,103.30 | 7.52 |
C-Class | 2.35% | 9.84% | 1,000.00 | 1,098.40 | 12.50 |
P-Class | 1.78% | 10.12% | 1,000.00 | 1,101.20 | 9.48 |
Institutional Class | 1.12% | 10.49% | 1,000.00 | 1,104.90 | 5.97 |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.59% | 9.52% | 1,000.00 | 1,095.20 | 8.44 |
C-Class | 2.39% | 8.99% | 1,000.00 | 1,089.90 | 12.66 |
P-Class | 1.87% | 9.37% | 1,000.00 | 1,093.70 | 9.92 |
Institutional Class | 1.52% | 9.57% | 1,000.00 | 1,095.70 | 8.07 |
World Equity Income Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.22% | 4.78% | 1,000.00 | 1,047.80 | 6.33 |
C-Class | 1.97% | 4.44% | 1,000.00 | 1,044.40 | 10.21 |
P-Class | 1.22% | 4.80% | 1,000.00 | 1,048.00 | 6.33 |
Institutional Class | 0.96% | 4.97% | 1,000.00 | 1,049.70 | 4.99 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period4 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) | | | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.54% | 5.00% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,017.35 | $ 7.79 |
C-Class | 2.31% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,013.49 | 11.66 |
P-Class | 1.57% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.20 | 7.94 |
Institutional Class | 1.12% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.45 | 5.67 |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.15% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.30 | 5.82 |
C-Class | 1.90% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,015.54 | 9.60 |
P-Class | 1.15% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.30 | 5.82 |
Institutional Class | 0.90% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,020.56 | 4.56 |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.65% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,016.80 | 8.34 |
C-Class | 2.40% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,013.04 | 12.11 |
P-Class | 1.65% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,016.80 | 8.34 |
Institutional Class | 1.40% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.05 | 7.08 |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.31% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.50 | 6.63 |
C-Class | 2.07% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,014.69 | 10.45 |
P-Class | 1.32% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.45 | 6.68 |
Institutional Class | 1.04% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.85 | 5.27 |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.30% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.55 | 6.58 |
C-Class | 2.05% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,014.79 | 10.35 |
P-Class | 1.30% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.55 | 6.58 |
Institutional Class | 1.05% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.80 | 5.32 |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.41% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.00 | 7.13 |
C-Class | 2.35% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,013.29 | 11.86 |
P-Class | 1.78% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,016.14 | 9.00 |
Institutional Class | 1.12% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.45 | 5.67 |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.59% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.10 | 8.04 |
C-Class | 2.39% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,013.09 | 12.06 |
P-Class | 1.87% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,015.69 | 9.45 |
Institutional Class | 1.52% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.45 | 7.69 |
World Equity Income Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.22% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.95 | 6.17 |
C-Class | 1.97% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,015.19 | 9.95 |
P-Class | 1.22% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.95 | 6.17 |
Institutional Class | 0.96% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,020.26 | 4.86 |
1 | This ratio represents annualized net expenses, which may include short dividend and interest expense. Excluding these expenses, the operating expense ratio for the Alpha Opportunity Fund would be 1.52%, 2.30%, 1.56%, 1.11% and the Risk Managed Real Estate Fund would be 1.29%, 2.05%, 1.30% and 1.03% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class, respectively. Excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
Dear Shareholder:
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Samir Sanghani, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the paragraphs below, the team discusses the performance of the Fund for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund returned -2.90%1, compared with the 1.59% return of its benchmark, the ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. The Fund’s secondary benchmark is the Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average. Its return for the 12 months was 5.82%
Investment Approach
The Fund is managed as an opportunistic long/short strategy, which employs forward-looking, fundamental analysis to measure the market’s expected return for each stock in the universe. Quantitative techniques are then applied to evaluate market- and company-specific risk factors embedded in each stock and to assess which specific risk factors (such as size, growth, or sectors) are being overvalued or undervalued by the market. Finally, a portfolio is constructed within guidelines that is long the stocks that give the portfolio both the broad risk characteristics and company-specific risks that are perceived to be undervalued and is short stocks for which those characteristics are perceived to be overpriced.
The Fund will ordinarily hold simultaneous long and short positions in equity securities or securities markets that provide exposure up to a level equal to 150% of the Fund’s net assets for both the long and short positions. The Fund intends to maintain a low overall net exposure (the difference between the notional value of long positions and the notional value of short positions), typically varying between 50% net long and 30% net short in order to maintain low correlation to traditional equity markets and lower-than-market volatility, and seek to provide consistent absolute return. The overall net exposure will change as market opportunities change, and may, based on the Fund’s view of current market conditions, be outside this range.
Derivatives in the Fund are used to take short positions as well as long exposure above 100% of NAV (that is, to take leverage).
Performance Review
The period began with a continued low-volatility bull market. Coming into the year, most economic signals and corporate earnings were generally strong, particularly with lower tax rates filtering through. Meanwhile, potential tail risks from a possible trade war seemed to grow—albeit with much of the market skeptical whether the trade comments were real or a negotiating tactic (not unlike last year’s war talk against North Korea). Volatility began to creep into the market (from unusually low levels) in February–impacting more cyclical and small caps initially while high secular growth and megacaps continued their momentum—particularly amongst popular names such as Apple, Alphabet, Netflix, and Amazon (all with considerable outperformance versus the broad markets for the full period). Defensive sectors either matched or underperformed the market.
On average during the period, the Fund held about 137% of assets in long securities, and 105% short, for an average net-dollar exposure of 32%. The realized net beta (sensitivity of daily Fund returns to the S&P 500 index) averaged around 0.34 during the year. The long positions (on a standalone unlevered basis) averaged a return of 13.0%, compared to the Russell 3000 index return of 17.6%. Short positions returned 19.1% on a stand-alone basis.
The negative performance during a positive market return environment is both frustrating, and a result of the low beta approach undertaken by the Fund. As market valuations remained robust in the midst of rising rates, the attractiveness of staying net long has slowly diminished. The net dollar exposure of the Fund decreased as the year progressed (from +40% at prior year-end to +25% at current period end). That net market exposure explained about +2.9% of return for the full period (i.e., contribution from market beta).
Most of the Fund’s positioning is aimed at being long and short fundamental style tilts and sector exposures. For the full year the fundamental style tilts led to about -1.3% of attributable drag. Most of our positioning across fundamental factors led to some positive contribution (positioning on higher free cash flow names, larger size names, better profitability names, and avoiding the highest growth names–all those paid off slightly.) However, the value bias did not pay off and led to the total negative contribution.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Sector positioning was a bright spot. For the year we estimate about +7.1% of attributable return to proper sector positioning, with the largest positive contributors being net longs on Healthcare, Energy mid/downstream, and net shorts in Real Estate, Financials, and Chemicals/Materials.
Beyond the factor positioning, the Fund’s security specific selection impact was a big detractor for the year. Within a few industries, the Fund suffered from idiosyncratic trends that caused performance divergence that was less explained by broad fundamental characteristics. For example, within the industrials sector, the Fund held a decent number of names both long and short, leading to a small net exposure. The long side held more global exposure with manufacturing and capital goods companies, while the short side held more U.S.-centric and service-oriented businesses. Those two groups diverged strongly in the midst of the trade war and tariff talk escalation—causing losses from both longs and shorts. Additionally, shorts in some expensive IT and Consumer Discretionary names hurt the Fund as those names generally met high sales growth expectations that were rewarded (regardless of profitability level).
Positioning
At the start of the new fiscal period, the Fund’s estimated net beta remains in the 0.20 to 0.30 range. The Fund is positioned to be less market directional and more style/industry focused. The Fund maintains large factor tilts towards valuation and free cash flow heavy names. The Fund also tilts towards higher profitability firms, but against companies that have been experiencing strong asset growth (where the valuation premium towards highest growth firms looks stretched).
Largest sector net long exposures (greater than +10%) are in Healthcare Pharma/Equipment, Consumer Staples, IT, and Capital Goods. The largest net short exposures (less than -10%) exist in Commercial & Professional Services, Real Estate, Financials, and Materials groups.
Our process aims to measure what the market is pricing in based on forward expectations–and the above tilts are dictated primarily by the disparities in those market implied risk premiums–as well as risk balancing between the market and various sector/style tilts that tend to be correlated. The positions on the long side have a slightly more defensive nature than the short side, which is slightly offset by higher weight to longs versus shorts. Also given the wide diversity of economically sensitive names on both sides, the Fund is not likely to have strong positive or negative exposure to a recession. The return sensitivity instead will come from any narrowing in valuation gap between very high growth expensive names versus slower growth & quality names (as measured by cash flow and profitability).
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_11.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | July 7, 2003 |
C-Class | July 7, 2003 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | November 7, 2008 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 1.1% |
National Fuel Gas Co. | 1.0% |
McKesson Corp. | 1.0% |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | 0.9% |
Portland General Electric Co. | 0.9% |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | 0.9% |
Exelon Corp. | 0.9% |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | 0.9% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 0.9% |
Pfizer, Inc. | 0.8% |
Top Ten Total | 9.3% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_12.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | (2.90%) | 4.85% | 8.16% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | (7.50%) | 3.83% | 7.52% |
C-Class Shares | (3.65%) | 4.07% | 7.32% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | (4.54%) | 4.07% | 7.32% |
Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average | 5.82% | 4.07% | 5.12% |
S&P 500 Index | 17.91% | 13.95% | 11.97% |
S&P 500 Index-Blended** | 1.59% | 9.17% | 9.59% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index | 1.59% | 0.52% | 0.34% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (11/07/08) |
Institutional Class Shares | (2.50%) | 5.28% | 11.41% |
Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average | 5.82% | 4.07% | 6.09% |
S&P 500 Index | 17.91% | 13.95% | 14.65% |
S&P 500 Index-Blended** | 1.59% | 9.17% | 12.18% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index | 1.59% | 0.52% | 0.33% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | (2.93%) | 2.19% |
Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average | | 5.82% | 2.79% |
S&P 500 Index | | 17.91% | 12.25% |
S&P 500 Index-Blended** | | 1.59% | 5.42% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S.Treasury Bill Index | | 1.59% | 0.74% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S.Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500 Index, and the Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
** | Effective March 13, 2017, the Fund changed its principal investment strategy. As a result of the investment strategy change, the Fund’s new benchmark is the ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. The Fund’s performance was previously compared to the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Index-Blended uses performance data from the S&P 500 Index from 09/30/03 to 03/12/17, and the ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index from 03/13/17 to 09/30/18. |
‡ | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 102.4% |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 31.4% |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.1 | | | 43,245 | | | $ | 2,173,926 | |
McKesson Corp.1 | | | 14,372 | | | | 1,906,446 | |
Cardinal Health, Inc.1 | | | 34,563 | | | | 1,866,402 | |
Pfizer, Inc.1 | | | 37,113 | | | | 1,635,570 | |
Danaher Corp.1 | | | 14,282 | | | | 1,551,882 | |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc* | | | 9,087 | | | | 1,527,797 | |
Kellogg Co.1 | | | 21,781 | | | | 1,525,105 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A1 | | | 24,934 | | | | 1,484,321 | |
Amgen, Inc.1 | | | 7,122 | | | | 1,476,319 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 12,479 | | | | 1,309,796 | |
Medtronic plc1 | | | 12,706 | | | | 1,249,889 | |
CVS Health Corp.1 | | | 15,836 | | | | 1,246,610 | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B1 | | | 19,806 | | | | 1,218,069 | |
Kraft Heinz Co.1 | | | 21,355 | | | | 1,176,874 | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 15,994 | | | | 1,173,320 | |
Zoetis, Inc.1 | | | 12,649 | | | | 1,158,142 | |
Procter & Gamble Co.1 | | | 12,933 | | | | 1,076,414 | |
Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A1 | | | 23,203 | | | | 996,801 | |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | | | 14,300 | | | | 952,380 | |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 29,679 | | | | 914,707 | |
Western Union Co.1 | | | 47,899 | | | | 912,955 | |
Performance Food Group Co.* | | | 26,441 | | | | 880,485 | |
Sysco Corp.1 | | | 11,739 | | | | 859,882 | |
Post Holdings, Inc.* | | | 8,721 | | | | 855,007 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.1 | | | 3,283 | | | | 801,315 | |
Baxter International, Inc.1 | | | 10,111 | | | | 779,457 | |
CoreLogic, Inc.* | | | 15,590 | | | | 770,302 | |
Travelport Worldwide Ltd. | | | 44,995 | | | | 759,066 | |
Eli Lilly & Co.1 | | | 6,969 | | | | 747,843 | |
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.* | | | 5,436 | | | | 731,359 | |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*,1 | | | 6,504 | | | | 727,993 | |
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,583 | | | | 715,835 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp.1 | | | 6,298 | | | | 715,705 | |
United Rentals, Inc.*,1 | | | 3,921 | | | | 641,475 | |
PepsiCo, Inc.1 | | | 5,423 | | | | 606,291 | |
Bruker Corp. | | | 18,038 | | | | 603,371 | |
Mylan N.V.*,1 | | | 16,468 | | | | 602,729 | |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | | | 4,611 | | | | 598,231 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.1 | | | 9,548 | | | | 592,740 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | | | 2,361 | | | | 589,447 | |
Quanta Services, Inc.* | | | 17,633 | | | | 588,589 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.1 | | | 7,399 | | | | 571,277 | |
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.* | | | 31,019 | | | | 561,134 | |
Kroger Co.1 | | | 19,004 | | | | 553,206 | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 3,985 | | | | 550,608 | |
Sabre Corp. | | | 21,047 | | | | 548,906 | |
STERIS plc | | | 4,754 | | | | 543,858 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.1 | | | 4,058 | | | | 533,505 | |
Hershey Co.1 | | | 5,223 | | | | 532,746 | |
Vector Group Ltd. | | | 38,100 | | | | 525,018 | |
Allergan plc1 | | | 2,711 | | | | 516,391 | |
Merck & Company, Inc.1 | | | 7,267 | | | | 515,521 | |
Cardtronics plc — Class A* | | | 14,822 | | | | 468,968 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 3,346 | | | | 465,128 | |
Simply Good Foods Co.* | | | 23,859 | | | | 464,057 | |
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,440 | | | | 450,706 | |
Altria Group, Inc.1 | | | 7,453 | | | | 449,491 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc.1 | | | 3,201 | | | | 445,323 | |
Medpace Holdings, Inc.* | | | 7,421 | | | | 444,592 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 1,200 | | | | 440,472 | |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B* | | | 1,602 | | | | 439,733 | |
Celgene Corp.*,1 | | | 4,910 | | | | 439,396 | |
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B | | | 8,665 | | | | 438,016 | |
Biogen, Inc.*,1 | | | 1,239 | | | | 437,751 | |
McCormick & Company, Inc. | | | 3,317 | | | | 437,015 | |
Innoviva, Inc.* | | | 28,647 | | | | 436,580 | |
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,994 | | | | 435,088 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | | 755 | | | | 433,370 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.* | | | 7,375 | | | | 429,815 | |
MEDNAX, Inc.* | | | 9,189 | | | | 428,759 | |
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A1 | | | 1,987 | | | | 428,437 | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co.1 | | | 6,398 | | | | 428,346 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | | | 1,638 | | | | 427,518 | |
Humana, Inc.1 | | | 1,262 | | | | 427,212 | |
LivaNova plc* | | | 3,445 | | | | 427,077 | |
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.* | | | 7,798 | | | | 425,381 | |
Flowers Foods, Inc. | | | 22,524 | | | | 420,298 | |
Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A* | | | 12,167 | | | | 403,214 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*,1 | | | 2,165 | | | | 376,926 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*,1 | | | 1,165 | | | | 373,371 | |
Darling Ingredients, Inc.* | | | 19,090 | | | | 368,819 | |
Hologic, Inc.* | | | 8,810 | | | | 361,034 | |
Anthem, Inc.1 | | | 1,311 | | | | 359,280 | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 2,360 | | | | 350,932 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 62,215,122 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 16.5% |
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A* | | | 15,283 | | | | 1,390,600 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | | | 16,100 | | | | 1,327,445 | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 17,625 | | | | 1,323,814 | |
AECOM* | | | 36,300 | | | | 1,185,558 | |
Cummins, Inc.1 | | | 7,559 | | | | 1,104,143 | |
WestRock Co.1 | | | 20,288 | | | | 1,084,191 | |
Masco Corp.1 | | | 26,790 | | | | 980,514 | |
TE Connectivity Ltd.1 | | | 11,059 | | | | 972,418 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 15,866 | | | | 953,546 | |
Packaging Corporation of America1 | | | 8,558 | | | | 938,727 | |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | | | 34,797 | | | | 921,773 | |
FedEx Corp.1 | | | 3,629 | | | | 873,827 | |
Crane Co. | | | 8,385 | | | | 824,665 | |
Boise Cascade Co. | | | 22,308 | | | | 820,934 | |
EnerSys | | | 8,821 | | | | 768,574 | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.* | | | 10,404 | | | | 766,983 | |
Pentair plc | | | 17,560 | | | | 761,226 | |
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.* | | | 16,573 | | | | 755,729 | |
AGCO Corp. | | | 11,753 | | | | 714,465 | |
Caterpillar, Inc.1 | | | 4,649 | | | | 708,926 | |
Trinseo S.A. | | | 8,948 | | | | 700,628 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 9,815 | | | | 699,221 | |
Dover Corp.1 | | | 7,884 | | | | 697,970 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Waters Corp.*,1 | | | 3,496 | | | $ | 680,601 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 3,405 | | | | 625,158 | |
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A1 | | | 6,675 | | | | 611,897 | |
Jabil, Inc. | | | 22,176 | | | | 600,526 | |
Belden, Inc. | | | 8,300 | | | | 592,703 | |
Avnet, Inc. | | | 13,089 | | | | 585,994 | |
Trinity Industries, Inc. | | | 15,498 | | | | 567,847 | |
Eaton Corporation plc1 | | | 6,272 | | | | 543,970 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp.1 | | | 2,952 | | | | 532,836 | |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 22,253 | | | | 520,720 | |
Corning, Inc.1 | | | 14,614 | | | | 515,874 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp.1 | | | 2,516 | | | | 462,768 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 14,747 | | | | 454,208 | |
KBR, Inc. | | | 20,364 | | | | 430,291 | |
Kansas City Southern1 | | | 3,785 | | | | 428,765 | |
Sonoco Products Co. | | | 7,609 | | | | 422,299 | |
Tech Data Corp.* | | | 5,875 | | | | 420,474 | |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | | 11,877 | | | | 419,852 | |
Gentex Corp. | | | 19,247 | | | | 413,041 | |
Owens Corning | | | 7,509 | | | | 407,513 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 19,953 | | | | 406,044 | |
PGT Innovations, Inc.* | | | 18,228 | | | | 393,725 | |
Coherent, Inc.* | | | 2,246 | | | | 386,739 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 32,699,722 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 11.3% |
Senior Housing Properties Trust REIT | | | 101,541 | | | | 1,783,060 | |
Allstate Corp.1 | | | 12,221 | | | | 1,206,213 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co.1 | | | 10,132 | | | | 1,143,295 | |
Ventas, Inc. REIT1 | | | 18,216 | | | | 990,586 | |
Travelers Companies, Inc.1 | | | 7,522 | | | | 975,679 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A REIT | | | 21,963 | | | | 969,227 | |
Aflac, Inc.1 | | | 20,502 | | | | 965,029 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc.1 | | | 9,059 | | | | 917,858 | |
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT | | | 27,540 | | | | 903,863 | |
Equity Commonwealth REIT* | | | 26,871 | | | | 862,290 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust REIT | | | 29,035 | | | | 837,369 | |
Visa, Inc. — Class A1 | | | 5,491 | | | | 824,144 | |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT1 | | | 38,341 | | | | 808,995 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.1 | | | 15,501 | | | | 790,396 | |
Principal Financial Group, Inc.1 | | | 12,893 | | | | 755,401 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.1 | | | 14,593 | | | | 729,066 | |
MetLife, Inc.1 | | | 14,727 | | | | 688,045 | |
Weingarten Realty Investors REIT | | | 22,013 | | | | 655,107 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT | | | 34,035 | | | | 644,283 | |
State Street Corp.1 | | | 7,053 | | | | 590,900 | |
Lazard Ltd. — Class A | | | 11,872 | | | | 571,399 | |
EPR Properties REIT | | | 8,138 | | | | 556,721 | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.1 | | | 3,598 | | | | 531,281 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 38,560 | | | | 521,717 | |
Raymond James Financial, Inc. | | | 5,492 | | | | 505,539 | |
Franklin Resources, Inc.1 | | | 16,504 | | | | 501,887 | |
Capital One Financial Corp.1 | | | 5,169 | | | | 490,693 | |
Synchrony Financial1 | | | 14,641 | | | | 455,042 | |
CyrusOne, Inc. REIT | | | 4,253 | | | | 269,640 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 22,444,725 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 9.7% |
Southwest Airlines Co.1 | | | 16,594 | | | | 1,036,295 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc.1 | | | 16,210 | | | | 937,424 | |
La-Z-Boy, Inc. | | | 27,703 | | | | 875,415 | |
Lear Corp.1 | | | 5,968 | | | | 865,360 | |
PACCAR, Inc.1 | | | 12,410 | | | | 846,238 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 42,786 | | | | 828,337 | |
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | | | 15,919 | | | | 827,947 | |
Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A | | | 9,792 | | | | 781,793 | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 26,524 | | | | 657,000 | |
United Continental Holdings, Inc.* | | | 7,042 | | | | 627,161 | |
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A | | | 22,505 | | | | 548,897 | |
Toll Brothers, Inc. | | | 16,324 | | | | 539,182 | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 11,513 | | | | 492,526 | |
Meritor, Inc.* | | | 24,678 | | | | 477,766 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 3,060 | | | | 441,864 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 6,407 | | | | 441,186 | |
Children’s Place, Inc. | | | 3,448 | | | | 440,655 | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 4,018 | | | | 439,167 | |
TJX Companies, Inc. | | | 3,919 | | | | 439,006 | |
AutoZone, Inc.* | | | 562 | | | | 435,944 | |
Best Buy Company, Inc. | | | 5,452 | | | | 432,671 | |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 4,530 | | | | 425,412 | |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 3,795 | | | | 421,966 | |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 7,112 | | | | 421,955 | |
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A | | | 5,031 | | | | 414,655 | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 22,073 | | | | 412,103 | |
General Motors Co.1 | | | 12,077 | | | | 406,633 | |
KB Home | | | 16,910 | | | | 404,318 | |
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.* | | | 32,428 | | | | 402,107 | |
Delphi Technologies plc | | | 12,584 | | | | 394,634 | |
Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A | | | 4,658 | | | | 370,730 | |
DR Horton, Inc.1 | | | 8,541 | | | | 360,259 | |
Carter’s, Inc. | | | 3,645 | | | | 359,397 | |
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,923 | | | | 350,702 | |
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.* | | | 19,327 | | | | 337,063 | |
Visteon Corp.* | | | 3,498 | | | | 324,964 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 19,218,732 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 8.7% |
HP, Inc.1 | | | 49,487 | | | | 1,275,280 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.1 | | | 9,562 | | | | 1,042,927 | |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 15,583 | | | | 1,028,166 | |
DXC Technology Co.1 | | | 10,692 | | | | 999,916 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A1 | | | 11,834 | | | | 912,993 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.1 | | | 8,687 | | | | 787,998 | |
Cirrus Logic, Inc.* | | | 19,444 | | | | 750,538 | |
International Business Machines Corp.1 | | | 4,676 | | | | 707,058 | |
Intel Corp.1 | | | 13,859 | | | | 655,392 | |
MAXIMUS, Inc. | | | 9,768 | | | | 635,506 | |
Accenture plc — Class A | | | 3,674 | | | | 625,315 | |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Leidos Holdings, Inc.1 | | | 8,762 | | | $ | 605,980 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | | 5,404 | | | | 600,709 | |
Paychex, Inc.1 | | | 8,045 | | | | 592,514 | |
Oracle Corp.1 | | | 11,390 | | | | 587,268 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 2,340 | | | | 528,232 | |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.1 | | | 3,864 | | | | 509,855 | |
Fiserv, Inc.*,1 | | | 6,153 | | | | 506,884 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 4,113 | | | | 470,404 | |
ON Semiconductor Corp.*,1 | | | 25,319 | | | | 466,629 | |
NetApp, Inc.1 | | | 5,374 | | | | 461,573 | |
Seagate Technology plc1 | | | 9,748 | | | | 461,568 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 4,126 | | | | 442,679 | |
Western Digital Corp.1 | | | 7,458 | | | | 436,591 | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 25,413 | | | | 414,486 | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 4,369 | | | | 403,958 | |
Icad, Inc.* | | | 71,645 | | | | 208,487 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 17,118,906 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 8.4% |
National Fuel Gas Co. | | | 35,576 | | | | 1,994,391 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 40,782 | | | | 1,860,067 | |
Exelon Corp.1 | | | 41,304 | | | | 1,803,333 | |
UGI Corp. | | | 27,654 | | | | 1,534,244 | |
El Paso Electric Co. | | | 26,760 | | | | 1,530,672 | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 35,603 | | | | 1,404,538 | |
Consolidated Edison, Inc.1 | | | 12,911 | | | | 983,689 | |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 26,319 | | | | 955,906 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 11,871 | | | | 939,946 | |
Ameren Corp.1 | | | 14,200 | | | | 897,724 | |
AES Corp. | | | 60,406 | | | | 845,684 | |
Entergy Corp.1 | | | 8,816 | | | | 715,242 | |
FirstEnergy Corp.1 | | | 16,891 | | | | 627,838 | |
American Electric Power Company, Inc. | | | 6,129 | | | | 434,424 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 16,527,698 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 7.7% |
Verizon Communications, Inc.1 | | | 34,799 | | | | 1,857,919 | |
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc. | | | 42,885 | | | | 1,304,991 | |
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 36,409 | | | | 1,264,120 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.1 | | | 21,064 | | | | 1,024,764 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc.1 | | | 13,546 | | | | 921,399 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.*,1 | | | 4,045 | | | | 806,654 | |
ARRIS International plc* | | | 28,268 | | | | 734,685 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc.1 | | | 24,362 | | | | 730,129 | |
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. | | | 31,550 | | | | 721,548 | |
News Corp. — Class A | | | 48,429 | | | | 638,779 | |
CenturyLink, Inc.1 | | | 29,480 | | | | 624,976 | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 11,083 | | | | 517,465 | |
Vonage Holdings Corp.* | | | 35,119 | | | | 497,285 | |
AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A* | | | 7,361 | | | | 488,329 | |
InterDigital, Inc. | | | 5,988 | | | | 479,040 | |
Boingo Wireless, Inc.* | | | 13,337 | | | | 465,461 | |
CDW Corp.1 | | | 5,186 | | | | 461,139 | |
Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,940 | | | | 443,052 | |
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. | | | 10,768 | | | | 417,260 | |
TEGNA, Inc. | | | 33,649 | | | | 402,442 | |
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. | | | 61,604 | | | | 389,337 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 15,190,774 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 4.9% |
Exxon Mobil Corp.1 | | | 19,977 | | | | 1,698,445 | |
Chevron Corp.1 | | | 12,516 | | | | 1,530,456 | |
Valero Energy Corp.1 | | | 11,819 | | | | 1,344,411 | |
Phillips 661 | | | 11,079 | | | | 1,248,825 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp.1 | | | 14,997 | | | | 1,232,304 | |
HollyFrontier Corp.1 | | | 6,969 | | | | 487,133 | |
Williams Companies, Inc.1 | | | 16,834 | | | | 457,717 | |
PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A | | | 8,903 | | | | 444,349 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc.1 | | | 24,836 | | | | 440,342 | |
ConocoPhillips1 | | | 5,581 | | | | 431,969 | |
Murphy USA, Inc.* | | | 5,005 | | | | 427,727 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 9,743,678 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 3.8% |
Eastman Chemical Co.1 | | | 14,731 | | | | 1,410,051 | |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A1 | | | 10,535 | | | | 1,079,943 | |
Olin Corp. | | | 35,158 | | | | 902,858 | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 30,541 | | | | 831,631 | |
Westlake Chemical Corp.1 | | | 9,830 | | | | 816,971 | |
Cabot Corp. | | | 10,807 | | | | 677,815 | |
Chemours Co. | | | 14,401 | | | | 567,976 | |
International Paper Co.1 | | | 8,911 | | | | 437,975 | |
Celanese Corp. — Class A1 | | | 3,686 | | | | 420,204 | |
Domtar Corp. | | | 6,657 | | | | 347,296 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 7,492,720 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $197,840,319) | | | | | | | 202,652,077 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 4.6% |
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund — Institutional Class 1.91%2 | | | 9,094,554 | | | | 9,094,554 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $9,094,554) | | | | | | | 9,094,554 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 107.0% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $206,934,873) | | | | | | $ | 211,746,631 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (7.0)% | | | | | | | (13,847,818 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 197,898,813 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements |
Counterparty | Index | | Financing Rate Pay (Receive) | | Payment Frequency | Maturity Date | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements†† |
Morgan Stanley | Alpha Opportunity Portfolio Long Custom Basket Swap3 | | | 2.35 | % | At Maturity | 02/01/19 | | $ | 78,662,706 | | | $ | 1,469,676 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short†† |
Morgan Stanley | Alpha Opportunity Portfolio Short Custom Basket Swap4 | | | (1.57 | %) | At Maturity | 02/01/19 | | $ | 227,252,902 | | | $ | (11,316,175 | ) |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES3 |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 16,693 | | | | 7.8 | % | | $ | 114,500 | |
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A* | | | 5,899 | | | | 7.7 | % | | | 112,465 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 8,131 | | | | 6.6 | % | | | 96,909 | |
UGI Corp. | | | 10,674 | | | | 6.4 | % | | | 93,758 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 2,749 | | | | 6.1 | % | | | 89,486 | |
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc. | | | 16,554 | | | | 5.9 | % | | | 87,302 | |
Medtronic plc | | | 4,904 | | | | 5.8 | % | | | 85,390 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 14,326 | | | | 5.7 | % | | | 83,843 | |
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,145 | | | | 5.2 | % | | | 76,830 | |
National Fuel Gas Co. | | | 13,732 | | | | 4.7 | % | | | 68,753 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 15,742 | | | | 4.6 | % | | | 67,356 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 6,113 | | | | 4.1 | % | | | 60,874 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 7,711 | | | | 3.9 | % | | | 57,949 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.* | | | 1,561 | | | | 3.9 | % | | | 57,608 | |
El Paso Electric Co. | | | 10,329 | | | | 3.9 | % | | | 56,668 | |
Exelon Corp. | | | 15,943 | | | | 3.9 | % | | | 56,519 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.* | | | 449 | | | | 3.8 | % | | | 56,388 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 13,433 | | | | 3.8 | % | | | 56,119 | |
EnerSys | | | 3,405 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 52,029 | |
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.* | | | 2,098 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 51,097 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 2,690 | | | | 3.4 | % | | | 50,214 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 4,562 | | | | 3.4 | % | | | 49,620 | |
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.* | | | 6,397 | | | | 3.2 | % | | | 47,306 | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 13,743 | | | | 3.2 | % | | | 46,546 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 6,124 | | | | 3.1 | % | | | 45,834 | |
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 10,631 | | | | 3.1 | % | | | 45,131 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 1,314 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 43,119 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 4,992 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 43,033 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 5,481 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 42,341 | |
Cardtronics plc — Class A* | | | 5,721 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 41,879 | |
KBR, Inc. | | | 7,860 | | | | 2.8 | % | | | 41,168 | |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | | | 39,195 | | | | 2.7 | % | | | 39,842 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 1,139 | | | | 2.7 | % | | | 39,245 | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 2,074 | | | | 2.7 | % | | | 39,118 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 19,102 | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 38,447 | |
Merck & Company, Inc. | | | 2,805 | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 38,200 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | | | 6,214 | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 37,909 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 9,404 | | | | 2.5 | % | | | 36,362 | |
AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A* | | | 2,841 | | | | 2.4 | % | | | 35,730 | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 6,803 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 33,790 | |
STERIS plc | | | 1,835 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 33,312 | |
Allergan plc | | | 1,046 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 33,030 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 3,685 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 32,941 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 6,257 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 32,099 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 5,513 | | | | 2.1 | % | | | 31,523 | |
Kroger Co. | | | 7,335 | | | | 2.1 | % | | | 30,414 | |
AES Corp. | | | 23,317 | | | | 2.1 | % | | | 30,328 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 5,789 | | | | 2.1 | % | | | 30,295 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | 5,641 | | | | 2.0 | % | | | 29,486 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 4,831 | | | | 2.0 | % | | | 28,778 | |
CenturyLink, Inc. | | | 11,379 | | | | 1.9 | % | | | 28,204 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | 3,691 | | | | 1.9 | % | | | 27,501 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 6,405 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 26,534 | |
Crane Co. | | | 3,236 | | | | 1.7 | % | | | 25,343 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.* | | | 835 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 24,233 | |
Travelport Worldwide Ltd. | | | 17,368 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 24,202 | |
Visa, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,119 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 24,126 | |
Eaton Corporation plc | | | 2,421 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 23,976 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | 1,267 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 23,935 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,566 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 23,902 | |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | | | 1,491 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 23,028 | |
Dover Corp. | | | 3,043 | | | | 1.5 | % | | | 21,975 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 487 | | | | 1.5 | % | | | 21,946 | |
DXC Technology Co. | | | 4,127 | | | | 1.3 | % | | | 18,381 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 2,154 | | | | 1.3 | % | | | 18,372 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 4,531 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 18,229 | |
Domtar Corp. | | | 2,570 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 18,215 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A | | | 8,478 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 18,192 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 4,396 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 18,057 | |
TEGNA, Inc. | | | 12,989 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 17,575 | |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allstate Corp. | | | 4,717 | | | | 1.1 | % | | $ | 16,599 | |
Biogen, Inc.* | | | 478 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 16,526 | |
Sabre Corp. | | | 8,124 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 16,295 | |
United Continental Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,718 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 15,608 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 6,520 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 15,398 | |
Leidos Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,382 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 15,390 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 2,856 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 14,346 | |
Avnet, Inc. | | | 5,052 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 14,337 | |
CoreLogic, Inc.* | | | 6,018 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 13,636 | |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc* | | | 3,507 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 13,560 | |
Fiserv, Inc.* | | | 2,375 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 13,153 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 971 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 13,096 | |
Baxter International, Inc. | | | 3,903 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 13,054 | |
Jabil, Inc. | | | 8,560 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 12,629 | |
McCormick & Company, Inc. | | | 1,280 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 12,602 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 1,587 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 12,358 | |
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.* | | | 1,236 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 12,113 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 1,291 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 12,094 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 2,431 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 11,778 | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 2,093 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 11,757 | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 4,278 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 11,658 | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 2,876 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 11,275 | |
Paychex, Inc. | | | 3,105 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 11,265 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 2,473 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 10,860 | |
Hershey Co. | | | 2,016 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 10,767 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | | | 1,235 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 10,682 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 7,702 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 10,435 | |
Simply Good Foods Co.* | | | 9,210 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 10,369 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 4,582 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 10,095 | |
InterDigital, Inc. | | | 2,311 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 9,962 | |
Equity Commonwealth* | | | 10,372 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 9,947 | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 1,794 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 9,893 | |
Accenture plc — Class A | | | 1,418 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 9,464 | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 6,174 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 9,151 | |
CDW Corp. | | | 2,002 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 9,092 | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | | 2,469 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 8,804 | |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | | | 1,779 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 8,476 | |
Trinity Industries, Inc. | | | 5,982 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 8,059 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 5,692 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 8,010 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 506 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 7,948 | |
Entergy Corp. | | | 3,403 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 7,496 | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | | 1,389 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 7,390 | |
Carter's, Inc. | | | 1,707 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 7,364 | |
Kansas City Southern | | | 1,461 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 7,262 | |
ARRIS International plc* | | | 10,912 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 6,744 | |
PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A | | | 3,436 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,961 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 5,685 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,951 | |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 10,159 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,918 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | | | 911 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,870 | |
Boingo Wireless, Inc.* | | | 2,163 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,802 | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 5,651 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,484 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 3,911 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,389 | |
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. | | | 12,178 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,246 | |
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,927 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,181 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 1,181 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,176 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 1,805 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 5,123 | |
Post Holdings, Inc.* | | | 3,366 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 5,048 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | | | 4,882 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 4,872 | |
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | | | 14,558 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 4,663 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | 11,207 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 4,617 | |
Medpace Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,864 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 4,599 | |
Aflac, Inc. | | | 7,914 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 4,194 | |
La-Z-Boy, Inc. | | | 10,693 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,941 | |
Darling Ingredients, Inc.* | | | 7,369 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,758 | |
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. | | | 4,156 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,746 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 903 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 3,603 | |
Best Buy Company, Inc. | | | 2,104 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 3,472 | |
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,155 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 3,432 | |
Celgene Corp.* | | | 1,895 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 3,213 | |
American Electric Power Company, Inc. | | | 2,366 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,803 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 463 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,772 | |
Bruker Corp. | | | 6,962 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,633 | |
TJX Companies, Inc. | | | 1,512 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,600 | |
LivaNova plc* | | | 1,329 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,586 | |
Weingarten Realty Investors | | | 8,497 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,507 | |
Children's Place, Inc. | | | 1,330 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,490 | |
Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A | | | 1,798 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 2,054 | |
Trinseo S.A. | | | 3,454 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,922 | |
Consolidated Edison, Inc. | | | 4,983 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,855 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. | | | 14,884 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,686 | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 1,551 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,499 | |
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A* | | | 556 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,376 | |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B* | | | 618 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,319 | |
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. | | | 23,779 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,272 | |
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B | | | 3,345 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,078 | |
AutoZone, Inc.* | | | 216 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,028 | |
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A | | | 767 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,012 | |
Raymond James Financial, Inc. | | | 2,120 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 901 | |
Innoviva, Inc.* | | | 11,058 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 890 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.* | | | 2,847 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 878 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | | 291 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 639 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | | 2,086 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 596 | |
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,576 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 568 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 16,515 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 319 | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 1,686 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 314 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 9,587 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 219 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | 13,138 | | | | 0.0 | % | | $ | (39 | ) |
Travelers Companies, Inc. | | | 2,903 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (41 | ) |
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.* | | | 1,128 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (144 | ) |
Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,065 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (164 | ) |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 1,592 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,062 | ) |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | | | 632 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,076 | ) |
Hologic, Inc.* | | | 3,401 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,128 | ) |
EPR Properties | | | 3,141 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,633 | ) |
United Rentals, Inc.* | | | 1,513 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,653 | ) |
Flowers Foods, Inc. | | | 8,694 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,794 | ) |
Pentair plc | | | 6,778 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,864 | ) |
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.* | | | 3,010 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,944 | ) |
Vonage Holdings Corp.* | | | 13,556 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,976 | ) |
Murphy USA, Inc.* | | | 1,932 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (2,052 | ) |
Waters Corp.* | | | 1,349 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,232 | ) |
Sonoco Products Co. | | | 2,937 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,285 | ) |
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,942 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,439 | ) |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 911 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,466 | ) |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 1,538 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,661 | ) |
MEDNAX, Inc.* | | | 3,547 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,690 | ) |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 1,748 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,735 | ) |
FedEx Corp. | | | 1,400 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,993 | ) |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 1,995 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (3,204 | ) |
Belden, Inc. | | | 3,204 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (3,274 | ) |
Lazard Ltd. — Class A | | | 4,582 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (3,301 | ) |
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.* | | | 7,460 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (3,326 | ) |
Celanese Corp. — Class A | | | 1,423 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (3,616 | ) |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 2,745 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,709 | ) |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 1,465 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,829 | ) |
Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A | | | 8,956 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,033 | ) |
HollyFrontier Corp. | | | 2,690 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,038 | ) |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 6,015 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,146 | ) |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | 3,353 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,360 | ) |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 3,297 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,410 | ) |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 9,809 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,945 | ) |
Edgewell Personal Care Co.* | | | 1,234 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (4,948 | ) |
Performance Food Group Co.* | | | 10,206 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (5,050 | ) |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 14,799 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (5,277 | ) |
Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A* | | | 4,696 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (5,324 | ) |
MAXIMUS, Inc. | | | 3,770 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (5,622 | ) |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A | | | 4,568 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (5,629 | ) |
Kellogg Co. | | | 8,407 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (6,185 | ) |
Vector Group Ltd. | | | 14,707 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (6,412 | ) |
Packaging Corporation of America | | | 3,303 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (6,655 | ) |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 3,788 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (6,751 | ) |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 7,031 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (7,024 | ) |
Visteon Corp.* | | | 1,350 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (7,618 | ) |
State Street Corp. | | | 2,722 | | | | (0.6 | %) | | | (8,474 | ) |
Williams Companies, Inc. | | | 6,498 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (9,695 | ) |
KB Home | | | 6,527 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (10,056 | ) |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | | 4,584 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (10,098 | ) |
Quanta Services, Inc.* | | | 6,806 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (10,881 | ) |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | | 5,633 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (10,937 | ) |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | | 5,983 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (10,979 | ) |
Principal Financial Group, Inc. | | | 4,976 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (11,271 | ) |
McKesson Corp. | | | 5,547 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (11,284 | ) |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 3,496 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (11,300 | ) |
Western Union Co. | | | 18,489 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (11,363 | ) |
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.* | | | 12,517 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (11,991 | ) |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.* | | | 2,510 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (12,304 | ) |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 4,444 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (12,691 | ) |
Gentex Corp. | | | 7,429 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (13,491 | ) |
PACCAR, Inc. | | | 4,790 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (13,519 | ) |
Toll Brothers, Inc. | | | 6,301 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (13,520 | ) |
Mylan N.V.* | | | 6,357 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (14,414 | ) |
Evo Payments, Inc. — Class A* | | | 10,625 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (14,627 | ) |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | | | 5,520 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (14,883 | ) |
WestRock Co. | | | 7,831 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (15,184 | ) |
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A | | | 8,687 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (15,351 | ) |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | | 6,371 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (15,369 | ) |
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 14,054 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (15,871 | ) |
Cabot Corp. | | | 4,171 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (15,957 | ) |
Masco Corp. | | | 10,341 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (16,224 | ) |
Icad, Inc.* | | | 28,684 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (17,067 | ) |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.* | | | 4,016 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (17,644 | ) |
Dana, Inc. | | | 8,520 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (17,814 | ) |
Phillips 66 | | | 4,276 | | | | (1.3 | %) | | | (18,881 | ) |
Pilgrim's Pride Corp.* | | | 11,973 | | | | (1.3 | %) | | | (19,728 | ) |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | | | 13,432 | | | | (1.4 | %) | | | (20,377 | ) |
International Paper Co. | | | 3,439 | | | | (1.5 | %) | | | (21,465 | ) |
Meritor, Inc.* | | | 9,526 | | | | (1.5 | %) | | | (22,598 | ) |
AGCO Corp. | | | 4,537 | | | | (1.7 | %) | | | (24,750 | ) |
Intel Corp. | | | 5,349 | | | | (1.7 | %) | | | (25,204 | ) |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 11,456 | | | | (1.8 | %) | | | (26,036 | ) |
Coherent, Inc.* | | | 867 | | | | (1.9 | %) | | | (27,748 | ) |
Boise Cascade Co. | | | 8,611 | | | | (1.9 | %) | | | (28,066 | ) |
Cirrus Logic, Inc.* | | | 7,505 | | | | (2.0 | %) | | | (29,588 | ) |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 5,229 | | | | (2.0 | %) | | | (29,939 | ) |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 5,686 | | | | (2.1 | %) | | | (30,308 | ) |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 4,268 | | | | (2.1 | %) | | | (30,811 | ) |
Seagate Technology plc | | | 3,763 | | | | (2.1 | %) | | | (31,271 | ) |
General Motors Co. | | | 4,661 | | | | (2.2 | %) | | | (32,054 | ) |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kraft Heinz Co. | | | 8,243 | | | | (2.3 | %) | | $ | (33,661 | ) |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 10,238 | | | | (2.4 | %) | | | (34,668 | ) |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A | | | 4,066 | | | | (2.5 | %) | | | (37,059 | ) |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 2,918 | | | | (2.6 | %) | | | (38,567 | ) |
AECOM* | | | 14,012 | | | | (2.7 | %) | | | (39,745 | ) |
Chemours Co. | | | 5,559 | | | | (2.7 | %) | | | (39,755 | ) |
Westlake Chemical Corp. | | | 3,794 | | | | (3.0 | %) | | | (44,474 | ) |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 11,789 | | | | (3.0 | %) | | | (44,708 | ) |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 8,589 | | | | (3.1 | %) | | | (46,248 | ) |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 13,341 | | | | (3.2 | %) | | | (46,899 | ) |
Olin Corp. | | | 13,571 | | | | (3.4 | %) | | | (49,625 | ) |
ON Semiconductor Corp.* | | | 9,773 | | | | (3.4 | %) | | | (50,104 | ) |
Tech Data Corp.* | | | 2,268 | | | | (3.4 | %) | | | (50,532 | ) |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 2,879 | | | | (3.7 | %) | | | (55,062 | ) |
Delphi Technologies plc | | | 4,857 | | | | (3.8 | %) | | | (55,825 | ) |
News Corp. — Class A | | | 18,694 | | | | (3.9 | %) | | | (57,145 | ) |
Owens Corning | | | 2,898 | | | | (4.7 | %) | | | (69,481 | ) |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 4,817 | | | | (5.5 | %) | | | (80,119 | ) |
Lear Corp. | | | 2,303 | | | | (5.8 | %) | | | (85,539 | ) |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A | | | 9,624 | | | | (6.7 | %) | | | (98,269 | ) |
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B | | | 7,645 | | | | (7.9 | %) | | | (116,265 | ) |
Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A | | | 3,779 | | | | (8.9 | %) | | | (131,415 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Long Securities | | $ | 1,469,676 | |
| | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES4 |
Healthcare Services Group, Inc. | | | (51,518 | ) | | | (3.4 | %) | | | 380,443 | |
Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A* | | | (83,211 | ) | | | (2.7 | %) | | | 311,125 | |
Southern Copper Corp. | | | (43,662 | ) | | | (2.6 | %) | | | 296,417 | |
Tesla, Inc.* | | | (2,321 | ) | | | (1.8 | %) | | | 204,015 | |
NewMarket Corp. | | | (7,366 | ) | | | (1.6 | %) | | | 180,270 | |
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | | | (4,738 | ) | | | (1.3 | %) | | | 152,433 | |
Royal Gold, Inc. | | | (14,060 | ) | | | (1.3 | %) | | | 142,911 | |
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.* | | | (7,970 | ) | | | (1.2 | %) | | | 131,624 | |
LendingTree, Inc.* | | | (2,637 | ) | | | (1.0 | %) | | | 116,285 | |
Valley National Bancorp | | | (83,570 | ) | | | (1.0 | %) | | | 112,912 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | (3,997 | ) | | | (0.9 | %) | | | 106,735 | |
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. | | | (5,130 | ) | | | (0.9 | %) | | | 105,091 | |
Sterling Bancorp | | | (36,292 | ) | | | (0.8 | %) | | | 92,098 | |
Vulcan Materials Co. | | | (10,988 | ) | | | (0.8 | %) | | | 89,102 | |
Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. | | | (137,575 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | 83,280 | |
First Horizon National Corp. | | | (49,716 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | 79,633 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. | | | (14,530 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | 75,974 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | (9,711 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 72,267 | |
Whirlpool Corp. | | | (4,905 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 71,054 | |
TripAdvisor, Inc.* | | | (11,657 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 69,218 | |
BB&T Corp. | | | (19,086 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 68,136 | |
Steven Madden Ltd. | | | (29,169 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 64,227 | |
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | (56,674 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 61,046 | |
Investors Bancorp, Inc. | | | (82,741 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 59,991 | |
Nucor Corp. | | | (12,973 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 59,455 | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | | | (9,694 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 57,527 | |
Signature Bank | | | (5,595 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 55,184 | |
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | | | (14,131 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 54,423 | |
People's United Financial, Inc. | | | (33,424 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 52,380 | |
Associated Banc-Corp. | | | (26,392 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 50,535 | |
ABM Industries, Inc. | | | (31,188 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 50,518 | |
Wabtec Corp. | | | (5,711 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 48,657 | |
PriceSmart, Inc. | | | (11,300 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 48,379 | |
Meredith Corp. | | | (22,972 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 41,244 | |
BWX Technologies, Inc. | | | (9,618 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 41,019 | |
KeyCorp | | | (29,395 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 40,993 | |
Douglas Emmett, Inc. | | | (45,753 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 39,405 | |
Washington Federal, Inc. | | | (18,672 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 38,741 | |
Chubb Ltd. | | | (8,180 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 36,128 | |
Multi-Color Corp. | | | (14,604 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 33,363 | |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | | (20,216 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 31,507 | |
Liberty Property Trust | | | (18,503 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 29,482 | |
Devon Energy Corp. | | | (17,227 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 29,365 | |
WR Grace & Co. | | | (23,416 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 28,630 | |
Covanta Holding Corp. | | | (50,304 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 27,657 | |
First Republic Bank | | | (17,111 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 27,244 | |
DowDuPont, Inc. | | | (8,684 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 27,139 | |
U.S. Bancorp | | | (17,771 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 26,866 | |
Compass Minerals International, Inc. | | | (20,498 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 24,879 | |
Commercial Metals Co. | | | (64,149 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 19,630 | |
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A | | | (11,363 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 19,570 | |
Polaris Industries, Inc. | | | (5,690 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 19,520 | |
American Homes 4 Rent — Class A | | | (41,067 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 17,918 | |
US Ecology, Inc. | | | (7,786 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 17,599 | |
Public Storage | | | (3,858 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 16,645 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | | | (38,712 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 16,348 | |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | | | (20,142 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 14,189 | |
Leggett & Platt, Inc. | | | (37,131 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 14,047 | |
Old National Bancorp | | | (30,065 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 13,914 | |
JBG SMITH Properties | | | (28,084 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 12,212 | |
PolyOne Corp. | | | (26,755 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 11,096 | |
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.* | | | (8,371 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 10,483 | |
CarMax, Inc.* | | | (7,925 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 9,700 | |
Praxair, Inc. | | | (3,029 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 9,574 | |
Camden Property Trust | | | (13,724 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 9,472 | |
Ally Financial, Inc. | | | (24,757 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 9,297 | |
S&P Global, Inc. | | | (3,096 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 8,288 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | (6,016 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | $ | 8,113 | |
Paramount Group, Inc. | | | (78,877 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 6,531 | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | | (2,925 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 6,514 | |
Coca-Cola Co. | | | (12,937 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 6,189 | |
Ball Corp. | | | (11,072 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 5,806 | |
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A* | | | (2,305 | ) | | | (0.0 | %) | | | 5,751 | |
Sealed Air Corp. | | | (14,331 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 4,764 | |
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | | | (41,503 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 4,549 | |
Berry Global Group, Inc.* | | | (11,923 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 4,193 | |
Caesars Entertainment Corp.* | | | (55,184 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,951 | |
Guidewire Software, Inc.* | | | (8,325 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,732 | |
Hormel Foods Corp. | | | (14,956 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,239 | |
Sensient Technologies Corp. | | | (28,471 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 2,456 | |
Silgan Holdings, Inc. | | | (20,824 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 1,287 | |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | | | (4,584 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (349 | ) |
Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | (3,680 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (2,109 | ) |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | (6,582 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (2,158 | ) |
Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A* | | | (1,823 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (2,394 | ) |
Choice Hotels International, Inc. | | | (7,203 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (3,024 | ) |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | (10,205 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (3,326 | ) |
Viad Corp. | | | (9,950 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (5,619 | ) |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | | | (9,193 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (5,992 | ) |
Everest Re Group Ltd. | | | (3,348 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (6,208 | ) |
Dentsply Sirona, Inc. | | | (15,647 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (6,232 | ) |
Howard Hughes Corp.* | | | (10,353 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (6,504 | ) |
Service Corporation International | | | (13,564 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (6,847 | ) |
Henry Schein, Inc.* | | | (7,123 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (6,868 | ) |
Mobile Mini, Inc. | | | (29,136 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (7,175 | ) |
Sotheby's* | | | (12,166 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (8,351 | ) |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.* | | | (10,467 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (8,938 | ) |
Ulta Beauty, Inc.* | | | (2,121 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (9,091 | ) |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | | (16,787 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,469 | ) |
Sempra Energy | | | (8,676 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,475 | ) |
Genuine Parts Co. | | | (13,257 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,514 | ) |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | | (2,090 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,694 | ) |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | | (9,759 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (12,154 | ) |
Atmos Energy Corp. | | | (6,472 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (12,265 | ) |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | (7,485 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (12,674 | ) |
Invitation Homes, Inc. | | | (82,530 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (14,072 | ) |
Hanesbrands, Inc. | | | (32,909 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (14,865 | ) |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.* | | | (6,948 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (15,696 | ) |
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A | | | (15,119 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (16,232 | ) |
Omnicell, Inc.* | | | (8,515 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (16,746 | ) |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | (9,958 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (17,418 | ) |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | | | (20,191 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (19,708 | ) |
Welltower, Inc. | | | (18,984 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (21,488 | ) |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | (18,942 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (21,551 | ) |
Church & Dwight Company, Inc. | | | (10,085 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (21,811 | ) |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.* | | | (2,747 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (23,218 | ) |
American Campus Communities, Inc. | | | (31,668 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (25,984 | ) |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | (2,244 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (29,273 | ) |
Parsley Energy, Inc. — Class A* | | | (22,512 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (30,437 | ) |
WPX Energy, Inc.* | | | (40,627 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (31,587 | ) |
FMC Corp. | | | (9,078 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (32,543 | ) |
AMETEK, Inc. | | | (11,934 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (32,567 | ) |
Cooper Companies, Inc. | | | (1,844 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (33,419 | ) |
HB Fuller Co. | | | (21,959 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (34,489 | ) |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | (10,974 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (34,573 | ) |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | | (5,362 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (35,049 | ) |
Ellie Mae, Inc.* | | | (6,396 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (35,475 | ) |
Republic Services, Inc. — Class A | | | (23,202 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (36,659 | ) |
Equifax, Inc. | | | (18,659 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (39,178 | ) |
Equinix, Inc. | | | (2,523 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (39,391 | ) |
General Dynamics Corp. | | | (4,353 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (41,385 | ) |
Alliant Energy Corp. | | | (17,677 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (43,351 | ) |
Garmin Ltd. | | | (8,554 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (43,998 | ) |
Booking Holdings, Inc.* | | | (313 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (45,249 | ) |
SBA Communications Corp.* | | | (7,053 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (45,441 | ) |
American Tower Corp. — Class A | | | (8,168 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (45,796 | ) |
Netflix, Inc.* | | | (1,613 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (46,320 | ) |
FireEye, Inc.* | | | (38,831 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (46,995 | ) |
Terreno Realty Corp. | | | (52,870 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (47,575 | ) |
IBERIABANK Corp. | | | (8,552 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (47,685 | ) |
Aon plc | | | (4,643 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (48,366 | ) |
Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A* | | | (8,397 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (49,261 | ) |
Eaton Vance Corp. | | | (11,411 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (51,410 | ) |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | | | (32,042 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (53,914 | ) |
Xylem, Inc. | | | (14,708 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (54,958 | ) |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | | (5,180 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (57,632 | ) |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | (11,286 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (58,422 | ) |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | (16,877 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (62,263 | ) |
Incyte Corp.* | | | (8,965 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (63,864 | ) |
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | | | (6,675 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (67,492 | ) |
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A | | | (9,889 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (67,680 | ) |
Workday, Inc. — Class A* | | | (4,817 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (67,781 | ) |
Realty Income Corp. | | | (27,476 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (71,440 | ) |
Sherwin-Williams Co. | | | (1,805 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (71,779 | ) |
KAR Auction Services, Inc. | | | (16,878 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (72,319 | ) |
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | | | (7,794 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | $ | (73,909 | ) |
Alleghany Corp. | | | (1,029 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (74,932 | ) |
Equity Residential | | | (20,263 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (75,176 | ) |
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. | | | (5,822 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (76,266 | ) |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | | (10,252 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (79,951 | ) |
Aramark | | | (13,913 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (82,024 | ) |
Dominion Energy, Inc. | | | (22,857 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (82,839 | ) |
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A | | | (81,245 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (85,734 | ) |
Redwood Trust, Inc. | | | (54,620 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (86,203 | ) |
ServiceNow, Inc.* | | | (3,618 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (86,611 | ) |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | (2,129 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (86,677 | ) |
TransDigm Group, Inc.* | | | (1,663 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (86,884 | ) |
Eversource Energy | | | (12,864 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (87,730 | ) |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | (7,544 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (98,280 | ) |
HCP, Inc. | | | (45,909 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (101,022 | ) |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | (38,069 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (103,057 | ) |
Kilroy Realty Corp. | | | (17,582 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (106,718 | ) |
Vail Resorts, Inc. | | | (1,746 | ) | | | 1.0 | % | | | (111,961 | ) |
Haemonetics Corp.* | | | (11,249 | ) | | | 1.0 | % | | | (116,448 | ) |
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | | | (73,314 | ) | | | 1.1 | % | | | (123,463 | ) |
IHS Markit Ltd.* | | | (38,752 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (131,071 | ) |
CyrusOne, Inc. | | | (14,380 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (131,545 | ) |
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | | | (17,616 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (134,582 | ) |
Amazon.com, Inc.* | | | (326 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (135,276 | ) |
Cable One, Inc. | | | (1,385 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (137,760 | ) |
American Water Works Company, Inc. | | | (18,955 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (147,448 | ) |
AptarGroup, Inc. | | | (9,795 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (147,625 | ) |
ASGN, Inc.* | | | (17,261 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (150,280 | ) |
RPM International, Inc. | | | (29,943 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (151,156 | ) |
South Jersey Industries, Inc. | | | (25,724 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (154,316 | ) |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | (23,386 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (155,004 | ) |
MSA Safety, Inc. | | | (13,761 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (155,272 | ) |
Copart, Inc.* | | | (11,633 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (155,650 | ) |
Moody's Corp. | | | (7,945 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (156,252 | ) |
FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | | | (4,041 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (160,331 | ) |
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | | | (22,070 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (160,902 | ) |
Cannae Holdings, Inc.* | | | (46,817 | ) | | | 1.5 | % | | | (164,225 | ) |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | | (26,549 | ) | | | 1.6 | % | | | (178,529 | ) |
salesforce.com, Inc.* | | | (8,961 | ) | | | 1.6 | % | | | (178,919 | ) |
TransUnion | | | (9,835 | ) | | | 1.6 | % | | | (180,071 | ) |
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. | | | (1,686 | ) | | | 1.6 | % | | | (183,851 | ) |
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.* | | | (42,651 | ) | | | 1.7 | % | | | (190,558 | ) |
MSCI, Inc. — Class A | | | (4,612 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (211,583 | ) |
EastGroup Properties, Inc. | | | (16,244 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (212,798 | ) |
Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A* | | | (10,173 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (212,888 | ) |
Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.* | | | (12,003 | ) | | | 2.0 | % | | | (220,672 | ) |
Markel Corp.* | | | (2,442 | ) | | | 2.0 | % | | | (220,806 | ) |
Pegasystems, Inc. | | | (15,123 | ) | | | 2.0 | % | | | (226,146 | ) |
UDR, Inc. | | | (32,483 | ) | | | 2.0 | % | | | (228,708 | ) |
PTC, Inc.* | | | (5,781 | ) | | | 2.1 | % | | | (234,641 | ) |
Hess Corp. | | | (19,580 | ) | | | 2.1 | % | | | (235,379 | ) |
Ecolab, Inc. | | | (8,412 | ) | | | 2.1 | % | | | (241,782 | ) |
Tyler Technologies, Inc.* | | | (4,564 | ) | | | 2.3 | % | | | (256,793 | ) |
SPS Commerce, Inc.* | | | (8,316 | ) | | | 2.9 | % | | | (329,263 | ) |
Crocs, Inc.* | | | (27,876 | ) | | | 3.0 | % | | | (340,916 | ) |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.* | | | (2,971 | ) | | | 3.0 | % | | | (340,972 | ) |
CoStar Group, Inc.* | | | (3,789 | ) | | | 3.2 | % | | | (363,795 | ) |
Cintas Corp. | | | (8,335 | ) | | | 3.4 | % | | | (388,433 | ) |
Tetra Tech, Inc. | | | (36,915 | ) | | | 4.2 | % | | | (473,094 | ) |
RLI Corp. | | | (26,539 | ) | | | 4.5 | % | | | (508,554 | ) |
Team, Inc.* | | | (67,383 | ) | | | 4.7 | % | | | (534,984 | ) |
Exponent, Inc. | | | (37,076 | ) | | | 5.1 | % | | | (576,267 | ) |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A* | | | (19,855 | ) | | | 5.1 | % | | | (581,145 | ) |
Balchem Corp. | | | (25,916 | ) | | | 5.7 | % | | | (646,308 | ) |
Rollins, Inc. | | | (48,122 | ) | | | 6.1 | % | | | (691,089 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Short Securities | | $ | (11,316,175 | ) |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | All or a portion of this security is pledged as custom basket swap collateral at September 30, 2018. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
3 | Total Return based on the return of the custom long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
4 | Total Return based on the return of the custom short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 202,652,077 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 202,652,077 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 9,094,554 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,094,554 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 1,469,676 | | | | — | | | | 1,469,676 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 211,746,631 | | | $ | 1,469,676 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 213,216,307 | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements** | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,316,175 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,316,175 | |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $206,934,873) | | $ | 211,746,631 | |
Cash | | | 264,957 | |
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | | | 1,469,676 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 35,345 | |
Receivables: |
Dividends | | | 260,808 | |
Securities sold | | | 127,316 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 12,866 | |
Interest | | | 10,433 | |
Total assets | | | 213,928,032 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements | | | 11,316,175 | |
Payable for: |
Swap settlement | | | 4,132,844 | |
Securities purchased | | | 263,686 | |
Management fees | | | 129,627 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 78,497 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 16,670 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 11,673 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 3,729 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 1,371 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 74,947 | |
Total liabilities | | | 16,029,219 | |
Net assets | | $ | 197,898,813 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 208,546,860 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (10,648,047 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 197,898,813 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 11,242,831 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 587,008 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 19.15 | |
Maximum offering price per share(Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 20.10 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 1,035,853 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 62,376 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 16.61 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 4,525,002 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 235,360 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 19.23 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 181,095,127 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 6,520,156 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 27.77 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,778) | | $ | 4,302,289 | |
Interest | | | 110,096 | |
Total investment income | | | 4,412,385 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 1,927,588 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 32,424 | |
C-Class | | | 21,503 | |
P-Class | | | 18,425 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 21,759 | |
C-Class | | | 3,727 | |
P-Class | | | 14,381 | |
Institutional Class | | | 36,164 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 171,343 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 28,967 | |
Custodian fees | | | 20,250 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 17,400 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 191,917 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 3,302 | |
C-Class | | | 1,441 | |
P-Class | | | 3,124 | |
Institutional Class | | | 7,310 | |
Total expenses | | | 2,521,025 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A Class | | | (760 | ) |
C Class | | | (574 | ) |
P Class | | | (1,085 | ) |
Total reimbursed expenses | | | (2,419 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 2,518,606 | |
Net investment income | | | 1,893,779 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 24,007,285 | |
Swap agreements | | | (30,992,822 | ) |
Net realized loss | | | (6,985,537 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | (1,041,621 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | 196,804 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (844,817 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (7,830,354 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | (5,936,575 | ) |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,893,779 | | | $ | 825,143 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | (6,985,537 | ) | | | 13,611,432 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (844,817 | ) | | | (3,954,711 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (5,936,575 | ) | | | 10,481,864 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (950,491 | ) | | | (9,722 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (199,304 | ) | | | (1,227 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (527,188 | ) | | | (3,342 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (9,428,285 | ) | | | (43,388 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (11,105,268 | ) | | | (57,679 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 2,076,718 | | | | 10,194,828 | |
C-Class | | | 333,769 | | | | 1,157,811 | |
P-Class | | | 7,281,013 | | | | 14,180,540 | |
Institutional Class | | | 5,609,253 | | | | 136,905,494 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 925,939 | | | | 9,070 | |
C-Class | | | 194,318 | | | | 1,192 | |
P-Class | | | 527,188 | | | | 3,342 | |
Institutional Class | | | 9,428,285 | | | | 43,369 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (5,488,322 | ) | | | (13,021,740 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,716,741 | ) | | | (368,114 | ) |
P-Class | | | (9,878,570 | ) | | | (11,532,946 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (15,771,018 | ) | | | (5,173,092 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (6,478,168 | ) | | | 132,399,754 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (23,520,011 | ) | | | 142,823,939 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 221,418,824 | | | | 78,594,885 | |
End of year | | $ | 197,898,813 | | | $ | 221,418,824 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 103,554 | | | | 500,937 | |
C-Class | | | 18,316 | | | | 63,585 | |
P-Class | | | 343,013 | | | | 683,702 | |
Institutional Class | | | 190,568 | | | | 4,636,032 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 44,581 | | | | 447 | |
C-Class | | | 10,724 | | | | 66 | |
P-Class | | | 25,285 | | | | 163 | |
Institutional Class | | | 313,962 | | | | 1,492 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (272,432 | ) | | | (630,915 | ) |
C-Class | | | (101,381 | ) | | | (20,327 | ) |
P-Class | | | (497,211 | ) | | | (552,657 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (553,273 | ) | | | (177,256 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | (374,294 | ) | | | 4,505,269 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net realized gains (see Note 9). |
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 21.10 | | | $ | 19.08 | | | $ | 18.39 | | | $ | 18.01 | | | $ | 16.22 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .10 | | | | .31 | | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.13 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.60 | ) | | | 1.72 | | | | .88 | | | | .73 | | | | 1.92 | |
Total from investment operations | | | (.50 | ) | | | 2.03 | | | | .69 | | | | .38 | | | | 1.79 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (— | )b | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | (— | )b | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 19.15 | | | $ | 21.10 | | | $ | 19.08 | | | $ | 18.39 | | | $ | 18.01 | |
|
Total Returnc | | | (2.90 | %) | | | 10.70 | % | | | 3.70 | % | | | 2.13 | % | | | 11.04 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 11,243 | | | $ | 15,011 | | | $ | 16,041 | | | $ | 11,485 | | | $ | 7,989 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.51 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | (1.02 | %) | | | (1.88 | %) | | | (0.73 | %) |
Total expensesg | | | 1.54 | % | | | 2.21 | % | | | 2.69 | % | | | 3.92 | % | | | 3.25 | % |
Net expensesd,e,h | | | 1.54 | % | | | 2.17 | % | | | 2.69 | % | | | 2.94 | % | | | 2.12 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 255 | % | | | 92 | % | | | 235 | % | | | 124 | % | | | — | |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 18.62 | | | $ | 16.96 | | | $ | 16.47 | | | $ | 16.25 | | | $ | 14.74 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | (.05 | ) | | | .09 | | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.44 | ) | | | (.23 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.51 | ) | | | 1.58 | | | | .78 | | | | .66 | | | | 1.74 | |
Total from investment operations | | | (.56 | ) | | | 1.67 | | | | .49 | | | | .22 | | | | 1.51 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (— | )b | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | (— | )b | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 16.61 | | | $ | 18.62 | | | $ | 16.96 | | | $ | 16.47 | | | $ | 16.25 | |
|
Total Returnc | | | (3.65 | %) | | | 9.91 | % | | | 2.91 | % | | | 1.38 | % | | | 10.24 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 1,036 | | | $ | 2,508 | | | $ | 1,550 | | | $ | 1,203 | | | $ | 1,117 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (0.31 | %) | | | 0.47 | % | | | (1.72 | %) | | | (2.64 | %) | | | (1.46 | %) |
Total expensesg | | | 2.34 | % | | | 2.94 | % | | | 3.91 | % | | | 4.81 | % | | | 4.11 | % |
Net expensesd,e,h | | | 2.31 | % | | | 2.88 | % | | | 3.46 | % | | | 3.68 | % | | | 2.87 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 255 | % | | | 92 | % | | | 235 | % | | | 124 | % | | | — | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 21.19 | | | $ | 19.11 | | | $ | 18.39 | | | $ | 19.11 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .10 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.13 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.61 | ) | | | 2.15 | | | | .84 | | | | (.59 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | (.51 | ) | | | 2.09 | | | | .72 | | | | (.72 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 19.23 | | | $ | 21.19 | | | $ | 19.11 | | | $ | 18.39 | |
|
Total Return | | | (2.93 | %) | | | 11.00 | % | | | 3.86 | % | | | (3.77 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 4,525 | | | $ | 7,720 | | | $ | 4,453 | | | $ | 134 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.47 | % | | | (0.31 | %) | | | (0.65 | %) | | | (1.77 | %) |
Total expensesg | | | 1.58 | % | | | 1.75 | % | | | 2.44 | % | | | 3.31 | % |
Net expensesd,e,h | | | 1.57 | % | | | 1.72 | % | | | 2.44 | % | | | 2.87 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 255 | % | | | 92 | % | | | 235 | % | | | 124 | % |
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 29.86 | | | $ | 26.82 | | | $ | 25.73 | | | $ | 25.13 | | | $ | 22.58 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .27 | | | | .12 | | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.40 | ) | | | (.12 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.91 | ) | | | 2.93 | | | | 1.22 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 2.67 | |
Total from investment operations | | | (.64 | ) | | | 3.05 | | | | 1.09 | | | | .60 | | | | 2.55 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (— | )b | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.45 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | (— | )b | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 27.77 | | | $ | 29.86 | | | $ | 26.82 | | | $ | 25.73 | | | $ | 25.13 | |
|
Total Return | | | (2.50 | %) | | | 11.42 | % | | | 4.20 | % | | | 2.41 | % | | | 11.29 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 181,095 | | | $ | 196,180 | | | $ | 56,550 | | | $ | 50,304 | | | $ | 1,645 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.94 | % | | | 0.40 | % | | | (0.49 | %) | | | (1.55 | %) | | | (0.48 | %) |
Total expensesg | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.38 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.80 | % | | | 2.90 | % |
Net expensesd,e,h | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.37 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.80 | % | | | 1.87 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 255 | % | | | 92 | % | | | 235 | % | | | 124 | % | | | — | |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Distributions from net investment income are less than $0.01 per share. |
c | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
e | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | 0.02% | 0.32% | | | |
| C-Class | 0.07% | 0.64% | | | |
| P-Class | 0.04% | — | | | |
| Institutional Class | — | 0.01% | | | |
f | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
h | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and recouped amounts. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods presented would be: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
| A-Class | 1.52% | 2.00% | 2.11% | 2.11% | 2.11% |
| C-Class | 2.30% | 2.71% | 2.86% | 2.86% | 2.86% |
| P-Class | 1.56% | 1.68% | 1.87% | 2.10% | — |
| Institutional Class | 1.11% | 1.28% | 1.63% | 1.86% | 1.86% |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the team discusses performance of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) returned 10.82%1, compared with its benchmark, the Russell 1000® Value Index, which returned 9.45%.
Strategy and Market Overview
Our investment approach focuses on understanding how companies make money and how easily companies can improve returns, maintain existing high levels of profitability, or benefit from change that occurs within the industries in which they operate. In today’s rapidly changing environment marked by very sharp and quick, but constrained volatility, our long-term orientation and discipline are a competitive advantage. This should become especially critical when the environment of indiscriminant valuation expansion subsides, and fundamentals once again become a more dominant factor in the market.
Performance Review
Stock selection was the most significant factor behind the Fund’s good showing relative to the benchmark, while sector allocation provided a slight benefit.
The largest positive impact was selection in the Financials and Energy sectors relative to the benchmark. The outperformance of the Fund’s Financials holdings against the benchmark had a magnified impact, as the sector is the largest in the benchmark, with a 26% weighting. Exposure and significant weightings in money center banks and some of the larger regional banks were important contributors. JPMorgan Chase & Co. was the second-largest individual contributor to the Fund’s performance for the period.
In Energy, the Fund’s holdings also solidly outgained the benchmark’s holdings. An overweighting to oil majors and exploration companies was beneficial given the surge in oil prices during the period. Whiting Petroleum Corp. and Marathon Oil Corp. were large individual contributors to the Fund’s performance for the period.
A skew to the better-performing large cap index names such as HCA Healthcare, Inc. and Merck & Company, Inc. proved to be the most significant positive items in Health Care.
On the negative side, the largest impact was selection in the Communications Services and Industrials sectors. Communications Services, the former Telecommunications Services sector, was expanded a week before the period ended to include many companies that formerly were in the Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors. The Fund has had a longstanding underweight to the Telecommunications Services sector, and did not own most of the names that were moved into the newly named sector near the period end.
The Industrials sector was pulled down by an underweighting in aerospace and defense, and Owens Corning Co., a construction industry supplier that reacted to a slowdown in housing. Another detractor was Materials holding Crown Holdings, Inc., a beverage can manufacturer impacted by tariff actions.
Portfolio Positioning
While this strategy is balanced relative to the benchmark, it does possess defensive characteristics, such as having an overweight in utilities.
The largest relative sector exposures for the year were an underweight in Communications Services and an overweight in Materials.
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Portfolio and Market Outlook
For much of the period, the market was concerned with persistent U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes and uncertainty over macroeconomic issues such as international trade and inflation. The major indices proceeded to give up the early 2018 gains and uncharacteristically, smaller sized companies tended to perform better.
For much of the period, the market significantly favored growth-oriented companies. This tended to provide a broad-based headwind for the strategy, as it is more exposed than the benchmark to this factor. At present the valuation gap between growth and value stocks is unusually wide. As this narrows over time (as it should from these unusually large historic levels), the Fund is well positioned to benefit.
The Fund’s portfolio tends to reflect a bias toward companies with balance sheet quality. We continue to find niche companies with what we believe to be attractive growth opportunities, and, as such, are constructive on the outlook.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_30.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | August 7, 1944 |
C-Class | January 29, 1999 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | June 7, 2013 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 4.1% |
Bank of America Corp. | 3.1% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 3.1% |
Chevron Corp. | 2.8% |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B | 2.7% |
Citigroup, Inc. | 2.4% |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 2.3% |
Pfizer, Inc. | 2.3% |
Merck & Company, Inc. | 2.3% |
Intel Corp. | 1.6% |
Top Ten Total | 26.7% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_31.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 10.82% | 10.05% | 9.17% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | 5.56% | 8.98% | 8.52% |
C-Class Shares | 9.97% | 9.21% | 8.29% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 8.97% | 9.21% | 8.29% |
Russell 1000 Value Index | 9.45% | 10.72% | 9.79% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 10.80% | 9.25% |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | 9.45% | 8.43% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (06/07/13) |
Institutional Class Shares | 11.04% | 10.30% | 10.48% |
Russell 1000 Value Index | 9.45% | 10.72% | 10.49% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
LARGE CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 97.9% |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 28.2% |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 23,403 | | | $ | 2,640,795 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 67,490 | | | | 1,988,255 | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B* | | | 8,254 | | | | 1,767,264 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 22,081 | | | | 1,584,091 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 16,707 | | | | 878,120 | |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | | 11,705 | | | | 781,777 | |
BB&T Corp. | | | 16,038 | | | | 778,485 | |
Zions Bancorp North America | | | 15,175 | | | | 761,026 | |
Principal Financial Group, Inc. | | | 11,831 | | | | 693,178 | |
Allstate Corp. | | | 6,063 | | | | 598,418 | |
Welltower, Inc. REIT | | | 8,467 | | | | 544,597 | |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. REIT | | | 15,231 | | | | 499,120 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT | | | 26,043 | | | | 492,994 | |
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. | | | 21,600 | | | | 474,336 | |
Loews Corp. | | | 9,321 | | | | 468,194 | |
Liberty Property Trust REIT | | | 10,615 | | | | 448,484 | |
Unum Group | | | 10,634 | | | | 415,470 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 8,519 | | | | 396,730 | |
Regions Financial Corp. | | | 19,250 | | | | 353,237 | |
KeyCorp | | | 17,002 | | | | 338,170 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 7,182 | | | | 335,543 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 3,280 | | | | 332,330 | |
Voya Financial, Inc. | | | 6,548 | | | | 325,239 | |
Realogy Holdings Corp. | | | 12,908 | | | | 266,421 | |
Equity Commonwealth REIT* | | | 6,130 | | | | 196,712 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 18,358,986 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 22.1% |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 33,904 | | | | 1,494,149 | |
Merck & Company, Inc. | | | 20,983 | | | | 1,488,534 | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 7,177 | | | | 991,646 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 4,319 | | | | 895,286 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 9,976 | | | | 830,302 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | | | 5,191 | | | | 722,172 | |
Hormel Foods Corp. | | | 18,163 | | | | 715,622 | |
Express Scripts Holding Co.* | | | 6,678 | | | | 634,477 | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 11,173 | | | | 561,667 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 2,051 | | | | 545,648 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 6,851 | | | | 539,311 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,805 | | | | 500,243 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | | 4,537 | | | | 489,588 | |
United Therapeutics Corp.* | | | 3,707 | | | | 474,051 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 1,394 | | | | 471,897 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A | | | 7,904 | | | | 470,525 | |
Bunge Ltd. | | | 6,688 | | | | 459,532 | |
Medtronic plc | | | 3,728 | | | | 366,724 | |
DaVita, Inc.* | | | 5,093 | | | | 364,811 | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A | | | 3,822 | | | | 352,465 | |
Conagra Brands, Inc. | | | 8,664 | | | | 294,316 | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | | 3,338 | | | | 272,181 | |
Mylan N.V.* | | | 4,959 | | | | 181,499 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 1,421 | | | | 149,148 | |
Patterson Companies, Inc. | | | 5,669 | | | | 138,607 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 14,404,401 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 12.6% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 23,361 | | | | 1,986,152 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 14,694 | | | | 1,796,782 | |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | | 39,981 | | | | 930,758 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 48,883 | | | | 866,696 | |
Hess Corp. | | | 10,503 | | | | 751,805 | |
Whiting Petroleum Corp.* | | | 12,796 | | | | 678,700 | |
Range Resources Corp. | | | 27,798 | | | | 472,288 | |
Diamondback Energy, Inc. | | | 3,347 | | | | 452,481 | |
Antero Resources Corp.* | | | 14,782 | | | | 261,789 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 8,197,451 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 7.1% |
Corning, Inc. | | | 20,220 | | | | 713,766 | |
Republic Services, Inc. — Class A | | | 8,692 | | | | 631,561 | |
WestRock Co. | | | 8,779 | | | | 469,150 | |
Eaton Corporation plc | | | 4,622 | | | | 400,866 | |
Owens Corning | | | 6,735 | | | | 365,508 | |
3M Co. | | | 1,557 | | | | 328,076 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | 1,339 | | | | 322,418 | |
Jabil, Inc. | | | 11,304 | | | | 306,112 | |
General Electric Co. | | | 26,811 | | | | 302,696 | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | | 1,555 | | | | 258,752 | |
Carlisle Companies, Inc. | | | 2,114 | | | | 257,485 | |
Timken Co. | | | 5,146 | | | | 256,528 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 4,612,918 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 7.0% |
Exelon Corp. | | | 18,280 | | | | 798,105 | |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | | 14,367 | | | | 758,434 | |
Duke Energy Corp. | | | 8,412 | | | | 673,128 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 10,541 | | | | 666,402 | |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 15,287 | | | | 555,224 | |
Edison International | | | 6,979 | | | | 472,339 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 4,056 | | | | 321,154 | |
SCANA Corp. | | | 8,068 | | | | 313,764 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 4,558,550 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 6.2% |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 8,195 | | | | 769,592 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 11,939 | | | | 745,591 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 3,280 | | | | 473,632 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 21,229 | | | | 410,993 | |
Carnival Corp. | | | 6,345 | | | | 404,621 | |
Lear Corp. | | | 2,604 | | | | 377,580 | |
PACCAR, Inc. | | | 5,153 | | | | 351,383 | |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 8,326 | | | | 351,191 | |
Macy’s, Inc. | | | 4,600 | | | | 159,758 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 4,044,341 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 5.5% |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 30,723 | | | | 1,494,674 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 16,096 | | | | 859,365 | |
Comcast Corp. — Class A | | | 18,306 | | | | 648,216 | |
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
LARGE CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Symantec Corp. | | | 15,473 | | | $ | 329,265 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 6,381 | | | | 214,274 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 3,545,794 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 4.9% |
Intel Corp. | | | 21,435 | | | | 1,013,661 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 2,826 | | | | 637,941 | |
Xerox Corp. | | | 19,021 | | | | 513,187 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 7,552 | | | | 389,381 | |
Micron Technology, Inc.* | | | 7,309 | | | | 330,586 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | 4,123 | | | | 296,980 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 3,181,736 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 4.3% |
Nucor Corp. | | | 9,897 | | | | 627,964 | |
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. | | | 6,421 | | | | 547,647 | |
Steel Dynamics, Inc. | | | 12,114 | | | | 547,432 | |
DowDuPont, Inc. | | | 7,680 | | | | 493,901 | |
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | | | 21,118 | | | | 293,963 | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 10,461 | | | | 284,853 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 2,795,760 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $51,152,820) | | | | | | | 63,699,937 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 2.2% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares 1.91%1 | | | 1,440,577 | | | | 1,440,577 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $1,440,577) | | | | | | | 1,440,577 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 100.1% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $52,593,397) | | | | | | $ | 65,140,514 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)% | | | | | | | (47,186 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 65,093,328 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 63,699,937 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 63,699,937 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 1,440,577 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,440,577 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 65,140,514 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 65,140,514 | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $52,593,397) | | $ | 65,140,514 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 33,307 | |
Receivables: |
Dividends | | | 53,061 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 12,151 | |
Interest | | | 1,848 | |
Total assets | | | 65,240,881 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 42,398 | |
Professional fees | | | 28,808 | |
Management fees | | | 25,581 | |
Printing fees | | | 16,319 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 12,475 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 5,642 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 3,947 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 3,877 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 8,506 | |
Total liabilities | | | 147,553 | |
Net assets | | $ | 65,093,328 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 49,139,557 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 15,953,771 | |
Net assets | | $ | 65,093,328 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 56,368,533 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 1,172,483 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 48.08 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 50.48 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 2,631,915 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 59,772 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 44.03 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 147,314 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 3,069 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 48.00 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 5,945,566 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 124,901 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 47.60 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends | | $ | 1,425,891 | |
Interest | | | 15,605 | |
Total investment income | | | 1,441,496 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 429,108 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 148,312 | |
C-Class | | | 33,631 | |
P-Class | | | 311 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 35,931 | |
C-Class | | | 3,531 | |
P-Class | | | 425 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,747 | |
Registration fees | | | 65,029 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 52,814 | |
Printing expenses | | | 51,441 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 8,201 | |
Custodian fees | | | 3,958 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 580 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 46,060 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 406 | |
C-Class | | | 29 | |
Total expenses | | | 881,514 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (36,002 | ) |
C-Class | | | (3,555 | ) |
P-Class | | | (423 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,568 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (62,880 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (104,428 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 777,086 | |
Net investment income | | | 664,410 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 3,673,389 | |
Net realized gain | | | 3,673,389 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | 2,449,400 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 2,449,400 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 6,122,789 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 6,787,199 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 664,410 | | | $ | 515,155 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 3,673,389 | | | | 5,373,662 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 2,449,400 | | | | 4,482,466 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 6,787,199 | | | | 10,371,283 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (4,834,379 | ) | | | (2,678,840 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (270,772 | ) | | | (152,646 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (13,541 | ) | | | (6,157 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (138,868 | ) | | | (4,246 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (5,257,560 | ) | | | (2,841,889 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 6,355,403 | | | | 6,416,240 | |
C-Class | | | 245,690 | | | | 878,834 | |
P-Class | | | 72,298 | | | | 38,483 | |
Institutional Class | | | 6,251,039 | | | | 2,658,884 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 4,749,467 | | | | 2,617,497 | |
C-Class | | | 268,713 | | | | 151,423 | |
P-Class | | | 13,541 | | | | 6,157 | |
Institutional Class | | | 138,868 | | | | 4,245 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (16,074,401 | ) | | | (11,197,321 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,394,173 | ) | | | (1,032,598 | ) |
P-Class | | | (99,917 | ) | | | (25,961 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,419,628 | ) | | | (1,150,836 | ) |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (1,893,100 | ) | | | (634,953 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (363,461 | ) | | | 6,894,441 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 65,456,789 | | | | 58,562,348 | |
End of year | | $ | 65,093,328 | | | $ | 65,456,789 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 133,690 | | | | 147,814 | |
C-Class | | | 5,729 | | | | 21,698 | |
P-Class | | | 1,564 | | | | 871 | |
Institutional Class | | | 137,565 | | | | 60,669 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 102,359 | | | | 61,879 | |
C-Class | | | 6,287 | | | | 3,857 | |
P-Class | | | 292 | | | | 146 | |
Institutional Class | | | 3,028 | | | | 101 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (344,514 | ) | | | (252,786 | ) |
C-Class | | | (32,179 | ) | | | (25,122 | ) |
P-Class | | | (2,155 | ) | | | (586 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (51,806 | ) | | | (25,603 | ) |
Net decrease in shares | | | (40,140 | ) | | | (7,062 | ) |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (see Note 9): |
Net investment income | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (784,293 | ) |
C-Class | | | (25,737 | ) |
P-Class | | | (1,769 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,859 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (1,894,547 | ) |
C-Class | | | (126,909 | ) |
P-Class | | | (4,388 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,387 | ) |
36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 46.96 | | | $ | 41.78 | | | $ | 39.11 | | | $ | 43.80 | | | $ | 38.28 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .48 | | | | .37 | | | | .58 | | | | .36 | | | | .30 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 4.46 | | | | 6.80 | | | | 5.23 | | | | (3.36 | ) | | | 5.51 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 4.94 | | | | 7.17 | | | | 5.81 | | | | (3.00 | ) | | | 5.81 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.29 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (3.31 | ) | | | (1.41 | ) | | | (2.77 | ) | | | (1.34 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (3.82 | ) | | | (1.99 | ) | | | (3.14 | ) | | | (1.69 | ) | | | (.29 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 48.08 | | | $ | 46.96 | | | $ | 41.78 | | | $ | 39.11 | | | $ | 43.80 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 10.82 | % | | | 17.68 | % | | | 15.69 | % | | | (7.19 | %) | | | 15.25 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 56,369 | | | $ | 60,157 | | | $ | 55,325 | | | $ | 45,318 | | | $ | 60,281 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.03 | % | | | 0.83 | % | | | 1.48 | % | | | 0.85 | % | | | 0.72 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.35 | % | | | 1.48 | % |
Net expensesc,e,g | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.16 | % | | | 1.17 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 24 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 40 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 43.29 | | | $ | 38.68 | | | $ | 36.38 | | | $ | 40.91 | | | $ | 35.86 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .12 | | | | .03 | | | | .27 | | | | .04 | | | | (.02 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 4.09 | | | | 6.28 | | | | 4.87 | | | | (3.13 | ) | | | 5.16 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 4.21 | | | | 6.31 | | | | 5.14 | | | | (3.09 | ) | | | 5.14 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (3.31 | ) | | | (1.41 | ) | | | (2.77 | ) | | | (1.34 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (3.47 | ) | | | (1.70 | ) | | | (2.84 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 44.03 | | | $ | 43.29 | | | $ | 38.68 | | | $ | 36.38 | | | $ | 40.91 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 9.97 | % | | | 16.74 | % | | | 14.87 | % | | | (7.89 | %) | | | 14.35 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 2,632 | | | $ | 3,461 | | | $ | 3,075 | | | $ | 3,345 | | | $ | 3,963 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.28 | % | | | 0.08 | % | | | 0.75 | % | | | 0.10 | % | | | (0.04 | %) |
Total expensesd | | | 2.10 | % | | | 2.09 | % | | | 2.18 | % | | | 2.16 | % | | | 2.33 | % |
Net expensesc,e,g | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 1.91 | % | | | 1.92 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 24 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 40 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 46.91 | | | $ | 41.74 | | | $ | 39.13 | | | $ | 43.64 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .49 | | | | .37 | | | | 1.40 | | | | .22 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 4.44 | | | | 6.78 | | �� | | 4.44 | | | | (4.73 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 4.93 | | | | 7.15 | | | | 5.84 | | | | (4.51 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.53 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.46 | ) | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (3.31 | ) | | | (1.41 | ) | | | (2.77 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (3.84 | ) | | | (1.98 | ) | | | (3.23 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 48.00 | | | $ | 46.91 | | | $ | 41.74 | | | $ | 39.13 | |
|
Total Return | | | 10.80 | % | | | 17.63 | % | | | 15.83 | % | | | (10.38 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 147 | | | $ | 158 | | | $ | 123 | | | $ | 9 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.03 | % | | | 0.83 | % | | | 3.61 | % | | | 1.21 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 1.59 | % | | | 1.69 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 3.29 | % |
Net expensesc,e,g | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.16 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 24 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 60 | % |
38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 46.56 | | | $ | 41.84 | | | $ | 39.17 | | | $ | 43.87 | | | $ | 38.32 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .64 | | | | .51 | | | | .83 | | | | .47 | | | | .40 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 4.35 | | | | 6.72 | | | | 5.10 | | | | (3.37 | ) | | | 5.51 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 4.99 | | | | 7.23 | | | | 5.93 | | | | (2.90 | ) | | | 5.91 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.64 | ) | | | (1.10 | ) | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.46 | ) | | | (.36 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (3.31 | ) | | | (1.41 | ) | | | (2.77 | ) | | | (1.34 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (3.95 | ) | | | (2.51 | ) | | | (3.26 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (.36 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 47.60 | | | $ | 46.56 | | | $ | 41.84 | | | $ | 39.17 | | | $ | 43.87 | |
|
Total Return | | | 11.04 | % | | | 17.96 | % | | | 15.98 | % | | | (6.97 | %) | | | 15.52 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 5,946 | | | $ | 1,681 | | | $ | 40 | | | $ | 2,544 | | | $ | 3,339 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.39 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 2.13 | % | | | 1.09 | % | | | 0.96 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 0.98 | % | | | 1.08 | % |
Net expensesc,e,g | | | 0.90 | % | | | 0.92 | % | | | 0.92 | % | | | 0.91 | % | | | 0.92 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 24 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 40 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
d | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
e | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% | | | |
| C-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% | | | |
| P-Class | — | 0.00%* | | | |
| Institutional Class | — | 0.02% | | | |
f | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
| A-Class | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% |
| C-Class | 1.90% | 1.90% | 1.90% | 1.90% | 1.90% |
| P-Class | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | — |
| Institutional Class | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, and Thomas Youn, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund returned 0.13%1, compared with the 1.59% return of its benchmark, the ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index.
Investment Approach
The Fund seeks to generate high risk-adjusted absolute returns with minimal market exposure and minimal correlation with other major asset classes. The Fund primarily utilizes a pair-trading strategy to exploit relative value opportunities among publicly traded real estate equities. The portfolio will typically maintain long exposure of 90-100% of net assets and short exposure of 90-100% of net assets under normal conditions, with minimal net market exposure.
The strategy utilizes a relative value framework that is specialized for the real estate sector. Top-down views on the private commercial real estate (“CRE”) and public REIT markets are formulated to drive sector allocation decisions. Individual securities evaluated and selected on a bottom-up basis using fundamental analysis and due diligence.
Market Review
REITs experienced a difficult start to the year with a 12% correction through February. While the S&P 500 Index also suffered a correction earlier in the year, the underperformance of REITs vs. the S&P 500 continued to grow. In fact, REITs have trailed the S&P 500 Index by 45% from mid-2016 through September 2018. The underperformance is largely explained by sharply diverging growth trends, with S&P 500 earnings accelerating and REIT earnings growth decelerating since 2016. Improved investor sentiment and the broad rally in risk assets helped both the broad market and REITs stage a sharp recovery through the summer. For the fiscal year, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index delivered a total return of 3.35% compared to 17.91% for the S&P 500 Index.
The best-performing REIT sectors during the fiscal year were manufactured housing (+20.07%), lodging (+15.42%), and regional malls (+12.28%). Manufactured housing continues to benefit from steady demand, with little new supply on the horizon. Regional malls rallied from severely oversold levels, as the pace of retail store closures slowed considerably from 2017’s elevated pace and as retail sentiment improved over the course of the year. Hotels rallied on optimism for potential demand acceleration from a strong economy despite actual growth rates remaining lackluster. The worst-performing sectors were healthcare (-1.14%), data centers (-0.82%), and office REITs (+0.31%). Senior housing property fundamentals suffered due to elevated new construction deliveries, which pressured occupancy rates. Data centers continued to benefit from strong secular demand growth but lagged, nevertheless, relative to many out-of-favor sectors that enjoyed particularly strong recoveries through the summer of 2018. Office REIT fundamentals were steady with the exception of those focused in New York, where pockets of new construction weighed on rent growth. Office REITs remain out of favor due to pedestrian earnings growth rates and high capital expenditures requirements.
CRE fundamentals remained healthy at fiscal year-end although we are clearly in the latter innings of the CRE cycle. Fundamentals such as rent growth, occupancy rates, and valuation multiples have moderated from cyclical peak levels. Capital markets conditions remain robust with ample equity and debt capital earmarked for CRE. Given the steady rise in interest rates, however, the cost of capital has steadily increased, but has not yet had a noticeable impact on private real estate valuation. The supply picture remains healthy with overall construction levels below historical average levels. Pockets of concern in certain areas of the CRE market such as senior housing and self storage have weighed on their fundamentals, but the overall market has a balanced supply and demand picture.
Performance Review
The Fund underperformed its benchmark for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Since inception (February 26, 2016), the Fund has outperformed the benchmark index, with a return of 2.32% compared with 0.95% for the benchmark.
40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
The Fund generated broad-based positive attribution across most subsectors. Strong stock selection along with favorable sector allocation biases supported returns. The leading contributors were long positions in timber REITs that benefitted from a sharp rally in lumber prices, and a short position in a mortgage REIT that suffered from company-specific woes. Similarly, the Fund posted strong gains on short positions in the office and net lease sectors that fell sharply on dividend cuts or restructurings. Poor stock selection within the lodging, real estate brokerage, and gaming sectors were the primary negative performance contributors.
The Fund utilizes total return swaps for hedging purposes by gaining short exposure to individual equity REIT securities. Derivative exposure performed as expected.
Strategy
The Fund maintained 88.50% long exposure and 88.29% short exposure resulting in minimal exposure to equity REITs or the broad market during the year. Current exposure levels are lower than typical levels with long and short exposure levels in the mid-70% range. This was due to recent profit-taking on certain paired trades and de-risking given recent market volatility. This should be temporary, however, as the Fund will seek to redeploy capital into newly identified relative value opportunities. Portfolio construction remains defensively positioned against moderating CRE fundamentals. Key sector overweights at period end include residential, wireless tower, and timber REITs. We believe these sectors present attractive growth prospects relative to current valuations and will prove defensive in the event of a downshift in economic growth. Key sector underweights are real estate brokerage, lodging, and strip retail REITs.
Outlook
The overall Fund’s market exposure and the underlying positioning within the underlying sleeves remain defensively positioned against a continued trend of moderating fundamentals and rising interest rates. Property values will likely see mixed trends as underlying property cash flow growth may be offset by rising capitalization rates (lower valuation multiples) to varying degrees, depending on property type and geography. Despite the moderation in CRE fundamentals, REITs will likely continue to deliver solid earnings and dividend growth over the coming year, an attractive dividend yield relative to other asset classes, and potential inflation protection through underlying rent growth.
While we remain cautious on current absolute valuations and the maturity of this cycle, we believe that REITs present an attractive setup on a relative basis. Again, REIT total returns lagged the S&P 500 by 45% since mid-2016, driven by slowing REIT earnings growth and accelerating S&P 500 earnings growth. Looking forward to 2019, that trend is expected to reverse, with the pace of earnings growth expected to accelerate for REITs while S&P 500 earnings growth is expected to slow down significantly from this year’s lofty levels. In fact, it appears that REIT earnings growth rates may have already bottomed in early 2018. An increasing number of REIT management teams are now expecting growth to accelerate heading into 2019 as their portfolios will begin facing easier comps. Across several property types, new construction deliveries are poised to decline, occupancy levels may have bottomed, and the pace of retailer bankruptcies has slowed.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation, while limiting exposure to general stock market risk.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_42.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | February 26, 2016 |
C-Class | February 26, 2016 |
P-Class | February 26, 2016 |
Institutional Class | February 26, 2016 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Equinix, Inc. | 4.9% |
MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A | 4.0% |
Sun Communities, Inc. | 3.3% |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A | 3.0% |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | 2.9% |
Crown Castle International Corp. | 2.9% |
Regency Centers Corp. | 2.8% |
American Tower Corp. — Class A | 2.8% |
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A | 2.8% |
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | 2.6% |
Top Ten Total | 32.0% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_43.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (02/26/16) |
A-Class Shares | | 0.13% | 2.32% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | | (4.62%) | 0.42% |
C-Class Shares | | (0.59%) | 1.58% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | | (1.53%) | 1.58% |
P-Class Shares | | 0.09% | 2.29% |
Institutional Class Shares | | 0.36% | 2.56% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index | | 1.59% | 0.95% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class, and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 68.5% |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs - 67.5% |
REITs-Diversified - 14.4% |
Equinix, Inc.1 | | | 922 | | | $ | 399,125 | |
Crown Castle International Corp.1 | | | 2,131 | | | | 237,244 | |
American Tower Corp. — Class A1 | | | 1,601 | | | | 232,625 | |
CoreCivic, Inc. | | | 6,771 | | | | 164,738 | |
GEO Group, Inc. | | | 5,991 | | | | 150,734 | |
Total REITs-Diversified | | | | | | | 1,184,466 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Hotels - 7.7% |
MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A | | | 11,024 | | | | 325,098 | |
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | | | 8,704 | | | | 152,233 | |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | | 9,251 | | | | 151,346 | |
Total REITs-Hotels | | | | | | | 628,677 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Warehouse/Industries - 7.2% |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | 7,535 | | | | 240,819 | |
Liberty Property Trust | | | 4,564 | | | | 192,829 | |
EastGroup Properties, Inc. | | | 1,616 | | | | 154,522 | |
Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries | | | | | | | 588,170 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Apartments - 6.8% |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A | | | 5,645 | | | | 249,114 | |
Equity Residential | | | 2,332 | | | | 154,518 | |
American Homes 4 Rent — Class A | | | 6,976 | | | | 152,705 | |
Total REITs-Apartments | | | | | | | 556,337 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Office Property - 6.6% |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | | | 6,796 | | | | 202,725 | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.1 | | | 1,437 | | | | 180,760 | |
JBG SMITH Properties | | | 4,241 | | | | 156,196 | |
Total REITs-Office Property | | | | | | | 539,681 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Manufactured Homes - 5.9% |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 2,650 | | | | 269,081 | |
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | | | 2,202 | | | | 212,383 | |
Total REITs-Manufactured Homes | | | | | | | 481,464 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Regional Malls - 5.8% |
Macerich Co. | | | 3,484 | | | | 192,630 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | | 902 | | | | 159,428 | |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | | 2,058 | | | | 123,130 | |
Total REITs-Regional Malls | | | | | | | 475,188 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Health Care - 5.5% |
HCP, Inc.1 | | | 5,922 | | | | 155,867 | |
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A | | | 5,553 | | | | 148,099 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 2,644 | | | | 143,781 | |
Total REITs-Health Care | | | | | | | 447,747 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Shopping Centers - 2.8% |
Regency Centers Corp.1 | | | 3,602 | | | | 232,941 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Mortgage - 2.8% |
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | 6,856 | | | | 229,745 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Single Tenant - 2.0% |
STORE Capital Corp. | | | 5,844 | | | | 162,405 | |
Total REITs | | | | | | | 5,526,821 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Lodging - 1.0% |
Casino Hotels - 1.0% |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 1,288 | | | | 76,417 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $5,435,498) | | | | | | | 5,603,238 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 30.4% |
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund — Institutional Class 1.91%2 | | | 2,490,747 | | | | 2,490,747 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,490,747) | | | | | | | 2,490,747 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 98.9% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $7,926,245) | | | | | | $ | 8,093,985 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.1% | | | | | | | 93,502 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 8,187,487 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements |
Counterparty | Index | | Financing Rate Pay (Receive) | | Payment Frequency | Maturity Date | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short†† |
Morgan Stanley | Market Neutral Real Estate Portfolio Short Custom Basket Swap3 | | | (1.41 | )% | At Maturity | 07/22/19 | | $ | 5,563,950 | | | $ | 84,218 | |
44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES3 |
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF | | | (23,573 | ) | | | 44.0 | % | | $ | 37,130 | |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | | | (17,577 | ) | | | 27.7 | % | | | 23,311 | |
VEREIT, Inc. | | | (25,213 | ) | | | 27.0 | % | | | 22,731 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | (10,107 | ) | | | 19.2 | % | | | 16,168 | |
Brandywine Realty Trust | | | (14,351 | ) | | | 15.1 | % | | | 12,680 | |
Washington Prime Group, Inc. | | | (21,305 | ) | | | 14.8 | % | | | 12,508 | |
iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF | | | (6,358 | ) | | | 14.4 | % | | | 12,122 | |
Public Storage | | | (751 | ) | | | 7.9 | % | | | 6,620 | |
CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A* | | | (1,614 | ) | | | 7.5 | % | | | 6,312 | |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | | (11,162 | ) | | | 5.9 | % | | | 4,946 | |
American Assets Trust, Inc. | | | (5,159 | ) | | | 2.6 | % | | | 2,162 | |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. | | | (6,863 | ) | | | 1.5 | % | | | 1,304 | |
PS Business Parks, Inc. | | | (1,887 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | 611 | |
Douglas Emmett, Inc. | | | (4,335 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (592 | ) |
STAG Industrial, Inc. | | | (2,817 | ) | | | (2.3 | %) | | | (1,960 | ) |
Chesapeake Lodging Trust | | | (5,669 | ) | | | (3.1 | %) | | | (2,621 | ) |
Global Net Lease, Inc. | | | (12,390 | ) | | | (6.8 | %) | | | (5,702 | ) |
UDR, Inc. | | | (4,302 | ) | | | (13.6 | %) | | | (11,454 | ) |
Americold Realty Trust | | | (4,790 | ) | | | (16.7 | %) | | | (14,051 | ) |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | (8,036 | ) | | | (22.4 | %) | | | (18,867 | ) |
Hersha Hospitality Trust | | | (8,093 | ) | | | (22.7 | %) | | | (19,140 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Short Securities | | $ | 84,218 | |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2018. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
3 | Total Return based on the return of the custom short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 5,603,238 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,603,238 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 2,490,747 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,490,747 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 84,218 | | | | — | | | | 84,218 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 8,093,985 | | | $ | 84,218 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 8,178,203 | |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $7,926,245) | | $ | 8,093,985 | |
Cash | | | 495 | |
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | | | 84,218 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 28,659 | |
Receivables: |
Dividends | | | 29,831 | |
Investment adviser | | | 13,296 | |
Interest | | | 2,943 | |
Total assets | | | 8,253,427 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Professional fees | | | 34,395 | |
Swap settlement | | | 20,205 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 4,271 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 774 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 627 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 5,668 | |
Total liabilities | | | 65,940 | |
Net assets | | $ | 8,187,487 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 7,801,197 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 386,290 | |
Net assets | | $ | 8,187,487 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 2,482,348 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 98,668 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.16 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 26.41 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 134,490 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 5,451 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.67 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 487,871 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 19,406 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.14 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 5,082,778 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 200,769 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.32 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends | | $ | 165,354 | |
Interest | | | 11,507 | |
Total investment income | | | 176,861 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 68,166 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 1,030 | |
C-Class | | | 1,222 | |
P-Class | | | 1,265 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 2,256 | |
C-Class | | | 601 | |
P-Class | | | 2,553 | |
Institutional Class | | | 20,299 | |
Registration fees | | | 69,469 | |
Professional fees | | | 59,613 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 24,999 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 15,327 | |
Custodian fees | | | 3,848 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 133 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 18,583 | |
Total expenses | | | 289,364 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (9,332 | ) |
C-Class | | | (2,735 | ) |
P-Class | | | (11,076 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (108,281 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (67,757 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (199,181 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 90,183 | |
Net investment income | | | 86,678 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 474,436 | |
Swap agreements | | | (417,252 | ) |
Securities sold short | | | (252 | ) |
Net realized gain | | | 56,932 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | (246,310 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | 126,033 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (120,277 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (63,345 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 23,333 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 86,678 | | | $ | 27,490 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 56,932 | | | | 24,187 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (120,277 | ) | | | 365,882 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 23,333 | | | | 417,559 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (5,777 | ) | | | — | |
C-Class | | | (5,619 | ) | | | — | |
P-Class | | | (17,831 | ) | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (264,679 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (293,906 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 2,387,527 | | | | 784 | |
C-Class | | | 31,922 | | | | 36,949 | |
P-Class | | | 420,704 | | | | 193,721 | |
Institutional Class | | | 120,194 | | | | — | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 5,777 | | | | — | |
C-Class | | | 5,619 | | | | — | |
P-Class | | | 17,831 | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | 264,679 | | | | — | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (40,735 | ) | | | — | |
C-Class | | | (38,217 | ) | | | — | |
P-Class | | | (238,079 | ) | | | (3,606 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (49,845 | ) | | | — | |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 2,887,377 | | | | 227,848 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 2,616,804 | | | | 645,407 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 5,570,683 | | | | 4,925,276 | |
End of year | | $ | 8,187,487 | | | $ | 5,570,683 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 95,960 | | | | 30 | |
C-Class | | | 1,230 | | | | 1,459 | |
P-Class | | | 15,930 | | | | 7,329 | |
Institutional Class | | | 4,477 | | | | — | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 225 | | | | — | |
C-Class | | | 221 | | | | — | |
P-Class | | | 693 | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | 10,239 | | | | — | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (1,629 | ) | | | — | |
C-Class | | | (1,459 | ) | | | — | |
P-Class | | | (9,466 | ) | | | (139 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,947 | ) | | | — | |
Net increase in shares | | | 114,474 | | | | 8,679 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.47 | | | $ | 24.45 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .50 | | | | .08 | | | | .24 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.41 | ) | | | 1.94 | | | | (.79 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .09 | | | | 2.02 | | | | (.55 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.16 | | | $ | 26.47 | | | $ | 24.45 | |
|
Total Returne | | | 0.13 | % | | | 8.38 | % | | | (2.20 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 2,482 | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 100 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.00 | % | | | 0.31 | % | | | 1.66 | % |
Total expenses | | | 5.01 | % | | | 4.88 | % | | | 3.74 | % |
Net expensesc,d,f | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.64 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 216 | % | | | 145 | % | | | 135 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.16 | | | $ | 24.35 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .12 | | | | (.11 | ) | | | .12 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.21 | ) | | | 1.92 | | | | (.77 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | (.09 | ) | | | 1.81 | | | | (.65 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.67 | | | $ | 26.16 | | | $ | 24.35 | |
|
Total Returne | | | (0.59 | %) | | | 7.56 | % | | | (2.60 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 134 | | | $ | 143 | | | $ | 97 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.47 | % | | | (0.52 | %) | | | 0.93 | % |
Total expenses | | | 5.72 | % | | | 5.70 | % | | | 4.47 | % |
Net expensesc,d,f | | | 2.38 | % | | | 2.40 | % | | | 2.38 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 216 | % | | | 145 | % | | | 135 | % |
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.48 | | | $ | 24.45 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .33 | | | | .16 | | | | .26 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.27 | ) | | | 1.87 | | | | (.81 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .06 | | | | 2.03 | | | | (.55 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.14 | | | $ | 26.48 | | | $ | 24.45 | |
|
Total Return | | | 0.09 | % | | | 8.34 | % | | | (2.20 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 488 | | | $ | 324 | | | $ | 124 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.26 | % | | | 0.52 | % | | | 1.64 | % |
Total expenses | | | 4.93 | % | | | 5.18 | % | | | 3.65 | % |
Net expensesc,d,f | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.66 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 216 | % | | | 145 | % | | | 135 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
MARKET NEUTRAL REAL ESTATE FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.57 | | | $ | 24.49 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .36 | | | | .14 | | | | .28 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.21 | ) | | | 1.94 | | | | (.79 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .15 | | | | 2.08 | | | | (.51 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.40 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.32 | | | $ | 26.57 | | | $ | 24.49 | |
|
Total Return | | | 0.36 | % | | | 8.62 | % | | | (2.04 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 5,083 | | | $ | 4,995 | | | $ | 4,604 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.39 | % | | | 0.55 | % | | | 1.92 | % |
Total expenses | | | 4.59 | % | | | 4.52 | % | | | 3.41 | % |
Net expensesc,d,f | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.39 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 216 | % | | | 145 | % | | | 135 | % |
a | Since commencement of operations: February 26, 2016. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
b | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
c | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
d | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | — | 0.22% | | | |
| C-Class | — | 0.22% | | | |
| P-Class | — | 0.16% | | | |
| Institutional Class | — | 0.18% | | | |
e | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
f | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and recouped amounts excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods presented would be: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | | |
| A-Class | 1.65% | 1.63% | 1.63% | | |
| C-Class | 2.37% | 2.37% | 2.37% | | |
| P-Class | 1.65% | 1.63% | 1.65% | | |
| Institutional Class | 1.40% | 1.38% | 1.38% | | |
50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, and Thomas Youn, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund returned 2.70%1, compared with the 3.35% return of its benchmark, the FTSE NAREIT EQUITY REITs Total Return Index.
Investment Approach
Our investment framework follows a differentiated approach to REIT investing that seeks to both outperform the REIT index and to actively mitigate volatility and drawdown risk. To accomplish this, the strategy combines a traditional long-only REIT strategy, a market-neutral long/short REIT strategy, and a framework for actively modulating the Fund’s overall market exposure. The Fund will typically maintain an average market exposure, or beta to the REIT index, of approximately 0.90 by targeting an average long-only sleeve allocation of 90% and long/short sleeve allocation of 40%. The targeted sleeve weights are adjusted monthly to effectively modulate the Fund’s overall market exposure as warranted by market conditions.
The underlying long-only and long/short sleeves are managed independently within the Fund using a fundamental, relative value framework that is specialized for the real estate sector. Top-down views on the private commercial real estate (“CRE”) and public REIT markets are formulated to drive sector allocation decisions. Individual securities are evaluated and selected on a bottom-up basis using fundamental analysis and due diligence.
Market Review
REITs experienced a difficult start to the year with a 12% correction through February. While the S&P 500 Index also suffered a correction earlier in the year, the underperformance of REITs vs. the S&P 500 continued to grow. In fact, REITs have trailed the S&P 500 Index by 45% from mid-2016 through September 2018. The underperformance is largely explained by sharply diverging growth trends, with S&P 500 earnings accelerating and REIT earnings growth decelerating since 2016. Improved investor sentiment and the broad rally in risk assets helped both the broad market and REITs stage a sharp recovery through the summer. For the fiscal year, the FNRE Index delivered a total return of 3.35% compared to 17.91% for the S&P 500 Index.
The best-performing REIT sectors during the fiscal year were manufactured housing (+20.07%), lodging (+15.42%), and regional malls (+12.28%). Manufactured housing continues to benefit from steady demand, with little new supply on the horizon. Regional malls rallied from severely oversold levels, as the pace of retail store closures slowed considerably from 2017’s elevated pace and as retail sentiment improved over the course of the year. Hotels rallied on optimism for potential demand acceleration from a strong economy despite actual growth rates remaining lackluster. The worst-performing sectors were healthcare (-1.14%), data centers (-0.82%), and office REITs (0.31%). Senior housing property fundamentals suffered due to elevated new construction deliveries, which pressured occupancy rates. Data centers continued to benefit from strong secular demand growth but lagged, nevertheless, relative to many out-of-favor sectors that enjoyed particularly strong recoveries through the summer of 2018. Office REIT fundamentals were steady with exception of those focused in New York, where pockets of new construction weighed on rent growth. Office REITs remain out of favor due to pedestrian earnings growth rates and high capital expenditures requirements.
CRE fundamentals remained healthy at fiscal year-end although we are clearly in the latter innings of the CRE cycle. Fundamentals such as rent growth, occupancy rates, and valuation multiples have moderated from cyclical peak levels. Capital markets conditions remain robust with ample equity and debt capital earmarked for CRE. Given the steady rise in interest rates, however, the cost of capital has steadily increased, but has not yet had a noticeable impact on private real estate valuation. The supply picture remains healthy with overall construction levels below historical average levels. Pockets of concern in certain areas of the CRE market such as senior housing and self storage have weighed on their fundamentals, but the overall market has a balanced supply and demand picture.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Performance Review
The Fund underperformed its benchmark for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 by 0.65%, with a return of 2.70% compared to 3.35% for the benchmark. Inception-to-date, the Fund has outperformed the benchmark index by 1.54% annually, net of fees, with an annualized gain of 9.81% compared to 8.27% for the index. Consistent with the Fund’s objective, the Fund has also managed risk with a 20.33% reduction in annualized daily volatility during the fiscal year.
The Fund’s underperformance was primarily driven by the Fund’s defensive market exposure, which dragged on returns versus the benchmark. The Fund maintained an average long-only sleeve weight of 87% and a long/short sleeve weight of 41% during the fiscal year. The less-than-full market exposure level resulted in a 0.42% drag on relative performance given the benchmark’s 3.35% gain. The long-only sleeve outperformed the benchmark index modestly, contributing 0.91% to relative performance. Finally, the long/short sleeve generated positive returns that contributed 0.12% to relative performance. Net of fees, the Fund underperformed the benchmark by 0.65%.
The Fund utilizes total return swaps to gain exposure to individual equity REIT securities and to obtain leverage. During the year, the Fund maintained an approximate 30% allocation to the market - neutral long/short sleeve using total return swaps. Derivative exposure performed as expected.
Strategy
The Fund finished the year with a market exposure level of 89% range, which is roughly neutral for the strategy. Portfolio construction at the underlying sleeve level for the long-only and long/short strategies has remained defensively positioned against moderating CRE fundamentals since late 2015. Key sector overweights at period-end include manufactured housing, residential, data center, and wireless tower REITs. We believe these sectors present attractive growth prospects relative to current valuations and will prove defensive in the event of a downshift in economic growth. Key sector underweights are lodging, office, strip retail, and specialty REITs. The sector underweights largely reflect unattractive relative valuations for lodging and office REITs, e-commerce concerns for strip retail and supply concerns for self-storage REITs.
Outlook
The overall Fund’s market exposure and the underlying positioning within the underlying sleeves remain defensively positioned against a continued trend of moderating fundamentals and rising interest rates. Property values will likely see mixed trends as underlying property cash flow growth may be offset by rising capitalization rates (lower valuation multiples) to varying degrees, depending on property type and geography. Despite the moderation in CRE fundamentals, REITs will likely continue to deliver solid earnings and dividend growth over the coming year, an attractive dividend yield relative to other asset classes, and potential inflation protection through underlying rent growth.
While we remain cautious on current absolute valuations and the maturity of this cycle, we believe that REITs present an attractive setup on a relative basis. Again, REIT total returns lagged the S&P 500 by 45% since mid-2016, driven by slowing REIT earnings growth and accelerating S&P 500 earnings growth.
Looking forward to 2019, that trend is expected to reverse, with the pace of earnings growth expected to accelerate for REITs while S&P 500 earnings growth is expected to slow down significantly from this year’s lofty levels. In fact, it appears that REIT earnings growth rates may have already bottomed in early 2018. An increasing number of REIT management teams are now expecting growth to accelerate heading into 2019 as their portfolios will begin facing easier comps. Across several property types, new construction deliveries are poised to decline, occupancy levels may have bottomed, and the pace of retailer bankruptcies has slowed.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of capital appreciation and current income.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_53.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | March 28, 2014 |
C-Class | March 28, 2014 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | March 28, 2014 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | 6.7% |
Equinix, Inc. | 5.4% |
Prologis, Inc. | 3.6% |
Equity Residential | 3.6% |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | 3.0% |
Public Storage | 2.9% |
Welltower, Inc. | 2.7% |
Sun Communities, Inc. | 2.7% |
Ventas, Inc. | 2.6% |
Realty Income Corp. | 2.6% |
Top Ten Total | 35.8% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_54.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | Since Inception (03/28/14) |
A-Class Shares | 2.70% | 9.81% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | (2.18%) | 8.63% |
C-Class Shares | 1.93% | 8.98% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 0.96% | 8.98% |
Institutional Class Shares | 2.98% | 10.13% |
FTSE NAREIT EQUITY REITs Total Return Index | 3.35% | 8.27% |
| 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | 2.68% | 6.05% |
FTSE NAREIT EQUITY REITs Total Return Index | 3.35% | 5.54% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The FTSE NAREIT EQUITY REITs Total Return Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 95.1% |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs - 95.0% |
REITs-Diversified – 15.9% |
Equinix, Inc. | | | 21,398 | | | $ | 9,262,979 | |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | | 36,698 | | | | 4,127,791 | |
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. | | | 96,353 | | | | 3,396,443 | |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | 19,225 | | | | 2,140,319 | |
American Tower Corp. — Class A | | | 14,457 | | | | 2,100,602 | |
CoreCivic, Inc. | | | 68,040 | | | | 1,655,413 | |
GEO Group, Inc. | | | 64,408 | | | | 1,620,505 | |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | 20,667 | | | | 1,508,691 | |
Duke Realty Corp. | | | 35,902 | | | | 1,018,540 | |
Cousins Properties, Inc. | | | 76,022 | | | | 675,836 | |
Total REITs-Diversified | | | | | | | 27,507,119 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Apartments - 14.9% |
Equity Residential | | | 93,045 | | | | 6,165,162 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.1 | | | 28,970 | | | | 5,247,916 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A | | | 74,769 | | | | 3,299,556 | |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | | 13,074 | | | | 3,225,487 | |
American Homes 4 Rent — Class A | | | 95,759 | | | | 2,096,165 | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | 16,082 | | | | 1,611,095 | |
Camden Property Trust | | | 15,749 | | | | 1,473,634 | |
UDR, Inc. | | | 35,918 | | | | 1,452,165 | |
Invitation Homes, Inc. | | | 52,337 | | | | 1,199,041 | |
Total REITs-Apartments | | | | | | | 25,770,221 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Health Care - 10.2% |
Welltower, Inc. | | | 73,055 | | | | 4,698,898 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 82,578 | | | | 4,490,592 | |
HCP, Inc. | | | 153,858 | | | | 4,049,543 | |
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A | | | 93,667 | | | | 2,498,099 | |
Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. | | | 64,134 | | | | 1,876,561 | |
Total REITs-Health Care | | | | | | | 17,613,693 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Warehouse/Industries - 9.9% |
Prologis, Inc. | | | 92,852 | | | | 6,294,436 | |
EastGroup Properties, Inc. | | | 31,972 | | | | 3,057,163 | |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | 91,484 | | | | 2,923,829 | |
Liberty Property Trust | | | 61,054 | | | | 2,579,532 | |
CyrusOne, Inc. | | | 36,294 | | | | 2,301,040 | |
Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries | | | | | | | 17,156,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Office Property - 9.6% |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | | 33,361 | | | | 4,196,480 | |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | | | 101,011 | | | | 3,013,158 | |
Boston Properties, Inc.1 | | | 21,913 | | | | 2,697,271 | |
JBG SMITH Properties | | | 56,191 | | | | 2,069,515 | |
Kilroy Realty Corp. | | | 16,961 | | | | 1,215,934 | |
Douglas Emmett, Inc. | | | 28,774 | | | | 1,085,355 | |
Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. | | | 28,013 | | | | 916,585 | |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | | | 18,207 | | | | 860,463 | |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | | 5,568 | | | | 543,047 | |
Total REITs-Office Property | | | | | | | 16,597,808 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Regional Malls - 9.0% |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | | 65,272 | | | | 11,536,825 | |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | | 39,798 | | | | 2,381,114 | |
Macerich Co. | | | 31,770 | | | | 1,756,563 | |
Total REITs-Regional Malls | | | | | | | 15,674,502 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Hotels - 5.9% |
MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A | | | 97,929 | | | | 2,887,926 | |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | | 170,234 | | | | 2,785,028 | |
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | | | 98,272 | | | | 1,718,777 | |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 71,944 | | | | 1,518,018 | |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | | | 33,885 | | | | 1,232,397 | |
Total REITs-Hotels | | | | | | | 10,142,146 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Storage - 5.2% |
Public Storage | | | 26,656 | | | | 5,374,649 | |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | | 22,083 | | | | 1,913,271 | |
National Storage Affiliates Trust | | | 34,833 | | | | 886,152 | |
Life Storage, Inc. | | | 8,087 | | | | 769,559 | |
Total REITs-Storage | | | | | | | 8,943,631 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Manufactured Homes - 4.9% |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 46,143 | | | | 4,685,360 | |
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.1 | | | 40,315 | | | | 3,888,382 | |
Total REITs-Manufactured Homes | | | | | | | 8,573,742 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Shopping Centers – 4.6% |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | 53,899 | | | | 3,485,648 | |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | | 18,983 | | | | 2,400,780 | |
Retail Properties of America, Inc. – Class A | | | 97,594 | | | | 1,189,671 | |
Brixmor Property Group, Inc. | | | 51,080 | | | | 894,411 | |
Total REITs-Shopping Centers | | | | | | | 7,970,510 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Single Tenant – 4.6% |
Realty Income Corp. | | | 77,595 | | | | 4,414,380 | |
STORE Capital Corp. | | | 99,415 | | | | 2,762,743 | |
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. | | | 94,668 | | | | 763,024 | |
Total REITs-Single Tenant | | | | | | | 7,940,147 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Mortgage - 0.3% |
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | 15,177 | | | | 508,581 | |
Total REITs | | | | | | | 164,398,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Lodging - 0.1% |
Casino Hotels - 0.1% |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 2,825 | | | | 167,607 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $156,984,935) | | | | | | | 164,565,707 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 5.5% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund - Institutional Shares 1.91%2 | | | 9,552,225 | | | $ | 9,552,225 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $9,552,225) | | | | | | | 9,552,225 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.8% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $166,537,160) | | | | | | | 174,117,932 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS SOLD SHORT† - (4.4)% |
| | | | | | | | |
Real Estate -(0.1)% |
Real Estate Management/Services - (0.1)% |
CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A* | | | (3,579 | ) | | | (157,834 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs – (4.3)% |
REITs-STORAGE - (0.2)% | | | | | | | | |
Public Storage | | | (1,647 | ) | | | (332,085 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
reits-apartments - (0.2)% | | | | | | | | |
UDR, Inc. | | | (9,427 | ) | | | (381,134 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Shopping Centers - (0.2)% |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | | (24,478 | ) | | | (409,762 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Warehouse/Industries - (0.2)% |
STAG Industrial, Inc. | | | (6,084 | ) | | | (167,310 | ) |
Americold Realty Trust | | | (10,475 | ) | | | (262,085 | ) |
Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries | | | | | | | (429,395 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Regional Malls - (0.4)% |
Washington Prime Group, Inc. | | | (45,542 | ) | | | (332,457 | ) |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. | | | (14,941 | ) | | | (341,850 | ) |
Total REITs-Regional Malls | | | | | | | (674,307 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Health Care - (0.4)% |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | | | (38,712 | ) | | | (679,783 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Hotels - (0.8)% |
Chesapeake Lodging Trust | | | (12,564 | ) | | | (402,927 | ) |
Hersha Hospitality Trust | | | (18,332 | ) | | | (415,586 | ) |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | (17,653 | ) | | | (509,113 | ) |
Total REITs-Hotels | | | | | | | (1,327,626 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Diversified - (0.9)% |
American Assets Trust, Inc. | | | (11,164 | ) | | | (416,306 | ) |
PS Business Parks, Inc. | | | (4,118 | ) | | | (523,357 | ) |
Global Net Lease, Inc. | | | (27,358 | ) | | | (570,414 | ) |
Total REITs-Diversified | | | | | | | (1,510,077 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REITs-Office Property - (1.0)% |
Douglas Emmett, Inc. | | | (9,352 | ) | | | (352,757 | ) |
VEREIT, Inc. | | | (54,852 | ) | | | (398,226 | ) |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | (21,716 | ) | | | (411,084 | ) |
Brandywine Realty Trust | | | (31,164 | ) | | | (489,898 | ) |
Total REITs-Office Property | | | | | | | (1,651,965 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total REITs | | | | | | | (7,396,134 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks Sold Short | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $7,421,845) | | | | | | | (7,553,968 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS SOLD SHORT† (2.6)% |
iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF | | | 13,876 | | | | (490,378 | ) |
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF | | | 51,698 | | | | (4,136,874 | ) |
Total Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short | | | | | | | | |
(Proceeds $4,714,179) | | | | | | | (4,627,252 | ) |
Total Securities Sold Short - (7.0)% | | | | | | | | |
(Proceeds $12,136,024) | | | | | | $ | (12,181,220 | ) |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 6.4% | | | | | | | 11,163,836 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 173,100,548 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements |
Counterparty | Index | | Financing Rate Pay (Receive) | | Payment Frequency | Maturity Date | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements†† |
Morgan Stanley | Risk Managed Real Estate Portfolio Long Custom Basket Swap3 | | | 2.35 | % | At Maturity | 06/12/19 | | $ | 36,312,806 | | | $ | 1,202,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short†† |
Morgan Stanley | Risk Managed Real Estate Portfolio Short Custom Basket Swap4 | | | (1.38 | )% | At Maturity | 06/12/19 | | $ | 36,093,596 | | | $ | 514,659 | |
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
| | Shares
| | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES3 |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 17,006 | | | | 15.9 | % | | $ | 191,329 | |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | 49,520 | | | | 14.8 | % | | | 177,688 | |
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | | | 14,105 | | | | 11.9 | % | | | 142,772 | |
HCP, Inc. | | | 38,651 | | | | 11.4 | % | | | 137,609 | |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | | | 44,720 | | | | 11.3 | % | | | 135,852 | |
EastGroup Properties, Inc. | | | 10,626 | | | | 8.8 | % | | | 105,800 | |
American Tower Corp. — Class A | | | 10,326 | | | | 7.5 | % | | | 89,803 | |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | 13,820 | | | | 7.2 | % | | | 86,671 | |
JBG SMITH Properties | | | 27,572 | | | | 6.3 | % | | | 75,423 | |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | 23,654 | | | | 6.1 | % | | | 72,956 | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | | 9,458 | | | | 5.6 | % | | | 67,912 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A | | | 35,951 | | | | 5.1 | % | | | 61,062 | |
Equinix, Inc. | | | 5,939 | | | | 4.9 | % | | | 59,176 | |
MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A | | | 69,869 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 27,885 | |
CoreCivic, Inc. | | | 43,806 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 26,652 | |
STORE Capital Corp. | | | 37,682 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 26,144 | |
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A | | | 36,273 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 21,592 | |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | | 60,509 | | | | 1.7 | % | | | 20,328 | |
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | 44,939 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 13,435 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | | 5,890 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 11,858 | |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | | 12,910 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,424 | ) |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 8,447 | | | | (1.4 | %) | | | (16,837 | ) |
Equity Residential | | | 15,202 | | | | (2.4 | %) | | | (29,007 | ) |
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | | | 55,702 | | | | (2.6 | %) | | | (31,616 | ) |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 17,266 | | | | (2.7 | %) | | | (32,401 | ) |
Macerich Co. | | | 22,810 | | | | (3.1 | %) | | | (37,372 | ) |
American Homes 4 Rent — Class A | | | 44,871 | | | | (3.3 | %) | | | (39,657 | ) |
Liberty Property Trust | | | 29,996 | | | | (5.3 | %) | | | (63,368 | ) |
GEO Group, Inc. | | | 38,229 | | | | (8.0 | %) | | | (96,093 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Long Securities | | $ | 1,202,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES4 |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | | | (111,585 | ) | | | 52.3 | % | | | 269,388 | |
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF | | | (155,436 | ) | | | 45.5 | % | | | 234,388 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | (63,302 | ) | | | 27.2 | % | | | 139,796 | |
VEREIT, Inc. | | | (156,024 | ) | | | 27.0 | % | | | 139,191 | |
Brandywine Realty Trust | | | (92,338 | ) | | | 15.9 | % | | | 81,881 | |
iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF | | | (41,464 | ) | | | 14.3 | % | | | 73,662 | |
Washington Prime Group, Inc. | | | (134,021 | ) | | | 13.8 | % | | | 71,033 | |
Public Storage | | | (4,919 | ) | | | 8.4 | % | | | 43,361 | |
CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A* | | | (10,597 | ) | | | 8.1 | % | | | 41,440 | |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | | (73,148 | ) | | | 6.4 | % | | | 33,129 | |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. | | | (44,647 | ) | | | 1.7 | % | | | 8,483 | |
PS Business Parks, Inc. | | | (11,948 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (1,762 | ) |
Douglas Emmett, Inc. | | | (28,117 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (3,838 | ) |
American Assets Trust, Inc. | | | (32,998 | ) | | | (1.5 | %) | | | (7,720 | ) |
Chesapeake Lodging Trust | | | (37,189 | ) | | | (4.9 | %) | | | (25,120 | ) |
STAG Industrial, Inc. | | | (17,983 | ) | | | (5.9 | %) | | | (30,215 | ) |
Global Net Lease, Inc. | | | (80,939 | ) | | | (10.3 | %) | | | (52,893 | ) |
UDR, Inc. | | | (27,151 | ) | | | (16.2 | %) | | | (83,230 | ) |
Americold Realty Trust | | | (31,302 | ) | | | (19.7 | %) | | | (101,408 | ) |
Hersha Hospitality Trust | | | (54,260 | ) | | | (30.5 | %) | | | (157,174 | ) |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | (50,952 | ) | | | (30.6 | %) | | | (157,733 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Short Securities | | $ | 514,659 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at September 30, 2018. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
3 | Total Return based on the return of the custom long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
4 | Total Return based on the return of the custom short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 164,565,707 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 164,565,707 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 9,552,225 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,552,225 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 1,716,831 | | | | — | | | | 1,716,831 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 174,117,932 | | | $ | 1,716,831 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 175,834,763 | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 7,553,968 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,553,968 | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | | | 4,627,252 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,627,252 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | 12,181,220 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 12,181,220 | |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $166,537,160) | | $ | 174,117,932 | |
Cash | | | 9,170,447 | |
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | | | 1,716,831 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 37,967 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 1,952,348 | |
Dividends | | | 593,020 | |
Swap settlement | | | 226,905 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 111,890 | |
Interest | | | 12,950 | |
Other assets | | | 14,615 | |
Total assets | | | 187,954,905 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $12,136,024) | | | 12,181,220 | |
Segregated cash due to broker | | | 960,000 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 1,275,207 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 150,046 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 136,151 | |
Management fees | | | 73,994 | |
Due to Investment Adviser | | | 4,378 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 10,330 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 4,756 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 4,025 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 654 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 53,596 | |
Total liabilities | | | 14,854,357 | |
Net assets | | $ | 173,100,548 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 165,651,904 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 7,448,644 | |
Net assets | | $ | 173,100,548 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 13,771,606 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 475,965 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 28.93 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 30.37 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 866,935 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 30,152 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 28.75 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 4,217,315 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 144,984 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 29.09 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 154,244,692 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 5,269,692 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 29.27 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends | | $ | 4,561,068 | |
Interest | | | 249,713 | |
Total investment income | | | 4,810,781 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 1,174,170 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 33,747 | |
C-Class | | | 8,544 | |
P-Class | | | 10,314 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 5,353 | |
C-Class | | | 2,039 | |
P-Class | | | 6,645 | |
Institutional Class | | | 36,350 | |
Short sales dividend expense | | | 712,524 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 125,246 | |
Prime broker interest expense | | | 33,576 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 16,351 | |
Custodian fees | | | 11,823 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 3,733 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 214,495 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 4,150 | |
C-Class | | | 40 | |
P-Class | | | 226 | |
Institutional Class | | | 30,891 | |
Total expenses | | | 2,430,217 | |
Less: |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (13,308 | ) |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (1,634 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,446 | ) |
P-Class | | | (3,820 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (8,359 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (28,567 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 2,401,650 | |
Net investment income | | | 2,409,131 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 3,087,558 | |
Swap agreements | | | (1,259,792 | ) |
Securities sold short | | | (348,551 | ) |
Net realized gain | | | 1,479,215 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | 133,062 | |
Swap agreements | | | 1,201,027 | |
Securities sold short | | | (84,816 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 1,249,273 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 2,728,488 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 5,137,619 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,409,131 | | | $ | 432,593 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 1,479,215 | | | | 7,307,808 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 1,249,273 | | | | 819,439 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 5,137,619 | | | | 8,559,840 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (741,207 | ) | | | (33,682 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (42,140 | ) | | | (21,543 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (230,429 | ) | | | (18,930 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (7,275,260 | ) | | | (5,110,914 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (8,289,036 | ) | | | (5,185,069 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 17,701,055 | | | | 2,398,594 | |
C-Class | | | 623,503 | | | | 224,935 | |
P-Class | | | 4,732,078 | | | | 3,554,742 | |
Institutional Class | | | 44,394,797 | | | | 11,786,247 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 736,362 | | | | 31,571 | |
C-Class | | | 42,140 | | | | 18,354 | |
P-Class | | | 216,184 | | | | 18,640 | |
Institutional Class | | | 5,972,641 | | | | 4,051,720 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (6,361,125 | ) | | | (1,017,535 | ) |
C-Class | | | (492,819 | ) | | | (50,198 | ) |
P-Class | | | (3,134,802 | ) | | | (1,121,507 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (16,699,323 | ) | | | (7,914,904 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 47,730,691 | | | | 11,980,659 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 44,579,274 | | | | 15,355,430 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 128,521,274 | | | | 113,165,844 | |
End of year | | $ | 173,100,548 | | | $ | 128,521,274 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 595,944 | | | | 81,880 | |
C-Class | | | 21,422 | | | | 7,646 | |
P-Class | | | 160,270 | | | | 120,023 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,537,226 | | | | 395,502 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 25,255 | | | | 1,101 | |
C-Class | | | 1,449 | | | | 652 | |
P-Class | | | 7,367 | | | | 633 | |
Institutional Class | | | 202,581 | | | | 140,819 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (219,176 | ) | | | (34,776 | ) |
C-Class | | | (17,261 | ) | | | (1,759 | ) |
P-Class | | | (108,542 | ) | | | (37,602 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (565,538 | ) | | | (273,671 | ) |
Net increase in shares | | | 1,640,997 | | | | 400,448 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (see Note 9): |
Net investment income | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (18,998 | ) |
C-Class | | | (7,861 | ) |
P-Class | | | (16,196 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,441,728 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (14,684 | ) |
C-Class | | | (13,682 | ) |
P-Class | | | (2,734 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,669,186 | ) |
62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 29.70 | | | $ | 28.87 | | | $ | 29.77 | | | $ | 26.99 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .41 | | | | .03 | | | | .19 | | | | (.21 | ) | | | .02 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .38 | | | | 2.08 | | | | 3.84 | | | | 3.18 | | | | 2.06 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .79 | | | | 2.11 | | | | 4.03 | | | | 2.97 | | | | 2.08 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.52 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (1.12 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (1.04 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (3.81 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.56 | ) | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (4.93 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 28.93 | | | $ | 29.70 | | | $ | 28.87 | | | $ | 29.77 | | | $ | 26.99 | |
|
Total Returng | | | 2.70 | % | | | 7.54 | % | | | 14.88 | % | | | 10.97 | % | | | 8.35 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 13,772 | | | $ | 2,196 | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | 366 | | | $ | 107 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.42 | % | | | 0.09 | % | | | 0.66 | % | | | (0.67 | %) | | | 0.16 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.78 | % | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.93 | % | | | 3.41 | % | | | 4.22 | %h |
Net expensesd,e,i | | | 1.76 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.78 | % | | | 3.04 | % | | | 3.32 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 107 | % | | | 85 | % | | | 133 | % | | | 214 | % | | | 57 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 29.54 | | | $ | 28.77 | | | $ | 29.56 | | | $ | 26.95 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .15 | | | | (.19 | ) | | | .02 | | | | (.43 | ) | | | (.23 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .42 | | | | 2.06 | | | | 3.77 | | | | 3.18 | | | | 2.19 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .57 | | | | 1.87 | | | | 3.79 | | | | 2.75 | | | | 1.96 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.77 | ) | | | — | | | | (.01 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (1.04 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (3.81 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.36 | ) | | | (1.10 | ) | | | (4.58 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 28.75 | | | $ | 29.54 | | | $ | 28.77 | | | $ | 29.56 | | | $ | 26.95 | |
|
Total Returng | | | 1.93 | % | | | 6.71 | % | | | 14.00 | % | | | 10.20 | % | | | 7.85 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 867 | | | $ | 725 | | | $ | 518 | | | $ | 95 | | | $ | 52 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.53 | % | | | (0.66 | %) | | | 0.08 | % | | | (1.42 | %) | | | (1.60 | %) |
Total expensesc | | | 2.71 | % | | | 2.27 | % | | | 3.32 | % | | | 5.76 | % | | | 9.33 | %h |
Net expensesd,e,i | | | 2.53 | % | | | 2.08 | % | | | 2.53 | % | | | 3.76 | % | | | 2.67 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 107 | % | | | 85 | % | | | 133 | % | | | 214 | % | | | 57 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63 |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 29.85 | | | $ | 29.01 | | | $ | 29.77 | | | $ | 30.89 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .37 | | | | .13 | | | | .16 | | | | .04 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .43 | | | | 1.98 | | | | 3.88 | | | | (1.16 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .80 | | | | 2.11 | | | | 4.04 | | | | (1.12 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.52 | ) | | | (.56 | ) | | | (.99 | ) | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (1.04 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (3.81 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.56 | ) | | | (1.27 | ) | | | (4.80 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 29.09 | | | $ | 29.85 | | | $ | 29.01 | | | $ | 29.77 | |
|
Total Return | | | 2.68 | % | | | 7.53 | % | | | 14.87 | % | | | (3.63 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 4,217 | | | $ | 2,564 | | | $ | 82 | | | $ | 30 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.29 | % | | | 0.42 | % | | | 0.56 | % | | | 0.30 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.88 | % | | | 1.51 | % | | | 1.88 | % | | | 4.04 | %h |
Net expensesd,e,i | | | 1.78 | % | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.78 | % | | | 2.94 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 107 | % | | | 85 | % | | | 133 | % | | | 214 | % |
64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
RISK MANAGED REAL ESTATE FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 30.04 | | | $ | 29.18 | | | $ | 29.90 | | | $ | 27.00 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .46 | | | | .11 | | | | .26 | | | | (.11 | ) | | | .02 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .43 | | | | 2.10 | | | | 3.89 | | | | 3.18 | | | | 2.09 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .89 | | | | 2.21 | | | | 4.15 | | | | 3.07 | | | | 2.11 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (1.04 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (3.81 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.66 | ) | | | (1.35 | ) | | | (4.87 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 29.27 | | | $ | 30.04 | | | $ | 29.18 | | | $ | 29.90 | | | $ | 27.00 | |
|
Total Return | | | 2.98 | % | | | 7.87 | % | | | 15.20 | % | | | 11.36 | % | | | 8.44 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 154,245 | | | $ | 123,037 | | | $ | 111,823 | | | $ | 105,882 | | | $ | 103,993 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.56 | % | | | 0.38 | % | | | 0.91 | % | | | (0.35 | %) | | | 0.11 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.51 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.50 | % | | | 2.70 | % | | | 2.69 | %h |
Net expensesd,e,i | | | 1.50 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | 1.50 | % | | | 2.70 | % | | | 2.58 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 107 | % | | | 85 | % | | | 133 | % | | | 214 | % | | | 57 | % |
a | Since commencement of operations: March 28, 2014. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
b | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
e | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | 0.03% | 0.02% | | | |
| C-Class | 0.01% | 0.00%* | | | |
| P-Class | 0.01% | 0.00%* | | | |
| Institutional Class | 0.02% | — | | | |
f | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized. |
h | Due to limited length of Fund operations, ratios for this period are not indicative of future performance. |
i | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and recouped amounts. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods presented would be: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
| A-Class | 1.29% | 1.30% | 1.29% | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| C-Class | 2.05% | 2.04% | 2.03% | 2.05% | 2.05% |
| P-Class | 1.30% | 1.29% | 1.28% | 1.30% | — |
| Institutional Class | 1.03% | 0.97% | 1.00% | 0.99% | 1.10% |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the team discusses performance of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) returned 6.32%1, compared with its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index, which returned 9.33%.
Strategy and Market Overview
Our investment approach focuses on understanding how companies make money and how easily companies can improve returns, maintain existing high levels of profitability, or benefit from change that occurs within the industries in which they operate. In today’s rapidly changing environment marked by very sharp and quick, but constrained volatility, our long-term orientation and discipline are a competitive advantage. This should become especially critical when the environment of indiscriminant valuation expansion subsides, and fundamentals once again become a more dominant factor in the market.
Performance Review
Stock selection was the most significant factor behind the Fund’s showing relative to the benchmark, while sector allocation was a slight detractor.
On the positive side, stock selection was beneficial in the Information Technology, Real Estate, and Energy sectors.
The Fund’s Information Technology holdings outgained the benchmark’s holdings from a strong gain in NeoPhotonics Corp. and the performance of optical component companies. The Fund’s real estate holdings were also strong performers. The Fund benefited from being underweight REITs relative to the benchmark, a strong gain in Hersha Hospitality Trust, and a lack of exposure to poorly performing office REITS such as Franklin Street Properties Corp. and Government Properties Income Trust.
The Fund’s Energy holdings benefited from an overweighting to oil exploration companies, given the surge in oil prices during the period. The Fund’s ownership of oil-centric producers in the Bakken - one of the largest continuous deposits of oil and natural gas in the U.S. - was especially favorable, as a leading individual contributor was Oasis Petroleum, Inc. Another Energy name, Delek US Holdings, Inc., a downstream refiner, was the leading individual contributor for the period, based on good earnings.
On the negative side, stock selection detracted in the Consumer Discretionary and Health Care sectors.
The Fund’s holdings in the Discretionary sector were weak compared with the benchmark’s holdings. In that sector, Tenneco, Inc. a manufacturer of original vehicle equipment, was the second-leading individual detractor for the Fund for the period. It declined significantly over the period, due partly to concerns about cyclical peak profitability.
Health Care produced the largest individual detractor—Lannett Company, Inc., a generic pharmaceutical maker that fell partly in response to an impairment to earnings from aggressive generic pricing competition and the loss of a distribution agreement.
Portfolio Positioning
While this strategy is balanced relative to the benchmark, it does possess defensive characteristics in virtue of emphasizing relatively larger companies found in the benchmark as well as an overweight in utilities.
The largest relative sector exposures for the year were an underweight in Real Estate and an overweight in Utilities.
66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Portfolio and Market Outlook
For much of the period, the market was concerned with persistent U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes and uncertainty over macroeconomic issues such as international trade and inflation. The major indices proceeded to give up the early 2018 gains, and uncharacteristically, smaller sized companies tended to perform better.
For much of the period, the market significantly favored growth-oriented companies. This tended to provide a broad-based headwind for the strategy, as it is more exposed than the benchmark to this factor. At present the valuation gap between growth and value stocks is unusually wide. As this narrows over time (as it should from these unusually large historic levels), the Fund is well positioned to benefit.
The Fund’s portfolio tends to reflect a bias toward companies with balance sheet quality. We continue to find niche companies with what we believe to be attractive growth opportunities, and, as such, are constructive on the outlook.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_68.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | July 11, 2008 |
C-Class | July 11, 2008 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | July 11, 2008 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF | 3.0% |
Portland General Electric Co. | 1.8% |
UniFirst Corp. | 1.6% |
Spire, Inc. | 1.6% |
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | 1.6% |
Cathay General Bancorp | 1.5% |
Viavi Solutions, Inc. | 1.5% |
Oasis Petroleum, Inc. | 1.5% |
Wintrust Financial Corp. | 1.4% |
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. | 1.4% |
Top Ten Total | 16.9% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.
68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_69.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 6.32% | 6.36% | 11.56% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | 1.30% | 5.32% | 10.91% |
C-Class Shares | 5.57% | 5.57% | 10.75% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 4.58% | 5.57% | 10.75% |
Institutional Class Shares | 6.64% | 6.61% | 11.83% |
Russell 2000 Value Index | 9.33% | 9.91% | 9.52% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 6.30% | 7.18% |
Russell 2000 Value Index | | 9.33% | 10.50% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class Shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 93.9% |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 37.0% |
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | | | 7,211 | | | $ | 293,488 | |
Cathay General Bancorp | | | 6,730 | | | | 278,891 | |
Wintrust Financial Corp. | | | 3,135 | | | | 266,287 | |
BancorpSouth Bank | | | 7,664 | | | | 250,613 | |
Fulton Financial Corp. | | | 15,044 | | | | 250,483 | |
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. | | | 3,919 | | | | 247,093 | |
Umpqua Holdings Corp. | | | 11,449 | | | | 238,139 | |
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A | | | 508 | | | | 229,758 | |
Radian Group, Inc. | | | 10,825 | | | | 223,753 | |
Hersha Hospitality Trust REIT | | | 9,361 | | | | 212,214 | |
Beneficial Bancorp, Inc. | | | 12,538 | | | | 211,892 | |
Trustmark Corp. | | | 6,268 | | | | 210,918 | |
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. — Class C | | | 2,752 | | | | 198,639 | |
Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT | | | 12,088 | | | | 196,309 | |
TriCo Bancshares | | | 5,072 | | | | 195,881 | |
Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. REIT | | | 11,953 | | | | 189,096 | |
MBIA, Inc.* | | | 17,570 | | | | 187,823 | |
Hanmi Financial Corp. | | | 7,494 | | | | 186,600 | |
Tier REIT, Inc. | | | 7,598 | | | | 183,112 | |
Investors Bancorp, Inc. | | | 14,843 | | | | 182,124 | |
RLJ Lodging Trust REIT | | | 7,155 | | | | 157,625 | |
Equity Commonwealth REIT* | | | 4,628 | | | | 148,513 | |
iStar, Inc. REIT | | | 12,518 | | | | 139,826 | |
Hancock Whitney Corp. | | | 2,772 | | | | 131,809 | |
Valley National Bancorp | | | 11,655 | | | | 131,119 | |
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 4,160 | | | | 130,915 | |
Old National Bancorp | | | 6,516 | | | | 125,759 | |
LaSalle Hotel Properties REIT | | | 3,537 | | | | 122,345 | |
Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 13,568 | | | | 120,619 | |
Cowen, Inc. — Class A* | | | 7,041 | | | | 114,768 | |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT | | | 6,800 | | | | 111,248 | |
MB Financial, Inc. | | | 2,354 | | | | 108,543 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT | | | 4,930 | | | | 93,325 | |
Physicians Realty Trust REIT | | | 5,376 | | | | 90,639 | |
Cohen & Steers, Inc. | | | 2,197 | | | | 89,220 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 6,592 | | | | 89,190 | |
Lexington Realty Trust REIT | | | 10,690 | | | | 88,727 | |
IBERIABANK Corp. | | | 974 | | | | 79,235 | |
Washington Federal, Inc. | | | 2,343 | | | | 74,976 | |
Stifel Financial Corp. | | | 1,429 | | | | 73,251 | |
Hilltop Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,521 | | | | 71,018 | |
CNO Financial Group, Inc. | | | 2,722 | | | | 57,761 | |
Customers Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 2,429 | | | | 57,154 | |
ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. | | | 2,214 | | | | 49,704 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 6,890,402 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 12.9% |
Plexus Corp.* | | | 3,365 | | | | 196,886 | |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | | | 7,351 | | | | 194,728 | |
Trinseo S.A. | | | 2,334 | | | | 182,752 | |
TriMas Corp.* | | | 5,906 | | | | 179,542 | |
GATX Corp. | | | 1,963 | | | | 169,976 | |
ITT, Inc. | | | 2,389 | | | | 146,350 | |
Crane Co. | | | 1,433 | | | | 140,936 | |
Matson, Inc. | | | 3,376 | | | | 133,825 | |
GasLog Ltd. | | | 6,686 | | | | 132,049 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 2,043 | | | | 122,784 | |
Worthington Industries, Inc. | | | 2,733 | | | | 118,503 | |
Marten Transport Ltd. | | | 5,364 | | | | 112,912 | |
Esterline Technologies Corp.* | | | 1,190 | | | | 108,231 | |
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.* | | | 2,144 | | | | 97,767 | |
Sanmina Corp.* | | | 3,202 | | | | 88,375 | |
US Concrete, Inc.* | | | 1,904 | | | | 87,298 | |
Argan, Inc. | | | 1,902 | | | | 81,786 | |
KEMET Corp.* | | | 3,167 | | | | 58,748 | |
Scorpio Tankers, Inc. | | | 23,024 | | | | 46,278 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 2,399,726 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 12.8% |
UniFirst Corp. | | | 1,721 | | | | 298,852 | |
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,334 | | | | 253,993 | |
International Speedway Corp. — Class A | | | 5,685 | | | | 249,003 | |
Wabash National Corp. | | | 10,879 | | | | 198,324 | |
MDC Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,339 | | | | 187,508 | |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. | | | 5,541 | | | | 156,810 | |
Meritage Homes Corp.* | | | 3,838 | | | | 153,136 | |
Tenneco, Inc. — Class A | | | 3,482 | | | | 146,732 | |
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.* | | | 1,697 | | | | 116,669 | |
Methode Electronics, Inc. | | | 2,915 | | | | 105,523 | |
Century Communities, Inc.* | | | 3,961 | | | | 103,976 | |
Unifi, Inc.* | | | 3,345 | | | | 94,764 | |
La-Z-Boy, Inc. | | | 2,887 | | | | 91,229 | |
Deckers Outdoor Corp.* | | | 736 | | | | 87,275 | |
Caleres, Inc. | | | 1,955 | | | | 70,106 | |
DSW, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,916 | | | | 64,914 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 2,378,814 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 9.9% |
Encompass Health Corp. | | | 2,916 | | | | 227,302 | |
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.* | | | 2,405 | | | | 131,554 | |
Navigant Consulting, Inc. | | | 5,680 | | | | 130,981 | |
Premier, Inc. — Class A* | | | 2,781 | | | | 127,314 | |
Cambrex Corp.* | | | 1,775 | | | | 121,410 | |
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.* | | | 1,804 | | | | 118,757 | |
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. | | | 3,454 | | | | 117,056 | |
Innoviva, Inc.* | | | 7,605 | | | | 115,900 | |
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 5,351 | | | | 107,020 | |
Dean Foods Co. | | | 14,355 | | | | 101,921 | |
Carriage Services, Inc. — Class A | | | 4,493 | | | | 96,824 | |
Sanderson Farms, Inc. | | | 927 | | | | 95,824 | |
Universal Corp. | | | 1,432 | | | | 93,080 | |
SP Plus Corp.* | | | 2,420 | | | | 88,330 | |
FTI Consulting, Inc.* | | | 1,197 | | | | 87,608 | |
Lannett Company, Inc.* | | | 9,865 | | | | 46,859 | |
Community Health Systems, Inc.* | | | 12,248 | | | | 42,378 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 1,850,118 | |
70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 8.1% |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 7,324 | | | $ | 334,048 | |
Spire, Inc. | | | 4,016 | | | | 295,377 | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 5,914 | | | | 233,307 | |
Black Hills Corp. | | | 3,651 | | | | 212,087 | |
ONE Gas, Inc. | | | 2,265 | | | | 186,364 | |
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,797 | | | | 142,017 | |
ALLETE, Inc. | | | 1,330 | | | | 99,763 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 1,502,963 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 4.8% |
Viavi Solutions, Inc.* | | | 24,477 | | | | 277,569 | |
Ciena Corp.* | | | 6,557 | | | | 204,841 | |
NeoPhotonics Corp.* | | | 16,386 | | | | 136,004 | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 2,561 | | | | 119,573 | |
InterDigital, Inc. | | | 1,200 | | | | 96,000 | |
Finisar Corp.* | | | 3,638 | | | | 69,304 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 903,291 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 4.4% |
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.* | | | 19,261 | | | | 273,121 | |
Oceaneering International, Inc.* | | | 4,054 | | | | 111,890 | |
Rowan Companies plc — Class A* | | | 5,064 | | | | 95,355 | |
MRC Global, Inc.* | | | 5,072 | | | | 95,202 | |
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.* | | | 11,367 | | | | 92,869 | |
Ormat Technologies, Inc. | | | 1,704 | | | | 92,203 | |
Gulfport Energy Corp.* | | | 5,339 | | | | 55,579 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 816,219 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 2.8% |
Photronics, Inc.* | | | 13,666 | | | | 134,610 | |
ManTech International Corp. — Class A | | | 2,004 | | | | 126,853 | |
MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A* | | | 819 | | | | 115,168 | |
Cray, Inc.* | | | 5,127 | | | | 110,230 | |
InnerWorkings, Inc.* | | | 5,365 | | | | 42,491 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 529,352 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 1.2% |
Kaiser Aluminum Corp. | | | 2,065 | | | | 225,209 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $15,420,010) | | | | | | | 17,496,094 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS††† - 0.0% |
Thermoenergy Corp.*, 1,2 | | | 6,250 | | | | — | |
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $5,968) | | | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS† - 3.0% |
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF | | | 4,171 | | | | 554,743 | |
Total Exchange-Traded Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $565,676) | | | | | | | 554,743 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 2.9% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares 1.91%3 | | | 541,256 | | | | 541,256 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $541,256) | | | | | | | 541,256 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.8% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $16,532,910) | | | | | | $ | 18,592,093 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.2% | | | | | | | 36,387 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 18,628,480 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $0, (cost $5,968) or less than 0.1% of total net assets. |
2 | PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) — Stock issued by a company in the secondary market as a means of raising capital more quickly and less expensively than through registration of a secondary public offering. |
3 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 17,496,094 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 17,496,094 | |
Convertible Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | * | | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | | | 554,743 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 554,743 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 541,256 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 541,256 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 18,592,093 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 18,592,093 | |
* | Security has a market value of $0. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $16,532,910) | | $ | 18,592,093 | |
Cash | | | 864 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 36,201 | |
Receivables: |
Dividends | | | 26,593 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 10,212 | |
Investment adviser | | | 9,646 | |
Interest | | | 582 | |
Total assets | | | 18,676,191 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Professional fees | | | 23,711 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 7,226 | |
Printing fees | | | 6,076 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 4,414 | |
Custodian fees | | | 3,450 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 1,227 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 36 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,571 | |
Total liabilities | | | 47,711 | |
Net assets | | $ | 18,628,480 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 15,360,260 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 3,268,220 | |
Net assets | | $ | 18,628,480 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 11,930,679 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 766,754 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 15.56 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 16.34 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 2,884,147 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 201,755 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 14.30 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 15,364 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 977 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 15.73 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 3,798,290 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 266,780 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 14.24 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends | | $ | 297,689 | |
Interest | | | 4,874 | |
Total investment income | | | 302,563 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 144,109 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 29,049 | |
C-Class | | | 35,365 | |
P-Class | | | 36 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 16,816 | |
C-Class | | | 9,227 | |
P-Class | | | 121 | |
Institutional Class | | | 8,852 | |
Registration fees | | | 69,497 | |
Professional fees | | | 25,761 | |
Printing expenses | | | 25,711 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 24,999 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 14,607 | |
Custodian fees | | | 2,890 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 158 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 17,511 | |
Total expenses | | | 424,709 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (27,538 | ) |
C-Class | | | (12,231 | ) |
P-Class | | | (135 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (12,385 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (106,060 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (158,349 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 266,360 | |
Net investment income | | | 36,203 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 1,784,434 | |
Net realized gain | | | 1,784,434 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | (703,509 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (703,509 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 1,080,925 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 1,117,128 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 36,203 | | | $ | 670 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 1,784,434 | | | | 1,796,559 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (703,509 | ) | | | 1,216,874 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 1,117,128 | | | | 3,014,103 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (844,451 | ) | | | (88,266 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (259,676 | ) | | | — | |
P-Class | | | (861 | ) | | | (72 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (403,734 | ) | | | (3,955 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (1,508,722 | ) | | | (92,293 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 2,936,068 | | | | 3,674,284 | |
C-Class | | | 226,040 | | | | 200,371 | |
P-Class | | | 714 | | | | 10,168 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,692,756 | | | | 6,004,088 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 831,363 | | | | 86,816 | |
C-Class | | | 254,977 | | | | — | |
P-Class | | | 861 | | | | 72 | |
Institutional Class | | | 397,704 | | | | 3,294 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (3,632,141 | ) | | | (7,098,702 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,803,026 | ) | | | (1,377,815 | ) |
P-Class | | | (26 | ) | | | (8,947 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,912,537 | ) | | | (1,724,934 | ) |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (2,007,247 | ) | | | (231,305 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (2,398,841 | ) | | | 2,690,505 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 21,027,321 | | | | 18,336,816 | |
End of year | | $ | 18,628,480 | | | $ | 21,027,321 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 188,618 | | | | 251,276 | |
C-Class | | | 15,862 | | | | 14,374 | |
P-Class | | | 45 | | | | 675 | |
Institutional Class | | | 120,877 | | | | 430,431 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 55,684 | | | | 5,894 | |
C-Class | | | 18,477 | | | | — | |
P-Class | | | 57 | | | | 5 | |
Institutional Class | | | 29,157 | | | | 243 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (236,430 | ) | | | (474,537 | ) |
C-Class | | | (127,654 | ) | | | (98,332 | ) |
P-Class | | | (1 | ) | | | (581 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (213,469 | ) | | | (122,880 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | (148,777 | ) | | | 6,568 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (see Note 9). |
74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 15.74 | | | $ | 13.61 | | | $ | 12.78 | | | $ | 16.82 | | | $ | 17.81 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .04 | | | | .02 | | | | .01 | | | | .02 | | | | (.03 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .91 | | | | 2.20 | | | | 1.81 | | | | (.60 | ) | | | .26 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .95 | | | | 2.22 | | | | 1.82 | | | | (.58 | ) | | | .23 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | — | | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.03 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.98 | ) | | | — | | | | (.99 | ) | | | (3.37 | ) | | | (1.19 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (1.13 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.99 | ) | | | (3.46 | ) | | | (1.22 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.56 | | | $ | 15.74 | | | $ | 13.61 | | | $ | 12.78 | | | $ | 16.82 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 6.32 | % | | | 16.41 | % | | | 14.81 | % | | | (5.23 | %) | | | 1.07 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 11,931 | | | $ | 11,943 | | | $ | 13,283 | | | $ | 12,866 | | | $ | 17,342 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.29 | % | | | 0.15 | % | | | 0.12 | % | | | 0.13 | % | | | (0.14 | %) |
Total expensesc | | | 2.09 | % | | | 1.87 | % | | | 2.29 | % | | | 1.99 | % | | | 1.85 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 18 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 45 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 14.51 | | | $ | 12.57 | | | $ | 11.95 | | | $ | 15.96 | | | $ | 17.05 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.15 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .84 | | | | 2.02 | | | | 1.69 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | .25 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .77 | | | | 1.94 | | | | 1.61 | | | | (.64 | ) | | | .10 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (.98 | ) | | | — | | | | (.99 | ) | | | (3.37 | ) | | | (1.19 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.98 | ) | | | — | | | | (.99 | ) | | | (3.37 | ) | | | (1.19 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 14.30 | | | $ | 14.51 | | | $ | 12.57 | | | $ | 11.95 | | | $ | 15.96 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 5.57 | % | | | 15.53 | % | | | 14.02 | % | | | (5.97 | %) | | | 0.30 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 2,884 | | | $ | 4,281 | | | $ | 4,762 | | | $ | 5,173 | | | $ | 8,527 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (0.50 | %) | | | (0.60 | %) | | | (0.64 | %) | | | (0.65 | %) | | | (0.87 | %) |
Total expensesc | | | 2.94 | % | | | 2.71 | % | | | 3.04 | % | | | 2.72 | % | | | 2.51 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 2.05 | % | | | 2.07 | % | | | 2.07 | % | | | 2.08 | % | | | 2.07 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 18 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 45 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 15.76 | | | $ | 13.60 | | | $ | 12.77 | | | $ | 14.33 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .05 | | | | .01 | | | | .02 | | | | .04 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .90 | | | | 2.22 | | | | 1.80 | | | | (1.60 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .95 | | | | 2.23 | | | | 1.82 | | | | (1.56 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | (.07 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (.98 | ) | | | — | | | | (.99 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.98 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.99 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.73 | | | $ | 15.76 | | | $ | 13.60 | | | $ | 12.77 | |
|
Total Return | | | 6.30 | % | | | 16.35 | % | | | 14.88 | % | | | (10.82 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 11 | | | $ | 9 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.30 | % | | | 0.09 | % | | | 0.13 | % | | | 0.60 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 2.79 | % | | | 3.60 | % | | | 2.50 | % | | | 4.04 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.31 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 18 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 62 | % |
76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 14.50 | | | $ | 12.54 | | | $ | 11.82 | | | $ | 17.04 | | | $ | 18.04 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .07 | | | | .04 | | | | .04 | | | | .05 | | | | .01 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .84 | | | | 2.04 | | | | 1.67 | | | | (.49 | ) | | | .25 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .91 | | | | 2.08 | | | | 1.71 | | | | (.44 | ) | | | .26 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | — | | | | (1.41 | ) | | | (.07 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.98 | ) | | | — | | | | (.99 | ) | | | (3.37 | ) | | | (1.19 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (1.17 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.99 | ) | | | (4.78 | ) | | | (1.26 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 14.24 | | | $ | 14.50 | | | $ | 12.54 | | | $ | 11.82 | | | $ | 17.04 | |
|
Total Return | | | 6.64 | % | | | 16.65 | % | | | 15.18 | % | | | (5.01 | %) | | | 1.21 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 3,798 | | | $ | 4,790 | | | $ | 281 | | | $ | 459 | | | $ | 753 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.50 | % | | | 0.30 | % | | | 0.30 | % | | | 0.33 | % | | | 0.05 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.91 | % | | | 1.56 | % | | | 2.09 | % | | | 1.70 | % | | | 1.33 | % |
Net expensesd e,g | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.07 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 18 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 45 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursement, as applicable. |
e | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | — | 0.00%* | | | |
| C-Class | — | 0.01% | | | |
| P-Class | — | 0.74% | | | |
| Institutional Class | — | 0.00%* | | | |
f | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
| A-Class | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| C-Class | 2.05% | 2.05% | 2.05% | 2.05% | 2.05% |
| P-Class | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | — |
| Institutional Class | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.05% |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim StylePlusTM—Large Core Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities; Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam Bloch, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund returned 16.60%1, compared with the 17.91% return of its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index.
Investment Approach
Through a combination of actively managed individual equity, passive equity, and actively managed fixed income, the Fund seeks to exceed the total return of the S&P 500 Index. The actively managed equity and fixed income components seek to provide multiple sources of outperformance and take advantage of Guggenheim’s competencies in both fixed income and systematic stock selection.
The active and passive decisions seek to add value by tactically allocating to actively managed equity through quantitative selection models when stock picking opportunities are high. During periods when Guggenheim views these opportunities to be less attractive, the Fund seeks to increase its passive exposure to equities and the allocation to fixed-income securities. The prospective return during such periods is the equity index plus an “alpha” component coming from the yield of the fixed-income overlay.
Performance Review
Over the period, from 15-20% of the total equity position was allocated to actively managed equity and 80-85% to passive equity. Remaining Fund assets were invested in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds, short-term fixed-income investment companies advised by Guggenheim Investments, whose objective is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Fund performed in-line with the S&P 500 Index for the year ended September 30, 2018. The fixed income sleeve was the largest contributor, as positions in asset-backed securities (“ABS”), investment-grade corporates, and Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“NA RMBS”) constituted the majority of the fixed income sleeve’s total return. The actively managed equity sleeve detracted from performance. The passive equity position, maintained through swap agreements and futures contracts, contributed to performance for the period.
When compared with the index, the total equity position (actively managed individual equity plus passive equity derivatives) was most overweight the Information Technology and Energy sectors and most underweight the Health Care and Consumer Staples sectors.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_79.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | September 10, 1962 |
C-Class | January 29, 1999 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | March 1, 2012 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | 34.8% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | 29.3% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | 7.6% |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class | 7.3% |
Apple, Inc. | 0.8% |
Microsoft Corp. | 0.5% |
Amazon.com, Inc. | 0.5% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 0.5% |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class C | 0.4% |
Chevron Corp. | 0.4% |
Top Ten Total | 82.1% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_80.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 16.60% | 14.12% | 10.83% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | 11.06% | 13.02% | 10.18% |
C-Class Shares | 15.56% | 13.08% | 9.91% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 14.63% | 13.08% | 9.91% |
S&P 500 Index | 17.91% | 13.95% | 11.97% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 16.23% | 11.69% |
S&P 500 Index | | 17.91% | 12.25% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (03/01/12) |
Institutional Class Shares | 16.96% | 14.44% | 13.49% |
S&P 500 Index | 17.91% | 13.95% | 14.47% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 19.6% |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 5.8% |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 9,336 | | | $ | 777,036 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 17,444 | | | | 768,757 | |
Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A | | | 12,197 | | | | 523,983 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 2,527 | | | | 523,822 | |
AbbVie, Inc. | | | 5,165 | | | | 488,506 | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 8,087 | | | | 487,727 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 6,553 | | | | 480,007 | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 9,443 | | | | 474,700 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 1,357 | | | | 459,372 | |
Kroger Co. | | | 15,599 | | | | 454,087 | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B | | | 7,383 | | | | 454,054 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A | | | 7,525 | | | | 447,963 | |
Mylan N.V.* | | | 12,181 | | | | 445,825 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 5,662 | | | | 437,163 | |
United Rentals, Inc.* | | | 2,636 | | | | 431,250 | |
Western Union Co. | | | 20,531 | | | | 391,321 | |
Quanta Services, Inc.* | | | 11,609 | | | | 387,508 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 3,204 | | | | 364,103 | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 3,114 | | | | 348,145 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | | | 2,193 | | | | 305,090 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 1,113 | | | | 296,103 | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | | 3,236 | | | | 263,863 | |
Allergan plc | | | 1,217 | | | | 231,814 | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 1,573 | | | | 217,341 | |
JM Smucker Co. | | | 1,548 | | | | 158,841 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.* | | | 407 | | | | 130,439 | |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 671 | | | | 129,328 | |
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A | | | 885 | | | | 128,608 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 925 | | | | 128,584 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.* | | | 735 | | | | 127,963 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 465 | | | | 127,433 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 346 | | | | 127,003 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 2,036 | | | | 126,395 | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 1,722 | | | | 126,326 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | 516 | | | | 125,945 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 1,599 | | | | 125,873 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.* | | | 2,152 | | | | 125,419 | |
Kraft Heinz Co. | | | 2,275 | | | | 125,375 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | | 218 | | | | 125,132 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 1,151 | | | | 125,068 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | | | 479 | | | | 125,019 | |
Medtronic plc | | | 1,265 | | | | 124,438 | |
Kellogg Co. | | | 1,745 | | | | 122,185 | |
Cigna Corp. | | | 501 | | | | 104,333 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 12,999,247 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 3.8% |
Apple, Inc. | | | 7,980 | | | | 1,801,405 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 9,482 | | | | 1,084,457 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 15,294 | | | | 723,253 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 12,954 | | | | 667,908 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 4,128 | | | | 624,195 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 18,680 | | | | 481,384 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | 6,548 | | | | 471,652 | |
DXC Technology Co. | | | 4,919 | | | | 460,025 | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 5,305 | | | | 455,646 | |
Seagate Technology plc | | | 8,502 | | | | 402,570 | |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 5,519 | | | | 323,082 | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | 6,123 | | | | 236,654 | |
Qorvo, Inc.* | | | 2,781 | | | | 213,831 | |
Lam Research Corp. | | | 1,320 | | | | 200,244 | |
Broadcom, Inc. | | | 772 | | | | 190,476 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | 2,061 | | | | 186,953 | |
Micron Technology, Inc.* | | | 3,511 | | | | 158,803 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 8,682,538 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 2.7% |
Amazon.com, Inc.* | | | 518 | | | | 1,037,554 | |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class C* | | | 766 | | | | 914,198 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 16,426 | | | | 799,125 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 14,943 | | | | 797,807 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 14,732 | | | | 441,518 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 5,151 | | | | 350,371 | |
Walt Disney Co. | | | 2,645 | | | | 309,306 | |
Discovery, Inc. — Class A* | | | 9,569 | | | | 306,208 | |
Facebook, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,721 | | | | 283,036 | |
eBay, Inc.* | | | 7,808 | | | | 257,820 | |
News Corp. — Class A | | | 18,054 | | | | 238,132 | |
Comcast Corp. — Class A | | | 5,366 | | | | 190,010 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 3,764 | | | | 126,395 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 6,051,480 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 2.5% |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 3,745 | | | | 571,075 | |
Johnson Controls International plc | | | 13,363 | | | | 467,705 | |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 3,112 | | | | 454,570 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 2,470 | | | | 454,307 | |
Textron, Inc. | | | 6,288 | | | | 449,403 | |
WestRock Co. | | | 8,256 | | | | 441,201 | |
Dover Corp. | | | 4,972 | | | | 440,171 | |
Masco Corp. | | | 11,763 | | | | 430,526 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 2,138 | | | | 392,537 | |
Pentair plc | | | 8,952 | | | | 388,069 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 2,083 | | | | 375,981 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | | | 1,198 | | | | 306,784 | |
Eaton Corporation plc | | | 2,667 | | | | 231,309 | |
United Technologies Corp. | | | 1,389 | | | | 194,196 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | 582 | | | | 140,140 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 5,737,974 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 1.9% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 11,974 | | | | 1,018,029 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 6,613 | | | | 808,638 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 6,441 | | | | 529,257 | |
Phillips 66 | | | 4,359 | | | | 491,346 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 4,281 | | | | 486,964 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 4,497 | | | | 348,068 | |
HollyFrontier Corp. | | | 4,396 | | | | 307,280 | |
Williams Companies, Inc. | | | 5,678 | | | | 154,385 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | 1,017 | | | $ | 81,330 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 4,225,297 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 1.3% |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 10,616 | | | | 495,980 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 4,280 | | | | 433,650 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 3,728 | | | | 420,668 | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B* | | | 1,404 | | | | 300,610 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 8,335 | | | | 245,549 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 2,310 | | | | 165,719 | |
Visa, Inc. — Class A | | | 865 | | | | 129,828 | |
Principal Financial Group, Inc. | | | 2,163 | | | | 126,730 | |
Allstate Corp. | | | 1,267 | | | | 125,053 | |
Travelers Companies, Inc. | | | 957 | | | | 124,132 | |
State Street Corp. | | | 1,455 | | | | 121,900 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | | 2,354 | | | | 120,030 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 2,809,849 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 1.2% |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 8,382 | | | | 484,731 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 7,662 | | | | 478,492 | |
PACCAR, Inc. | | | 6,705 | | | | 457,214 | |
United Continental Holdings, Inc.* | | | 5,106 | | | | 454,740 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 2,495 | | | | 171,806 | |
NIKE, Inc. — Class B | | | 1,498 | | | | 126,911 | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 536 | | | | 125,896 | |
TJX Companies, Inc. | | | 1,122 | | | | 125,686 | |
General Motors Co. | | | 3,721 | | | | 125,286 | |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 1,326 | | | | 124,525 | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 4,917 | | | | 121,794 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 2,797,081 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.4% |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A | | | 3,958 | | | | 405,735 | |
Praxair, Inc. | | | 771 | | | | 123,923 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 1,284 | | | | 122,904 | |
DowDuPont, Inc. | | | 1,876 | | | | 120,646 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 773,208 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $41,283,744) | | | | | | | 44,076,674 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 79.0% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1 | | | 3,147,418 | | | | 78,685,454 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1 | | | 2,648,645 | | | | 66,163,141 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I1 | | | 688,873 | | | | 17,256,263 | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — Institutional Class1 | | | 672,023 | | | | 16,592,241 | |
Total Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $178,011,483) | | | | | | | 178,697,099 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 1.5% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Class 1.91%2 | | | 3,433,043 | | | | 3,433,043 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $3,433,043) | | | | | | | 3,433,043 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 100.1% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $222,728,270) | | | | | | $ | 226,206,816 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)% | | | | | | | (124,791 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 226,082,025 | |
Futures Contracts |
Description | | Number of Contracts | | Expiration Date | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation** | |
Equity Futures Contracts Purchased† |
S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts | | | 46 | | Dec 2018 | | $ | 6,713,700 | | | $ | 9,004 | |
Total Return Swap Agreements |
Counterparty | Index | | Financing Rate Pay | | Payment Frequency | Maturity Date | | Units | | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††,3 |
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A | S&P 500 Index | | | 2.43 | % | At Maturity | 09/30/19 | | | 30,711 | | | $ | 176,994,249 | | | $ | 995,558 | |
82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Affiliated issuer. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
3 | Total Return based on S&P 500 Index +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 44,076,674 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 44,076,674 | |
Mutual Funds | | | 178,697,099 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 178,697,099 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 3,433,043 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,433,043 | |
Equity Futures Contracts** | | | 9,004 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,004 | |
Equity Index Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 995,558 | | | | — | | | | 995,558 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 226,215,820 | | | $ | 995,558 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 227,211,378 | |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund — Institutional Class | | $ | 16,275,156 | | | $ | 422,823 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (105,738 | ) | | $ | 16,592,241 | | | | 672,023 | | | $ | 422,472 | | | $ | — | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 20,183,661 | | | | 10,731,460 | | | | (13,616,106 | ) | | | 99,156 | | | | (141,908 | ) | | | 17,256,263 | | | | 688,873 | | | | 424,808 | | | | 7,672 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 61,428,415 | | | | 7,638,930 | | | | (2,700,000 | ) | | | 8,637 | | | | (212,841 | ) | | | 66,163,141 | | | | 2,648,645 | | | | 1,839,400 | | | | 32,875 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 69,197,325 | | | | 9,615,089 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (126,960 | ) | | | 78,685,454 | | | | 3,147,418 | | | | 2,085,606 | | | | 18,764 | |
| | $ | 167,084,557 | | | $ | 28,408,302 | | | $ | (16,316,106 | ) | | $ | 107,793 | | | $ | (587,447 | ) | | $ | 178,697,099 | | | | | | | $ | 4,772,286 | | | $ | 59,311 | |
84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $44,716,787) | | $ | 47,509,717 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $178,011,483) | | | 178,697,099 | |
Cash | | | 589,632 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 276,000 | |
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | | | 995,558 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 69,972 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 7,121,502 | |
Dividends | | | 478,213 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 25,834 | |
Interest | | | 6,093 | |
Total assets | | | 235,769,620 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Segregated cash due to broker | | | 730,000 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 8,216,960 | |
Swap settlement | | | 308,814 | |
Management fees | | | 120,278 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 111,471 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 41,140 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 14,335 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 13,358 | |
Variation margin on futures contracts | | | 2,070 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 2,070 | |
Miscellaneous (Note 10) | | | 127,099 | |
Total liabilities | | | 9,687,595 | |
Net assets | | $ | 226,082,025 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 187,414,142 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 38,667,883 | |
Net assets | | $ | 226,082,025 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 217,697,465 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 8,784,738 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.78 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 26.02 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 1,239,445 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 67,333 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 18.41 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 318,816 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 13,019 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.49 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 6,826,299 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 276,926 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.65 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 851,658 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 4,772,286 | |
Interest | | | 89,667 | |
Total investment income | | | 5,713,611 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 1,663,889 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 530,477 | |
C-Class | | | 21,766 | |
P-Class | | | 754 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 133,147 | |
C-Class | | | 4,804 | |
P-Class | | | 913 | |
Institutional Class | | | 2,290 | |
Interest expense | | | 237,278 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 177,483 | |
Custodian fees | | | 17,610 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 10,567 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 912 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 172,988 | |
Total expenses | | | 2,974,878 | |
Less: |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (69,587 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 2,905,291 | |
Net investment income | | | 2,808,320 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | 4,701,435 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 107,793 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 59,311 | |
Swap agreements | | | 28,674,487 | |
Futures contracts | | | 511,983 | |
Net realized gain | | | 34,055,009 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | 465,485 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (587,447 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | (2,608,283 | ) |
Futures contracts | | | (16,136 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (2,746,381 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 31,308,628 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 34,116,948 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,808,320 | | | $ | 2,129,585 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 34,055,009 | | | | 33,817,237 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (2,746,381 | ) | | | (740,352 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 34,116,948 | | | | 35,206,470 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (34,164,488 | ) | | | (5,131,235 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (475,223 | ) | | | (65,682 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (87,267 | ) | | | (10,982 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (998,960 | ) | | | (133,843 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (35,725,938 | ) | | | (5,341,742 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 6,578,624 | | | | 11,047,318 | |
C-Class | | | 457,398 | | | | 660,113 | |
P-Class | | | 123,734 | | | | 384,046 | |
Institutional Class | | | 4,334,054 | | | | 1,495,515 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 31,962,892 | | | | 4,827,591 | |
C-Class | | | 467,557 | | | | 63,911 | |
P-Class | | | 87,266 | | | | 10,982 | |
Institutional Class | | | 922,633 | | | | 133,180 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (25,292,149 | ) | | | (27,532,534 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,900,350 | ) | | | (1,359,150 | ) |
P-Class | | | (372,908 | ) | | | (364,348 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (4,225,529 | ) | | | (964,398 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | 13,143,222 | | | | (11,597,774 | ) |
Net increase in net assets | | | 11,534,232 | | | | 18,266,954 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 214,547,793 | | | | 196,280,839 | |
End of year | | $ | 226,082,025 | | | $ | 214,547,793 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 272,567 | | | | 482,212 | |
C-Class | | | 25,701 | | | | 36,211 | |
P-Class | | | 5,149 | | | | 16,486 | |
Institutional Class | | | 187,375 | | | | 64,115 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 1,401,881 | | | | 223,506 | |
C-Class | | | 27,407 | | | | 3,755 | |
P-Class | | | 3,861 | | | | 513 | |
Institutional Class | | | 40,770 | | | | 6,203 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (1,055,618 | ) | | | (1,183,096 | ) |
C-Class | | | (106,147 | ) | | | (73,493 | ) |
P-Class | | | (16,275 | ) | | | (15,340 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (175,281 | ) | | | (41,235 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | 611,390 | | | | (480,163 | ) |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (see Note 9). |
Net investment income | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (1,414,912 | ) |
P-Class | | | (3,434 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (47,453 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (3,716,323 | ) |
C-Class | | | (65,682 | ) |
P-Class | | | (7,548 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (86,390 | ) |
88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 25.23 | | | $ | 21.86 | | | $ | 21.14 | | | $ | 24.53 | | | $ | 24.27 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .30 | | | | .24 | | | | .16 | | | | .11 | | | | .20 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 3.52 | | | | 3.72 | | | | 3.04 | | | | (.12 | ) | | | 4.45 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 3.82 | | | | 3.96 | | | | 3.20 | | | | (.01 | ) | | | 4.65 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.06 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (4.03 | ) | | | (.43 | ) | | | (2.35 | ) | | | (3.16 | ) | | | (4.33 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (4.27 | ) | | | (.59 | ) | | | (2.48 | ) | | | (3.38 | ) | | | (4.39 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.78 | | | $ | 25.23 | | | $ | 21.86 | | | $ | 21.14 | | | $ | 24.53 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 16.60 | % | | | 18.58 | % | | | 16.13 | % | | | (0.84 | %) | | | 21.59 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 217,697 | | | $ | 206,033 | | | $ | 188,979 | | | $ | 177,748 | | | $ | 192,850 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.27 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.48 | % | | | 0.86 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.38 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.41 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 1.31 | %f | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.39 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 46 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 107 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 19.74 | | | $ | 17.22 | | | $ | 17.17 | | | $ | 20.55 | | | $ | 21.12 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .06 | | | | .03 | | | | (.02 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.02 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 2.69 | | | | 2.92 | | | | 2.42 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | 3.78 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 2.75 | | | | 2.95 | | | | 2.40 | | | | (.14 | ) | | | 3.76 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.05 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.08 | ) | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (4.03 | ) | | | (.43 | ) | | | (2.35 | ) | | | (3.16 | ) | | | (4.33 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (4.08 | ) | | | (.43 | ) | | | (2.35 | ) | | | (3.24 | ) | | | (4.33 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 18.41 | | | $ | 19.74 | | | $ | 17.22 | | | $ | 17.17 | | | $ | 20.55 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 15.56 | % | | | 17.59 | % | | | 15.00 | % | | | (1.72 | %) | | | 20.40 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 1,239 | | | $ | 2,376 | | | $ | 2,650 | | | $ | 2,767 | | | $ | 3,042 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.33 | % | | | 0.19 | % | | | (0.14 | %) | | | (0.44 | %) | | | (0.08 | %) |
Total expensesc | | | 2.24 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.27 | % | | | 2.25 | % | | | 2.36 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 2.21 | %f | | | 2.20 | % | | | 2.25 | % | | | 2.25 | % | | | 2.34 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 46 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 107 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89 |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 25.03 | | | $ | 21.75 | | | $ | 21.11 | | | $ | 23.12 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .26 | | | | .22 | | | | .21 | | | | .03 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 3.45 | | | | 3.68 | | | | 2.97 | | | | (2.04 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 3.71 | | | | 3.90 | | | | 3.18 | | | | (2.01 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (4.03 | ) | | | (.43 | ) | | | (2.35 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (4.25 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (2.54 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.49 | | | $ | 25.03 | | | $ | 21.75 | | | $ | 21.11 | |
|
Total Return | | | 16.23 | % | | | 18.43 | % | | | 16.08 | % | | | (8.69 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 319 | | | $ | 508 | | | $ | 405 | | | $ | 14 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.06 | % | | | 0.93 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 0.31 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.56 | % | | | 1.47 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.38 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 1.53 | %f | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 1.38 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 46 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 65 | % |
90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—LARGE CORE FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 25.13 | | | $ | 21.78 | | | $ | 21.00 | | | $ | 24.42 | | | $ | 24.25 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .37 | | | | .32 | | | | .24 | | | | .12 | | | | .23 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 3.51 | | | | 3.69 | | | | 3.10 | | | | (.10 | ) | | | 4.38 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 3.88 | | | | 4.01 | | | | 3.34 | | | | .02 | | | | 4.61 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (4.03 | ) | | | (.43 | ) | | | (2.35 | ) | | | (3.16 | ) | | | (4.33 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (4.36 | ) | | | (.66 | ) | | | (2.56 | ) | | | (3.44 | ) | | | (4.44 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.65 | | | $ | 25.13 | | | $ | 21.78 | | | $ | 21.00 | | | $ | 24.42 | |
|
Total Return | | | 16.96 | % | | | 18.96 | % | | | 17.00 | % | | | (0.75 | %) | | | 21.50 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 6,826 | | | $ | 5,631 | | | $ | 4,247 | | | $ | 303 | | | $ | 80 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.57 | % | | | 1.35 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 0.52 | % | | | 0.97 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | 0.99 | % | | | 1.25 | % | | | 1.39 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 1.03 | %f | | | 1.01 | % | | | 0.97 | % | | | 1.25 | % | | | 1.37 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 46 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 107 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers. |
e | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
f | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | | | | |
| A-Class | 1.20% | | | | |
| C-Class | 2.11% | | | | |
| P-Class | 1.44% | | | | |
| Institutional Class | 0.92% | | | | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim StylePlusTM—Mid Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities and Portfolio Manager; Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam Bloch, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund returned 18.51%1, compared with the 21.10% return of its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index.
Investment Approach
Through a combination of actively managed individual equity, passive equity, and actively managed fixed income, the Fund seeks to exceed the total return of the Russell Midcap Growth Index. The actively managed equity and fixed income components seek to provide multiple sources of outperformance and take advantage of Guggenheim’s competencies in both fixed income and systematic stock selection.
The active and passive decisions seek to add value by tactically allocating to actively managed equity through quantitative selection models when stock picking opportunities are high. During periods when Guggenheim views these opportunities to be less attractive, the Fund seeks to increase its passive exposure to equities and the allocation to fixed-income securities. The prospective return during such periods is the equity index plus an “alpha” component coming from the yield of the fixed-income overlay.
Performance Review
Over the period, from 15-20% of the total equity position was allocated to actively managed equity and 80-85% to passive equity. Remaining Fund assets were invested in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds, short-term fixed-income investment companies advised by Guggenheim Investments, whose objective is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Fund underperformed the Russell Midcap Growth Index for the year ended September 2018. The fixed income sleeve was the largest contributor, as positions in asset-backed securities (“ABS”), investment-grade corporates, and Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“NA RMBS”) constituted the majority of the fixed income sleeve’s total return. The actively managed equity sleeve detracted from performance. The passive equity position, maintained through swap agreements and futures contracts, contributed to performance for the period.
When compared with the index, the total equity position (actively managed individual equity plus passive equity derivatives) was most overweight the Consumer Staples and Industrials sectors and most underweight the Health Care and Financials sectors.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_93.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | September 17, 1969 |
C-Class | January 29, 1999 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | March 1, 2012 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | 33.2% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | 27.7% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | 9.6% |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class | 7.3% |
NetApp, Inc. | 0.3% |
Citrix Systems, Inc. | 0.3% |
Amphenol Corp. — Class A | 0.2% |
ONEOK, Inc. | 0.2% |
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A | 0.2% |
Cheniere Energy, Inc. | 0.2% |
Top Ten Total | 79.2% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_94.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 18.51% | 12.68% | 11.95% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | 12.88% | 11.59% | 11.30% |
C-Class Shares | 17.51% | 11.71% | 11.02% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 16.51% | 11.71% | 11.02% |
Russell Midcap Growth Index | 21.10% | 13.00% | 13.46% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 18.26% | 10.23% |
Russell Midcap Growth Index | | 21.10% | 11.24% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (03/01/12) |
Institutional Class Shares | 18.77% | 12.76% | 12.75% |
Russell Midcap Growth Index | 21.10% | 13.00% | 13.99% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell Midcap Growth Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 19.7% |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 5.4% |
United Rentals, Inc.* | | | 1,286 | | | $ | 210,390 | |
Kellogg Co. | | | 2,905 | | | | 203,408 | |
Total System Services, Inc. | | | 1,829 | | | | 180,596 | |
Post Holdings, Inc.* | | | 1,841 | | | | 180,492 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.* | | | 1,036 | | | | 180,368 | |
CoreLogic, Inc.* | | | 3,256 | | | | 160,879 | |
Baxter International, Inc. | | | 2,062 | | | | 158,960 | |
Western Union Co. | | | 8,304 | | | | 158,274 | |
Hershey Co. | | | 1,501 | | | | 153,102 | |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 4,956 | | | | 152,744 | |
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B | | | 2,981 | | | | 150,690 | |
McCormick & Company, Inc. | | | 1,142 | | | | 150,459 | |
Performance Food Group Co.* | | | 4,278 | | | | 142,457 | |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | | | 5,783 | | | | 133,992 | |
ResMed, Inc. | | | 1,155 | | | | 133,218 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.* | | | 2,273 | | | | 132,470 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 1,778 | | | | 130,238 | |
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.* | | | 2,377 | | | | 129,665 | |
Centene Corp.* | | | 871 | | | | 126,103 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | | | 490 | | | | 122,333 | |
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.* | | | 535 | | | | 121,894 | |
Quanta Services, Inc.* | | | 3,482 | | | | 116,229 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 1,003 | | | | 113,981 | |
Square, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,131 | | | | 111,980 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.* | | | 329 | | | | 105,441 | |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc* | | | 590 | | | | 99,197 | |
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | | | 1,864 | | | | 92,510 | |
Sabre Corp. | | | 3,296 | | | | 85,960 | |
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A | | | 302 | | | | 65,117 | |
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | | | 626 | | | | 59,094 | |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A* | | | 469 | | | | 56,538 | |
Nektar Therapeutics* | | | 918 | | | | 55,961 | |
Clorox Co. | | | 343 | | | | 51,590 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 357 | | | | 49,627 | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A | | | 537 | | | | 49,522 | |
Gartner, Inc.* | | | 312 | | | | 49,452 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | | | 537 | | | | 49,168 | |
ABIOMED, Inc.* | | | 109 | | | | 49,023 | |
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.* | | | 444 | | | | 48,925 | |
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.* | | | 415 | | | | 48,904 | |
Align Technology, Inc.* | | | 125 | | | | 48,902 | |
CoStar Group, Inc.* | | | 116 | | | | 48,817 | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 327 | | | | 48,625 | |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.* | | | 432 | | | | 48,354 | |
Avery Dennison Corp. | | | 445 | | | | 48,216 | |
Cintas Corp. | | | 240 | | | | 47,474 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 4,861,339 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 4.1% |
Amphenol Corp. — Class A | | | 2,389 | | | | 224,614 | |
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,342 | | | | 214,691 | |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 1,281 | | | | 187,116 | |
Masco Corp. | | | 5,051 | | | | 184,867 | |
Rockwell Automation, Inc. | | | 942 | | | | 176,644 | |
Waters Corp.* | | | 905 | | | | 176,185 | |
XPO Logistics, Inc.* | | | 1,472 | | | | 168,058 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 907 | | | | 166,824 | |
Textron, Inc. | | | 2,263 | | | | 161,737 | |
Harris Corp. | | | 897 | | | | 151,782 | |
Ingersoll-Rand plc | | | 1,461 | | | | 149,460 | |
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,545 | | | | 140,580 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | | | 529 | | | | 135,466 | |
Xylem, Inc. | | | 1,572 | | | | 125,555 | |
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | | | 1,619 | | | | 119,045 | |
Sensata Technologies Holding plc* | | | 2,137 | | | | 105,888 | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 1,372 | | | | 103,051 | |
FLIR Systems, Inc. | | | 1,561 | | | | 95,955 | |
Barnes Group, Inc. | | | 1,288 | | | | 91,487 | |
Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | 305 | | | | 90,344 | |
TransDigm Group, Inc.* | | | 230 | | | | 85,629 | |
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | | | 717 | | | | 85,280 | |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | | 2,027 | | | | 71,654 | |
Fortive Corp. | | | 761 | | | | 64,076 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 2,016 | | | | 62,093 | |
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. | | | 1,132 | | | | 59,271 | |
EnerSys | | | 601 | | | | 52,365 | |
Coherent, Inc.* | | | 283 | | | | 48,730 | |
Crown Holdings, Inc.* | | | 1,013 | | | | 48,624 | |
Hubbell, Inc. | | | 363 | | | | 48,486 | |
Gentex Corp. | | | 2,252 | | | | 48,328 | |
Packaging Corporation of America | | | 435 | | | | 47,715 | |
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | | | 258 | | | | 46,943 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 3,738,543 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 4.0% |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 2,956 | | | | 253,891 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | | 2,163 | | | | 240,439 | |
Fiserv, Inc.* | | | 2,603 | | | | 214,435 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | 1,625 | | | | 177,239 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | 1,725 | | | | 156,475 | |
Autodesk, Inc.* | | | 927 | | | | 144,714 | |
Lam Research Corp. | | | 941 | | | | 142,750 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A | | | 1,788 | | | | 137,944 | |
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | | | 2,445 | | | | 137,873 | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 1,363 | | | | 126,023 | |
ServiceNow, Inc.* | | | 626 | | | | 122,464 | |
Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A* | | | 687 | | | | 121,482 | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.* | | | 3,603 | | | | 111,297 | |
ON Semiconductor Corp.* | | | 5,894 | | | | 108,626 | |
Dell Technologies Incorporated Class V — Class V* | | | 1,080 | | | | 104,890 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 1,175 | | | | 94,200 | |
Paychex, Inc. | | | 1,215 | | | | 89,485 | |
First Data Corp. — Class A* | | | 3,652 | | | | 89,365 | |
Black Knight, Inc.* | | | 1,612 | | | | 83,743 | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.* | | | 1,032 | | | | 75,491 | |
MAXIMUS, Inc. | | | 1,124 | | | | 73,127 | |
KLA-Tencor Corp. | | | 691 | | | | 70,282 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Microchip Technology, Inc. | | | 842 | | | $ | 66,442 | |
NCR Corp.* | | | 2,321 | | | | 65,940 | |
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. | | | 4,397 | | | | 63,712 | |
Teradyne, Inc. | | | 1,709 | | | | 63,199 | |
MKS Instruments, Inc. | | | 765 | | | | 61,315 | |
Red Hat, Inc.* | | | 418 | | | | 56,965 | |
Splunk, Inc.* | | | 467 | | | | 56,465 | |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | | | 412 | | | | 54,363 | |
NXP Semiconductor N.V. | | | 603 | | | | 51,556 | |
Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A* | | | 464 | | | | 50,516 | |
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. | | | 860 | | | | 48,874 | |
j2 Global, Inc. | | | 588 | | | | 48,716 | |
Teradata Corp.* | | | 1,275 | | | | 48,080 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 3,612,378 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 3.0% |
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,439 | | | | 178,862 | |
HD Supply Holdings, Inc.* | | | 4,102 | | | | 175,524 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 2,611 | | | | 163,057 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 2,819 | | | | 163,023 | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 6,068 | | | | 150,304 | |
AutoZone, Inc.* | | | 184 | | | | 142,729 | |
Ross Stores, Inc. | | | 1,389 | | | | 137,650 | |
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,472 | | | | 121,322 | |
Lear Corp. | | | 778 | | | | 112,810 | |
WW Grainger, Inc. | | | 310 | | | | 110,797 | |
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.* | | | 2,000 | | | | 108,940 | |
Wynn Resorts Ltd. | | | 792 | | | | 100,631 | |
Aptiv plc | | | 1,148 | | | | 96,317 | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 4,632 | | | | 86,480 | |
Best Buy Company, Inc. | | | 957 | | | | 75,948 | |
Wyndham Destinations, Inc. | | | 1,599 | | | | 69,333 | |
Toll Brothers, Inc. | | | 1,802 | | | | 59,520 | |
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A | | | 2,395 | | | | 58,414 | |
Domino’s Pizza, Inc. | | | 168 | | | | 49,526 | |
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.* | | | 141 | | | | 48,972 | |
VF Corp. | | | 524 | | | | 48,968 | |
Fastenal Co. | | | 841 | | | | 48,795 | |
Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. | | | 658 | | | | 48,508 | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 443 | | | | 48,420 | |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 1,142 | | | | 48,169 | |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 431 | | | | 47,923 | |
Burlington Stores, Inc.* | | | 294 | | | | 47,898 | |
Visteon Corp.* | | | 513 | | | | 47,658 | |
Vail Resorts, Inc. | | | 168 | | | | 46,103 | |
Lennar Corp. — Class A | | | 982 | | | | 45,850 | |
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.* | | | 253 | | | | 41,110 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 2,729,561 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 2.1% |
CDW Corp. | | | 2,063 | | | | 183,442 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.* | | | 828 | | | | 165,120 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 2,374 | | | | 161,480 | |
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. | | | 6,413 | | | | 146,665 | |
GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,588 | | | | 132,423 | |
eBay, Inc.* | | | 3,910 | | | | 129,108 | |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. | | | 957 | | | | 124,544 | |
AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,570 | | | | 104,154 | |
Twitter, Inc.* | | | 3,498 | | | | 99,553 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.* | | | 409 | | | | 92,131 | |
InterDigital, Inc. | | | 1,097 | | | | 87,760 | |
VeriSign, Inc.* | | | 544 | | | | 87,105 | |
Arista Networks, Inc.* | | | 231 | | | | 61,414 | |
Expedia Group, Inc. | | | 430 | | | | 56,107 | |
CBS Corp. — Class B | | | 892 | | | | 51,245 | |
LogMeIn, Inc. | | | 568 | | | | 50,609 | |
New York Times Co. — Class A | | | 2,146 | | | | 49,680 | |
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 1,421 | | | | 49,337 | |
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,625 | | | | 48,190 | |
Vonage Holdings Corp.* | | | 3,389 | | | | 47,988 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 1,928,055 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.7% |
ONEOK, Inc. | | | 3,267 | | | | 221,470 | |
Cheniere Energy, Inc.* | | | 3,089 | | | | 214,655 | |
Delek US Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,955 | | | | 82,951 | |
CVR Energy, Inc. | | | 1,971 | | | | 79,273 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 598,349 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.3% |
Chemours Co. | | | 1,237 | | | | 48,788 | |
Celanese Corp. — Class A | | | 425 | | | | 48,450 | |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A | | | 465 | | | | 47,667 | |
FMC Corp. | | | 546 | | | | 47,600 | |
Westlake Chemical Corp. | | | 564 | | | | 46,874 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 239,379 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.1% |
Alliance Data Systems Corp. | | | 345 | | | | 81,475 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $17,062,541) | | | | | | | 17,789,079 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 77.8% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1 | | | 1,201,614 | | | | 30,040,343 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1 | | | 1,003,150 | | | | 25,058,692 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I1 | | | 345,008 | | | | 8,642,455 | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 267,271 | | | | 6,598,929 | |
Total Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $70,102,054) | | | | | | | 70,340,419 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 2.6% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Class 1.91%2 | | | 2,330,612 | | | | 2,330,612 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,330,612) | | | | | | | 2,330,612 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 100.1% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $89,495,207) | | | | | | $ | 90,460,110 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)% | | | | | | | (102,367 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 90,357,743 | |
96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
Futures Contracts |
Description | | Contracts | | Expiration Date | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Appreciation (Depreciation)** | |
Equity Futures Contracts Purchased† |
S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts | | | 8 | | Dec 2018 | | $ | 1,620,320 | | | $ | (8,870 | ) |
S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts | | | 4 | | Dec 2018 | | | 583,800 | | | | 783 | |
NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts | | | 3 | | Dec 2018 | | | 459,405 | | | | 7,780 | |
| | | | | | | $ | 2,663,525 | | | $ | (307 | ) |
Total Return Swap Agreements |
Counterparty | | Index | | Financing Rate Pay | | Payment Frequency | Maturity Date | | Units | | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements†† |
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A | | Russell MidCap Growth Index | | | 2.34 | % | At Maturity | 09/30/19 | | | 21,759 | | | $ | 69,902,311 | | | $ | (297,228 | ) |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Affiliated issuer. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| CVR — Contingent Value Rights |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 17,789,079 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 17,789,079 | |
Mutual Funds | | | 70,340,419 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 70,340,419 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 2,330,612 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,330,612 | |
Equity Futures Contracts** | | | 8,563 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 8,563 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 90,468,673 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 90,468,673 | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Equity Futures Contracts** | | $ | 8,870 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 8,870 | |
Equity Index Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 297,228 | | | | — | | | | 297,228 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | 8,870 | | | $ | 297,228 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 306,098 | |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class | | $ | 6,472,821 | | | $ | 168,162 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (42,054 | ) | | $ | 6,598,929 | | | | 267,271 | | | $ | 168,022 | | | $ | — | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 7,911,590 | | | | 8,995,375 | | | | (8,244,664 | ) | | | 35,284 | | | | (55,130 | ) | | | 8,642,455 | | | | 345,008 | | | | 188,539 | | | | 3,292 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 20,821,922 | | | | 4,853,444 | | | | (538,595 | ) | | | 2,152 | | | | (80,231 | ) | | | 25,058,692 | | | | 1,003,150 | | | | 691,900 | | | | 12,719 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 27,334,521 | | | | 2,753,150 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (47,328 | ) | | | 30,040,343 | | | | 1,201,614 | | | | 797,908 | | | | 6,969 | |
| | $ | 62,540,854 | | | $ | 16,770,131 | | | $ | (8,783,259 | ) | | $ | 37,436 | | | $ | (224,743 | ) | | $ | 70,340,419 | | | | | | | $ | 1,846,369 | | | $ | 22,980 | |
98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $19,393,153) | | $ | 20,119,691 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $70,102,054) | | | 70,340,419 | |
Cash | | | 23,475 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 508,050 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 29,429 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 3,550,823 | |
Dividends | | | 177,523 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 97,153 | |
Variation margin on futures contracts | | | 5,150 | |
Interest | | | 3,518 | |
Total assets | | | 94,855,231 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements | | | 297,228 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 3,809,869 | |
Swap settlement | | | 118,612 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 78,014 | |
Management fees | | | 48,379 | |
Interest | | | 48,378 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 17,611 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 11,583 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 5,363 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 899 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 61,552 | |
Total liabilities | | | 4,497,488 | |
Net assets | | $ | 90,357,743 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 73,366,247 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 16,991,496 | |
Net assets | | $ | 90,357,743 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 87,508,965 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 1,760,677 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 49.70 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 52.18 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 1,849,101 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 51,683 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 35.78 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 124,566 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,536 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 49.12 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 875,111 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 17,571 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 49.80 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $121) | | $ | 186,333 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 1,846,369 | |
Interest | | | 40,259 | |
Total investment income | | | 2,072,961 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 652,637 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 204,973 | |
C-Class | | | 37,082 | |
P-Class | | | 388 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 89,288 | |
C-Class | | | 6,080 | |
P-Class | | | 369 | |
Institutional Class | | | 958 | |
Interest expense | | | 122,415 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 69,615 | |
Registration fees | | | 67,174 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 15,900 | |
Custodian fees | | | 14,168 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 374 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 90,539 | |
Total expenses | | | 1,371,960 | |
Less: |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (27,676 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 1,344,284 | |
Net investment income | | | 728,677 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | 2,074,389 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 37,436 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 22,980 | |
Swap agreements | | | 14,114,963 | |
Futures contracts | | | 486,058 | |
Net realized gain | | | 16,735,826 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (125,957 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (224,743 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | (2,338,016 | ) |
Futures contracts | | | (75,816 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (2,764,532 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 13,971,294 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 14,699,971 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 728,677 | | | $ | 588,488 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 16,735,826 | | | | 11,928,136 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (2,764,532 | ) | | | 428,088 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 14,699,971 | | | | 12,944,712 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (9,270,951 | ) | | | (439,170 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (593,301 | ) | | | — | 1 |
P-Class | | | (12,477 | ) | | | (843 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (237,769 | ) | | | (931 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (10,114,498 | ) | | | (440,944 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 5,516,404 | | | | 5,856,314 | |
C-Class | | | 374,112 | | | | 312,663 | |
P-Class | | | 1,585,053 | | | | 28,177 | |
Institutional Class | | | 2,172,283 | | | | 1,622,366 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 8,840,748 | | | | 412,205 | |
C-Class | | | 587,100 | | | | — | |
P-Class | | | 12,477 | | | | 843 | |
Institutional Class | | | 232,834 | | | | 872 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (8,509,704 | ) | | | (13,228,907 | ) |
C-Class | | | (3,089,435 | ) | | | (677,278 | ) |
P-Class | | | (1,603,227 | ) | | | (27,021 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (3,242,555 | ) | | | (62,579 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | 2,876,090 | | | | (5,762,345 | ) |
Net increase in net assets | | | 7,461,563 | | | | 6,741,423 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 82,896,180 | | | | 76,154,757 | |
End of year | | $ | 90,357,743 | | | $ | 82,896,180 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (see Note 9). |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 115,313 | | | | 142,987 | |
C-Class | | | 10,754 | | | | 9,803 | |
P-Class | | | 32,510 | | | | 630 | |
Institutional Class | | | 47,234 | | | | 35,348 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 197,822 | | | | 10,323 | |
C-Class | | | 18,125 | | | | — | |
P-Class | | | 282 | | | | 21 | |
Institutional Class | | | 5,208 | | | | 22 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (180,073 | ) | | | (306,993 | ) |
C-Class | | | (89,006 | ) | | | (20,979 | ) |
P-Class | | | (32,829 | ) | | | (607 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (71,578 | ) | | | (1,458 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | 53,762 | | | | (130,903 | ) |
102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 47.34 | | | $ | 40.52 | | | $ | 41.49 | | | $ | 45.82 | | | $ | 43.54 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .41 | | | | .34 | | | | .19 | | | | .07 | | | | .16 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 7.70 | | | | 6.72 | | | | 4.25 | | | | .63 | | | | 6.21 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 8.11 | | | | 7.06 | | | | 4.44 | | | | .70 | | | | 6.37 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (5.51 | ) | | | — | | | | (5.36 | ) | | | (5.03 | ) | | | (4.09 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (5.75 | ) | | | (.24 | ) | | | (5.41 | ) | | | (5.03 | ) | | | (4.09 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 49.70 | | | $ | 47.34 | | | $ | 40.52 | | | $ | 41.49 | | | $ | 45.82 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 18.51 | % | | | 17.54 | % | | | 11.55 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 15.61 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 87,509 | | | $ | 77,049 | | | $ | 72,179 | | | $ | 73,178 | | | $ | 77,363 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.87 | % | | | 0.78 | % | | | 0.48 | % | | | 0.16 | % | | | 0.36 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.55 | % | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.47 | % | | | 1.67 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 1.52 | %g | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.47 | % | | | 1.65 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 52 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 75 | % | | | 112 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 35.64 | | | $ | 30.58 | | | $ | 32.78 | | | $ | 37.48 | | | $ | 36.63 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .02 | | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.20 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 5.63 | | | | 5.09 | | | | 3.28 | | | | .58 | | | | 5.14 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 5.65 | | | | 5.06 | | | | 3.16 | | | | .33 | | | | 4.94 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net realized gains | | | (5.51 | ) | | | — | | | | (5.36 | ) | | | (5.03 | ) | | | (4.09 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (5.51 | ) | | | — | | | | (5.36 | ) | | | (5.03 | ) | | | (4.09 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 35.78 | | | $ | 35.64 | | | $ | 30.58 | | | $ | 32.78 | | | $ | 37.48 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 17.51 | % | | | 16.55 | % | | | 10.55 | % | | | 0.20 | % | | | 14.56 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 1,849 | | | $ | 3,984 | | | $ | 3,760 | | | $ | 4,762 | | | $ | 4,329 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.05 | % | | | (0.08 | %) | | | (0.42 | %) | | | (0.68 | %) | | | (0.55 | %) |
Total expensesc | | | 2.33 | % | | | 2.31 | % | | | 2.34 | % | | | 2.31 | % | | | 2.57 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 2.30 | %g | | | 2.27 | % | | | 2.32 | % | | | 2.31 | % | | | 2.55 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 52 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 75 | % | | | 112 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103 |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 46.83 | | | $ | 40.27 | | | $ | 41.48 | | | $ | 45.96 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .32 | | | | .24 | | | | .26 | | | | — | f |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 7.61 | | | | 6.65 | | | | 4.09 | | | | (4.48 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 7.93 | | | | 6.89 | | | | 4.35 | | | | (4.48 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (5.51 | ) | | | — | | | | (5.36 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (5.64 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | (5.56 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 49.12 | | | $ | 46.83 | | | $ | 40.27 | | | $ | 41.48 | |
|
Total Return | | | 18.26 | % | | | 17.27 | % | | | 11.36 | % | | | (9.75 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 125 | | | $ | 121 | | | $ | 102 | | | $ | 11 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.67 | % | | | 0.55 | % | | | 0.69 | % | | | — | |
Total expensesc | | | 1.68 | % | | | 1.66 | % | | | 1.39 | % | | | 1.49 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 1.64 | %g | | | 1.63 | % | | | 1.35 | % | | | 1.49 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 52 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 75 | % |
104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STYLEPLUS—MID GROWTH FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 47.48 | | | $ | 40.59 | | | $ | 41.64 | | | $ | 45.96 | | | $ | 43.72 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .53 | | | | .42 | | | | .19 | | | | .11 | | | | .11 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 7.71 | | | | 6.78 | | | | 4.25 | | | | .60 | | | | 6.22 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 8.24 | | | | 7.20 | | | | 4.44 | | | | .71 | | | | 6.33 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.41 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (5.51 | ) | | | — | | | | (5.36 | ) | | | (5.03 | ) | | | (4.09 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (5.92 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (5.49 | ) | | | (5.03 | ) | | | (4.09 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 49.80 | | | $ | 47.48 | | | $ | 40.59 | | | $ | 41.64 | | | $ | 45.96 | |
|
Total Return | | | 18.77 | % | | | 17.88 | % | | | 11.50 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 15.42 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 875 | | | $ | 1,743 | | | $ | 113 | | | $ | 54 | | | $ | 30 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.11 | % | | | 0.95 | % | | | 0.48 | % | | | 0.23 | % | | | 0.24 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.46 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.81 | % |
Net expensesd | | | 1.23 | %g | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.79 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 52 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 75 | % | | | 112 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers. |
e | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
f | Net investment income is less than $0.01 per share. |
g | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the year presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | | | | |
| A-Class | 1.37% | | | | |
| C-Class | 2.18% | | | | |
| P-Class | 1.52% | | | | |
| Institutional Class | 1.11% | | | | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan Einstein, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one-year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund returned 8.01%1, compared with the 11.24% return of its benchmark, the MSCI World Index.
Performance Review
As has historically been the case, the defensive nature of the World Equity Income Fund means the fund tends to underperform during appreciating equity markets. The Fund did deliver a strong dividend yield and lower risk as compared to its benchmark.
During the period, the Fund benefited from stock selection in Energy and Consumer Staples. Stock selection in Information Technology and Financials detracted most from performance.
The portfolio added to its Energy holdings during the period, which were bolstered by oil prices that have remained consistently above $60 per barrel.
Over the period, the Fund increased its exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector, reflecting a positive view of growth in the real economy. With the national unemployment rate at a recent record, those who are comfortably employed, and possibly even quitting to move into more attractive roles, tend to also be confident and prolific consumers.
However, L Brands, Inc., a recent portfolio addition within the sector, was the leading individual detractor for the period. The company, like many other retailers, fell dramatically out of favor with investors, but unlike many of them, has incredibly strong brands such as Victoria Secret, and Bath & Body Works. The company’s sales have been improving, and it maintains an attractive dividend.
Western Digital Corp. was the Fund’s second-largest detractor, weighing down the Information Technology sector. But this was offset by strong individual contributors Apple, Inc. and Microsoft Corp.
Among the Fund’s high-level views for the period was the attractiveness of banks, in both the U.S. and selectively in Europe, as well as, relatively speaking, foreign markets, due to ongoing monetary stimulus. The rewards were limited with banks as a group, detracting from the portfolio’s return relative to its MSCI World benchmark. However, we continue to believe there is value in this sector and remain committed to the position.
Among individual holdings in Financials, Mastercard, Inc. was a large contributor. It rose on good earnings and increasing penetration in Europe. Offsetting that was weakness in a major detractor, BNP Paribas S.A., which has yet to benefit from higher interest rates in the U.S. The holding is also expected to benefit from improved trading activity as global central banks unwind quantitative easing.
Some international markets, such as MSCI Europe and MSCI Emerging Markets, have underperformed U.S. and other global indices amid the constant threat of trade wars. Given the portfolio’s large international exposure, this was detrimental to total return. However, the tactical currency hedging program employed by the portfolio has muted this impact.
Another drag on relative return for the Fund was the outperformance of growth-oriented equities relative to value-oriented equities. The cumulative growth/value spread rivals its peak of the dot com bubble. While this was detrimental to portfolio returns for much of the period, we believe a reversal is due given the excessive valuations among growth names.
Portfolio Positioning
Positioning relative to sectors shows that Utilities was the largest overweight of the period, followed by Real Estate. Consumer Staples and Health Care were the largest underweights. Only the underweight to Healthcare detracted from return for the period. Communications Services, the former Telecommunications Services sector, was expanded a week before the period ended to include many companies that formerly were
106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
in the Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors. The Fund did not own many of the names that were moved into the newly named sector near the period end. It should also be noted that this sector reclassification will not be recognized by the benchmark until next quarter.
From a geographic perspective, the Fund’s largest overweights were in Canada and Hong Kong. The largest underweights were in the UK and Japan.
From a characteristic’s standpoint, the portfolio maintained its overweight to dividend yielding names. Additionally, the portfolio was positioned to have an overall low risk profile. As such, it was underweight names with a beta above one.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of capital appreciation and income.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_108.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION
Country | % of Long Term Investments |
United States | 55.8% |
Japan | 6.8% |
Canada | 6.4% |
Australia | 6.0% |
United Kingdom | 4.4% |
France | 4.3% |
Switzerland | 3.7% |
Other | 12.6% |
Total Long Term Investments | 100.0% |
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | October 1, 1993 |
C-Class | January 29, 1999 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | May 2, 2011 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Apple, Inc. | 2.0% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 1.7% |
Johnson & Johnson | 1.6% |
Pfizer, Inc. | 1.4% |
Mastercard, Inc. — Class A | 1.4% |
Home Depot, Inc. | 1.4% |
Amazon.com, Inc. | 1.3% |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 1.3% |
Microsoft Corp. | 1.2% |
TOTAL S.A. | 1.1% |
Top Ten Total | 14.4% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_109.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 8.01% | 7.16% | 6.01% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | 2.88% | 6.12% | 5.39% |
C-Class Shares | 7.27% | 6.37% | 5.23% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 6.27% | 6.37% | 5.23% |
MSCI World Index | 11.24% | 9.28% | 8.56% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 7.99% | 7.01% |
MSCI World Index | | 11.24% | 8.15% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (05/02/11) |
Institutional Class Shares | 8.34% | 7.43% | 5.58% |
MSCI World Index | 11.24% | 9.28% | 8.46% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 98.6% |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 23.7% |
Mastercard, Inc. — Class A | | | 5,600 | | | $ | 1,246,616 | |
BNP Paribas S.A. | | | 14,000 | | | | 856,874 | |
Westpac Banking Corp. | | | 40,200 | | | | 811,613 | |
DNB ASA | | | 38,200 | | | | 803,766 | |
Aflac, Inc. | | | 16,600 | | | | 781,362 | |
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | | | 7,000 | | | | 764,260 | |
Trinity Industries, Inc. | | | 427,200 | | | | 745,213 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 15,800 | | | | 738,176 | |
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. | | | 35,800 | | | | 729,250 | |
Bank of Montreal | | | 8,600 | | | | 709,497 | |
Swiss Re AG | | | 7,220 | | | | 666,604 | |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT | | | 2,700 | | | | 666,117 | |
Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM | | | 100,300 | | | | 662,244 | |
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield | | | 3,200 | | | | 643,641 | |
Public Storage REIT | | | 3,100 | | | | 625,053 | |
Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. ADR* | | | 12,000 | | | | 619,430 | |
Ageas | | | 11,200 | | | | 602,267 | |
National Australia Bank Ltd. ADR | | | 29,700 | | | | 597,048 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT | | | 3,300 | | | | 583,275 | |
Nippon Building Fund, Inc. REIT | | | 100 | | | | 578,243 | |
Bank Hapoalim BM | | | 78,300 | | | | 574,094 | |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce | | | 6,000 | | | | 562,320 | |
SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust | | | 21,300 | | | | 503,224 | |
United Urban Investment Corp. REIT | | | 300 | | | | 470,780 | |
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | | | 24,100 | | | | 460,576 | |
First Capital Realty, Inc. | | | 29,100 | | | | 439,407 | |
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | 42,100 | | | | 436,577 | |
Toronto-Dominion Bank | | | 7,100 | | | | 431,531 | |
Allianz AG | | | 1,900 | | | | 423,595 | |
H&R Real Estate Investment Trust | | | 26,000 | | | | 400,047 | |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | | 11,200 | | | | 340,592 | |
Power Financial Corp. | | | 14,100 | | | | 323,075 | |
Welltower, Inc. REIT | | | 5,000 | | | | 321,600 | |
IGM Financial, Inc. | | | 8,200 | | | | 225,414 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,800 | | | | 203,112 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT | | | 1,100 | | | | 199,265 | |
Great-West Lifeco, Inc. | | | 8,200 | | | | 198,999 | |
Assicurazioni Generali SpA | | | 10,300 | | | | 177,966 | |
SEI Investments Co. | | | 2,700 | | | | 164,970 | |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT | | | 1,900 | | | | 164,616 | |
CI Financial Corp. | | | 9,600 | | | | 152,467 | |
Kinnevik Investment AB — Class B | | | 4,900 | | | | 148,389 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 21,753,165 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.3% |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 10,400 | | | | 1,436,968 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 29,300 | | | | 1,291,251 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 4,400 | | | | 1,170,576 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 3,900 | | | | 944,904 | |
AbbVie, Inc. | | | 9,000 | | | | 851,220 | |
ABIOMED, Inc.* | | | 1,600 | | | | 719,600 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | | 1,200 | | | | 688,800 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 11,000 | | | | 682,880 | |
Japan Tobacco, Inc. | | | 26,000 | | | | 678,719 | |
Wesfarmers Ltd. | | | 17,400 | | | | 626,999 | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | | | 8,900 | | | | 626,382 | |
Merck & Company, Inc. | | | 8,100 | | | | 574,614 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | | | 2,200 | | | | 549,252 | |
Swedish Match AB | | | 10,200 | | | | 522,280 | |
Marine Harvest ASA | | | 22,300 | | | | 516,615 | |
Danone S.A. | | | 5,800 | | | | 449,210 | |
Allergan plc | | | 2,300 | | | | 438,104 | |
Rollins, Inc. | | | 7,100 | | | | 430,899 | |
Woolworths Group Ltd. | | | 16,300 | | | | 330,855 | |
Centene Corp.* | | | 2,000 | | | | 289,560 | |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 700 | | | | 282,828 | |
ManpowerGroup, Inc. | | | 3,200 | | | | 275,072 | |
Align Technology, Inc.* | | | 700 | | | | 273,854 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 700 | | | | 256,942 | |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | | | 1,700 | | | | 256,122 | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 4,000 | | | | 216,000 | |
ResMed, Inc. | | | 1,700 | | | | 196,078 | |
Sonova Holding AG | | | 900 | | | | 179,121 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 1,900 | | | | 146,699 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 15,902,404 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 13.9% |
Home Depot, Inc. | | | 6,000 | | | | 1,242,900 | |
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | | | 2,800 | | | | 990,339 | |
TJX Companies, Inc. | | | 7,800 | | | | 873,756 | |
WW Grainger, Inc. | | | 2,200 | | | | 786,302 | |
Macy’s, Inc. | | | 21,500 | | | | 746,695 | |
Target Corp. | | | 8,300 | | | | 732,143 | |
Kohl’s Corp. | | | 9,300 | | | | 693,315 | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,500 | | | | 681,780 | |
Fastenal Co. | | | 11,300 | | | | 655,626 | |
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | | | 15,600 | | | | 606,178 | |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 9,000 | | | | 533,970 | |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 4,800 | | | | 533,712 | |
L Brands, Inc. | | | 16,900 | | | | 512,070 | |
Ferguson plc | | | 5,942 | | | | 504,537 | |
Crown Resorts Ltd. | | | 45,400 | | | | 449,274 | |
Ford Motor Co. | | | 47,900 | | | | 443,075 | |
Lawson, Inc. | | | 7,100 | | | | 432,424 | |
Domino’s Pizza, Inc. | | | 1,200 | | | | 353,760 | |
Iida Group Holdings Company Ltd. | | | 19,700 | | | | 350,411 | |
Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. | | | 111,500 | | | | 283,707 | |
Polaris Industries, Inc. | | | 2,100 | | | | 211,995 | |
Persimmon plc | | | 4,900 | | | | 151,034 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 12,769,003 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 13.3% |
Apple, Inc. | | | 8,200 | | | | 1,851,068 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 10,000 | | | | 1,143,700 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 9,300 | | | | 997,797 | |
Accenture plc — Class A | | | 5,800 | | | | 987,160 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 6,400 | | | | 967,744 | |
Canon, Inc. | | | 23,100 | | | | 733,946 | |
110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Intuit, Inc. | | | 3,200 | | | $ | 727,680 | |
Paychex, Inc. | | | 9,300 | | | | 684,945 | |
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. | | | 3,685 | | | | 589,895 | |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | | | 4,100 | | | | 540,995 | |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 9,200 | | | | 538,568 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 6,100 | | | | 489,037 | |
Oracle Corporation Japan | | | 5,100 | | | | 411,160 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 8,300 | | | | 392,507 | |
Splunk, Inc.* | | | 3,200 | | | | 386,912 | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.* | | | 1,100 | | | | 296,945 | |
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | | | 4,000 | | | | 225,560 | |
Seagate Technology plc | | | 4,000 | | | | 189,400 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 12,155,019 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 8.0% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 17,900 | | | | 1,521,858 | |
TOTAL S.A. | | | 15,500 | | | | 1,005,016 | |
Targa Resources Corp. | | | 13,400 | | | | 754,554 | |
BP plc | | | 91,900 | | | | 705,707 | |
Woodside Petroleum Ltd. | | | 21,600 | | | | 602,377 | |
Aker BP ASA | | | 13,200 | | | | 560,186 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 4,000 | | | | 455,000 | |
TransCanada Corp. | | | 10,200 | | | | 412,771 | |
Koninklijke Vopak N.V. | | | 8,000 | | | | 394,240 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 3,100 | | | | 379,068 | |
Neste Oyj | | | 3,900 | | | | 322,434 | |
Royal Dutch Shell plc — Class A | | | 6,100 | | | | 209,606 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 7,322,817 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 7.5% |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 2,140 | | | | 740,355 | |
3M Co. | | | 3,500 | | | | 737,485 | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | | 9,600 | | | | 735,168 | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 8,200 | | | | 721,026 | |
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | | | 7,100 | | | | 695,232 | |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 4,700 | | | | 686,529 | |
Vinci S.A. | | | 6,100 | | | | 580,959 | |
United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B | | | 4,800 | | | | 560,400 | |
Pentair plc | | | 12,200 | | | | 528,870 | |
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | | | 5,100 | | | | 375,003 | |
Brother Industries Ltd. | | | 14,300 | | | | 357,965 | |
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | | | 1,200 | | | | 169,344 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 6,888,336 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 7.3% |
Amazon.com, Inc.* | | | 600 | | | | 1,201,800 | |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class C* | | | 800 | | | | 954,776 | |
Vodafone Group plc | | | 325,400 | | | | 697,637 | |
KDDI Corp. | | | 23,700 | | | | 654,764 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.* | | | 2,800 | | | | 558,376 | |
NTT DOCOMO, Inc. | | | 19,500 | | | | 524,313 | |
HKT Trust & HKT Ltd. | | | 359,300 | | | | 493,875 | |
BCE, Inc. | | | 11,800 | | | | 478,159 | |
TELUS Corp. | | | 12,200 | | | | 449,777 | |
PCCW Ltd. | | | 707,700 | | | | 412,251 | |
Facebook, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,700 | | | | 279,582 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 6,705,310 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 6.4% |
Dominion Energy, Inc. | | | 11,868 | | | | 834,083 | |
CLP Holdings Ltd. | | | 70,137 | | | | 821,159 | |
Centrica plc | | | 361,600 | | | | 729,770 | |
Duke Energy Corp. | | | 8,573 | | | | 686,011 | |
SSE plc | | | 43,200 | | | | 645,230 | |
Power Assets Holdings Ltd. | | | 92,000 | | | | 640,519 | |
PPL Corp. | | | 19,354 | | | | 566,298 | |
Hong Kong & China Gas Company Ltd. | | | 218,550 | | | | 433,860 | |
National Grid plc | | | 26,500 | | | | 273,330 | |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 6,100 | | | | 221,552 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 5,851,812 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.6% |
EMS-Chemie Holding AG | | | 600 | | | | 357,693 | |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A | | | 1,500 | | | | 153,765 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 511,458 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified - 0.6% |
Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. | | | 8,100 | | | | 508,275 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $83,713,189) | | | | | | | 90,367,599 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 1.0% |
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund Institutional Shares 1.91%1 | | | 959,558 | | | | 959,558 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $959,558) | | | | | | | 959,558 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.6% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $84,672,747) | | | | | | $ | 91,327,157 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.4% | | | | | | | 351,530 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 91,678,687 | |
Futures Contracts |
Description | | Number of Contracts | | Expiration Date | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | |
Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short† |
Japanese Yen Futures Contracts | | | 55 | | Dec 2018 | | $ | 6,085,063 | | | $ | 72,241 | |
Australian Dollar Futures Contracts | | | 74 | | Dec 2018 | | | 5,352,420 | | | | (47,216 | ) |
| | | | | | | $ | 11,437,483 | | | $ | 25,025 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
WORLD EQUITY INCOME FUND | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| ADR — American Depositary Receipt |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 90,367,599 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 90,367,599 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 959,558 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 959,558 | |
Currency Futures Contracts** | | | 72,241 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 72,241 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 91,399,398 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 91,399,398 | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Currency Futures Contracts** | | $ | 47,216 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 47,216 | |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels
112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $84,672,747) | | $ | 91,327,157 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $39,084) | | | 39,069 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 202,500 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 30,976 | |
Receivables: |
Foreign tax reclaims | | | 238,235 | |
Dividends | | | 157,515 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 23,467 | |
Interest | | | 1,488 | |
Total assets | | | 92,020,407 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 175,647 | |
Management fees | | | 36,047 | |
Printing fees | | | 32,540 | |
Professional fees | | | 27,960 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 22,305 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 15,652 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 5,428 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 2,784 | |
Variation margin on futures contracts | | | 2,320 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 907 | |
Due to advisor | | | 16 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 20,114 | |
Total liabilities | | | 341,720 | |
Net assets | | $ | 91,678,687 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 84,360,927 | |
Total distributable earnings | | | 7,317,760 | |
Net assets | | $ | 91,678,687 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 67,679,200 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 4,290,492 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 15.77 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 16.56 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 4,215,345 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 311,668 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 13.53 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 194,999 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 12,250 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 15.92 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 19,589,143 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 1,246,962 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 15.71 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $195,321) | | $ | 2,465,324 | |
Interest | | | 13,415 | |
Total investment income | | | 2,478,739 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 641,307 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 186,505 | |
C-Class | | | 60,667 | |
P-Class | | | 733 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 55,291 | |
C-Class | | | 7,986 | |
P-Class | | | 282 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,435 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 73,293 | |
Registration fees | | | 70,671 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 16,618 | |
Custodian fees | | | 15,572 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 413 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 133,835 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees |
A-Class | | | 393 | |
C-Class | | | 96 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,922 | |
Total expenses | | | 1,267,019 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A Class | | | (46,771 | ) |
C Class | | | (7,272 | ) |
P Class | | | (261 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,183 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (74,751 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (130,238 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 1,136,781 | |
Net investment income | | | 1,341,958 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 6,133,629 | |
Futures contracts | | | 184,359 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (5,675 | ) |
Net realized gain | | | 6,312,313 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | (623,342 | ) |
Futures contracts | | | 25,025 | |
Foreign currency translations | | | (3,833 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (602,150 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 5,710,163 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 7,052,121 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,341,958 | | | $ | 1,962,451 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 6,312,313 | | | | 5,683,972 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (602,150 | ) | | | 2,701,224 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 7,052,121 | | | | 10,347,647 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (1,156,255 | ) | | | (1,967,488 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (47,501 | ) | | | (114,346 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (4,572 | ) | | | (4,295 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (204,911 | ) | | | (76,242 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (1,413,239 | ) | | | (2,162,371 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 6,655,092 | | | | 13,238,403 | |
C-Class | | | 604,160 | | | | 1,571,277 | |
P-Class | | | 102,160 | | | | 257,778 | |
Institutional Class | | | 17,699,901 | | | | 2,745,914 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 1,146,400 | | | | 1,954,121 | |
C-Class | | | 45,750 | | | | 105,916 | |
P-Class | | | 4,572 | | | | 4,295 | |
Institutional Class | | | 201,768 | | | | 64,249 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (25,252,350 | ) | | | (22,525,744 | ) |
C-Class | | | (3,249,720 | ) | | | (1,219,393 | ) |
P-Class | | | (283,546 | ) | | | (59,428 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,769,819 | ) | | | (2,173,544 | ) |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (5,095,632 | ) | | | (6,036,156 | ) |
Net increase in net assets | | | 543,250 | | | | 2,149,120 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 91,135,437 | | | | 88,986,317 | |
End of year | | $ | 91,678,687 | | | $ | 91,135,437 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 431,369 | | | | 954,221 | |
C-Class | | | 45,705 | | | | 129,787 | |
P-Class | | | 6,473 | | | | 17,585 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,160,747 | | | | 194,275 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 74,729 | | | | 136,806 | |
C-Class | | | 3,491 | | | | 8,654 | |
P-Class | | | 295 | | | | 295 | |
Institutional Class | | | 13,131 | | | | 4,518 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (1,645,397 | ) | | | (1,611,230 | ) |
C-Class | | | (244,443 | ) | | | (100,543 | ) |
P-Class | | | (18,035 | ) | | | (4,084 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (180,147 | ) | | | (155,571 | ) |
Net decrease in shares | | | (352,082 | ) | | | (425,287 | ) |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (see Note 9). |
114 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 14.84 | | | $ | 13.54 | | | $ | 12.28 | | | $ | 13.51 | | | $ | 12.60 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .23 | | | | .31 | | | | .31 | | | | .29 | | | | .38 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .95 | | | | 1.34 | | | | 1.26 | | | | (1.18 | ) | | | .95 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.18 | | | | 1.65 | | | | 1.57 | | | | (.89 | ) | | | 1.33 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.77 | | | $ | 14.84 | | | $ | 13.54 | | | $ | 12.28 | | | $ | 13.51 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 8.01 | % | | | 12.31 | % | | | 12.85 | % | | | (6.70 | %) | | | 10.62 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 67,679 | | | $ | 80,598 | | | $ | 80,575 | | | $ | 73,568 | | | $ | 78,783 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.48 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.36 | % | | | 2.21 | % | | | 2.81 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.37 | % | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.66 | % |
Net expensesd,g | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.24 | % | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.49 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 125 | % | | | 94 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 131 | % | | | 131 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.72 | | | $ | 11.63 | | | $ | 10.55 | | | $ | 11.61 | | | $ | 10.79 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .09 | | | | .19 | | | | .18 | | | | .17 | | | | .25 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .83 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 1.09 | | | | (1.02 | ) | | | .81 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .92 | | | | 1.32 | | | | 1.27 | | | | (.85 | ) | | | 1.06 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 13.53 | | | $ | 12.72 | | | $ | 11.63 | | | $ | 10.55 | | | $ | 11.61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Returnb | | | 7.27 | % | | | 11.46 | % | | | 12.05 | % | | | (7.40 | %) | | | 9.79 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 4,215 | | | $ | 6,449 | | | $ | 5,455 | | | $ | 5,936 | | | $ | 5,337 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.71 | % | | | 1.53 | % | | | 1.59 | % | | | 1.50 | % | | | 2.13 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 2.18 | % | | | 2.19 | % | | | 2.35 | % | | | 2.28 | % | | | 2.62 | % |
Net expensesd,f,g | | | 1.97 | % | | | 1.99 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.24 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 125 | % | | | 94 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 131 | % | | | 131 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 15.08 | | | $ | 13.73 | | | $ | 12.33 | | | $ | 13.62 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .24 | | | | .33 | | | | .33 | | | | .12 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .95 | | | | 1.35 | | | | 1.35 | | | | (1.29 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.19 | | | | 1.68 | | | | 1.68 | | | | (1.17 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.12 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.12 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.92 | | | $ | 15.08 | | | $ | 13.73 | | | $ | 12.33 | |
|
Total Return | | | 7.99 | % | | | 12.32 | % | | | 13.73 | % | | | (8.64 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 195 | | | $ | 355 | | | $ | 133 | | | $ | 9 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.50 | % | | | 2.28 | % | | | 2.58 | % | | | 2.14 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.76 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 3.54 | % |
Net expensesd,g | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.24 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.48 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 125 | % | | | 94 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 131 | % |
116 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 14.74 | | | $ | 13.44 | | | $ | 12.23 | | | $ | 13.45 | | | $ | 12.53 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .29 | | | | .35 | | | | .31 | | | | .36 | | | | .44 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | .93 | | | | 1.33 | | | | 1.28 | | | | (1.21 | ) | | | .90 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.22 | | | | 1.68 | | | | 1.59 | | | | (.85 | ) | | | 1.34 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.71 | | | $ | 14.74 | | | $ | 13.44 | | | $ | 12.23 | | | $ | 13.45 | |
|
Total Return | | | 8.34 | % | | | 12.61 | % | | | 13.11 | % | | | (6.42 | %) | | | 10.83 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 19,589 | | | $ | 3,734 | | | $ | 2,824 | | | $ | 4,541 | | | $ | 911 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.85 | % | | | 2.50 | % | | | 2.42 | % | | | 2.70 | % | | | 3.27 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.33 | % |
Net expensesd,f,g | | | 0.97 | % | | | 0.98 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.23 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 125 | % | | | 94 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 131 | % | | | 131 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
e | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
f | The portion of the ratios of expenses before and after waivers/reimbursements to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% | | | |
| C-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% | | | |
| P-Class | — | — | | | |
| Institutional Class | 0.02% | 0.03% | | | |
g | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and recouped amounts. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
| A-Class | 1.22% | 1.22% | 1.46% | 1.46% | 1.46% |
| C-Class | 1.97% | 1.97% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% |
| P-Class | 1.22% | 1.22% | 1.32% | 1.46% | — |
| Institutional Class | 0.97% | 0.96% | 1.21% | 1.21% | 1.21% |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds.
Effective August 10, 2018, Class C shares of each Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the Class C shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of Class A shares.
This report covers the Alpha Opportunity Fund, Large Cap Value Fund, Market Neutral Real Estate Fund, Risk Managed Real Estate Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, StylePlus—Large Core Fund, StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund, and World Equity Income Fund (the “Funds”), each a diversified investment company with the exception of the Large Cap Value Fund, Market Neutral Real Estate Fund and Risk Managed Real Estate Fund, which are each a non-diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, only A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Funds.
Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Funds operate as investment companies and, accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of each Class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Funds’ securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Funds’ officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually
118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Valuation Committee and GI are authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.
Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end investment companies (“CEFs”) are valued at the last quoted sale price.
The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the Official Settlement Price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.
The values of over-the-counter (“OTC”) swap agreements entered into by a Fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.
(b) Short Sales
When a Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Fund maintains a segregated account of cash and/or securities as collateral for short sales.
Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.
(c) Futures Contracts
Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(d) Swap Agreements
Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.
(e) Foreign Taxes
The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
(f) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
(g) Distributions
Dividends from net investment income are declared quarterly in the World Equity Income Fund and Risk Managed Real Estate Fund. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions of net investment income in the remaining Funds and distributions of net realized gains, if any, in all Funds are declared at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
(h) Class Allocations
Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(i) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Funds may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(j) Cash
The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(k) Currency Translations
The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(l) Indemnifications
Under the Funds’ organizational documents, the Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and/or their affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives
As part of their investment strategy, the Funds utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.
Short Sales
A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.
Derivatives
Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.
The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:
Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.
Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.
Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.
For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.
Futures
A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedules of Investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a quarterly basis:
| | | Average Notional Amount | |
Fund | Use | | Long | | | Short | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | Index exposure | | $ | 2,858,084 | | | $ | — | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | Index exposure | | | 1,600,285 | | | | — | |
World Equity Income Fund | Hedge | | | — | | | | 9,805,426 | |
Swaps
A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. A fund utilizing OTC swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like an exchange-traded futures contract. Upon entering into certain centrally cleared swap transactions, the Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin payments or receipts are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity. For Funds utilizing interest rate swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss. There is no guarantee that a fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.
Total return swaps and custom basket swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as index or basket) or a fixed or variable interest rate. Index swaps will usually be computed based on the current index value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. A fund utilizing a total return index swap bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying index declines in value.
The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of total return and custom basket swaps on a quarterly basis:
| | | Average Notional Amount | |
Fund | Use | | Long | | | Short | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | Hedge, Leverage | | $ | 67,687,284 | | | $ | 219,316,435 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | Leverage | | | — | | | | 5,260,596 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | Leverage | | | 39,902,887 | | | | 39,685,870 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | Index Exposure | | | 177,728,122 | | | | — | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | Index Exposure | | | 69,187,783 | | | | — | |
Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives |
Equity/Currency contracts | Variation margin on futures contracts | Variation margin on futures contracts |
Equity contracts | Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements |
122 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2018:
Asset Derivative Investments Value |
Fund | | Futures Equity Risk* | | | Swaps Equity Risk | | | Futures Currency Risk* | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,469,676 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,469,676 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | 84,218 | | | | — | | | | 84,218 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | 1,716,831 | | | | — | | | | 1,716,831 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | 9,004 | | | | 995,558 | | | | — | | | | 1,004,562 | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | 8,563 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 8,563 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | 72,241 | | | | 72,241 | |
Liability Derivative Investments Value |
Fund | | Futures Equity Risk* | | | Swaps Equity Risk | | | Futures Currency Risk* | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,316,175 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,316,175 | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | 8,870 | | | | 297,228 | | | | — | | | | 306,098 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | 47,216 | | | | 47,216 | |
* | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Schedules of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |
Equity/Currency contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts |
Equity contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements |
The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations |
Fund | | Futures Equity Risk | | | Swaps Equity Risk | | | Futures Currency Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | (30,992,822 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (30,992,822 | ) |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | (417,252 | ) | | | — | | | | (417,252 | ) |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | (1,259,792 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,259,792 | ) |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | 511,983 | | | | 28,674,487 | | | | — | | | | 29,186,470 | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | 486,058 | | | | 14,114,963 | | | | — | | | | 14,601,021 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | 184,359 | | | | 184,359 | |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations |
Fund | | Futures Equity Risk | | | Swaps Equity Risk | | | Futures Currency Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 196,804 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 196,804 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | 126,033 | | | | — | | | | 126,033 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | 1,201,027 | | | | — | | | | 1,201,027 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | (16,136 | ) | | | (2,608,283 | ) | | | — | | | | (2,624,419 | ) |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | (75,816 | ) | | | (2,338,016 | ) | | | — | | | | (2,413,832 | ) |
World Equity Income Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | 25,025 | | | | 25,025 | |
In conjunction with the use of short sales and derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Funds use, where appropriate, depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds.
There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.
Certain Funds may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.
The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.
Note 3 – Offsetting
In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Funds to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.
In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs
124 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.
For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Funds in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Funds attempt to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Fund | Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets* | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Assets Presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Net Amount | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | Swap equity contracts | | $ | 1,469,676 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,469,676 | | | $ | (1,469,676 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | Swap equity contracts | | | 84,218 | | | | — | | | | 84,218 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 84,218 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | Swap equity Contracts | | | 1,716,831 | | | | — | | | | 1,716,831 | | | | — | | | | (960,000 | ) | | | 756,831 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | Swap equity contracts | | | 995,558 | | | | — | | | | 995,558 | | | | — | | | | (730,000 | ) | | | 265,558 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Fund | Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | Swap equity Contracts | | $ | 11,316,175 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,316,175 | | | $ | (11,316,175 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | Swap equity contracts | | | 297,228 | | | | — | | | | 297,228 | | | | — | | | | (297,228 | ) | | | — | |
* | Exchange-traded or centrally cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 125 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2018. The derivatives tables following the Schedules of Investments list each counterparty for which cash collateral may have been pledged or received at period end. The Funds have the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.
Fund | Counterparty/ Clearing Agent | Asset Type | | Cash Pledged | | | Cash Received | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund
| Morgan Stanley | Custom Basket swap agreements | | $ | — | | | $ | 960,000 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund
| Morgan Stanley | Futures contracts | | | 276,000 | | | | — | |
| Wells Fargo | Total Return swap agreements | | | — | | | | 730,000 | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | Morgan Stanley | Futures contracts | | | 108,050 | | | | — | |
| Wells Fargo | Total Return swap agreements | | | 400,000 | | | | — | |
World Equity Income Fund | Bank of America Merrill Lynch | Futures contracts | | | 202,500 | | | | — | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
Level 1 — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
Level 2 — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
Level 3 — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
126 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Funds pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at the annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Funds:
Fund | Management Fees (as a % of Net Assets) |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | 0.90% |
Large Cap Value Fund | 0.65% |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | 1.10% |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | 0.75% |
Small Cap Value Fund | 0.75% |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | 0.75% |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | 0.75% |
World Equity Income Fund | 0.70% |
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
The Funds have adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s C-Class shares.
Contractual expense limitation agreements for the following Funds provide that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:
| Limit | Effective Date | Contract End Date |
Alpha Opportunity Fund – A-Class | 1.76% | 05/31/17 | 02/01/20 |
Alpha Opportunity Fund – C-Class | 2.51% | 05/31/17 | 02/01/20 |
Alpha Oportunity Fund – P-Class | 1.76% | 05/31/17 | 02/01/20 |
Alpha Opportunity Fund – Institutional Class | 1.51% | 05/31/17 | 02/01/20 |
Large Cap Value Fund – A-Class | 1.15% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Large Cap Value Fund – C-Class | 1.90% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Large Cap Value Fund – P-Class | 1.15% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Large Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class | 0.90% | 06/05/13 | 02/01/20 |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – A-Class | 1.65% | 02/26/16 | 02/01/20 |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – C-Class | 2.40% | 02/26/16 | 02/01/20 |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – P-Class | 1.65% | 02/26/16 | 02/01/20 |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund – Institutional Class | 1.40% | 02/26/16 | 02/01/20 |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – A-Class | 1.30% | 03/26/14 | 02/01/20 |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – C-Class | 2.05% | 03/26/14 | 02/01/20 |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – P-Class | 1.30% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – Institutional Class | 1.10% | 03/26/14 | 02/01/20 |
Small Cap Value Fund – A-Class | 1.30% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Small Cap Value Fund – C-Class | 2.05% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Small Cap Value Fund – P-Class | 1.30% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class | 1.05% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
World Equity Income Fund – A-Class | 1.22% | 08/15/13 | 02/01/20 |
World Equity Income Fund – C-Class | 1.97% | 08/15/13 | 02/01/20 |
World Equity Income Fund – P-Class | 1.22% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
World Equity Income Fund – Institutional Class | 0.97% | 08/15/13 | 02/01/20 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 127 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
GI and GPIM are entitled to reimbursement by the Funds for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI and GPIM are entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI or GPIM. At September 30, 2018, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:
Fund | | 2019 | | | 2020 | | | 2021 | �� | | Fund Total | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,212 | | | $ | 760 | | | $ | 7,972 | |
C-Class | | | 7,081 | | | | 1,244 | | | | 574 | | | | 8,899 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | 875 | | | | 875 | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 87,212 | | | | 78,038 | | | | 93,910 | | | | 259,160 | |
C-Class | | | 9,306 | | | | 6,283 | | | | 6,839 | | | | 22,428 | |
P-Class | | | 338 | | | | 762 | | | | 552 | | | | 1,652 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,129 | | | | 1,773 | | | | 3,127 | | | | 6,029 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 997 | | | | 3,417 | | | | 13,868 | | | | 18,282 | |
C-Class | | | 905 | | | | 4,410 | | | | 4,083 | | | | 9,398 | |
P-Class | | | 979 | | | | 5,860 | | | | 16,626 | | | | 23,465 | |
Institutional Class | | | 45,647 | | | | 151,686 | | | | 164,604 | | | | 361,937 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | — | | | | 320 | | | | 2,701 | | | | 3,021 | |
C-Class | | | 2,257 | | | | 1,084 | | | | 1,513 | | | | 4,854 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | 1,356 | | | | 4,143 | | | | 5,499 | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,263 | | | | 2,263 | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 123,706 | | | | 71,327 | | | | 91,854 | | | | 286,887 | |
C-Class | | | 49,668 | | | | 29,870 | | | | 31,586 | | | | 111,124 | |
P-Class | | | 116 | | | | 336 | | | | 215 | | | | 667 | |
Institutional Class | | | 4,063 | | | | 15,554 | | | | 34,694 | | | | 54,311 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | — | | | | 84,949 | | | | 111,231 | | | | 196,180 | |
C-Class | | | 7,207 | | | | 12,042 | | | | 12,493 | | | | 31,742 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | 896 | | | | 531 | | | | 1,427 | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | 2,846 | | | | 5,983 | | | | 8,829 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GI and GPIM recouped amounts from the Funds as follows:
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | 15,177 | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 435 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | 35,307 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 2,411 | |
If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the StylePlus—Large Core Fund and StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund waived $69,587 and $27,676, respectively, related to investments in affiliated fund.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $430,362 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers of GI, GPIM and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI, GPIM and GFD.
128 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Trust’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
At September 30, 2018, GI and GPIM and its affiliates owned over twenty percent of the outstanding shares of the Funds, as follows:
Fund | | Percent of Outstanding Shares Owned | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | | 79 | % |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 65 | % |
Note 6 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
Fund | | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | 8,954,485 | | | $ | 2,150,783 | | | $ | 11,105,268 | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 2,185,587 | | | | 3,071,973 | | | | 5,257,560 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 107,397 | | | | 186,509 | | | | 293,906 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | 6,909,847 | | | | 1,379,189 | | | | 8,289,036 | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 701,900 | | | | 806,822 | | | | 1,508,722 | |
StylePlus-Large Core Fund | | | 6,099,024 | | | | 29,626,914 | | | | 35,725,938 | |
StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund | | | 437,238 | | | | 9,677,260 | | | | 10,114,498 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 1,413,239 | | | | — | | | | 1,413,239 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
Fund | | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 57,679 | | | $ | 57,679 | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 813,658 | | | | 2,028,231 | | | | 2,841,889 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | 4,792,400 | | | | 392,669 | | | | 5,185,069 | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 92,293 | | | | — | | | | 92,293 | |
StylePlus-Large Core Fund | | | 4,562,047 | | | | 779,695 | | | | 5,341,742 | |
StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund | | | 440,944 | | | | — | | | | 440,944 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 2,162,371 | | | | — | | | | 2,162,371 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 129 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The tax components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
Fund | | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Other Temporary Differences | | | Total | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | 1,678,286 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (6,606,768 | ) | | $ | (5,719,565 | ) | | | — | | | $ | (10,648,047 | ) |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 1,106,600 | | | | 2,342,368 | | | | 12,504,803 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 15,953,771 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 84,813 | | | | 73,852 | | | | 227,625 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 386,290 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | 1,550,857 | | | | 6,864,275 | | | | — | | | | (966,488 | ) | | | 7,448,644 | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 46,087 | | | | 1,191,920 | | | | 2,030,213 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,268,220 | |
StylePlus-Large Core Fund | | | 6,372,117 | | | | 27,982,407 | | | | 4,313,359 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 38,667,883 | |
StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund | | | 2,645,642 | | | | 13,697,302 | | | | 648,552 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 16,991,496 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 106,312 | | | | 711,958 | | | | 6,499,490 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,317,760 | |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:
| | Unlimited | | | | | |
Fund | | Short-Term | | | Long-Term | | | Total Capital Loss Carryforward | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | (5,719,565 | ) | | $ | (5,719,565 | ) |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following capital loss carryforward amounts expired or were utilized:
Fund | | Expired | | | Utilized | | | Total | |
World Equity Income Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,357,504 | | | $ | 5,357,504 | |
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, the “mark-to-market” of futures contracts, investments in real estate investment trusts, dividends payable, securities sold short, and the “mark-to-market” or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of net operating losses, taxable overdistributions, and the expiration of capital loss carryforward amounts. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
Fund | | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings/(Loss) | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 684,532 | | | | (684,532 | ) |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 9,104 | | | | (9,104 | ) |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | — | | | | — | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 323,796 | | | | (323,796 | ) |
StylePlus-Large Core Fund | | | 1,295,526 | | | | (1,295,526 | ) |
StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund | | | 639,656 | | | | (639,656 | ) |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 3,087 | | | | (3,087 | ) |
130 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
At September 30,2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
Fund | | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized Depreciation | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | 208,506,900 | | | $ | 11,982,894 | | | $ | (18,589,662 | ) | | $ | (6,606,768 | ) |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 52,635,711 | | | | 13,736,341 | | | | (1,231,538 | ) | | | 12,504,803 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 7,950,578 | | | | 287,209 | | | | (59,584 | ) | | | 227,625 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | 156,789,268 | | | | 9,417,557 | | | | (2,553,282 | ) | | | 6,864,275 | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 16,561,880 | | | | 3,353,611 | | | | (1,323,398 | ) | | | 2,030,213 | |
StylePlus-Large Core Fund | | | 222,889,014 | | | | 5,360,744 | | | | (1,047,384 | ) | | | 4,313,360 | |
StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund | | | 89,514,330 | | | | 1,538,395 | | | | (889,843 | ) | | | 648,552 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 84,827,735 | | | | 9,292,992 | | | | (2,793,570 | ) | | | 6,499,422 | |
Note 7 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
Fund | | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | 562,082,224 | | | $ | 600,031,601 | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 15,209,220 | | | | 22,528,859 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 12,170,344 | | | | 11,850,005 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | 215,639,354 | | | | 174,245,795 | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 3,377,056 | | | | 7,124,855 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | 111,081,131 | | | | 98,462,732 | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | 51,673,622 | | | | 43,558,514 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | 112,271,797 | | | | 116,890,070 | |
Note 8 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate, plus 1/2 of 1%.
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for each Fund is referenced in the Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Funds did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
On October 5, 2018, the Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
Note 9 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Funds’ net assets or results of operations.
Note 10 – Other Liabilities
StylePlus—Large Core Fund wrote put option contracts through Lehman Brothers Inc., (“LBI”) that were exercised prior to the option contracts’ expiration and prior to the bankruptcy filing by LBI, during September, 2008. However, these transactions have not settled and the securities have not been delivered to the Fund as of September 30, 2018.
Although the ultimate resolution of these transactions is uncertain, the Fund has recorded a liability equal to the difference between the strike price on the put options and the market price of the underlying security on the exercise date. The amount of the liability recorded in miscellaneous payables by the Fund as of September 30, 2018, was $18,615.
Note 11 – Large Shareholder Risk
As of September 30, 2018, 79.2% of the Alpha Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) was held by Macro Opportunities Fund. The Fund may experience adverse effects if a large number of shares of the Fund are held by a single shareholder (e.g., an institutional investor, financial intermediary or another GI Fund). The Fund is subject to the risk that a redemption by those shareholders of all or a large portion of the Fund could cause the Fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times, or at a loss or depressed value, which could adversely impact the Fund’s performance and cause the value of a shareholder’s investment to decline. Redemptions of a large number of shares also may increase transaction costs or, by necessitating a sale of portfolio securities, have adverse tax consequences for shareholders. They also potentially limit the use of any capital loss carryforwards and certain other losses to offset future realized capital gains (if any) and may limit or prevent a Fund’s use of tax equalization.
Note 12 – Subsequent Events
The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.
132 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund, Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Large Core Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund and Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund, Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund, Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Large Core Fund, Guggenheim StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund and Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (eight of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below 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 each of the Funds (eight of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Individual Fund constituting the Guggenheim Funds Trust | Statement of operations | Statements of changes in net assets | Financial highlights |
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunities Fund Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund Guggenheim StylePlus-Large Core Fund Guggenheim StylePlus-Mid Growth Fund Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund | For the year ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the five years in the period ended September 30, 2018 |
Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | For the year ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 and the period from February 26, 2016 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2016 |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | For the year ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the four years in the period ended September 30, 2018 and the period from March 28, 2014 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2014 |
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ 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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 133 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. 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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036006_134.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
134 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.
Fund | Qualified Dividend Income | Dividend Received Deduction | Qualified Interest Income | Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | 40.05% | 39.38% | 0.00% | 100.00% |
Large Cap Value Fund | 65.55% | 65.18% | 0.00% | 100.00% |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 100.00% |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | 6.81% | 6.83% | 0.00% | 100.00% |
Small Cap Value Fund | 56.94% | 55.73% | 0.00% | 100.00% |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | 15.10% | 15.01% | 0.19% | 100.00% |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | 30.23% | 29.45% | 0.21% | 100.00% |
World Equity Income Fund | 100.00% | 80.18% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
Fund | | From long-term capital gain: | | | From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
Alpha Opportunity Fund | | $ | 2,150,783 | | | $ | — | |
Large Cap Value Fund | | | 3,071,973 | | | | 684,532 | |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund | | | 186,509 | | | | 9,104 | |
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | | | 1,379,189 | | | | — | |
Small Cap Value Fund | | | 806,822 | | | | 323,796 | |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund | | | 29,626,914 | | | | 1,295,526 | |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund | | | 9,677,260 | | | | 639,656 | |
World Equity Income Fund | | | — | | | | — | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report.2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI-Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub--Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.3 As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
138 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one- year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
144 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Inc. (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairmanof the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2013-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council; Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present).
Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present) ; Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).
Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960)
| Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).
Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978)
| Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969)
| Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
Michael P. Megaris (1984)
| Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
Elisabeth Miller (1968)
| Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).
Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978)
| AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (February 2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).
Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Adam J. Nelson (1979)
| Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present).
Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974)
| Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).
Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
Bryan Stone (1979)
| Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).
Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955)
| Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).
Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).
Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. ("HGINA"), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 149 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providingthe services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 151 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded) |
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com –by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
|
Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund | | |
Guggenheim High Yield Fund | | |
Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund | | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund | | |
Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | SBINC-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 4 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 6 |
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND | 9 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | 20 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | 42 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | 65 |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | 93 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 105 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 126 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 128 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 138 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 143 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (the “Investment Advisers”) are pleased to present the shareholder report for a selection of our Funds (the “Funds”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Advisers are part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Advisers.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for each Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Security Investors, LLC,
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
Diversified Income Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the fund to greater volatility. ● Derivatives may pose risks in addition to and greater than those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments, including risks relating to leverage, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the fund’s other portfolio holdings, high price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty credit, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. ● Stock prices, especially stock prices of smaller companies, can be volatile as they reflect changes in the issuing company’s financial conditions and changes in the overall market ● Some asset-backed securities, including mortgage-backed securities, may have structures that make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices very volatile and they are subject to liquidity risk.● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the fund to those risk and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● Master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) are subject to certain risks inherent in the structure of MLPs, including tax risks, limited control and voting rights and potential conflicts of interest. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments and investment strategies, including investments in MLPs and certain investment vehicles, may be subject to special and complex federal income tax provisions that may adversely affect the fund and its distributions to shareholders. ● Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund portfolio. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
High Yield Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ●The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund may invest in foreign securities which carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
Investment Grade Bond Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
Limited Duration Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to the many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
Municipal Income Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund will be significantly affected by events that affect the municipal bond market, which could include unfavorable legislative or political developments and adverse changes in the financial conditions of state and municipal issuers or the federal government in case it provides financial support to the municipality. Income from municipal bonds held by the Fund could be declared taxable because of changes in tax laws. The Fund may invest in securities that generate taxable income. A portion of the Fund’s otherwise tax-exempt dividends may be taxable to those shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax. ● Certain sectors of the municipal bond market have special risks that can affect them more significantly than the market as a whole. Because many municipal instruments are issued to finance similar projects, conditions in these industries can significantly affect the Fund and the overall municipal market. ● Municipalities currently experience budget shortfalls, which could cause them to default on their debt and thus subject the Fund to unforeseen losses. ● Like other funds that hold bonds and other fixed-income investments, the Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions, among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high-yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ●Instruments and strategies (such as reverse repurchase agreements, unfunded commitments, tender option bonds, and borrowings) may expose the Fund to many of the same risks as investments in derivatives and may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the U.S. Treasury curve continued its bear-flattening trend (when short-term rates increase at a faster rate than long-term rates), as the yield on the two-year U.S. Treasury rose 134 basis points, from 1.48% to 2.82% and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rising just 73 basis points, from 2.33% to 3.06%. The difference between the two-year U.S. Treasury and 10-year U.S. Treasury narrowed from 85 basis points to 24 basis points. In September, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 17.91%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index measures the performance of publicly issued investment grade corporate, U.S. Treasury and government agency securities with remaining maturities of one to three years.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a broad market performance benchmark for the tax-exempt bond market. The bonds included in this index must have a minimum credit rating of at least Baa.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index tracks the performance of globally issued, U.S. dollar-denominated high-yield bonds.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance of developed markets.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) | |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Funds’ costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Funds’ expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) | |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 | | | | | |
Diversified Income Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.87% | 1.90% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,019.00 | $ 4.45 |
C-Class | 1.61% | 1.53% | 1,000.00 | 1,015.30 | 8.22 |
P-Class | 0.87% | 1.91% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.10 | 4.45 |
Institutional Class | 0.62% | 2.02% | 1,000.00 | 1,020.20 | 3.17 |
High Yield Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.41% | 2.28% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.80 | 7.23 |
C-Class | 2.17% | 1.90% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.00 | 11.10 |
P-Class | 1.47% | 2.25% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.50 | 7.53 |
Institutional Class | 1.24% | 2.38% | 1,000.00 | 1,023.80 | 6.36 |
R6-Class | 1.07% | 2.45% | 1,000.00 | 1,024.50 | 5.49 |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.79% | 0.51% | 1,000.00 | 1,005.10 | 4.01 |
C-Class | 1.54% | 0.14% | 1,000.00 | 1,001.40 | 7.81 |
P-Class | 0.79% | 0.46% | 1,000.00 | 1,004.60 | 4.01 |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 0.61% | 1,000.00 | 1,006.10 | 2.54 |
Limited Duration Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.75% | 0.97% | 1,000.00 | 1,009.70 | 3.82 |
C-Class | 1.50% | 0.55% | 1,000.00 | 1,005.50 | 7.62 |
P-Class | 0.75% | 0.97% | 1,000.00 | 1,009.70 | 3.82 |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 1.06% | 1,000.00 | 1,010.60 | 2.55 |
Municipal Income Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.79% | 0.48% | 1,000.00 | 1,004.80 | 4.01 |
C-Class | 1.54% | 0.11% | 1,000.00 | 1,001.10 | 7.81 |
P-Class | 0.81% | 0.48% | 1,000.00 | 1,004.80 | 4.12 |
Institutional Class | 0.54% | 0.61% | 1,000.00 | 1,006.10 | 2.75 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period4 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) | | | | |
Diversified Income Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.87% | 5.00% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,020.71 | $ 4.41 |
C-Class | 1.61% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.00 | 8.14 |
P-Class | 0.87% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,020.71 | 4.41 |
Institutional Class | 0.62% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.96 | 3.14 |
High Yield Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 1.41% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.00 | 7.13 |
C-Class | 2.17% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,014.19 | 10.96 |
P-Class | 1.47% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.70 | 7.44 |
Institutional Class | 1.24% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.85 | 6.28 |
R6-Class | 1.07% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.70 | 5.42 |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.79% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.11 | 4.00 |
C-Class | 1.54% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.35 | 7.79 |
P-Class | 0.79% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.11 | 4.00 |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.56 | 2.54 |
Limited Duration Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.75% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.31 | 3.80 |
C-Class | 1.50% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.55 | 7.59 |
P-Class | 0.75% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.31 | 3.80 |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.56 | 2.54 |
Municipal Income Fund | | | | | |
A-Class | 0.79% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.11 | 4.00 |
C-Class | 1.54% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.35 | 7.79 |
P-Class | 0.81% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.01 | 4.10 |
Institutional Class | 0.54% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.36 | 2.74 |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director and Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities; Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Patrick Mitchell, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund returned 0.78%1, compared with the -1.22% return of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. A 70/30 blend of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and MSCI World Index, the Fund’s secondary benchmark, returned 2.48%.
The Fund seeks to achieve high current income with consideration for capital appreciation. The portfolio’s twelve month trailing distribution yield was 3.33%.
The Fund’s allocation remained stable through the period, with about 70% in fixed income and 30% in equity. The largest holdings were in Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund, and Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund.
For the period, good returns from the Fund’s core fixed income holdings contributed most to the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s exposure to high yield bonds and bank loans also contributed to performance, as did the Fund’s exposure to world equity. The Fund’s global infrastructure exposure was the main detractor from return.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to achieve high current income with consideration for capital appreciation.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_10.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | January 29, 2016 |
C-Class | January 29, 2016 |
P-Class | January 29, 2016 |
Institutional Class | January 29, 2016 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class | 20.9% |
Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund - Institutional Class | 20.7% |
Guggenheim High Yield Fund - Institutional Class | 17.4% |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class | 10.4% |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund - Institutional Class | 7.6% |
Invesco S&P High Income Infrastructure ETF | 7.3% |
Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund - Institutional Class | 5.1% |
BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. | 0.3% |
Royce Value Trust, Inc. | 0.3% |
Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II | 0.3% |
Top Ten Total | 90.3% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_11.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | Since Inception (01/29/16) |
A-Class Shares | 0.78% | 7.07% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | (3.25%) | 5.45% |
C-Class Shares | 0.08% | 6.28% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | (0.89%) | 6.28% |
P-Class Shares | 0.82% | 7.07% |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.06% | 7.34% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | (1.22%) | 1.17% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
† | Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.00%. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND† - 7.3% |
Invesco S&P High Income Infrastructure ETF | | | 17,293 | | | $ | 449,618 | |
Total Exchange-Traded Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $394,567) | | | | | | | 449,618 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 82.1% |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 52,099 | | | | 1,286,329 | |
Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 69,864 | | | | 1,278,508 | |
Guggenheim High Yield Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 97,268 | | | | 1,072,867 | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 24,644 | | | | 639,499 | |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 16,055 | | | | 469,932 | |
Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 20,125 | | | | 316,169 | |
Total Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $4,893,836) | | | | | | | 5,063,304 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CLOSED-END FUNDS† - 9.4% |
BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. | | | 1,076 | | | | 18,507 | |
Royce Value Trust, Inc. | | | 1,100 | | | | 17,985 | |
Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II | | | 946 | | | | 16,706 | |
AllianzGI Diversified Income & Convertible Fund | | | 650 | | | | 16,146 | |
Aberdeen Income Credit Strategies Fund | | | 1,134 | | | | 16,137 | |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund | | | 1,250 | | | | 16,050 | |
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund | | | 850 | | | | 15,206 | |
Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, Inc. | | | 1,346 | | | | 14,739 | |
John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund | | | 900 | | | | 14,607 | |
PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund | | | 600 | | | | 14,472 | |
AllianzGI NFJ Dividend Interest & Premium Strategy Fund | | | 1,100 | | | | 14,410 | |
Clough Global Equity Fund | | | 950 | | | | 14,069 | |
Nuveen Global High Income Fund | | | 900 | | | | 14,031 | |
Duff & Phelps Select Energy MLP Fund, Inc. | | | 2,300 | | | | 13,961 | |
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. | | | 600 | | | | 13,836 | |
Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc. | | | 2,108 | | | | 13,365 | |
Apollo Tactical Income Fund, Inc. | | | 850 | | | | 13,201 | |
Voya Global Advantage and Premium Opportunity Fund | | | 1,150 | | | | 13,156 | |
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund | | | 650 | | | | 13,130 | |
KKR Income Opportunities Fund | | | 800 | | | | 13,128 | |
New America High Income Fund, Inc. | | | 1,517 | | | | 13,016 | |
BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust | | | 766 | | | | 12,961 | |
Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund | | | 665 | | | | 12,887 | |
Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund | | | 1,120 | | | | 12,846 | |
John Hancock Investors Trust | | | 798 | | | | 12,840 | |
Blackstone / GSO Strategic Credit Fund | | | 800 | | | | 12,720 | |
Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund | | | 890 | | | | 12,691 | |
BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust | | | 850 | | | | 12,657 | |
Pioneer High Income Trust | | | 1,350 | | | | 12,501 | |
Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc. | | | 800 | | | | 12,424 | |
Nuveen Senior Income Fund | | | 2,000 | | | | 12,320 | |
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. | | | 1,050 | | | | 12,233 | |
Western Asset Premier Bond Fund | | | 951 | | | | 12,192 | |
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. | | | 1,000 | | | | 12,170 | |
Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc. | | | 750 | | | | 12,150 | |
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp. | | | 450 | | | | 12,118 | |
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc. | | | 1,150 | | | | 12,087 | |
BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust | | | 978 | | | | 11,971 | |
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund | | | 700 | | | | 11,928 | |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund | | | 700 | | | | 11,655 | |
Aberdeen Global Dynamic Dividend Fund | | | 1,100 | | | | 11,385 | |
Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend & Income Fund | | | 1,000 | | | | 11,200 | |
BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. | | | 900 | | | | 9,792 | |
Total Closed-End Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $547,658) | | | | | | | 577,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 1.1% |
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund — Institutional Shares 1.91%2 | | | 70,289 | | | | 70,289 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $70,289) | | | | | | | 70,289 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.9% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $5,906,350) | | | | | | $ | 6,160,797 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.1% | | | | | | | 6,549 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 6,167,346 | |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Affiliated issuer. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Exchange-Traded Fund | | $ | 449,618 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 449,618 | |
Mutual Funds | | | 5,063,304 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,063,304 | |
Closed-End Funds | | | 577,586 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 577,586 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 70,289 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 70,289 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 6,160,797 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,160,797 | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class | | $ | — | | | $ | 637,044 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,455 | | | $ | 639,499 | | | | 24,644 | | | $ | 4,860 | | | $ | — | |
Guggenheim High Yield Fund - Institutional Class | | | 2,038,895 | | | | 146,850 | | | | (1,034,997 | ) | | | (6,581 | ) | | | (71,300 | ) | | | 1,072,867 | | | | 97,268 | | | | 101,761 | | | | — | |
Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund - Institutional Class | | | 407,346 | | | | 883,460 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (12,298 | ) | | | 1,278,508 | | | | 69,864 | | | | 24,461 | | | | — | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class | | | 1,605,844 | | | | 116,278 | | | | (424,989 | ) | | | (1,310 | ) | | | (9,494 | ) | | | 1,286,329 | | | | 52,099 | | | | 41,240 | | | | — | |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund - Institutional Class | | | 283,359 | | | | 191,949 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,376 | ) | | | 469,932 | | | | 16,055 | | | | 7,115 | | | | 9,841 | |
Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund - Institutional Class | | | 367,974 | | | | 226,997 | | | | (299,996 | ) | | | 11,692 | | | | 9,502 | | | | 316,169 | | | | 20,125 | | | | 6,997 | | | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim S&P High Income Infrastructure ETF1 | | | 612,720 | | | | — | | | | (243,850 | ) | | | 41,578 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,922 | | | | 6,282 | |
| | $ | 5,316,138 | | | $ | 2,202,578 | | | $ | (2,003,832 | ) | | $ | 45,379 | | | $ | (86,511 | ) | | $ | 5,063,304 | | | | | | | $ | 200,356 | | | $ | 16,123 | |
1 | Security is no longer an affiliated entity as a result of Invesco’s acquisition of Guggenheim Investments’ ETF business in spring of 2018. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | |
September 30, 2018 | |
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,012,514) | | $ | 1,097,493 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,893,836) | | | 5,063,304 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 22,932 | |
Receivables: |
Investment Adviser | | | 18,459 | |
Dividends | | | 17,498 | |
Interest | | | 63 | |
Total assets | | | 6,219,749 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Overdraft due to custodian bank | | | 4,270 | |
Payable for: |
Professional fees | | | 25,959 | |
Securities purchased | | | 12,217 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 4,379 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 1,447 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 157 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 3 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,971 | |
Total liabilities | | | 52,403 | |
Net assets | | $ | 6,167,346 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 5,829,833 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 337,513 | |
Net assets | | $ | 6,167,346 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 140,864 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 5,275 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.70 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%) | | $ | 27.81 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 144,636 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 5,419 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.69 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 125,112 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 4,685 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.70 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 5,756,734 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 215,472 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.72 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 44,728 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 200,356 | |
Interest | | | 887 | |
Total investment income | | | 245,971 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 45,736 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 344 | |
C-Class | | | 1,404 | |
P-Class | | | 318 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 776 | |
C-Class | | | 900 | |
P-Class | | | 716 | |
Institutional Class | | | 22,966 | |
Registration fees | | | 82,116 | |
Professional fees | | | 45,331 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 24,999 | |
Legal fees | | | 22,376 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 15,673 | |
Custodian fees | | | 730 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 100 | |
Tax expense | | | 75 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 7,755 | |
Total expenses | | | 272,315 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (3,845 | ) |
C-Class | | | (4,018 | ) |
P-Class | | | (3,533 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (149,253 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (73,327 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (233,976 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 38,339 | |
Net investment income | | | 207,632 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | 11,873 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 45,379 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 16,123 | |
Net realized gain | | | 73,375 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (132,062 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (86,511 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (218,573 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (145,198 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 62,434 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 207,632 | | | $ | 216,782 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 73,375 | | | | 77,873 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (218,573 | ) | | | 111,045 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 62,434 | | | | 405,700 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (5,537 | ) | | | (6,948 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (4,610 | ) | | | (5,408 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (5,100 | ) | | | (5,810 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (242,306 | ) | | | (283,266 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (257,553 | ) | | | (301,432 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 2,202 | | | | 17,750 | |
C-Class | | | 25,491 | | | | 11,405 | |
P-Class | | | 8,835 | | | | 11,813 | |
Institutional Class | | | 77,521 | | | | — | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 5,537 | | | | 6,948 | |
C-Class | | | 4,610 | | | | 5,408 | |
P-Class | | | 5,100 | | | | 5,810 | |
Institutional Class | | | 242,306 | | | | 283,266 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | — | | | | (21,762 | ) |
C-Class | | | (17,551 | ) | | | (338 | ) |
P-Class | | | (7,853 | ) | | | (7,955 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | — | |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 346,198 | | | | 312,345 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 151,079 | | | | 416,613 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 6,016,267 | | | | 5,599,654 | |
End of year | | $ | 6,167,346 | | | $ | 6,016,267 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 82 | | | | 655 | |
C-Class | | | 951 | | | | 421 | |
P-Class | | | 324 | | | | 430 | |
Institutional Class | | | 2,813 | | | | — | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 205 | | | | 258 | |
C-Class | | | 171 | | | | 201 | |
P-Class | | | 189 | | | | 215 | |
Institutional Class | | | 8,970 | | | | 10,492 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | — | | | | (794 | ) |
C-Class | | | (659 | ) | | | (13 | ) |
P-Class | | | (293 | ) | | | (288 | ) |
Net increase in shares | | | 12,753 | | | | 11,577 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (See Note 12): |
Net investment income | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (4,691 | ) |
C-Class | | | (3,496 | ) |
P-Class | | | (4,011 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (198,735 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (2,257 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,912 | ) |
P-Class | | | (1,799 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (84,531 | ) |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.58 | | | $ | 27.12 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .91 | | | | .96 | | | | .76 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.70 | ) | | | .89 | | | | 2.03 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .21 | | | | 1.85 | | | | 2.79 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.90 | ) | | | (.95 | ) | | | (.67 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.44 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.39 | ) | | | (.67 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.70 | | | $ | 27.58 | | | $ | 27.12 | |
|
Total Returnc | | | 0.78 | % | | | 7.00 | % | | | 11.29 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 141 | | | $ | 138 | | | $ | 132 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.37 | % | | | 3.53 | % | | | 4.35 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 4.83 | % | | | 4.16 | % | | | 3.31 | % |
Net expensese,f,g | | | 0.84 | % | | | 0.85 | % | | | 0.77 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 83 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.56 | | | $ | 27.11 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .71 | | | | .76 | | | | .63 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.69 | ) | | | .87 | | | | 2.03 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .02 | | | | 1.63 | | | | 2.66 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.70 | ) | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.55 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.44 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.89 | ) | | | (1.18 | ) | | | (.55 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.69 | | | $ | 27.56 | | | $ | 27.11 | |
|
Total Returnc | | | 0.08 | % | | | 6.17 | % | | | 10.74 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 145 | | | $ | 137 | | | $ | 118 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.63 | % | | | 2.78 | % | | | 3.58 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 5.65 | % | | | 5.13 | % | | | 4.05 | % |
Net expensese,f,g | | | 1.59 | % | | | 1.60 | % | | | 1.52 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 83 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.58 | | | $ | 27.11 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .91 | | | | .95 | | | | .74 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.70 | ) | | | .89 | | | | 2.05 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .21 | | | | 1.84 | | | | 2.79 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.90 | ) | | | (.93 | ) | | | (.68 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.44 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.37 | ) | | | (.68 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.70 | | | $ | 27.58 | | | $ | 27.11 | |
|
Total Return | | | 0.82 | % | | | 7.00 | % | | | 11.27 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 125 | | | $ | 123 | | | $ | 111 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.37 | % | | | 3.51 | % | | | 4.32 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 4.82 | % | | | 4.23 | % | | | 3.21 | % |
Net expensese,f,g | | | 0.84 | % | | | 0.85 | % | | | 0.80 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 83 | % |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.59 | | | $ | 27.11 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .98 | | | | 1.03 | | | | .79 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.70 | ) | | | .89 | | | | 2.04 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .28 | | | | 1.92 | | | | 2.83 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.96 | ) | | | (1.00 | ) | | | (.72 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.44 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (1.15 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (.72 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.72 | | | $ | 27.59 | | | $ | 27.11 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.06 | % | | | 7.30 | % | | | 11.44 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 5,757 | | | $ | 5,619 | | | $ | 5,239 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.62 | % | | | 3.78 | % | | | 4.57 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 4.42 | % | | | 3.83 | % | | | 2.93 | % |
Net expensese,f,g | | | 0.60 | % | | | 0.59 | % | | | 0.54 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 83 | % |
a | Since commencement of operations: January 29, 2016. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
b | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
c | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized. |
d | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
e | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers. |
f | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and affiliated fund waivers. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 |
A-Class | 0.84% | 0.82% | 0.76% |
C-Class | 1.58% | 1.57% | 1.52% |
P-Class | 0.84% | 0.82% | 0.79% |
Institutional Class | 0.59% | 0.57% | 0.54% |
g | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | — | 0.19% |
C-Class | — | 0.19% |
P-Class | — | 0.16% |
Institutional Class | — | 0.16% |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim High Yield Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including B. Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global Chief Investment Officer; Kevin H. Gundersen, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Thomas J. Hauser, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Richard de Wet, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim High Yield Bond Fund returned 2.00%1, compared to 3.05% return of its benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index. High-yield corporate bonds outperformed other fixed income asset classes like emerging market and investment grade corporate bonds over the period.
Fundamental factors underlying the corporate sector continue to be supportive of high-yield bonds. Average leverage and interest coverage ratios remain strong on the back of continued earnings growth. In addition, the trailing 12-month default rate2 continues to fall and reached 1.08% at the end of September. Overall, elevated consumer confidence and the corporate tax cuts are serving as tailwinds to the market. Despite a positive fundamental backdrop, the high-yield market has experienced bouts of volatility on the back of concerns over trade, creating some uncertainty over future economic growth. We believe credit selection will become increasingly important through the end of the year and expect the Fund to perform well in this type of environment.
The Fund’s allocation to B-rated credits is one of its largest and the Fund has incrementally added to exposure. We continue to view B-rated credits favorably in the current environment relative to other credit tranches because they have a better balance of credit and duration risks. The Fund is consistently positioned conservatively in terms of duration, with higher exposure to short-dated bonds and overweight to floating rate securities (bank loans), which decreases volatility as well as diversifies sources of return.
The Fund invests in non-US dollar denominated assets when the risk-return profile is favorable. Non-US dollar denominated assets comprise less than 4% of the Fund. The Fund entered into currency forward contracts to hedge exchange rate risk. Over the course of the year, the US dollar appreciated versus foreign currencies which resulted in a positive impact on the forward contracts and added to performance. This was offset by depreciation of the foreign currency assets in US dollar terms.
Fund relative underperformance over the period was due in part to defensive positioning as evidenced by being underweight CCC-rated and overweight B-rated bonds and loans. Notably CCC-rated bonds returned 7.08% over the period, compared to BB-rated bonds which returned 0.90% and B-rated bonds which returned 3.54%. Overall, the market has not rewarded defensive positioning with a clear skew towards increasing risk. This is a strategy we do not see as prudent given the credit cycle and other potential risks. In addition, the fund’s investments in the communications sector contributed negatively to performance. The communications sector which is the largest sector in the Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Index was pressured due to soft operating results coupled with weak subscriber trends, particularly in the cable sector. This was partially offset by strong credit selection in the technology and capital goods sectors and the allocation to bank loans. We believe that bank loans are attractive as they are more senior in the capital structure and stand to benefit from rising interest rates.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
2 | Default rate of ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks high current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_21.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | % of Total Investments |
Fixed Income Instruments | |
AAA | 0.1% |
A | 0.1% |
BBB | 4.0% |
BB | 42.4% |
B | 38.9% |
CCC | 7.9% |
C | 0.1% |
NR2 | 3.5% |
Other Instruments | 3.0% |
Total Investments | 100.0% |
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | August 5, 1996 |
C-Class | May 1, 2000 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | July 11, 2008 |
R6-Class | May 15, 2017 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
MDC Partners, Inc., 6.50% | 2.0% |
Unit Corp., 6.63% | 1.9% |
Vector Group Ltd., 6.13% | 1.9% |
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands BV, 6.88% | 1.9% |
Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.13% | 1.7% |
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp., 8.00% | 1.7% |
EIG Investors Corp., 10.88% | 1.6% |
Cengage Learning, Inc., 9.50% | 1.6% |
Bausch Health Companies, Inc., 7.00% | 1.6% |
Grinding Media Inc. / MC Grinding Media Canada Inc., 7.38% | 1.6% |
Top Ten Total | 17.5% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_22.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 2.00% | 5.60% | 9.04% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | (2.09%) | 4.57% | 8.50% |
C-Class Shares | 1.27% | 4.83% | 8.24% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 0.31% | 4.83% | 8.24% |
Institutional Class Shares | 2.27% | 5.89% | 9.35% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index | 3.05% | 5.54% | 9.46% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 1.95% | 5.05% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index | | 3.05% | 5.19% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/15/17) |
R6-Class Shares | | 2.34% | 3.53% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index | | 3.05% | 4.16% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
† | Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 0.5% |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.2% |
TexGen Power LLC*,†† | | | 26,665 | | | $ | 1,016,603 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.2% |
SandRidge Energy, Inc.* | | | 51,278 | | | | 557,392 | |
Approach Resources, Inc.* | | | 26,183 | | | | 58,388 | |
Titan Energy LLC* | | | 17,186 | | | | 7,046 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 622,826 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.1% |
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.*,†† | | | 7,040 | | | | 611,600 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0% |
Targus Group International Equity, Inc*,†††,1,2 | | | 12,825 | | | | 33,198 | |
Crimson Wine Group Ltd.* | | | 8 | | | | 72 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 33,270 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.0% |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.*,†† | | | 2,107 | | | | 19,886 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.0% |
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. | | | 81 | | | | 1,779 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology – 0.0% |
Aspect Software, Inc.*,†††,1,2 | | | 138 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $4,773,578) | | | | | | | 2,305,964 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 0.6% |
Financial - 0.3% |
Morgan Stanley 6.38%3,4 | | | 46,000 | | | | 1,229,120 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.2% |
Seaspan Corp. 6.38% due 04/30/19 | | | 24,205 | | | | 615,049 | |
U.S. Shipping Corp. *,†††,1 | | | 14,718 | | | | — | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 615,049 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.1% |
Medianews Group, Inc.*,†††,1 | | | 11,074 | | | | 515,827 | |
Total Preferred Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,293,757) | | | | | | | 2,359,996 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WARRANTS†† - 0.0% |
SandRidge Energy, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
$41.34, 10/04/22 | | | 488 | | | | 132 | |
SandRidge Energy, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
$42.03, 10/04/22 | | | 205 | | | | 31 | |
Aspect Software, Inc. †††,1,2 | | | 58,710 | | | | — | |
Total Warrants | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $43,811) | | | | | | | 163 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS† - 2.3% |
SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF | | | 159,765 | | | | 5,759,528 | |
iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF | | | 30,750 | | | | 2,658,030 | |
SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Short Term High Yield Bond ETF | | | 44,814 | | | | 1,236,418 | |
Total Exchange-Traded Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $9,858,904) | | | | | | | 9,653,976 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS†† - 86.1% |
Communications - 18.5% |
Altice France S.A. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 05/01/265 | | | 5,850,000 | | | | 5,850,000 | |
8.13% due 02/01/275 | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,648,000 | |
6.25% due 05/15/245 | | | 1,050,000 | | | | 1,034,250 | |
5.88% due 02/01/27 | | EUR | 700,000 | | | | 847,120 | |
MDC Partners, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 05/01/245,6 | | | 9,755,000 | | | | 8,633,175 | |
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.13% due 05/01/275,6 | | | 4,550,000 | | | | 4,311,125 | |
5.00% due 02/01/285 | | | 4,050,000 | | | | 3,806,595 | |
EIG Investors Corp. | | | | | | | | |
10.88% due 02/01/24 | | | 6,350,000 | | | | 6,929,438 | |
Cengage Learning, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 06/15/245,6 | | | 7,800,000 | | | | 6,717,750 | |
DISH DBS Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 11/15/246 | | | 6,150,000 | | | | 5,511,938 | |
7.75% due 07/01/266 | | | 960,000 | | | | 905,568 | |
McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC / McGraw-Hill Global Education Finance | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 05/15/245 | | | 6,569,000 | | | | 5,887,466 | |
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% due 01/15/246 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,698,708 | |
5.25% due 03/15/26 | | | 950,000 | | | | 934,610 | |
5.38% due 08/15/22 | | | 900,000 | | | | 909,427 | |
5.63% due 02/01/23 | | | 874,000 | | | | 883,920 | |
Inmarsat Finance plc | | | | | | | | |
4.88% due 05/15/225 | | | 3,275,000 | | | | 3,258,625 | |
6.50% due 10/01/245 | | | 850,000 | | | | 862,750 | |
UPCB Finance VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
3.63% due 06/15/29 | | EUR | 2,600,000 | | | | 3,003,948 | |
Virgin Media Finance plc | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 04/15/27 | | GBP | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,594,052 | |
CSC Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 06/01/24 | | | 2,050,000 | | | | 2,003,875 | |
5.50% due 04/15/275 | | | 550,000 | | | | 533,500 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ziggo BV | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 01/15/275,6 | | | 2,625,000 | | | $ | 2,462,906 | |
Virgin Media Secured Finance plc | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 04/15/27 | | GBP | 1,600,000 | | | | 2,075,241 | |
5.25% due 01/15/265 | | | 250,000 | | | | 244,447 | |
Altice Financing S.A. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 02/15/235 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,712,750 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital | | | | | | | | |
4.20% due 03/15/286 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,243,716 | |
Sprint Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.00% due 11/15/185 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,006,200 | |
Univision Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.13% due 05/15/235 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 955,000 | |
Match Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.38% due 06/01/24 | | | 500,000 | | | | 526,250 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 78,992,350 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 16.3% |
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 04/01/205 | | | 4,350,000 | | | | 4,420,687 | |
6.88% due 04/15/225 | | | 3,865,000 | | | | 3,884,325 | |
7.25% due 08/15/245 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,425,000 | |
7.50% due 04/15/215 | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 1,840,500 | |
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 05/01/255 | | | 5,900,000 | | | | 5,848,080 | |
Icahn Enterprises, LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 02/01/226 | | | 4,225,000 | | | | 4,277,813 | |
Quicken Loans, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 01/15/285,6 | | | 4,350,000 | | | | 4,040,063 | |
Hunt Companies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 02/15/265 | | | 4,025,000 | | | | 3,753,312 | |
Lincoln Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 04/15/215 | | | 3,560,000 | | | | 3,675,985 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.25% 3,4 | | | 1,900,000 | | | | 1,983,125 | |
5.95% 3,4 | | | 850,000 | | | | 857,437 | |
6.30% 3,4 | | | 700,000 | | | | 714,875 | |
LoanCore Capital Markets LLC / JLC Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 06/01/205 | | | 3,050,000 | | | | 3,087,744 | |
GEO Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 10/15/24 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,915,000 | |
6.00% due 04/15/26 | | | 900,000 | | | | 861,750 | |
Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 12/01/255,6 | | | 2,550,000 | | | | 2,486,250 | |
AmWINS Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.75% due 07/01/265 | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 2,288,000 | |
CoreCivic, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% due 10/15/27 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,212,500 | |
NFP Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 07/15/255 | | | 2,075,000 | | | | 2,075,000 | |
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/15/27 | | | 2,050,000 | | | | 1,986,759 | |
Kennedy-Wilson, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 04/01/246 | | | 1,957,000 | | | | 1,927,645 | |
Oxford Finance LLC / Oxford Finance Company-Issuer II, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.38% due 12/15/225 | | | 1,850,000 | | | | 1,887,000 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% 3,4 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,296,875 | |
6.00% 3,4 | | | 500,000 | | | | 519,375 | |
HUB International Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.00% due 05/01/265 | | | 1,750,000 | | | | 1,752,292 | |
Springleaf Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.13% due 03/15/26 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,243,750 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.30% 3,4,6 | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,100,550 | |
USIS Merger Sub, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 05/01/255 | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,097,250 | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.00% due 03/27/484 | | | 950,000 | | | | 964,250 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.10% 3,4 | | | 700,000 | | | | 733,250 | |
Wilton Re Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 03/30/334,5 | | | 650,000 | | | | 665,796 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | | | | | | |
4.95% due 02/15/276 | | | 500,000 | | | | 489,959 | |
EPR Properties | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 08/15/226 | | | 450,000 | | | | 469,882 | |
CIT Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 03/09/28 | | | 400,000 | | | | 418,000 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.90% 3,4 | | | 250,000 | | | | 253,750 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 69,453,829 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 12.2% |
Unit Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 05/15/21 | | | 8,300,000 | | | | 8,300,000 | |
American Midstream Partners Limited Partnership / American Midstream Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 12/15/215 | | | 6,240,000 | | | | 6,240,000 | |
Indigo Natural Resources LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 02/15/265 | | | 5,775,000 | | | | 5,587,312 | |
Exterran Energy Solutions Limited Partnership / EES Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.13% due 05/01/25 | | | 4,417,000 | | | | 4,615,765 | |
Moss Creek Resources Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.50% due 01/15/265 | | | 4,400,000 | | | | 4,394,500 | |
PDC Energy, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 05/15/26 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,087,500 | |
Parkland Fuel Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 04/01/265 | | | 2,400,000 | | | | 2,406,000 | |
Covey Park Energy LLC / Covey Park Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.50% due 05/15/255,6 | | | 2,199,000 | | | | 2,229,236 | |
CNX Resources Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 04/15/22 | | | 2,150,000 | | | | 2,150,645 | |
Pattern Energy Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 02/01/245 | | | 1,375,000 | | | | 1,388,750 | |
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC / Summit Midstream Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 04/15/25 | | | 1,350,000 | | | $ | 1,299,375 | |
SRC Energy, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 12/01/25 | | | 1,375,000 | | | | 1,292,500 | |
Basic Energy Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
10.75% due 10/15/235 | | | 1,225,000 | | | | 1,249,500 | |
Range Resources Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 03/15/23 | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,078,000 | |
Callon Petroleum Co. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 10/01/24 | | | 1,050,000 | | | | 1,068,375 | |
Trinidad Drilling Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 02/15/255 | | | 1,075,000 | | | | 1,064,250 | |
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 03/31/256 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,051,250 | |
Murphy Oil USA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 05/01/27 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 992,500 | |
Jagged Peak Energy LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 05/01/265 | | | 950,000 | | | | 945,250 | |
Legacy Reserves Limited Partnership / Legacy Reserves Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 09/20/23 | | | 1,017,000 | | | | 903,910 | |
NuStar Logistics, LP | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 04/28/27 | | | 550,000 | | | | 543,813 | |
SandRidge Energy, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.50% due 03/15/21†††,1 | | | 250,000 | | | | — | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 51,888,431 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 11.6% |
Bausch Health Companies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.00% due 03/15/245,6 | | | 6,275,000 | | | | 6,629,538 | |
5.50% due 11/01/255 | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,100,000 | |
6.50% due 03/15/225 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,040,000 | |
Vector Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 02/01/255,6 | | | 8,935,000 | | | | 8,264,875 | |
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 05/15/22 | | | 6,902,000 | | | | 7,091,805 | |
Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC / Midas Intermediate Holdco II Finance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 10/01/225,6 | | | 5,177,000 | | | | 4,581,645 | |
FAGE International S.A./ FAGE USA Dairy Industry, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 08/15/265 | | | 4,265,000 | | | | 3,923,800 | |
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 11/01/255 | | | 3,050,000 | | | | 3,046,188 | |
Post Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 01/15/285 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,213,750 | |
Endo Dac / Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 10/15/245 | | | 1,918,000 | | | | 1,937,180 | |
Beverages & More, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
11.50% due 06/15/225 | | | 2,400,000 | | | | 1,920,000 | |
KeHE Distributors LLC / KeHE Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.63% due 08/15/217 | | | 1,470,000 | | | | 1,414,875 | |
Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% due 01/15/235 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,188,000 | |
7.25% due 01/15/225 | | | 100,000 | | | | 97,500 | |
Graham Holdings Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 06/01/265 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,228,500 | |
Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
10.00% due 02/15/235 | | | 1,375,000 | | | | 1,196,250 | |
Avantor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 10/01/245 | | | 900,000 | | | | 913,500 | |
American Tire Distributors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
10.25% due 03/01/225,8 | | | 2,375,000 | | | | 629,375 | |
Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 03/01/24 | | | 600,000 | | | | 620,250 | |
DaVita, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 05/01/25 | | | 450,000 | | | | 429,187 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 49,466,218 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 10.8% |
Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment Inc. / Seminole Hard Rock International LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 05/15/215 | | | 4,293,000 | | | | 4,309,099 | |
Suburban Propane Partners Limited Partnership/Suburban Energy Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 03/01/27 | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 1,710,000 | |
5.75% due 03/01/25 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,309,500 | |
5.50% due 06/01/24 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,179,000 | |
Ferrellgas, LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 01/15/226 | | | 4,493,000 | | | | 3,920,143 | |
Williams Scotsman International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 08/15/235 | | | 1,950,000 | | | | 1,935,375 | |
7.88% due 12/15/225 | | | 1,650,000 | | | | 1,699,500 | |
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 05/15/276 | | | 3,150,000 | | | | 3,016,125 | |
5.88% due 11/15/266 | | | 500,000 | | | | 478,750 | |
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 05/01/22 | | | 3,050,000 | | | | 3,180,540 | |
Wynn Las Vegas LLC / Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 03/01/255 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,898,750 | |
VOC Escrow Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/15/285 | | | 2,325,000 | | | | 2,234,418 | |
Delphi Technologies plc | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/255,6 | | | 2,080,000 | | | | 1,957,800 | |
Titan International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 11/30/23 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,933,750 | |
JB Poindexter & Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.13% due 04/15/265 | | | 1,675,000 | | | | 1,737,812 | |
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.13% due 05/01/265 | | | 1,650,000 | | | | 1,641,750 | |
Ferrellgas Limited Partnership / Ferrellgas Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 06/15/236 | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 1,503,000 | |
Party City Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 08/01/265 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,316,250 | |
MGM Resorts International | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 06/15/25 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,254,687 | |
Sabre GLBL, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% due 04/15/235 | | | 1,150,000 | | | | 1,157,107 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Delta Merger Sub, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 09/15/265 | | | 1,100,000 | | | $ | 1,113,750 | |
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% due 04/15/265 | | | 975,000 | | | | 966,469 | |
Lennar Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/15/27 | | | 980,000 | | | | 955,500 | |
Wabash National Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 10/01/255 | | | 825,000 | | | | 787,875 | |
Allison Transmission, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% due 10/01/275 | | | 600,000 | | | | 566,250 | |
TVL Finance plc | | | | | | | | |
8.50% due 05/15/23 | | GBP | 320,000 | | | | 443,854 | |
QVC, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.85% due 04/01/24 | | | 400,000 | | | | 395,872 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 45,602,926 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 6.2% |
Grinding Media Inc. / MC Grinding Media Canada Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 12/15/235 | | | 6,350,000 | | | | 6,608,699 | |
Reynolds Group Issuer Incorporated / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Luxembourg | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 10/15/206 | | | 4,457,895 | | | | 4,469,040 | |
Standard Industries, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% due 01/15/285 | | | 3,995,000 | | | | 3,690,181 | |
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 03/01/235 | | | 2,775,000 | | | | 2,837,437 | |
Masonite International Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 09/15/265 | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,604,000 | |
Summit Materials LLC / Summit Materials Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.50% due 04/15/22 | | | 1,305,000 | | | | 1,386,563 | |
Jeld-Wen, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.88% due 12/15/275 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,366,875 | |
Ardagh Packaging Finance plc | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 05/15/24 | | EUR | 850,000 | | | | 1,068,619 | |
Itron, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/15/265 | | | 925,000 | | | | 888,000 | |
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 11/30/255 | | | 750,000 | | | | 772,725 | |
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 03/15/265 | | | 575,000 | | | | 579,313 | |
Amsted Industries, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 03/15/225 | | | 500,000 | | | | 501,250 | |
Ardagh Packaging Finance plc / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.25% due 05/15/245 | | | 375,000 | | | | 392,344 | |
Wrangler Buyer Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 10/01/255 | | | 345,000 | | | | 331,200 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 26,496,246 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 4.6% |
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands BV | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 05/15/237 | | | 8,315,000 | | | | 8,252,637 | |
Terraform Global Operating LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 03/01/265 | | | 4,200,000 | | | | 4,032,000 | |
AmeriGas Partners Limited Partnership / AmeriGas Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 05/20/25 | | | 2,850,000 | | | | 2,800,125 | |
Clearway Energy Operating LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 10/15/255 | | | 1,950,000 | | | | 1,967,160 | |
Superior Plus Limited Partnership / Superior General Partner, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.00% due 07/15/265 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,363,500 | |
AmeriGas Partners, LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 05/20/27 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,225,000 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 19,640,422 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 3.4% |
Eldorado Gold Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 12/15/205 | | | 7,560,000 | | | | 7,182,000 | |
Big River Steel LLC / BRS Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.25% due 09/01/255 | | | 2,050,000 | | | | 2,165,312 | |
Yamana Gold, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.95% due 07/15/24 | | | 1,625,000 | | | | 1,601,925 | |
4.63% due 12/15/27 | | | 300,000 | | | | 282,280 | |
Clearwater Paper Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 02/01/23 | | | 1,310,000 | | | | 1,218,300 | |
5.38% due 02/01/255 | | | 215,000 | | | | 199,413 | |
Alcoa Nederland Holding BV | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 05/15/285 | | | 900,000 | | | | 924,750 | |
Valvoline, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 07/15/24 | | | 700,000 | | | | 701,750 | |
Mirabela Nickel Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 06/24/198 | | | 278,115 | | | | 94,559 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 14,370,289 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 2.5% |
Infor US, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 08/15/205 | | | 1,550,000 | | | | 1,571,312 | |
6.50% due 05/15/22 | | | 600,000 | | | | 608,130 | |
TIBCO Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
11.38% due 12/01/215 | | | 2,025,000 | | | | 2,161,688 | |
ACI Worldwide, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 08/15/265 | | | 1,900,000 | | | | 1,930,875 | |
Qorvo, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 07/15/265 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,221,000 | |
CDK Global, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 06/15/26 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,030,380 | |
First Data Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/15/245 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,006,250 | |
Ascend Learning LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 08/01/255 | | | 650,000 | | | | 656,500 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.20% due 11/03/356 | | | 450,000 | | | | 469,424 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 10,655,559 | |
Total Corporate Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $376,947,111) | | | | | | | 366,566,270 | |
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS†† - 23.9% |
Technology - 5.2% |
MRI Software LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/30/239 | | | 2,514,643 | | | $ | 2,489,496 | |
7.65% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%) due 06/30/239 | | | 117,170 | | | | 115,998 | |
7.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%) due 06/30/23†††,1,9 | | | 24,556 | | | | 22,707 | |
Camelia Bidco Banc Civica | | | | | | | | |
5.55% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/14/249 | | GBP | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,613,127 | |
Lytx, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/31/23†††,1,9 | | | 2,296,339 | | | | 2,249,752 | |
Park Place Technologies LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%) due 03/29/259 | | | 2,094,750 | | | | 2,092,132 | |
Bullhorn, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.07% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/22†††,1,9 | | | 1,888,299 | | | | 1,878,564 | |
9.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/22†††,1,9 | | | 48,748 | | | | 43,695 | |
IRIS Software Group | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/03/259 | | GBP | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,446,180 | |
Planview, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/27/23†††,1,9 | | | 1,182,000 | | | | 1,182,000 | |
Cvent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/29/249 | | | 1,094,500 | | | | 1,093,132 | |
Advanced Computer Software | | | | | | | | |
6.88% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/249 | | | 1,073,769 | | | | 1,079,138 | |
Greenway Health LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/16/249 | | | 895,466 | | | | 893,227 | |
AVSC Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.57% ((3 Month USD LIBOR+ 3.25%) and (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/03/259 | | | 897,744 | | | | 891,011 | |
Optiv, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/01/249 | | | 819,266 | | | | 795,966 | |
Epicor Software | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/229 | | | 748,183 | | | | 751,146 | |
Refinitiv (Financial & Risk Us Holdings, Inc.) | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/18/259,10 | | | 750,000 | | | | 748,020 | |
24-7 Intouch, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/20/259 | | | 650,000 | | | | 633,750 | |
OEConnection LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.25% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%) and (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 3.00%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/22/249 | | | 590,004 | | | | 591,479 | |
Aspect Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/202,9 | | | 652,086 | | | | 543,677 | |
Solera LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%) due 03/03/21†††,1,9 | | | 83,333 | | | | 77,639 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 22,231,836 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 5.0% |
Resource Label Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/26/239 | | | 1,869,485 | | | | 1,832,095 | |
10.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 8.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/26/239 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,488,750 | |
Springs Window Fashions | | | | | | | | |
6.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/259 | | | 1,745,625 | | | | 1,758,717 | |
10.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 8.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/269 | | | 1,025,000 | | | | 989,125 | |
Diversitech Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/02/259 | | | 2,650,000 | | | | 2,623,500 | |
Coveris Rigid | | | | | | | | |
4.50% (6 Month EURIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/259 | | EUR | 1,850,000 | | | | 2,099,832 | |
CPG International LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.25% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/05/249 | | | 1,800,167 | | | | 1,812,552 | |
Arctic Long Carriers | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/18/239 | | | 1,530,625 | | | | 1,534,452 | |
DAE Aviation | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/07/229 | | | 1,435,204 | | | | 1,441,706 | |
Recess Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.06% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/249 | | | 1,221,000 | | | | 1,230,157 | |
7.44% ((Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 2.75%), (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%), and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/249 | | | 164,167 | | | | 165,398 | |
American Bath Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/239 | | | 1,019,094 | | | | 1,029,315 | |
STS Operating, Inc. (SunSource) | | | | | | | | |
6.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/11/249 | | | 773,053 | | | | 771,120 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Bioplan USA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/23/219 | | | 755,006 | | | $ | 709,705 | |
ILPEA Parent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.00% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/02/239 | | | 628,174 | | | | 629,744 | |
ProAmpac PG Borrower LLC | | | | | | | | |
10.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 8.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/18/249 | | | 350,000 | | | | 350,584 | |
Wencor Group | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month LIBOR + 3.50%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 06/19/199 | | | 350,769 | | | | 340,976 | |
KUEHG Corp. (KinderCare) | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/21/259 | | | 315,984 | | | | 317,302 | |
Advanced Integration Technology LP | | | | | | | | |
7.22% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/03/239 | | | 317,379 | | | | 315,792 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 21,440,822 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 3.7% |
Immucor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/15/219 | | | 2,073,750 | | | | 2,106,163 | |
CTI Foods Holding Co. LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/29/209 | | | 2,160,000 | | | | 1,768,500 | |
9.85% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/28/219 | | | 590,000 | | | | 234,035 | |
Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 04/29/249 | | | 1,885,489 | | | | 1,896,877 | |
Albertson’s LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 08/25/219 | | | 1,243,837 | | | | 1,244,869 | |
Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/18/219 | | | 1,293,418 | | | | 1,231,980 | |
ScribeAmerica Intermediate Holdco LLC (Healthchannels) | | | | | | | | |
6.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/03/259 | | | 1,194,000 | | | | 1,186,537 | |
Smart & Final Stores LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 11/15/229 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 979,380 | |
American Tire Distributors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/01/219 | | | 1,113,929 | | | | 963,549 | |
IHC Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
9.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/30/21†††,1,9 | | | 787,933 | | | | 782,835 | |
9.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/30/21†††,1,9 | | | 149,846 | | | | 148,877 | |
Avantor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/249 | | | 893,250 | | | | 903,719 | |
Hearthside Group Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/23/259 | | | 748,125 | | | | 745,237 | |
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/30/239 | | | 525,139 | | | | 526,127 | |
Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/29/239 | | | 495,000 | | | | 443,520 | |
Sierra Acquisition, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/11/249 | | | 400,894 | | | | 402,149 | |
Targus Group International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
due 05/24/16†††,1,2,8 | | | 153,489 | | | | — | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 15,564,354 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 3.5% |
Market Track LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/05/249 | | | 2,475,000 | | | | 2,462,625 | |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/239 | | | 2,375,080 | | | | 2,211,793 | |
Mcgraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/04/229 | | | 1,921,989 | | | | 1,863,522 | |
Unitymedia Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/01/239 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,701,275 | |
Houghton Mifflin Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/28/219 | | | 1,776,980 | | | | 1,670,361 | |
GTT Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/259 | | | 1,446,375 | | | | 1,433,922 | |
Zephyr Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.47% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/259 | | GBP | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,303,853 | |
Imagine Print Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.00% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/21/229 | | | 1,083,500 | | | | 1,010,364 | |
Flight Bidco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/259 | | | 903,614 | | | | 901,355 | |
Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/07/229 | | | 300,000 | | | | 294,564 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 14,853,634 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 2.6% |
Alexander Mann | | | | | | | | |
6.22% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/11/259 | | GBP | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,376,290 | |
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stars Group (Amaya) | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/259 | | | 1,296,750 | | | $ | 1,308,161 | |
BBB Industries, LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/01/259 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,201,500 | |
LegalZoom.com, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/249 | | | 1,091,633 | | | | 1,105,278 | |
Accuride Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/17/239 | | | 983,512 | | | | 993,347 | |
Truck Hero, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.96% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/22/249 | | | 945,214 | | | | 947,284 | |
Talbots, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 03/19/209 | | | 896,908 | | | | 877,848 | |
BrightView Landscapes LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.69% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR +2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/259 | | | 825,000 | | | | 828,350 | |
Blue Nile, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/17/239 | | | 726,563 | | | | 724,746 | |
Belk, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/12/229 | | | 493,219 | | | | 430,891 | |
Acosta, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.70% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (Commercial Prime Lending Rate 2.25%) due 09/26/199 | | | 377,778 | | | | 280,421 | |
5.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 09/26/199 | | | 200,000 | | | | 148,458 | |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/259 | | | 346,279 | | | | 344,981 | |
SMG US Midco 2, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/23/269 | | | 300,000 | | | | 301,749 | |
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.11% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%) due 07/25/199 | | | 165,000 | | | | 152,584 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 11,021,888 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 1.3% |
Bhi Investments LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.99% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%) and (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 3.50%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/28/249 | | | 1,798,370 | | | | 1,780,386 | |
11.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 8.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/28/25†††,1,9 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,485,000 | |
Panda Power | | | | | | | | |
8.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/21/209 | | | 965,845 | | | | 888,578 | |
MRP Generation Holding | | | | | | | | |
9.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/18/229 | | | 710,500 | | | | 689,185 | |
Terraform AP Acquisition Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/27/229 | | | 397,793 | | | | 398,787 | |
Stonewall | | | | | | | | |
7.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/13/219 | | | 286,827 | | | | 287,544 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 5,529,480 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 1.1% |
A-Gas Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/11/24†††,1,9 | | | 2,615,757 | | | | 2,571,926 | |
ICP Industrial, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/03/239 | | | 1,138,440 | | | | 1,132,749 | |
Big River Steel LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/23/239 | | | 891,000 | | | | 903,251 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 4,607,926 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.8% |
iStar, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.89% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/28/239 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,000 | |
Aretec Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/13/259 | | | 900,000 | | | | 906,750 | |
Advisor Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/259 | | | 900,000 | | | | 905,247 | |
York Risk Services | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/01/219 | | | 720,000 | | | | 695,851 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 3,507,848 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.7% |
Permian Production Partners | | | | | | | | |
8.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/18/249 | | | 1,234,375 | | | | 1,222,031 | |
YAK MAT (YAK ACCESS LLC) | | | | | | | | |
12.15% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 10.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/269 | | | 750,000 | | | | 712,500 | |
PSS Companies | | | | | | | | |
6.79% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/28/209 | | | 522,974 | | | | 517,745 | |
Riverstone Utopia Member LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/17/249 | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Summit Midstream Partners, LP | | | | | | | | |
8.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/13/229 | | | 277,667 | | | $ | 281,312 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 3,133,588 | |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $103,098,163) | | | | | | | 101,891,376 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 0.4% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - 0.4% |
WhiteHorse X Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-10A, 7.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.30%, Rate Floor: 5.30%) due 04/17/275,9 | | | 750,000 | | | | 736,892 | |
WhiteHorse VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 7.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/24/255,9 | | | 600,000 | | | | 600,587 | |
NewMark Capital Funding CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-2A, 7.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/30/265,9 | | | 500,000 | | | | 498,437 | |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations | | | | | | | 1,835,916 | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $1,568,271) | | | | | | | 1,835,916 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 113.8% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $498,583,595) | | | | | | $ | 484,613,661 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (13.8)% | | | | | | | (58,744,593 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 425,869,068 | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS†† |
Counterparty | Contracts to Sell | Currency | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Bank of America Merrill Lynch | 4,263,000 | EUR | 10/10/18 | | $ | 4,967,717 | | | $ | 4,953,269 | | | $ | 14,448 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 1,813,000 | EUR | 10/10/18 | | | 2,105,144 | | | | 2,106,562 | | | | (1,418 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 9,168,000 | GBP | 10/10/18 | | | 11,892,213 | | | | 11,953,093 | | | | (60,880 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (47,850 | ) |
~ | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $10,992,020, (cost $12,796,817) or 2.6% of total net assets. |
2 | Affiliated issuer. |
3 | Perpetual maturity. |
4 | Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
5 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $231,678,628 (cost $239,008,582), or 54.4% of total net assets. |
6 | All or a portion of this security is pledged as reverse repurchase agreements collateral at September 30, 2018. At September 30, 2018, the total market value of the pledged securities was $84,847,872 — See Note 6. |
7 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $9,667,512 (cost $10,011,276), or 2.3% of total net assets — See Note 10. |
8 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
9 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
10 | Term loan interests in the Fund’s portfolio generally have variable rates. All or a portion of this security represents unsettled loan positions and may not have a stated coupon rate. |
| EUR — Euro |
| EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate |
| GBP — British Pound |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 624,677 | | | $ | 1,648,089 | | | $ | 33,198 | | | $ | 2,305,964 | |
Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | 1,844,169 | | | | 515,827 | | | | 2,359,996 | |
Warrants | | | — | | | | 163 | | | | — | * | | | 163 | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | | | 9,653,976 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,653,976 | |
Corporate Bonds | | | — | | | | 366,566,270 | | | | — | * | | | 366,566,270 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | — | | | | 91,448,381 | | | | 10,442,995 | | | | 101,891,376 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | — | | | | 1,835,916 | | | | — | | | | 1,835,916 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 14,448 | | | | — | | | | 14,448 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 10,278,653 | | | $ | 463,357,436 | | | $ | 10,992,020 | | | $ | 484,628,109 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | $ | — | | | $ | 62,298 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 62,298 | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9) | | | — | | | | 200,158 | | | | 325,938 | | | | 526,096 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | 262,456 | | | $ | 325,938 | | | $ | 588,394 | |
* | Security has a market value of $0. |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of the period end, reverse repurchase agreements of $65,909,328 are categorized as Level 2 within the disclosure hierarchy.
The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:
Category | | Ending Balance at September 30, 2018 | | | Valuation Technique | | Unobservable Inputs | | Input Range | | | | | Weighted Average | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 33,198 | | | Enterprise Value | | Valuation Multiple | | | 5.5 | x | | | | | | — | |
Preferred Stocks | | | 515,827 | | | Enterprise Value | | Valuation Multiple | | | 3.5 | x | | | | | | — | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 8,813,954 | | | Yield Analysis | | Yield | | | 7.1—9.2 | % | | | | | | 8.3 | % |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 1,485,000 | | | Enterprise Value | | Valuation Multiple | | | 9.0 | x | | | | | | — | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 144,041 | | | Model Price | | Purchase Price | | | — | | | | | | | — | |
Total Assets | | $ | 10,992,020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments | | $ | 325,938 | | | Model Price | | Purchase Price | | | — | | | | | | | — | |
Significant changes in a yield or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Any remaining Level 3 securities held by the Funds and excluded from the table above, were not considered material to the Funds.
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had securities with a total value of $3,838,561 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to lack of observable inputs and securities with a total value of $2,274,036 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had liabilities with a total value of $195,900 transfer out of Level 3 from Level 2 due to availability of market price information. There were no other securities that transferred between levels.
Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2018:
| | Assets | | | | | | | Liabilities | |
| | Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | Common Stocks | | | Preferred Stocks | | | Corporate Bonds | | | Total Assets | | | Unfunded Loan Commitments | |
Beginning Balance | | $ | 11,511,139 | | | $ | 691,043 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,954,000 | | | $ | 14,156,182 | | | $ | (779,130 | ) |
Purchases/(Receipts) | | | 4,476,523 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,476,523 | | | | (463,947 | ) |
(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings | | | (6,639,899 | ) | | | (2,093 | ) | | | — | | | | (2,000,000 | ) | | | (8,641,992 | ) | | | 479,235 | |
Amortization of discount/premiums | | | 128,648 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 301 | | | | 128,949 | | | | — | |
Total realized gains or losses included in earnings | | | 73,260 | | | | (3,902 | ) | | | — | | | | 46,831 | | | | 116,189 | | | | 659,402 | |
Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings | | | (155,374 | ) | | | (651,850 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,132 | ) | | | (808,356 | ) | | | (417,398 | ) |
Transfers into Level 3 | | | 3,322,734 | | | | — | | | | 515,827 | | | | — | | | | 3,838,561 | | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | (2,274,036 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,274,036 | ) | | | 195,900 | |
Ending Balance | | $ | 10,442,995 | | | $ | 33,198 | | | $ | 515,827 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 10,992,020 | | | $ | (325,938 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2018 | | $ | 10,219 | | | $ | (651,850 | ) | | $ | 245,671 | | | $ | (25 | ) | | $ | (395,985 | ) | | $ | 120,870 | |
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
HIGH YIELD FUND | |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares/Face Amount 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc.*,1 | | $ | 666,215 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (296 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (665,919 | ) | | $ | — | ** | | | 138 | | | $ | — | |
Targus Group International Equity, Inc.*,1 | | | 19,667 | | | | — | | | | (1,005 | ) | | | 467 | | | | 14,069 | | | | 33,198 | | | | 12,825 | | | | — | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/203 | | | 645,489 | | | | 13,417 | | | | (16,934 | ) | | | — | | | | (98,295 | ) | | | 543,677 | | | | 652,086 | | | | 93,517 | |
Targus Group International, Inc. due 05/24/161,2 | | | — | ** | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | ** | | | 153,489 | | | | — | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc.1 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | ** | | | 58,710 | | | | — | |
| | $ | 1,331,371 | | | $ | 13,417 | | | $ | (18,235 | ) | | $ | 467 | | | $ | (750,145 | ) | | $ | 576,875 | | | | | | | $ | 93,517 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Market value is less than $1. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued affiliated securities amounts to $33,198, (cost $1,843,675) or less than 0.1% of total net assets. |
2 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
3 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | |
September 30, 2018 | |
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $496,088,681) | | $ | 484,036,786 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,494,914) | | | 576,875 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $3,760) | | | 3,761 | |
Cash | | | 4,685,152 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 300,000 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 53,430 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 14,448 | |
Receivables: |
Interest | | | 7,642,227 | |
Securities sold | | | 5,094,850 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 497,296 | |
Foreign tax reclaims | | | 29,399 | |
Dividends | | | 4,343 | |
Other assets | | | 24 | |
Total assets | | | 502,938,591 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9) (proceeds $862,711) | | | 526,096 | |
Reverse repurchase agreements | | | 65,909,328 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 62,298 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 8,928,285 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 1,061,306 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 187,331 | |
Management fees | | | 176,983 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 35,694 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 32,573 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 25,208 | |
Due to advisor | | | 20,624 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 2,974 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 100,823 | |
Total liabilities | | | 77,069,523 | |
Net assets | | $ | 425,869,068 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 440,812,048 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (14,942,980 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 425,869,068 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 75,027,712 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 6,793,447 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 11.04 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%) | | $ | 11.50 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 22,350,439 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,006,848 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 11.14 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 12,124,493 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 1,097,199 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 11.05 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 125,944,988 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 13,985,353 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 9.01 | |
| | | | |
R6-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 190,421,436 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 17,260,428 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 11.03 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 463,536 | |
Interest from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 93,517 | |
Interest from securities of unaffiliated issues | | | 35,599,881 | |
Total investment income | | | 36,156,934 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 2,933,668 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 241,620 | |
C-Class | | | 261,378 | |
P-Class | | | 34,018 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 106,290 | |
C-Class | | | 29,107 | |
P-Class | | | 23,500 | |
Institutional Class | | | 157,378 | |
R6-Class | | | 401 | |
Interest expense | | | 1,079,526 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 391,158 | |
Custodian fees | | | 48,318 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 36,161 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 25,879 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 345,763 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
P-Class | | | 4,682 | |
Institutional Class | | | 58,726 | |
Total expenses | | | 5,777,573 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (21,392 | ) |
C-Class | | | (3,674 | ) |
P-Class | | | (8,622 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (39,683 | ) |
Total reimbursed expenses | | | (73,371 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 5,704,202 | |
Net investment income | | | 30,452,732 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 597,714 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 467 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 168,807 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 789,952 | |
Net realized gain | | | 1,556,940 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (20,936,629 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (750,145 | ) |
Foreign currency translations | | | (26,052 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | (103,080 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (21,815,906 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (20,258,966 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 10,193,766 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 30,452,732 | | | $ | 22,021,007 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 1,556,940 | | | | 2,785,333 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (21,815,906 | ) | | | 6,117,290 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 10,193,766 | | | | 30,923,630 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (5,848,923 | ) | | | (6,233,282 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (1,388,169 | ) | | | (1,438,731 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (816,570 | ) | | | (655,980 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (9,381,532 | ) | | | (10,719,166 | )1 |
R6-Class | | | (13,025,080 | ) | | | (3,230,684 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (30,460,274 | ) | | | (22,277,843 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 26,096,181 | | | | 66,562,198 | |
C-Class | | | 5,369,804 | | | | 9,648,007 | |
P-Class | | | 6,720,672 | | | | 19,110,632 | |
Institutional Class | | | 83,387,211 | | | | 188,107,688 | |
R6-Class | | | 25,353,579 | | | | 210,426,419 | * |
Redemption fees collected | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 31,637 | | | | 36,722 | |
C-Class | | | 8,663 | | | | 9,668 | |
P-Class | | | 4,473 | | | | 4,063 | |
Institutional Class | | | 48,326 | | | | 60,375 | |
R6-Class | | | 68,690 | | | | 13,490 | * |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 5,079,351 | | | | 5,420,947 | |
C-Class | | | 1,192,099 | | | | 1,180,598 | |
P-Class | | | 813,162 | | | | 655,980 | |
Institutional Class | | | 7,513,267 | | | | 8,878,248 | |
R6-Class | | | 12,996,541 | | | | 3,230,684 | * |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (78,069,295 | ) | | | (35,911,466 | ) |
C-Class | | | (13,600,593 | ) | | | (8,147,384 | ) |
P-Class | | | (11,767,318 | ) | | | (6,298,525 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (153,274,924 | ) | | | (149,297,447 | ) |
R6-Class | | | (39,655,766 | ) | | | (13,513,200 | )* |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (121,684,240 | ) | | | 300,177,697 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (141,950,748 | ) | | | 308,823,484 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 567,819,816 | | | | 258,996,332 | |
End of year | | $ | 425,869,068 | | | $ | 567,819,816 | |
36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 2,317,006 | | | | 5,842,629 | |
C-Class | | | 470,923 | | | | 839,412 | |
P-Class | | | 597,929 | | | | 1,676,374 | |
Institutional Class | | | 9,109,186 | | | | 20,277,090 | |
R6-Class | | | 2,217,170 | | | | 18,310,251 | * |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 452,179 | | | | 475,619 | |
C-Class | | | 105,417 | | | | 102,774 | |
P-Class | | | 72,392 | | | | 57,411 | |
Institutional Class | | | 819,617 | | | | 955,818 | |
R6-Class | | | 1,160,432 | | | | 284,121 | * |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (6,937,082 | ) | | | (3,154,231 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,195,508 | ) | | | (709,632 | ) |
P-Class | | | (1,039,994 | ) | | | (551,450 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (16,656,442 | ) | | | (16,097,185 | ) |
R6-Class | | | (3,532,108 | ) | | | (1,179,438 | )* |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | (12,038,883 | ) | | | 27,129,563 | |
* | Since commencement of operations: May 15, 2017. |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (See Note 12). |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37 |
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | | | | |
Net Increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 10,193,766 | |
| | | | |
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating and Investing Activities: | | | | |
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments | | | 21,686,774 | |
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 103,080 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | (598,181 | ) |
Net accretion of bond discount and amortization of bond premium | | | (1,346,548 | ) |
Paydowns received on mortgage and asset-backed securities, bonds and term loans | | | 39,040,659 | |
Purchase of long-term investments | | | (327,527,082 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments | | | 381,004,580 | |
Corporate actions and other payments | | | 119,999 | |
Net sales of short-term investments | | | 1,425,125 | |
Commitment fees received and repayments of unfunded commitments | | | 470,027 | |
Unfunded loan commitment fundings | | | (483,288 | ) |
Decrease in interest receivable | | | 572,320 | |
Decrease in prepaid expenses | | | 15,274 | |
Decrease in dividends receivable | | | 4,463 | |
Decrease in dividends tax reclaims | | | 4,199 | |
Increase in securities sold receivable | | | (1,406,407 | ) |
Increase in other assets | | | (24 | ) |
Increase in transfer agent fees payable | | | 19,116 | |
Increase in trustees’ fees payable | | | 1,768 | |
Decrease in administration fees payable | | | (11,714 | ) |
Decrease in distribution fees payable | | | (21,277 | ) |
Decrease in management fees payable | | | (65,785 | ) |
Decrease in securities purchased payable | | | (16,415,763 | ) |
Increase in due to advisor payable | | | 20,624 | |
Decrease in miscellanous expenses and other liabilities | | | (7,244 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating and Investing Activities | | | 106,798,461 | |
| | | | |
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | | | | |
Proceeds from sales of shares | | | 148,457,236 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | (297,118,946 | ) |
Distributions to shareholders | | | (2,835,317 | ) |
Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements | | | 599,476,288 | |
Payments made on reverse repurchase agreements | | | (551,695,448 | ) |
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | | | (103,716,187 | ) |
Net increase in cash | | | 3,082,274 | |
| | | | |
Cash at Beginning of Period (including foreign cash) | | | 1,906,639 | |
Cash at End of Period (including restricted and foreign cash) | | $ | 4,988,913 | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for interest | | $ | 1,021,737 | |
Dividend reinvestment | | | 27,594,420 | |
38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 11.50 | | | $ | 11.16 | | | $ | 10.79 | | | $ | 12.02 | | | $ | 11.85 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .68 | | | | .64 | | | | .67 | | | | .69 | | | | .72 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.46 | ) | | | .35 | | | | .41 | | | | (.97 | ) | | | .27 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .22 | | | | .99 | | | | 1.08 | | | | (.28 | ) | | | .99 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.83 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.22 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.96 | ) | | | (.83 | ) |
Redemption fees collected | | | — | g | | | — | g | | | .01 | | | | .01 | | | | .01 | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 11.04 | | | $ | 11.50 | | | $ | 11.16 | | | $ | 10.79 | | | $ | 12.02 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 2.00 | % | | | 9.11 | % | | | 10.71 | % | | | (2.40 | %) | | | 9.18 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 75,028 | | | $ | 126,097 | | | $ | 87,045 | | | $ | 73,236 | | | $ | 82,854 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 6.05 | % | | | 5.63 | % | | | 6.32 | % | | | 6.01 | % | | | 5.91 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.35 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.25 | % | | | 1.27 | % | | | 1.32 | % |
Net expensesd,h,i | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.29 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.26 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 61 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 97 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 11.60 | | | $ | 11.26 | | | $ | 10.88 | | | $ | 12.12 | | | $ | 11.95 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .60 | | | | .56 | | | | .60 | | | | .61 | | | | .63 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.46 | ) | | | .35 | | | | .41 | | | | (.98 | ) | | | .27 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .14 | | | | .91 | | | | 1.01 | | | | (.37 | ) | | | .90 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.60 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.66 | ) | | | (.74 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.22 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.60 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.88 | ) | | | (.74 | ) |
Redemption fees collected | | | — | g | | | — | g | | | .01 | | | | .01 | | | | .01 | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 11.14 | | | $ | 11.60 | | | $ | 11.26 | | | $ | 10.88 | | | $ | 12.12 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 1.27 | % | | | 8.38 | % | | | 9.81 | % | | | (3.14 | %) | | | 8.46 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 22,350 | | | $ | 30,461 | | | $ | 26,941 | | | $ | 13,671 | | | $ | 14,674 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 5.31 | % | | | 4.92 | % | | | 5.52 | % | | | 5.25 | % | | | 5.14 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 2.11 | % | | | 2.05 | % | | | 2.01 | % | | | 2.01 | % | | | 2.09 | % |
Net expensesd,h,i | | | 2.09 | % | | | 2.03 | % | | | 1.98 | % | | | 1.95 | % | | | 2.01 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 61 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 97 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 11.51 | | | $ | 11.17 | | | $ | 10.80 | | | $ | 11.53 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .68 | | | | .64 | | | | .67 | | | | .27 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.46 | ) | | | .37 | | | | .42 | | | | (.73 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .22 | | | | 1.01 | | | | 1.09 | | | | (.46 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.67 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.27 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.67 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.27 | ) |
Redemption fees collected | | | — | g | | | — | g | | | — | g | | | — | g |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 11.05 | | | $ | 11.51 | | | $ | 11.17 | | | $ | 10.80 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.95 | % | | | 9.24 | % | | | 10.74 | % | | | (4.06 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 12,124 | | | $ | 16,883 | | | $ | 3,178 | | | $ | 10 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 6.00 | % | | | 5.58 | % | | | 6.20 | % | | | 5.76 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.29 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 3.36 | % |
Net expensesd,h,i | | | 1.39 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 61 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 72 | % |
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 9.38 | | | $ | 9.11 | | | $ | 8.81 | | | $ | 9.87 | | | $ | 9.74 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .58 | | | | .56 | | | | .58 | | | | .58 | | | | .61 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.38 | ) | | | .28 | | | | .34 | | | | (.79 | ) | | | .23 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .20 | | | | .84 | | | | .92 | | | | (.21 | ) | | | .84 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.72 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.22 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.86 | ) | | | (.72 | ) |
Redemption fees collected | | | — | g | | | — | g | | | — | g | | | .01 | | | | .01 | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 9.01 | | | $ | 9.38 | | | $ | 9.11 | | | $ | 8.81 | | | $ | 9.87 | |
|
Total Return | | | 2.27 | % | | | 9.56 | % | | | 10.95 | % | | | (2.21 | %) | | | 9.50 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 125,945 | | | $ | 194,280 | | | $ | 141,833 | | | $ | 75,167 | | | $ | 36,880 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 6.28 | % | | | 6.00 | % | | | 6.58 | % | | | 6.21 | % | | | 6.12 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.14 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 0.95 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 1.01 | % |
Net expensesd,h,i | | | 1.11 | % | | | 0.93 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 1.01 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 61 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 97 | % |
40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
R6-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2017f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 11.49 | | | $ | 11.45 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .72 | | | | .24 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.46 | ) | | | .04 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .26 | | | | .28 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
Redemption fees collected | | | — | g | | | — | g |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 11.03 | | | $ | 11.49 | |
|
Total Return | | | 2.34 | % | | | 2.49 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 190,421 | | | $ | 200,099 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 6.41 | % | | | 5.41 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.00 | % | | | 0.82 | % |
Net expensesd,h,i | | | 1.00 | % | | | 0.82 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 61 | % | | | 62 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers. |
e | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
f | Since commencement of operations: May 15, 2017. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Redemption fees collected are less than $0.01 per share. |
h | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | — | 0.09% |
C-Class | — | 0.06% |
P-Class | 0.03% | 0.00%* |
Institutional Class | 0.04% | 0.00%* |
R6-Class | — | — |
i | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years presented would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
A-Class | 1.10% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% |
C-Class | 1.86% | 1.89% | 1.91% | 1.91% | 1.91% |
P-Class | 1.16% | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.16% | — |
Institutional Class | 0.88% | 0.79% | 0.87% | 0.91% | 0.91% |
R6-Class | 0.77% | 0.79% | — | — | — |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including B. Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global Chief Investment Officer; Anne B. Walsh, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income; Steven H. Brown, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam Bloch, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund returned 1.46%1, compared with the -1.22% return of its benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
The Fund seeks to provide current income. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in high-quality, investment-grade fixed-income securities across multiple sectors. The Fund employs a tactical sector allocation strategy, offering the opportunity to capitalize on total return potential created by changing market conditions.
Over the twelve-month period, the portfolio remained focused on sourcing attractive investments while minimizing downside risk and upgrading credit quality.
The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) delivered four rate increases over the period, raising the fed funds rate target range to 2.00-2.25%. The Fund maintained its underweight and “barbell” duration position by obtaining key rate exposure on the very long end of the curve where we expect to see less rate movement, while remaining overweight floating rate exposure (approximately 77% of the portfolio was adjustable rate at period end.) We limited exposure to the short and intermediary parts of the curve in anticipation of higher rates and a flatter yield curve. We plan to maintain our barbell and underweight duration positioning given our view that the entire curve will pivot around 3.5% at the end of this cycle.
Collateralized loan obligations’ (CLOs’) debt allocation delivered a positive absolute return over the period. During the period, the portfolio further rotated into AAA tranches, given the flattening credit curve and desire to minimize downside risk. Over half the Fund’s CLO allocation was rated AAA at period end. CLO new issuance for the first nine months of 2018 is currently outpacing 2017 and has pushed CLO spreads marginally wider, retracing some of the tightening we have seen over the past twelve months. Total new issue, refinance, and reset volume stands at $190 billion year-to-date and is on pace to be the biggest new issuance year post-crisis.
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) holdings were a positive contributor. Limited home inventory and improving labor market conditions should support home prices and mortgage credit performance. Pre-crisis RMBS investment performance should continue benefitting from a supply shortfall caused by ongoing paydowns and limited new issuance. Spread differences between lower-risk and higher-risk RMBS tranches remain near post-crisis lows and reflect the late-cycle complacency observed in other fixed income credit markets.
Investment grade corporate bond holdings posted negative returns for the period largely on higher interest rates, which negatively impacted the benchmark. Our underweight to the sector generated relative outperformance.
The Fund uses derivatives to obtain a targeted interest rate duration, to hedge non-U.S. dollar foreign exchange exposure, and to occassionally obtain or replicate market exposure. For the period, returns from derivatives were positive.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide current income.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_43.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | | % of Total Investments | |
Fixed Income Instruments | | | | |
AAA | | | 49.5 | % |
AA | | | 8.0 | % |
A | | | 11.6 | % |
BBB | | | 16.4 | % |
BB | | | 1.2 | % |
B | | | 3.0 | % |
CCC | | | 3.3 | % |
CC | | | 0.9 | % |
C | | | 0.3 | % |
NR2 | | | 3.7 | % |
Other Instruments | | | 2.1 | % |
Total Investments | | | 100.0 | % |
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | | | August 15, 1985 | |
C-Class | | | May 1, 2000 | |
P-Class | | | May 1, 2015 | |
Institutional Class | | | January 29, 2013 | |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 11/15/46 | 8.6% |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 11/15/44 | 2.1% |
BlueMountain CLO Ltd., 3.28% | 1.2% |
Government of Japan, 01/10/19 | 1.2% |
Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd., 3.27% | 1.0% |
Fannie Mae, 3.03% | 0.8% |
State of Israel, 0.50% | 0.8% |
Station Place Securitization Trust, 2.91% | 0.8% |
Fannie Mae Principal, 05/15/30 | 0.8% |
Saxon Asset Securities Trust, 2.53% | 0.8% |
Top Ten Total | 18.1% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_44.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 1.46% | 4.35% | 4.55% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | (2.58%) | 3.34% | 4.03% |
C-Class Shares | 0.71% | 3.59% | 3.79% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | (0.27%) | 3.59% | 3.79% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | (1.22%) | 2.16% | 3.77% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 1.45% | 3.25% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | | (1.22%) | 1.21% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (01/29/13) |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.75% | 4.62% | 4.31% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | (1.22%) | 2.16% | 1.69% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
† | Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 0.0% |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.0% |
Rescap Liquidating Trust* | | | 5,199 | | | $ | 14,557 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.0% |
Constar International Holdings LLC*,†††,1 | | | 68 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $262,501) | | | | | | | 14,557 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 0.1% |
Industrial - 0.1% |
Seaspan Corp. 6.38% due 04/30/19 | | | 10,890 | | | | 276,715 | |
Constar International Holdings LLC*,†††,1 | | | 7 | | | | — | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 276,715 | |
Total Preferred Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $272,250) | | | | | | | 276,715 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 0.4% |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — Institutional Class2 | | | 95,926 | | | | 2,489,273 | |
Total Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,503,065) | | | | | | | 2,489,273 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 0.2% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Class 1.91%3 | | | 1,007,833 | | | | 1,007,833 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $1,007,833) | | | | | | | 1,007,833 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 32.1% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - 24.3% |
BlueMountain CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 3.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/264,5 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 6,999,440 | |
Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-4A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/264,5 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,502,335 | |
2018-4A, 3.82% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,662 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-36A, 3.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/314,5 | | | 4,100,000 | | | | 4,097,202 | |
2016-33A, 4.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/284,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,699 | |
KVK CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.26% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/294,5 | | | 2,250,000 | | | | 2,245,644 | |
2017-1A, 4.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/15/264,5 | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,599,694 | |
2017-1A, 3.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/284,5 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,246,871 | |
Denali Capital CLO XI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.46% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/284,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,003,723 | |
2018-1A, 3.98% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/284,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,001,967 | |
Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.04% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.88%, Rate Floor: 0.88%) due 09/15/344,5 | | | 4,046,376 | | | | 4,037,055 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO 39B Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-39A, 3.49% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.15%, Rate Floor: 1.15%) due 10/20/284,5 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,005,033 | |
OZLM XIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-13A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/30/274,5 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,998,384 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 3.86% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/294,5 | | | 3,700,000 | | | | 3,700,109 | |
Venture XII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.80%) due 02/28/264,5 | | | 2,100,000 | | | | 2,091,276 | |
2018-12A, 3.51% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.20%, Rate Floor: 1.20%) due 02/28/264,5 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,296,168 | |
Garrison BSL CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.97%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/284,5 | | | 2,050,000 | | | | 2,045,703 | |
2018-1A, 3.32% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/284,5 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,302,399 | |
ALM XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.89%, Rate Floor: 0.89%) due 04/16/274,5 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,295,084 | |
2018-12A, 3.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 04/16/274,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 993,218 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Midocean Credit CLO V | | | | | | | | |
2018-5A, 3.43% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/19/284,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | $ | 3,000,359 | |
TPG Real Estate Finance Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/15/354,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,999,551 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities VII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-7A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,997,977 | |
NXT Capital CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/294,5 | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 1,804,216 | |
2018-1A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/21/274,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,163 | |
ALM VI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-6A, 3.55% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.20%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/264,5 | | | 2,800,000 | | | | 2,802,066 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 2.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.68%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/264,5 | | | 1,567,078 | | | | 1,561,070 | |
2018-2A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,864 | |
SCOF-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.36% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/284,5 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,500,066 | |
Cent CLO 24 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-24A, 3.29% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.07%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/264,5 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,497,790 | |
OCP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-7A, 2.95% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/294,5 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,497,500 | |
Mountain View CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.80%) due 10/15/264,5 | | | 2,450,000 | | | | 2,442,439 | |
Figueroa CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 06/20/274,5 | | | 2,350,000 | | | | 2,342,606 | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.12% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.78%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/27/274,5 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,289,002 | |
MP CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/274,5 | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 2,193,965 | |
Venture XIX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-19A, 4.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/274,5 | | | 2,100,000 | | | | 2,100,716 | |
VMC Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%) due 04/15/354,5 | | | 2,091,307 | | | | 2,093,650 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-16A, 4.21% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/294,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,008,854 | |
TCP Waterman CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,004,842 | |
2016-1A, 4.42% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,001,012 | |
BDS | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL2, 3.56% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 08/15/354,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,004,041 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.87% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.53%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/284,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,999,949 | |
Madison Park Funding XVI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-16A, 4.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/264,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,999,480 | |
Crown Point CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/31/274,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,997,093 | |
Hunt CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/344,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,003,217 | |
2017-FL1, 3.81% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/344,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 993,346 | |
Flagship CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-8A, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/16/264,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,994,996 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-11A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/314,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,994,887 | |
46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
TICP CLO II-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-IIA, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 04/20/284,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | $ | 1,991,602 | |
Mountain Hawk II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/244,5 | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,597,517 | |
OZLM IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 4.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/274,5 | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,399,761 | |
BSPRT Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL2, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.82%) due 10/15/344,5 | | | 1,300,528 | | | | 1,300,663 | |
Bsprt Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/274,5 | | | 1,113,498 | | | | 1,116,206 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVI, LP | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/274,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,003,359 | |
Garrison Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 5.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/29/274,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,002,667 | |
FDF II Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.29% due 05/12/314 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,002,577 | |
AMMC CLO XV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 4.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,001,321 | |
Marathon CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 3.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.15%, Rate Floor: 1.15%) due 06/15/284,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,001,265 | |
KKR CLO 15 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15, 3.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/284,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,001,235 | |
Flatiron CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,742 | |
AMMC CLO 15 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 3.68% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,731 | |
Monroe Capital CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/22/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,400 | |
Northwoods Capital XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 4.04% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/12/254,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,174 | |
Diamond CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.93% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 07/22/304,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,014 | |
Vibrant CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.40% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,785 | |
MONROE CAPITAL BSL CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.08% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/22/274,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,617 | |
Avery Point V CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-5A, 3.32% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.98%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/264,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,524 | |
FDF I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.40% due 11/12/304 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 998,940 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XXIII, LP | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/15/284,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 998,280 | |
NewStar Fairfield Fund CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.27%, Rate Floor: 1.27%) due 04/20/304,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 997,765 | |
Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2015-37A, due 01/15/314,6 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 944,089 | |
PFP Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.05%) due 01/14/354,5 | | | 588,010 | | | | 587,712 | |
ACIS CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/18/244,5 | | | 500,000 | | | | 500,075 | |
Treman Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/274,6 | | | 500,000 | | | | 413,850 | |
Babson CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-IA, due 07/20/254,6 | | | 650,000 | | | | 288,099 | |
2012-2A, due 05/15/234,6 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 40,190 | |
Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, due 01/20/216,7 | | | 700,000 | | | | 65,833 | |
Keuka Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 10/21/244,6 | | | 250,000 | | | | 4,230 | |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations | | | | | | | 137,845,606 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Aircraft - 3.3% |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 3.97% due 07/15/42 | | | 1,959,873 | | | | 1,932,511 | |
2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/434 | | | 1,767,780 | | | | 1,762,775 | |
2015-1A, 4.70% due 12/15/404,8 | | | 696,799 | | | | 700,049 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-2, 4.21% due 11/15/41 | | | 2,450,500 | | | $ | 2,440,756 | |
2016-1A, 4.88% due 03/17/364,8 | | | 1,066,939 | | | | 1,083,741 | |
SAPPHIRE AVIATION FINANCE I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/404 | | | 2,395,833 | | | | 2,399,872 | |
Willis Engine Securitization Trust II | | | | | | | | |
2012-A, 5.50% due 09/15/374,8 | | | 1,715,018 | | | | 1,678,450 | |
Emerald Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1, 4.65% due 10/15/384 | | | 812,073 | | | | 812,971 | |
2013-1, 6.35% due 10/15/384 | | | 162,415 | | | | 164,052 | |
MAPS Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/434 | | | 967,900 | | | | 968,153 | |
AASET Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/424 | | | 884,893 | | | | 880,225 | |
Falcon Aerospace Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/424 | | | 840,749 | | | | 837,096 | |
Raspro Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-1A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/244,5 | | | 724,477 | | | | 699,120 | |
Rise Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.75% due 02/12/39 | | | 679,342 | | | | 667,454 | |
AIM Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.21% due 02/15/404 | | | 615,780 | | | | 616,574 | |
Diamond Head Aviation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1, 3.81% due 07/14/284 | | | 480,441 | | | | 480,065 | |
Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.13% due 12/13/487 | | | 468,315 | | | | 438,876 | |
Total Transport-Aircraft | | | | | | | 18,562,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Container - 1.1% |
Textainer Marine Containers Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 3.52% due 06/20/424 | | | 2,521,081 | | | | 2,454,747 | |
CLI Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.03% due 04/18/434 | | | 1,243,266 | | | | 1,235,067 | |
CAL Funding III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.96% due 02/25/434 | | | 1,177,083 | | | | 1,162,138 | |
Textainer Marine Containers V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.72% due 05/20/424 | | | 872,564 | | | | 860,243 | |
Cronos Containers Program Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 3.08% due 04/18/284 | | | 825,000 | | | | 810,990 | |
Total Transport-Container | | | | | | | 6,523,185 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Lease - 1.0% |
Capital Automotive LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.87% due 04/15/474 | | | 2,957,500 | | | | 2,921,657 | |
Store Master Funding I-VII | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.96% due 10/20/464 | | | 2,800,290 | | | | 2,751,607 | |
Total Net Lease | | | | | | | 5,673,264 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Collateralized Debt Obligations - 1.0% |
Anchorage Credit Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-4A, 3.50% due 02/15/354 | | | 3,750,000 | | | | 3,623,313 | |
2016-3A, 3.85% due 10/28/334 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 982,930 | |
Putnam Structured Product Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2003-1A, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/384,5 | | | 442,478 | | | | 438,053 | |
Highland Park CDO I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-1A, 2.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/515,7 | | | 292,448 | | | | 279,283 | |
N-Star REL CDO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-8A, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 02/01/414,5 | | | 166,210 | | | | 165,285 | |
Total Collateralized Debt Obligations | | | | | | | 5,488,864 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Whole Business - 0.7% |
Taco Bell Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.97% due 05/25/464 | | | 1,920,750 | | | | 1,976,202 | |
2016-1A, 3.83% due 05/25/464 | | | 492,500 | | | | 492,480 | |
Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/474,5 | | | 990,000 | | | | 992,683 | |
Drug Royalty III Limited Partnership | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.98% due 04/15/274 | | | 464,851 | | | | 465,196 | |
Total Whole Business | | | | | | | 3,926,561 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Infrastructure - 0.4% |
Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.97% due 06/15/487 | | | 1,097,250 | | | | 1,085,134 | |
Vantage Data Centers Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.07% due 02/16/434 | | | 994,167 | | | | 994,743 | |
Total Infrastructure | | | | | | | 2,079,877 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified Payment Rights - 0.2% |
Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.18% due 04/07/28†††,1 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 988,544 | |
CIC Receivables Master Trust | | | | | | | | |
REGD, 4.89% due 10/07/21 | | | 186,874 | | | | 190,050 | |
Total Diversified Payment Rights | | | | | | | 1,178,594 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Insurance - 0.1% |
Chesterfield Financial Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.50% due 12/15/344 | | | 464,250 | | | | 465,626 | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $182,306,405) | | | | | | | 181,744,317 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 29.8% |
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities - 15.0% |
CIM Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-R2, 3.69% (WAC) due 08/25/574,5 | | | 3,828,352 | | | | 3,800,443 | |
2018-R4, 4.07% (WAC) due 12/26/574,5 | | | 3,545,418 | | | | 3,534,084 | |
2017-2, 4.10% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 12/25/574,5 | | | 770,360 | | | | 780,021 | |
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-6, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/574,5 | | | 3,058,417 | | | $ | 2,982,057 | |
2017-5, 2.82% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/25/574,5 | | | 892,529 | | | | 893,329 | |
2018-1, 3.00% (WAC) due 01/25/584,5 | | | 898,706 | | | | 881,693 | |
2016-1, 2.75% (WAC) due 02/25/554,5 | | | 732,741 | | | | 721,330 | |
Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-WF1, 2.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 02/25/375 | | | 3,207,934 | | | | 3,154,925 | |
2006-BC3, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 10/25/365 | | | 1,072,356 | | | | 950,953 | |
2006-BC4, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 12/25/365 | | | 906,692 | | | | 876,109 | |
LSTAR Securities Investment Limited | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 4.11% due 04/01/21 | | | 3,729,282 | | | | 3,728,903 | |
2018-2, 3.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/01/234,5 | | | 755,602 | | | | 756,112 | |
Saxon Asset Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-3, 2.53% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.31%) due 09/25/475 | | | 4,351,059 | | | | 4,264,590 | |
Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-FRE1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/375 | | | 3,788,431 | | | | 3,552,773 | |
American Home Mortgage Investment Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 2.08% due 05/25/479 | | | 9,849,314 | | | | 1,525,387 | |
2006-1, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 03/25/465 | | | 999,773 | | | | 964,475 | |
2006-1, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 03/25/465 | | | 980,169 | | | | 953,509 | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates | | | | | | | | |
2006-6, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 09/25/365 | | | 1,904,614 | | | | 1,873,242 | |
2007-8, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/375 | | | 1,606,631 | | | | 1,517,717 | |
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.50% (WAC) due 02/25/584,5 | | | 1,975,929 | | | | 1,959,278 | |
2017-5A, 3.72% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 06/25/574,5 | | | 1,284,477 | | | | 1,317,186 | |
GSAA Home Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-6, 2.30% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 06/25/355 | | | 3,150,000 | | | | 3,139,839 | |
Soundview Home Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-OPT5, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/365 | | | 3,196,688 | | | | 3,098,669 | |
NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-2, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.00%/0.20%) due 09/25/375 | | | 2,418,910 | | | | 2,341,733 | |
JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-WMC4, 2.34% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 12/25/365 | | | 3,304,082 | | | | 2,037,768 | |
Argent Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-W2, 2.71% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.49%) due 10/25/355 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,001,367 | |
Nomura Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1R, 3.13% due 09/26/58 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,986,250 | |
IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR6, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 06/25/465 | | | 2,069,132 | | | | 1,966,057 | |
RASC Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-EMX4, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.23%) due 06/25/365 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,951,709 | |
GCAT LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 3.84% due 06/25/484,8 | | | 1,602,909 | | | | 1,597,349 | |
COLT Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-3, 3.69% (WAC) due 10/26/484,5 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,502,660 | |
Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE6, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 05/25/375 | | | 1,571,912 | | | | 1,442,338 | |
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-11, 2.94% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.72%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 01/25/365 | | | 1,266,416 | | | | 1,253,989 | |
Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 2.58% (WAC) due 10/25/474,5 | | | 1,181,586 | | | | 1,171,034 | |
Banc of America Funding Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-R4, 2.23% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 01/27/354,5 | | | 606,698 | | | | 578,455 | |
2014-R7, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 09/26/364,5 | | | 563,532 | | | | 550,340 | |
Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-B, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 04/25/375 | | | 1,031,567 | | | | 1,015,726 | |
Park Place Securities Incorporated Asset Backed Pass Through Certificates Ser | | | | | | | | |
2005-WHQ3, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 06/25/355 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,858 | |
Luminent Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-2, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/25/465 | | | 1,068,580 | | | | 990,883 | |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/584,8 | | | 989,790 | | | | 984,556 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-14, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 01/25/475 | | | 1,018,297 | | | $ | 982,084 | |
Asset Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series AEG | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE1, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 01/25/365 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 968,702 | |
ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE4, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 10/25/365 | | | 1,440,478 | | | | 962,393 | |
Lehman XS Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-16N, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/465 | | | 940,212 | | | | 921,670 | |
New Residential Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.00% (WAC) due 12/25/574,5 | | | 877,495 | | | | 881,336 | |
GSMSC Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-5R, 2.20% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 04/26/374,5 | | | 881,545 | | | | 876,621 | |
RALI Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-QO2, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 02/25/465 | | | 1,919,458 | | | | 850,467 | |
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE9, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 11/25/365 | | | 877,442 | | | | 847,420 | |
GSAMP Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-NC1, 2.35% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.13%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/465 | | | 1,234,564 | | | | 840,696 | |
CSMC Series | | | | | | | | |
2015-12R, 2.56% (WAC) due 11/30/374,5 | | | 812,107 | | | | 809,670 | |
Angel Oak Mortgage Trust LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 2.71% (WAC) due 11/25/474,5 | | | 751,625 | | | | 746,412 | |
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IVa Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-RN3, 3.67% due 03/28/334 | | | 699,601 | | | | 697,486 | |
Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA2, 2.62% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.77%, Rate Floor: 0.77%) due 04/25/475 | | | 699,525 | | | | 673,252 | |
CIT Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 3.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 1.45%) due 10/25/374,5 | | | 594,642 | | | | 602,817 | |
American Home Mortgage Assets Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 2.55% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.70%) due 02/25/475 | | | 875,404 | | | | 584,405 | |
MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust | | | | | | | | |
2003-5, 2.93% (WAC) due 11/25/335 | | | 557,392 | | | | 533,058 | |
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR9, 2.69% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/465 | | | 497,320 | | | | 440,936 | |
UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract | | | | | | | | |
1997-2, 7.38% due 10/15/28 | | | 154,642 | | | | 162,568 | |
Stanwich Mortgage Loan Co. | | | | | | | | |
2016-NPA1, 3.84% (WAC) due 10/16/464,5 | | | 125,459 | | | | 125,310 | |
Total Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | | | | | | | 85,105,999 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Government Agency - 10.6% |
Fannie Mae13 | | | | | | | | |
3.03% due 02/01/30 | | | 5,100,000 | | | | 4,803,252 | |
3.00% due 12/01/29 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,344,164 | |
3.49% due 04/01/30 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,263,066 | |
3.09% due 10/01/29 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,888,905 | |
3.11% due 04/01/30 | | | 1,986,815 | | | | 1,888,140 | |
3.12% due 10/01/32 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,562,590 | |
3.88% due 07/01/33 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,484,888 | |
3.01% due 12/01/27 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,431,941 | |
3.13% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,428,955 | |
2.86% due 09/01/29 | | | 1,450,000 | | | | 1,347,883 | |
4.24% due 08/01/48 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,009,979 | |
3.67% due 03/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,977 | |
3.56% due 04/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 990,469 | |
3.48% due 04/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 982,494 | |
3.42% due 04/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 975,171 | |
3.53% due 04/01/33 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 971,650 | |
3.23% due 01/01/30 | | | 990,189 | | | | 958,328 | |
3.19% due 02/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 955,374 | |
3.18% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 951,494 | |
3.31% due 01/01/33 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 950,315 | |
3.12% due 01/01/30 | | | 989,317 | | | | 943,931 | |
3.05% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 943,579 | |
2.96% due 11/01/29 | | | 900,000 | | | | 840,035 | |
2.90% due 11/01/29 | | | 850,000 | | | | 788,186 | |
3.08% due 10/01/32 | | | 850,000 | | | | 786,525 | |
4.25% due 05/01/48 | | | 667,969 | | | | 674,483 | |
2.99% due 09/01/29 | | | 650,000 | | | | 608,094 | |
3.14% due 09/01/32 | | | 650,000 | | | | 602,448 | |
3.17% due 01/01/30 | | | 550,000 | | | | 524,089 | |
2.82% due 10/01/29 | | | 550,000 | | | | 509,136 | |
3.05% due 10/01/29 | | | 500,000 | | | | 470,854 | |
3.22% due 01/01/30 | | | 450,000 | | | | 430,808 | |
Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates13 | | | | | | | | |
2017-KGX1, 3.00% due 10/25/27 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,316,556 | |
2017-KW03, 3.02% due 06/25/27 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,865,749 | |
2018-K073, 3.45% (WAC) due 01/25/285 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,179,526 | |
2018-K078, 3.92% (WAC) due 06/25/285 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,016,078 | |
2018-K074, 3.60% due 02/25/28 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 991,539 | |
2017-K066, 3.20% due 06/25/27 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 962,783 | |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust13 | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 3.00% due 07/25/56 | | | 2,195,311 | | | | 2,073,618 | |
2017-4, 2.50% due 06/25/578 | | | 2,070,786 | | | | 1,973,183 | |
2017-4, 3.50% due 06/25/57 | | | 1,655,495 | | | | 1,611,811 | |
50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 2.25% due 05/25/578 | | | 1,628,579 | | | $ | 1,517,552 | |
2017-3, 2.75% due 07/25/568 | | | 921,260 | | | | 875,049 | |
Fannie Mae-Aces13 | | | | | | | | |
2017-M11, 2.98% due 08/25/29 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,327,422 | |
Fannie Mae MF 3013 | | | | | | | | |
4.37% due 11/01/48 | | | 750,000 | | | | 769,740 | |
Fannie Mae MF 1813 | | | | | | | | |
3.94% due 10/01/36 | | | 350,000 | | | | 350,109 | |
Total Government Agency | | | | | | | 60,141,918 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - 2.8% |
COMM Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-CR26, 4.64% (WAC) due 10/10/485 | | | 1,217,000 | | | | 1,175,852 | |
2015-CR24, 0.94% (WAC) due 08/10/485,9 | | | 20,702,479 | | | | 901,612 | |
2015-CR26, 1.18% (WAC) due 10/10/485,9 | | | 9,966,053 | | | | 502,676 | |
Americold LLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-ARTA, 7.44% due 01/14/294 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,321,570 | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-UB11, 1.66% (WAC) due 08/15/495,9 | | | 7,535,664 | | | | 656,785 | |
2017-H1, 1.61% (WAC) due 06/15/505,9 | | | 4,956,397 | | | | 424,334 | |
SG Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C5, 2.01% (WAC) due 10/10/485,9 | | | 9,797,612 | | | | 1,021,624 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-STAY, 3.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 07/15/324,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,005,237 | |
Bancorp Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-CR3, 3.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 01/15/334,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,000,628 | |
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C32, 1.49% (WAC) due 01/15/595,9 | | | 6,299,567 | | | | 450,338 | |
2016-NXS5, 1.70% (WAC) due 01/15/595,9 | | | 4,878,503 | | | | 356,374 | |
2016-C37, 1.17% (WAC) due 12/15/495,9 | | | 3,824,082 | | | | 191,577 | |
GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-NRF, 3.49% (WAC) due 12/15/344,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 996,970 | |
BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-B6, 0.60% (WAC) due 11/10/515,9 | | | 31,500,000 | | | | 992,757 | |
UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C2, 1.30% (WAC) due 08/15/505,9 | | | 11,902,260 | | | | 869,603 | |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-GC37, 1.95% (WAC) due 04/10/495,9 | | | 3,789,842 | | | | 384,303 | |
2016-C2, 1.93% (WAC) due 08/10/495,9 | | | 2,467,312 | | | | 262,576 | |
2016-P5, 1.69% (WAC) due 10/10/495,9 | | | 1,967,756 | | | | 165,860 | |
GE Business Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, 2.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 04/15/354,5 | | | 812,140 | | | | 796,555 | |
JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C2, 1.85% (WAC) due 06/15/495,9 | | | 8,823,886 | | | | 707,013 | |
LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-2, 5.20% (WAC) due 01/20/414,5 | | | 500,000 | | | | 499,420 | |
JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-JP5, 1.26% (WAC) due 03/15/505,9 | | | 6,918,047 | | | | 432,675 | |
BANK | | | | | | | | |
2017-BNK4, 1.61% (WAC) due 05/15/505,9 | | | 4,944,056 | | | | 429,284 | |
CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C3, 1.22% (WAC) due 01/10/485,9 | | | 5,860,705 | | | | 357,132 | |
CD Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-CD1, 1.56% (WAC) due 08/10/495,9 | | | 2,559,613 | | | | 210,913 | |
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities | | | | | | | 16,113,668 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Military Housing - 1.2% |
Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds Resecuritization Trust Certificates13 | | | | | | | | |
2015-R1, 4.66% (WAC) due 11/25/554,5 | | | 3,978,946 | | | | 4,275,001 | |
GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2007-HCKM, 6.11% due 08/10/527 | | | 1,493,976 | | | | 1,504,125 | |
Capmark Military Housing Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-ROBS, 6.06% due 10/10/527 | | | 474,833 | | | | 470,995 | |
2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/527 | | | 330,664 | | | | 324,136 | |
Total Military Housing | | | | | | | 6,574,257 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commerical Mortgage Backed Securities - 0.2% |
CD Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-CD7, 0.84% (WAC) due 08/15/515,9 | | | 19,995,275 | | | | 1,087,209 | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $172,058,977) | | | | | | | 169,023,051 | |
| | | | | | | | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 10.7% |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 11/15/4610,11 | | | 118,982,000 | | | | 48,672,804 | |
due 11/15/4410,11 | | | 27,374,600 | | | | 11,929,157 | |
Total U.S. Government Securities | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $63,614,185) | | | | | | | 60,601,961 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS†† - 3.7% |
Financial - 2.9% |
Station Place Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/24/194,5 | | | 4,600,000 | | | | 4,600,000 | |
3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/24/194,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,000,000 | |
3.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 11/24/184,5 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,499,999 | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%) due 03/26/215 | | | 1,745,000 | | | | 1,748,353 | |
Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.30% due 08/01/507 | | | 1,253,672 | | | | 1,124,631 | |
Central Storage Safety Project Trust | | | | | | | | |
4.82% due 02/01/387 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,017,135 | |
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/15/27 | | | 953,000 | | | | 923,601 | |
Aurora Military Housing LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.89% due 01/15/477 | | | 750,000 | | | | 871,630 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Enstar Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 03/10/22 | | | 535,000 | | | $ | 537,345 | |
BBC Military Housing-Navy Northeast LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.30% due 10/15/49 | | | 415,000 | | | | 434,956 | |
Atlantic Marine Corporations Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.43% due 12/01/504 | | | 374,490 | | | | 369,540 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 02/15/26 | | | 272,000 | | | | 274,374 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 16,401,564 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.3% |
Offutt AFB America First Community LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.46% due 09/01/507 | | | 1,891,055 | | | | 1,824,630 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.3% |
Yamana Gold, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.95% due 07/15/24 | | | 1,205,000 | | | | 1,187,889 | |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 10/19/754,12 | | | 200,000 | | | | 219,250 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 1,407,139 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.1% |
Northern Group Housing LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.80% due 08/15/534 | | | 600,000 | | | | 721,062 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.1% |
Reynolds Group Issuer Incorporated / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Lu | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 07/15/214,5 | | | 250,000 | | | | 253,438 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.0% |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | | |
3.85% due 09/29/24 | | | 97,000 | | | | 95,055 | |
Total Corporate Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $20,690,255) | | | | | | | 20,702,888 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FEDERAL AGENCY BONDS†† - 3.5% |
Freddie Mac Strips13 | | | | | | | | |
due 09/15/2910 | | | 5,600,000 | | | | 3,804,853 | |
due 03/15/3110 | | | 3,850,000 | | | | 2,480,435 | |
due 07/15/3210 | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 1,645,736 | |
Fannie Mae Principal13 | | | | | | | | |
due 05/15/3010 | | | 6,650,000 | | | | 4,398,148 | |
due 01/15/3010 | | | 2,575,000 | | | | 1,722,988 | |
due 05/15/2910 | | | 1,750,000 | | | | 1,202,156 | |
Freddie Mac13 | | | | | | | | |
due 12/14/2910 | | | 2,900,000 | | | | 1,953,260 | |
due 01/02/3410 | | | 850,000 | | | | 486,918 | |
Tennessee Valley Authority | | | | | | | | |
4.25% due 09/15/65 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,420,414 | |
5.38% due 04/01/56 | | | 600,000 | | | | 779,042 | |
Total Federal Agency Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $20,890,269) | | | | | | | 19,893,950 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DEBT†† - 2.9% |
Government of Japan | | | | | | | | |
due 01/10/1910 | | JPY | 763,000,000 | | | | 6,717,852 | |
due 02/12/1910 | | JPY | 142,900,000 | | | | 1,258,329 | |
due 03/11/1910 | | JPY | 22,200,000 | | | | 195,505 | |
State of Israel | | | | | | | | |
0.50% due 10/31/18 | | ILS | 16,650,000 | | | | 4,604,480 | |
6.00% due 02/28/19 | | ILS | 2,160,000 | | | | 629,797 | |
Czech Republic | | | | | | | | |
due 10/26/1810 | | CZK | 71,000,000 | | | | 3,200,804 | |
Total Foreign Government Debt | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $16,913,653) | | | | | | | 16,606,767 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,5 - 1.6% |
Technology - 0.5% |
Misys Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/13/24 | | | 1,176,308 | | | | 1,176,661 | |
Flexera Software LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/26/25 | | | 916,000 | | | | 917,905 | |
Epicor Software | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/22 | | | 590,307 | | | | 592,645 | |
Internet Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.92% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/13/24 | | | 374,995 | | | | 377,338 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 3,064,549 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.4% |
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/30/23 | | | 754,250 | | | | 755,668 | |
DJO Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.54% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%)) due 06/08/20 | | | 488,665 | | | | 488,362 | |
Lineage Logistics LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/27/25 | | | 398,000 | | | | 397,172 | |
Diamond (BC) B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/24 | | | 397,000 | | | | 389,060 | |
Davis Vision | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/24 | | | 198,500 | | | | 197,694 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 2,227,956 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.4% |
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/26/23 | | | 1,172,932 | | | | 949,055 | |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/25 | | | 692,224 | | | | 689,629 | |
52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Crown Finance US, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/28/25 | | | 398,000 | | | $ | 397,359 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 2,036,043 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.3% |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 1,083,830 | | | | 1,009,317 | |
Proquest LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/24/21 | | | 484,709 | | | | 485,771 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 1,495,088 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.0% |
Titan Acquisition Ltd. (Husky) | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/28/25 | | | 248,750 | | | | 241,481 | |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $9,338,374) | | | | | | | 9,065,117 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 0.7% |
California - 0.3% |
Newport Mesa Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4110 | | | 1,540,000 | | | | 617,925 | |
due 08/01/4610 | | | 750,000 | | | | 239,107 | |
Beverly Hills Unified School District California General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3910 | | | 1,410,000 | | | | 604,425 | |
Cypress School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4810 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 246,590 | |
Hanford Joint Union High School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3910 | | | 500,000 | | | | 205,540 | |
Total California | | | | | | | 1,913,587 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Colorado - 0.2% |
City & County of Denver Colorado Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3510 | | | 2,800,000 | | | | 1,416,940 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Illinois - 0.1% |
State of Illinois General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.65% due 12/01/38 | | | 500,000 | | | | 533,205 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Hawaii - 0.1% |
City & County of Honolulu Hawaii General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
1.54% due 11/01/18 | | | 350,000 | | | | 349,734 | |
Total Municipal Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $4,215,360) | | | | | | | 4,213,466 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 0.5% |
Residual Funding Corporation Principal | | | | | | | | |
due 04/15/3010,11 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,008,404 | |
due 01/15/3010,11 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,014,990 | |
Total Federal Agency Notes | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $3,078,831) | | | | | | | 3,023,394 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER†† - 14.0% |
Spire, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.28% due 10/22/184,14 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,488,249 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.21% due 10/01/1814 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 8,000,000 | |
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.19% due 10/04/184,14 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,998,507 | |
Rogers Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.18% due 10/18/184,14 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,991,311 | |
American Water Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/18/184,14 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,991,311 | |
Marriott International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.44% due 10/29/184,14 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,983,115 | |
Comcast Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.37% due 10/16/184,14 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,494,569 | |
CBS Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.32% due 10/15/184,14 | | | 5,435,000 | | | | 5,430,096 | |
AutoZone, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.28% due 10/15/184,14 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,995,567 | |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.35% due 10/26/184,14 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,991,840 | |
Nutrien Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/26/184,14 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,991,667 | |
Mondelez International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.27% due 10/01/184,14 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,000,000 | |
2.55% due 12/20/184,14 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,988,085 | |
Total Commercial Paper | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $79,346,352) | | | | | | | 79,344,317 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,15 - 1.5% |
BNP Paribas issued 07/26/18 at 2.54% due 11/01/18 | | | 3,600,000 | | | | 3,600,000 | |
Barclays issued 09/05/18 at 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) open maturity5 | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 2,700,000 | |
Deutsche Bank issued 09/05/18 at 2.69% due 10/26/18 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,300,000 | |
Total Repurchase Agreements | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $8,600,000) | | | | | | | 8,600,000 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
| | Contracts | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0% |
Call options on: | | | | | | | | |
BofA Merrill Lynch S&P 500 Index Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $3,000.00 (Notional Value $16,609,686) | | | 57 | | | $ | 187,815 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $55.00 (Notional Value $11,154,908) | | | 2,599 | | | | 2,599 | |
Total Call options | | | | | | | 190,414 | |
Total OTC Options Purchased | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $723,428) | | | | | | | 190,414 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 101.7% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $585,821,738) | | | | | | $ | 576,798,020 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.7)% | | | | | | | (9,696,952 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 567,101,068 | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS†† | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Exchange | | | Floating Rate Type | | | Floating Rate Index | | | Fixed Rate | | | Payment Frequency | | | Maturity Date | | | Notional Amount | | | Market Value | | | Premiums Paid | | | Unrealized Appreciation** | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.82% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/28 | | | $ | 50,000,000 | | | $ | 1,326,516 | | | $ | 313,476 | | | $ | 1,013,040 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.69% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/21 | | | | 50,600,000 | | | | 419,037 | | | | 65,878 | | | | 353,159 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.59% | Quarterly | | | 11/13/47 | | | | 1,900,000 | | | | 216,261 | | | | 323 | | | | 215,938 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.77% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/25 | | | | 11,200,000 | | | | 215,154 | | | | 18,497 | | | | 196,657 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.73% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/23 | | | | 14,600,000 | | | | 209,543 | | | | 16,350 | | | | 193,193 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,386,511 | | | $ | 414,524 | | | $ | 1,971,987 | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS†† |
Counterparty | Contracts to Sell | Currency | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 7,600,000 | BRL | 10/01/18 | | $ | 2,206,096 | | | $ | 1,884,080 | | | $ | 322,016 | |
Citigroup | 7,600,000 | BRL | 10/01/18 | | | 2,199,138 | | | | 1,884,080 | | | | 315,058 | |
Goldman Sachs | 71,000,000 | CZK | 10/26/18 | | | 3,411,330 | | | | 3,204,905 | | | | 206,425 | |
Citigroup | 9,668,100 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 2,749,030 | | | | 2,667,811 | | | | 81,219 | |
Citigroup | 563,000,000 | JPY | 01/10/19 | | | 5,054,836 | | | | 4,998,445 | | | | 56,391 | |
Goldman Sachs | 4,633,050 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 1,317,199 | | | | 1,278,441 | | | | 38,758 | |
Goldman Sachs | 200,000,000 | JPY | 01/10/19 | | | 1,812,539 | | | | 1,775,647 | | | | 36,892 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | 142,900,000 | JPY | 02/12/19 | | | 1,306,681 | | | | 1,272,085 | | | | 34,596 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | 3,618,000 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 1,002,994 | | | | 998,349 | | | | 4,645 | |
Goldman Sachs | 22,200,000 | JPY | 03/11/19 | | | 200,375 | | | | 198,053 | | | | 2,322 | |
Morgan Stanley | 1,187,200 | ILS | 02/28/19 | | | 331,398 | | | | 330,738 | | | | 660 | |
Citigroup | 1,102,400 | ILS | 02/28/19 | | | 302,292 | | | | 307,114 | | | | (4,822 | ) |
Citigroup | 32,200,000 | MXN | 10/25/18 | | | 1,669,692 | | | | 1,713,899 | | | | (44,207 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 46,299,000 | MXN | 10/11/18 | | | 2,415,936 | | | | 2,470,239 | | | | (54,303 | ) |
Barclays | 44,000,000 | MXN | 10/25/18 | | | 2,284,385 | | | | 2,341,973 | | | | (57,588 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 938,062 | |
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
Counterparty | Contracts to Buy | Currency | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | 76,200,000 | MXN | 10/25/18 | | $ | 4,035,867 | | | $ | 4,055,872 | | | $ | 20,005 | |
Barclays | 11,180,000 | MXN | 10/11/18 | | | 593,566 | | | | 596,498 | | | | 2,932 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 11,180,000 | MXN | 10/11/18 | | | 594,023 | | | | 596,498 | | | | 2,475 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 23,939,000 | MXN | 10/11/18 | | | 1,277,691 | | | | 1,277,243 | | | | (448 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | 1,185,900 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 327,982 | | | | 327,237 | | | | (745 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 7,600,000 | BRL | 10/01/18 | | | 1,916,743 | | | | 1,884,080 | | | | (32,663 | ) |
Citigroup | 7,600,000 | BRL | 10/01/18 | | | 1,965,069 | | | | 1,884,080 | | | | (80,989 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (89,433 | ) |
~ | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $988,544, (cost $1,000,000) or 0.2% of total net assets. |
2 | Affiliated issuer. |
3 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
4 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $294,308,442 (cost $294,705,454), or 51.9% of total net assets. |
5 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
6 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
7 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $9,006,408 (cost $9,390,211), or 1.6% of total net assets — See Note 10. |
8 | Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2018. See table below for additional step information for each security. |
9 | Security is an interest-only strip. |
10 | Zero coupon rate security. |
11 | Security is a principal-only strip. |
12 | Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
13 | On September 7, 2008, the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm. |
14 | Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase. |
15 | Repurchase Agreements — See additional disclosure in the repurchase agreements table below for more information on repurchase agreements. |
| BofA — Bank of America |
| BRL — Brazilian Real |
| CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
| CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury |
| CZK — Czech Koruna |
| ILS — Israeli New Shekel |
| JPY — Japanese Yen |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate |
| MXN — Mexican Peso |
| WAC — Weighted Average Coupon |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 14,557 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | * | | $ | 14,557 | |
Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | 276,715 | | | | — | * | | | 276,715 | |
Mutual Funds | | | 2,489,273 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,489,273 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 1,007,833 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,007,833 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | — | | | | 180,755,773 | | | | 988,544 | | | | 181,744,317 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | — | | | | 169,023,051 | | | | — | | | | 169,023,051 | |
U.S. Government Securities | | | — | | | | 60,601,961 | | | | — | | | | 60,601,961 | |
Corporate Bonds | | | — | | | | 20,702,888 | | | | — | | | | 20,702,888 | |
Federal Agency Bonds | | | — | | | | 19,893,950 | | | | — | | | | 19,893,950 | |
Foreign Government Debt | | | — | | | | 16,606,767 | | | | — | | | | 16,606,767 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | — | | | | 9,065,117 | | | | — | | | | 9,065,117 | |
Municipal Bonds | | | — | | | | 4,213,466 | | | | — | | | | 4,213,466 | |
Federal Agency Notes | | | — | | | | 3,023,394 | | | | — | | | | 3,023,394 | |
Commercial Paper | | | — | | | | 79,344,317 | | | | — | | | | 79,344,317 | |
Repurchase Agreements | | | — | | | | 8,600,000 | | | | — | | | | 8,600,000 | |
Options Purchased | | | — | | | | 190,414 | | | | — | | | | 190,414 | |
Interest Rate Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 1,971,987 | | | | — | | | | 1,971,987 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 1,124,394 | | | | — | | | | 1,124,394 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 3,511,663 | | | $ | 575,394,194 | | | $ | 988,544 | | | $ | 579,894,401 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | $ | — | | | $ | 275,765 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 275,765 | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9) | | | — | | | | 391 | | | | — | * | | | 391 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | 276,156 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 276,156 | |
* | Includes securities with a market value of $0. |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had securities with a total value of $3,000,761 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to availability of vendor prices. There were no other securities that transferred between levels.
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
Step Coupon Bonds
The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.
Name | | Coupon rate at next step up date | | | Date of next rate change | | Final future rate | | | Final future step up date |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust 2016-1A, 4.88% due 03/17/36 | | | 6.88 | % | | 03/15/23 | | | 6.88 | % | | 03/15/23 |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust 2015-1A, 4.70% due 12/15/40 | | | 6.70 | % | | 11/30/22 | | | 6.70 | % | | 11/30/22 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2017-3, 2.75% due 07/25/56 | | | 3.00 | % | | 03/26/19 | | | 3.00 | % | | 03/26/19 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2017-4, 2.50% due 06/25/57 | | | 2.75 | % | | 12/25/18 | | | 3.00 | % | | 06/25/19 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2018-1, 2.25% due 05/25/57 | | | 2.50 | % | | 03/25/19 | | | 2.75 | % | | 09/25/19 |
GCAT LLC 2018-1, 3.84% due 06/25/48 | | | 6.84 | % | | 05/26/21 | | | 7.84 | % | | 05/26/22 |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/58 | | | 7.00 | % | | 07/26/21 | | | 8.00 | % | | 07/26/22 |
Willis Engine Securitization Trust II 2012-A, 5.50% due 09/15/37 | | | 8.50 | % | | 09/15/20 | | | 8.50 | % | | 09/15/20 |
Repurchase Agreements
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral. The collateral is in the possession of the Fund’s custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements.
Counterparty and Terms of Agreement | | Face Value | | | Repurchase Price | �� | | Collateral | | Par Value | | | Fair Value | |
BNP Paribas | | | | | | | | Park Place Securities Inc. | | | | | | |
2.54% | | | | | | | | 3.49% | | | | | | |
11/01/18 | | $ | 3,600,000 | | | $ | 3,624,628 | | | 12/25/34 | | $ | 4,195,000 | | | $ | 4,211,780 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Bank | | | | | | | | | | Great Wolf Trust | | | | | | | | |
2.69% | | | | | | | | | | 6.38% | | | | | | | | |
10/26/18 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,308,755 | | | 09/15/34 | | | 3,066,000 | | | | 3,080,104 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays | | | | | | | | | | Standard Chartered PLC | | | | | | | | |
2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) | | | | | | | | | | 3.85% | | | | | | | | |
Open Maturity* | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 2,700,000 | | | Perpetual Maturity | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 2,913,750 | |
* | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
In the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Fund seeks to assert its rights. The Fund’s investment adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Loss | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — Institutional Class | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,507,673 | | | $ | (2,000,000 | ) | | $ | (4,608 | ) | | $ | (13,792 | ) | | $ | 2,489,273 | | | | 95,926 | | | $ | 107,673 | |
58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $574,718,673) | | $ | 565,708,747 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,503,065) | | | 2,489,273 | |
Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $8,600,000) | | | 8,600,000 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 2,862,485 | |
Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements | | | 414,524 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 1,124,394 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 58,833 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 5,730,890 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 2,227,094 | |
Interest | | | 1,499,427 | |
Dividends | | | 6,533 | |
Total assets | | | 590,722,200 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9) (proceeds $521) | | | 391 | |
Overdraft due to custodian bank | | | 64,373 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 275,765 | |
Segregated cash due to broker | | | 892,146 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 20,201,630 | |
Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements | | | 1,030,901 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 730,824 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 106,779 | |
Management fees | | | 104,865 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 45,632 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 44,599 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 32,787 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 1,358 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 89,082 | |
Total liabilities | | | 23,621,132 | |
Net assets | | $ | 567,101,068 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 574,987,853 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (7,886,785 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 567,101,068 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 119,065,769 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 6,495,924 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 18.33 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%) | | $ | 19.09 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 18,798,840 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 1,029,974 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 18.25 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 48,262,933 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,630,940 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 18.34 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 380,973,526 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 20,812,956 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 18.30 | |
| * | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 186,463 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 107,673 | |
Interest | | | 14,943,408 | |
Total investment income | | | 15,237,544 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 1,775,922 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 393,921 | |
C-Class | | | 246,690 | |
P-Class | | | 79,536 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 165,340 | |
C-Class | | | 44,376 | |
P-Class | | | 42,198 | |
Institutional Class | | | 102,312 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 353,053 | |
Custodian fees | | | 26,647 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 16,436 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 13,011 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 286,056 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 5,107 | |
C-Class | | | 699 | |
P-Class | | | 3,054 | |
Institutional Class | | | 8,164 | |
Total expenses | | | 3,562,522 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (101,243 | ) |
C-Class | | | (34,711 | ) |
P-Class | | | (31,721 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (100,278 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (165,344 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (433,297 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 3,129,225 | |
Net investment income | | | 12,108,319 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (2,413,737 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (4,608 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | 3,235,272 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (51,430 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 1,800,831 | |
Options purchased | | | (550,095 | ) |
Options written | | | 164,376 | |
Net realized gain | | | 2,180,609 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (9,928,149 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (13,792 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | 1,618,851 | |
Options purchased | | | (18,639 | ) |
Options written | | | (156,385 | ) |
Foreign currency translations | | | (1,656 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 832,610 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (7,667,160 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (5,486,551 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 6,621,768 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 12,108,319 | | | $ | 10,160,909 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 2,180,609 | | | | 1,038,292 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (7,667,160 | ) | | | (191,264 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 6,621,768 | | | | 11,007,937 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (4,168,019 | ) | | | (5,543,696 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (473,849 | ) | | | (809,552 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (832,713 | ) | | | (165,374 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (6,667,145 | ) | | | (4,160,219 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (12,141,726 | ) | | | (10,678,841 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 53,960,443 | | | | 68,572,987 | |
C-Class | | | 5,242,102 | | | | 5,322,726 | |
P-Class | | | 40,693,678 | | | | 18,599,465 | |
Institutional Class | | | 286,726,563 | | | | 85,698,634 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 3,808,487 | | | | 5,078,949 | |
C-Class | | | 418,766 | | | | 705,067 | |
P-Class | | | 831,621 | | | | 165,374 | |
Institutional Class | | | 6,230,399 | | | | 4,051,788 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (107,498,545 | ) | | | (61,989,844 | ) |
C-Class | | | (14,673,803 | ) | | | (13,889,018 | ) |
P-Class | | | (10,133,358 | ) | | | (4,553,931 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (51,009,557 | ) | | | (31,294,035 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 214,596,796 | | | | 76,468,162 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 209,076,838 | | | | 76,797,258 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 358,024,230 | | | | 281,226,972 | |
End of year | | $ | 567,101,068 | | | $ | 358,024,230 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 2,921,467 | | | | 3,734,365 | |
C-Class | | | 284,936 | | | | 291,471 | |
P-Class | | | 2,202,577 | | | | 1,004,493 | |
Institutional Class | | | 15,578,745 | | | | 4,668,101 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 206,047 | | | | 276,636 | |
C-Class | | | 22,751 | | | | 38,586 | |
P-Class | | | 45,020 | | | | 8,989 | |
Institutional Class | | | 337,987 | | | | 220,822 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (5,830,241 | ) | | | (3,377,947 | ) |
C-Class | | | (798,082 | ) | | | (760,143 | ) |
P-Class | | | (548,740 | ) | | | (247,641 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (2,770,696 | ) | | | (1,710,778 | ) |
Net increase in shares | | | 11,651,771 | | | | 4,146,954 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (see Note 12). |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 18.55 | | | $ | 18.55 | | | $ | 18.10 | | | $ | 18.50 | | | $ | 17.81 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .49 | | | | .59 | | | | .64 | | | | .69 | | | | .65 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.22 | ) | | | .02 | | | | .50 | | | | (.30 | ) | | | .83 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .27 | | | | .61 | | | | 1.14 | | | | .39 | | | | 1.48 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.61 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.79 | ) | | | (.79 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.61 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.79 | ) | | | (.79 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 18.33 | | | $ | 18.55 | | | $ | 18.55 | | | $ | 18.10 | | | $ | 18.50 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 1.46 | % | | | 3.39 | % | | | 6.50 | % | | | 2.12 | % | | | 8.47 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 119,066 | | | $ | 170,624 | | | $ | 158,932 | | | $ | 115,019 | | | $ | 99,565 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.64 | % | | | 3.19 | % | | | 3.55 | % | | | 3.72 | % | | | 3.55 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 0.93 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 0.83 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.05 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 53 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 61 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 18.47 | | | $ | 18.48 | | | $ | 18.02 | | | $ | 18.42 | | | $ | 17.73 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .35 | | | | .45 | | | | .51 | | | | .55 | | | | .51 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.22 | ) | | | .02 | | | | .51 | | | | (.30 | ) | | | .83 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .13 | | | | .47 | | | | 1.02 | | | | .25 | | | | 1.34 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.56 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.65 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.56 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.65 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 18.25 | | | $ | 18.47 | | | $ | 18.48 | | | $ | 18.02 | | | $ | 18.42 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 0.71 | % | | | 2.59 | % | | | 5.78 | % | | | 1.36 | % | | | 7.69 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 18,799 | | | $ | 28,083 | | | $ | 36,040 | | | $ | 24,111 | | | $ | 20,673 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.92 | % | | | 2.47 | % | | | 2.81 | % | | | 3.00 | % | | | 2.80 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.75 | % | | | 1.85 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.99 | % | | | 1.99 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 1.57 | % | | | 1.77 | % | | | 1.77 | % | | | 1.82 | % | | | 1.80 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 53 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 61 | % |
62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 18.56 | | | $ | 18.57 | | | $ | 18.12 | | | $ | 18.45 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .48 | | | | .56 | | | | .59 | | | | .25 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.21 | ) | | | .05 | | | | .55 | | | | (.26 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .27 | | | | .61 | | | | 1.14 | | | | (.01 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.32 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.32 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 18.34 | | | $ | 18.56 | | | $ | 18.57 | | | $ | 18.12 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.45 | % | | | 3.33 | % | | | 6.51 | % | | | (0.11 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 48,263 | | | $ | 17,303 | | | $ | 3,087 | | | $ | 10 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.61 | % | | | 3.06 | % | | | 3.25 | % | | | 3.25 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 0.94 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 0.98 | % | | | 3.29 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 0.80 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | 0.98 | % | | | 1.09 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 53 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 57 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63 |
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 18.52 | | | $ | 18.53 | | | $ | 18.07 | | | $ | 18.47 | | | $ | 17.80 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .54 | | | | .64 | | | | .62 | | | | .74 | | | | .68 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.22 | ) | | | .02 | | | | .58 | | | | (.31 | ) | | | .83 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .32 | | | | .66 | | | | 1.20 | | | | .43 | | | | 1.51 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.54 | ) | | | (.67 | ) | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.83 | ) | | | (.84 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.54 | ) | | | (.67 | ) | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.83 | ) | | | (.84 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 18.30 | | | $ | 18.52 | | | $ | 18.53 | | | $ | 18.07 | | | $ | 18.47 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.75 | % | | | 3.67 | % | | | 6.83 | % | | | 2.37 | % | | | 8.64 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 380,974 | | | $ | 142,014 | | | $ | 83,168 | | | $ | 6,910 | | | $ | 5,909 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.92 | % | | | 3.51 | % | | | 3.41 | % | | | 4.01 | % | | | 3.72 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 0.60 | % | | | 0.74 | % | | | 0.76 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 0.88 | % |
Net expensesd,e,g | | | 0.52 | % | | | 0.70 | % | | | 0.76 | % | | | 0.82 | % | | | 0.78 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 53 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 61 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers. |
e | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the periods presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | 0.00%* | 0.05% |
C-Class | 0.00%* | 0.03% |
P-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% |
Institutional Class | 0.00%* | 0.02% |
f | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
A-Class | 0.82% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
C-Class | 1.57% | 1.75% | 1.74% | 1.75% | 1.75% |
P-Class | 0.80% | 0.99% | 0.97% | 1.00% | N/A |
Institutional Class | 0.52% | 0.68% | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.75% |
64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including Anne B. Walsh, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam Bloch, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund returned 1.69%1, compared with the 0.22% return of its benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Year Total Return Index.
The Fund seeks to provide a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital. It invests at least 80% of its assets in a diversified portfolio of debt securities.
The portfolio remained underweight duration against the benchmark, largely achieved through approximately 90% exposure to adjustable rate securities.
The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) delivered four rate increases over the period, raising the fed funds rate target range to 2.00-2.25%. The Fund continues to be positioned for future rate hikes.
Collateralized loan obligations’ (CLOs’) debt allocation delivered a positive absolute return over the period. During the period, the portfolio further rotated into AAA tranches, given the flattening credit curve and desire to minimize downside risk. CLO new issuance for the first nine months of 2018 is currently outpacing 2017 and has pushed CLO spreads marginally wider, retracing some of the tightening we have seen over the past twelve months. Total new issue, refinance, and reset volume stands at $190 billion year-to-date and is on pace to be the biggest new issuance year post-crisis.
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) holdings were a positive contributor in the period. Spread differences between lower-risk and higher-risk RMBS tranches widened in June but remain near post-crisis lows and reflect the late-cycle complacency observed in other fixed income credit markets. Overall, limited home inventory and improving labor market conditions should support home prices and mortgage credit performance. Pre-crisis RMBS investment performance should continue benefitting from a supply shortfall caused by ongoing paydowns and limited new issuance.
The allocation to shorter maturity investment-grade corporate bonds contributed to performance. Returns were largely earned from coupon income.
The Fund uses derivatives to to obtain a targeted interest rate duration, to hedge non-U.S. dollar foreign exchange exposure, and to occasionally obtain or replicate market exposure. For the period, returns from derivatives were positive.
The Fund invested excess cash into the Guggenheim Strategy Funds which, in turn, invest in a diversified portfolio of debt securities and financial instruments providing exposure to fixed income markets. The investment objective of the Guggenheim Strategy Funds is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital. For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, investment in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds has benefited Fund performance relative to investing in other short-term investments.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide a high level of income consistent with preservation of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_66.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds.
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | % of Total Investments |
Fixed Income Instruments | |
AAA | 38.3% |
AA | 6.5% |
A | 16.8% |
BBB | 19.6% |
BB | 2.2% |
B | 3.5% |
CCC | 3.4% |
NR2 | 4.1% |
Other Instruments | 5.6% |
Total Investments | 100.0% |
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | December 16, 2013 |
C-Class | December 16, 2013 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | December 16, 2013 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IV Ltd., 2.99% | 1.2% |
Government of Japan, 1/10/19 | 1.2% |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust, 2.75% | 1.2% |
CIM Trust, 3.69% | 1.1% |
CIM Trust, 4.07% | 1.1% |
ALM XII Ltd., 3.23% | 1.0% |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class | 1.0% |
Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage Mortgage Trust, 3.04% | 0.9% |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2018-4, 3.00% | 0.9% |
Figueroa CLO Ltd., 3.19% | 0.9% |
Top Ten Total | 10.5% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_67.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | Since Inception (12/16/13) |
A-Class Shares | 1.69% | 2.44% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | (0.58%) | 1.95% |
C-Class Shares | 0.94% | 1.67% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | (0.05%) | 1.67% |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.95% | 2.71% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Total Return Index | 0.22% | 0.84% |
| 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | 1.69% | 2.37% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Total Return Index | 0.22% | 0.77% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 1-3 Total Return Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
† | Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 2.25%. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 2.0% |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class1 | | | 1,317,118 | | | $ | 34,179,223 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1 | | | 589,387 | | | | 14,722,876 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1 | | | 487,012 | | | | 12,175,294 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I1 | | | 398,057 | | | | 9,971,325 | |
Total Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $71,116,917) | | | | | | | 71,048,718 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 2.0% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund - Institutional Class 1.91%2 | | | 69,072,510 | | | | 69,072,510 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $69,072,510) | | | | | | | 69,072,510 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 35.6% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - 28.8% |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 2.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.68%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/263,4 | | | 43,806,965 | | | | 43,639,000 | |
2018-2A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/263,4 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,999,319 | |
KVK CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.26% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/293,4 | | | 30,100,000 | | | | 30,041,720 | |
2017-1A, 4.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/15/263,4 | | | 5,600,000 | | | | 5,598,928 | |
2017-2A, 3.52% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/263,4 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,000,622 | |
2017-1A, 3.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/283,4 | | | 2,600,000 | | | | 2,593,492 | |
2017-2A, 4.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/263,4 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,971 | |
Garrison BSL CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.97%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/283,4 | | | 24,930,000 | | | | 24,877,749 | |
2018-1A, 3.32% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/283,4 | | | 15,770,000 | | | | 15,799,099 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-36A, 3.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/313,4 | | | 29,300,000 | | | | 29,280,003 | |
2016-33A, 4.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/283,4 | | | 9,000,000 | | | | 9,006,290 | |
ALM XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.89%, Rate Floor: 0.89%) due 04/16/273,4 | | | 35,000,000 | | | | 34,925,198 | |
2018-12A, 3.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 04/16/273,4 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,979,655 | |
Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.04% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.88%, Rate Floor: 0.88%) due 09/15/343,4 | | | 32,371,011 | | | | 32,296,444 | |
Figueroa CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 06/20/273,4 | | | 31,470,000 | | | | 31,370,983 | |
Flagship CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-8A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.83%) due 01/16/263,4 | | | 21,150,000 | | | | 21,084,822 | |
2018-8A, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/16/263,4 | | | 9,650,000 | | | | 9,625,856 | |
MP CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/273,4 | | | 30,300,000 | | | | 30,216,878 | |
TICP CLO II-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-IIA, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 04/20/283,4 | | | 28,950,000 | | | | 28,828,436 | |
Venture XII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.80%) due 02/28/263,4 | | | 23,000,000 | | | | 22,904,449 | |
2018-12A, 3.51% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.20%, Rate Floor: 1.20%) due 02/28/263,4 | | | 5,100,000 | | | | 5,084,968 | |
West CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/263,4 | | | 24,000,000 | | | | 23,969,791 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 3.86% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/293,4 | | | 23,800,000 | | | | 23,800,702 | |
68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shackleton 2015-VIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/273,4 | | | 23,000,000 | | | $ | 22,959,430 | |
Telos CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-6A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.27%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/273,4 | | | 19,900,000 | | | | 19,902,864 | |
CIFC Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.30% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/22/263,4 | | | 14,500,000 | | | | 14,500,130 | |
2017-4A, 3.72% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.38%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/17/263,4 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,999,960 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities VII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-7A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/283,4 | | | 17,000,000 | | | | 16,988,537 | |
GPMT Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 3.08% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.90%) due 11/21/353,4 | | | 16,400,000 | | | | 16,370,674 | |
Mountain View CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.80%) due 10/15/263,4 | | | 16,000,000 | | | | 15,950,619 | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.12% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.78%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/27/273,4 | | | 15,950,000 | | | | 15,873,730 | |
BlueMountain CLO 2014-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 3.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/263,4 | | | 14,995,000 | | | | 14,993,800 | |
TICP CLO III-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-3R, 3.20% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 04/20/283,4 | | | 14,800,000 | | | | 14,734,387 | |
Hunt CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/343,4 | | | 14,600,000 | | | | 14,646,970 | |
Venture XVI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-16A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 01/15/283,4 | | | 14,550,000 | | | | 14,494,285 | |
TPG Real Estate Finance Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/15/353,4 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 13,997,904 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-11A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/313,4 | | | 13,450,000 | | | | 13,415,612 | |
SCOF-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.36% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/283,4 | | | 13,300,000 | | | | 13,300,351 | |
Vibrant CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 3.83% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/263,4 | | | 8,800,000 | | | | 8,798,559 | |
2016-3A, 4.40% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/263,4 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,999,141 | |
Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-4A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/263,4 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,503,609 | |
2018-4A, 3.82% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/26 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,502,317 | |
Marathon CLO V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-5A, 3.18% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.87%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/273,4 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,961,421 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.83%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/17/273,4 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,948,027 | |
BDS 2018-FL1 | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 3.01% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%) due 01/15/353,4 | | | 11,800,000 | | | | 11,806,786 | |
AIMCO CLO Series | | | | | | | | |
2018-AA, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 01/15/283,4 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,967,394 | |
2017-AA, 3.45% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/263,4 | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 2,199,782 | |
Mountain Hawk II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/243,4 | | | 10,100,000 | | | | 10,084,324 | |
Venture XVII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-17A, 3.22% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.88%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/273,4 | | | 9,100,000 | | | | 9,069,877 | |
Ares XXXIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.67% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/05/253,4 | | | 8,800,000 | | | | 8,812,960 | |
Crown Point CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/31/273,4 | | | 8,670,000 | | | | 8,650,052 | |
BSPRT Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL2, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.82%) due 10/15/343,4 | | | 8,360,539 | | | | 8,361,404 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Monroe Capital CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/22/263,4 | | | 8,100,000 | | | $ | 8,103,237 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 5.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/22/283,4 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 8,026,435 | |
VMC Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%) due 04/15/353,4 | | | 7,984,990 | | | | 7,993,937 | |
NXT Capital CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/293,4 | | | 7,700,000 | | | | 7,718,036 | |
Seneca Park CLO Limited | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/263,4 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,999,274 | |
2017-1A, 3.46% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/263,4 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,499,986 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.78%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/293,4 | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,491,250 | |
Woodmont Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 4.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.73%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/293,4 | | | 4,700,000 | | | | 4,714,023 | |
2017-2A, 4.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/283,4 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,508,770 | |
NewStar Fairfield Fund CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.27%, Rate Floor: 1.27%) due 04/20/303,4 | | | 6,600,000 | | | | 6,585,251 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.87% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.53%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/283,4 | | | 6,500,000 | | | | 6,499,835 | |
A Voce CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/263,4 | | | 6,400,000 | | | | 6,400,373 | |
Avery Point V CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-5A, 3.32% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.98%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/263,4 | | | 6,300,000 | | | | 6,297,001 | |
KVK CLO 2018-1 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.03% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/293,4 | | | 6,250,000 | | | | 6,256,541 | |
Venture XIX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-19A, 4.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/273,4 | | | 6,100,000 | | | | 6,102,079 | |
Diamond CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.93% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 07/22/303,4 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 6,000,085 | |
OCP CLO 2015-8 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/17/273,4 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,979,259 | |
Northwoods Capital Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 3.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/12/253,4 | | | 5,700,000 | | | | 5,702,371 | |
AMMC CLO 15 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 3.68% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/263,4 | | | 5,400,000 | | | | 5,403,945 | |
Resource Capital Corporation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-CRE5, 2.96% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%) due 07/15/343,4 | | | 5,269,239 | | | | 5,269,232 | |
Cent CLO 20 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-20A, 3.97% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.63%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/263,4 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,253,507 | |
2017-20A, 3.44% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/263,4 | | | 1,852,579 | | | | 1,852,477 | |
OZLM IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 4.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/273,4 | | | 5,100,000 | | | | 5,099,128 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XXIII, LP | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/15/283,4 | | | 5,100,000 | | | | 5,091,229 | |
Regatta V Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/263,4 | | | 4,900,000 | | | | 4,899,877 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-16A, 4.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/293,4 | | | 4,700,000 | | | | 4,724,079 | |
Symphony CLO XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 4.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/14/263,4 | | | 4,700,000 | | | | 4,699,091 | |
FDF I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.40% due 11/12/303 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,495,231 | |
70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Newstar Commercial Loan Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/273,4 | | | 3,000,000 | | | $ | 3,022,139 | |
2016-1A, 6.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%) due 02/25/283,4 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,003,430 | |
TCP Waterman CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/283,4 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,019,369 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVI, LP | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/273,4 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,018,288 | |
FDF II Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.29% due 05/12/313 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,010,309 | |
ACIS CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-4A, 3.76% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.42%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/263,4 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,002,587 | |
Midocean Credit CLO V | | | | | | | | |
2018-5A, 3.43% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/19/283,4 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,000,479 | |
OZLM VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/17/263,4 | | | 3,750,000 | | | | 3,749,863 | |
Northwoods Capital XII-B Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12BA, 3.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 06/15/313,4 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,499,250 | |
Cent CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-19A, 3.67% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.33%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/29/253,4 | | | 3,250,917 | | | | 3,251,485 | |
Marathon CLO VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-7A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/253,4 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,003,896 | |
Northwoods Capital XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 4.04% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/12/253,4 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,000,521 | |
ALM VI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-6A, 3.75% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/263,4 | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 2,685,505 | |
AMMC CLO XV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 4.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/263,4 | | | 2,400,000 | | | | 2,403,171 | |
KKR CLO 15 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15, 3.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/283,4 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,302,841 | |
PFP Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.05%) due 01/14/353,4 | | | 2,268,037 | | | | 2,266,887 | |
Flagship VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-7A, 3.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/263,4 | | | 2,025,891 | | | | 2,025,555 | |
Garrison Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.52% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.20%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/29/273,4 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,004,380 | |
OCP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.31% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/22/253,4 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,002,420 | |
Denali Capital CLO X LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/26/273,4 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,999,795 | |
Madison Park Funding XVI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-16A, 4.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/263,4 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,999,480 | |
Oaktree CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.22% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.87%) due 10/20/273,4 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,993,820 | |
Recette Clo Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/273,4 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,984,390 | |
Madison Park Funding XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 3.90% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/263,4 | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,601,328 | |
Bsprt Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/273,4 | | | 1,503,223 | | | | 1,506,878 | |
Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2015-37A, due 01/15/313,5 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,416,133 | |
Symphony CLO XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-12A, 3.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/253,4 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,250,957 | |
LCM XXII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-22A, 3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.28%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/283,4 | | | 1,150,000 | | | | 1,150,853 | |
OHA Credit Partners IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-9A, due 10/20/253,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 855,215 | |
Treman Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/273,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 827,700 | |
Figueroa CLO 2013-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 2.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 06/20/273,4 | | | 750,000 | | | | 750,196 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
LMREC, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2016-CRE2, 2.70% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 1.70%) due 11/24/313,4 | | | 534,000 | | | $ | 534,000 | |
Venture VII CDO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-7A, 2.58% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/223,4 | | | 533,987 | | | | 533,986 | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-1A, 5.31% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/233,4 | | | 500,000 | | | | 499,944 | |
Cereberus ICQ Levered LLC | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/06/253,4 | | | 323,053 | | | | 323,414 | |
A10 Term Asset Financing 2016-1 LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1, 3.35% due 03/15/353 | | | 250,742 | | | | 250,310 | |
Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, due 01/20/215,6 | | | 500,000 | | | | 47,023 | |
Babson CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-2A, due 05/15/233,5 | | | 750,000 | | | | 30,143 | |
Keuka Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 10/21/243,5 | | | 500,000 | | | | 8,460 | |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations | | | | | | | 1,012,221,220 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Aircraft - 2.9% |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/433 | | | 11,637,885 | | | | 11,604,938 | |
2017-1, 3.97% due 07/15/42 | | | 5,166,939 | | | | 5,094,803 | |
2015-1A, 4.70% due 12/15/403,7 | | | 2,787,197 | | | | 2,800,195 | |
SAPPHIRE AVIATION FINANCE I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/403 | | | 15,860,417 | | | | 15,887,152 | |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-2, 4.21% due 11/15/41 | | | 11,999,000 | | | | 11,951,288 | |
2016-1A, 4.88% due 03/17/363,7 | | | 3,769,850 | | | | 3,829,217 | |
KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/423 | | | 11,278,946 | | | | 11,131,092 | |
MAPS Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/433 | | | 9,195,050 | | | | 9,197,452 | |
AASET Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/423 | | | 7,964,041 | | | | 7,922,027 | |
AIM Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.21% due 02/15/403 | | | 6,065,429 | | | | 6,073,251 | |
Raspro Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-1A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/243,4 | | | 4,346,862 | | | | 4,194,722 | |
2005-1A, 2.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 03/23/243,4 | | | 1,363,672 | | | | 1,358,948 | |
Falcon Aerospace Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/423 | | | 2,866,188 | | | | 2,853,735 | |
Diamond Head Aviation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1, 3.81% due 07/14/283 | | | 1,825,675 | | | | 1,824,245 | |
AASET 2018-1 US Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.84% due 01/16/383 | | | 1,730,197 | | | | 1,713,866 | |
Emerald Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1, 4.65% due 10/15/383 | | | 1,104,419 | | | | 1,105,641 | |
ECAF I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 3.47% due 06/15/403 | | | 996,994 | | | | 987,430 | |
Atlas Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1 A, 4.88% due 12/15/39 | | | 770,736 | | | | 742,948 | |
Rise Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.75% due 02/12/39 | | | 271,737 | | | | 266,981 | |
Total Transport-Aircraft | | | | | | | 100,539,931 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Container - 1.3% |
Textainer Marine Containers Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 3.52% due 06/20/423 | | | 13,971,290 | | | | 13,603,682 | |
CLI Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.03% due 04/18/433 | | | 8,702,864 | | | | 8,645,472 | |
Global SC Finance II SRL | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 2.98% due 04/17/283 | | | 7,230,208 | | | | 7,098,006 | |
CAL Funding III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.96% due 02/25/433 | | | 6,780,000 | | | | 6,693,916 | |
Textainer Marine Containers V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.72% due 05/20/423 | | | 5,148,129 | | | | 5,075,431 | |
CLI Funding V LLC | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 2.83% due 03/18/283 | | | 2,258,667 | | | | 2,199,780 | |
Cronos Containers Program Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 3.08% due 04/18/283 | | | 2,025,833 | | | | 1,991,431 | |
Total Transport-Container | | | | | | | 45,307,718 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Lease - 0.9% |
Capital Automotive LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.87% due 04/15/473 | | | 16,660,583 | | | | 16,458,667 | |
STORE Master Funding I LLC | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.17% due 04/20/453 | | | 10,517,208 | | | | 10,433,502 | |
2015-1A, 3.75% due 04/20/453 | | | 1,769,250 | | | | 1,728,969 | |
STORE Master Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 4.16% due 03/20/433 | | | 2,263,304 | | | | 2,253,456 | |
Capital Automotive REIT | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 3.66% due 10/15/443 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 984,609 | |
Total Net Lease | | | | | | | 31,859,203 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Automotive - 0.5% |
Hertz Vehicle Financing II, LP | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 2.73% due 03/25/213 | | | 9,700,000 | | | | 9,615,762 | |
2017-1A, 2.96% due 10/25/213 | | | 3,300,000 | | | | 3,256,417 | |
Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-4A, 2.65% due 07/25/223 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,370,381 | |
2016-2A, 2.95% due 03/25/223 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,967,790 | |
Total Automotive | | | | | | | 19,210,350 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.5% |
Anchorage Credit Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-4A, 3.50% due 02/15/353 | | | 11,650,000 | | | | 11,256,426 | |
2016-3A, 3.85% due 10/28/333 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,474,395 | |
RB Commercial Trust | | | | | | | | |
2012-RS1, 5.35% due 01/26/223 | | | 3,321,820 | | | | 3,320,325 | |
72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Putnam Structured Product Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2003-1A, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/383,4 | | | 1,327,433 | | | $ | 1,314,158 | |
H2 Asset Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.07% due 03/19/37 | | | 50,062 | | | | 50,300 | |
Total Collateralized Debt Obligations | | | | | | | 17,415,604 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Whole Business - 0.4% |
Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/473,4 | | | 5,197,500 | | | | 5,211,585 | |
Taco Bell Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.97% due 05/25/463 | | | 3,447,500 | | | | 3,547,029 | |
Sonic Capital LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.47% due 05/20/463 | | | 3,290,466 | | | | 3,280,430 | |
Drug Royalty III Limited Partnership | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.98% due 04/15/273 | | | 929,702 | | | | 930,392 | |
Drug Royalty II Limited Partnership 2 | | | | | | | | |
2014-1, 3.48% due 07/15/233 | | | 348,907 | | | | 347,830 | |
Total Whole Business | | | | | | | 13,317,266 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Infrastructure - 0.3% |
Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.97% due 06/15/486 | | | 7,481,250 | | | | 7,398,642 | |
Vantage Data Centers Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.07% due 02/16/433 | | | 3,181,333 | | | | 3,183,177 | |
SBA Tower Trust | | | | | | | | |
, 2.90% due 10/15/443 | | | 1,725,000 | | | | 1,721,536 | |
Total Infrastructure | | | | | | | 12,303,355 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Rail - 0.0% |
TRIP Rail Master Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 2.71% due 08/15/473 | | | 1,592,606 | | | | 1,568,166 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Insurance - 0.0% |
Chesterfield Financial Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.50% due 12/15/343 | | | 464,250 | | | | 465,626 | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $1,258,183,837) | | | | | | | 1,254,208,439 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONs†† - 26.8% |
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities - 20.5% |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-6, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/573,4 | | | 42,406,815 | | | | 41,348,032 | |
2018-4, 3.00% (WAC) due 06/25/583,4 | | | 32,899,381 | | | | 31,916,729 | |
2018-2, 3.25% (WAC) due 03/25/583,4 | | | 29,761,392 | | | | 29,361,976 | |
2017-5, 2.82% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/25/573,4 | | | 28,761,744 | | | | 28,787,523 | |
2018-1, 3.00% (WAC) due 01/25/583,4 | | | 6,380,815 | | | | 6,260,021 | |
2017-1, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/563,4 | | | 4,802,707 | | | | 4,702,154 | |
2016-1, 2.75% (WAC) due 02/25/553,4 | | | 1,336,175 | | | | 1,315,367 | |
CIM Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-R2, 3.69% (WAC) due 08/25/573,4 | | | 39,173,834 | | | | 38,888,253 | |
2018-R4, 4.07% (WAC) due 12/26/573,4 | | | 38,328,848 | | | | 38,206,314 | |
2017-2, 4.10% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 12/25/573,4 | | | 3,851,802 | | | | 3,900,104 | |
Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-WF1, 2.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 02/25/374 | | | 21,662,413 | | | | 21,304,452 | |
2008-BC4, 2.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 11/25/374 | | | 15,438,601 | | | | 15,178,564 | |
2006-BC4, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 12/25/364 | | | 2,065,242 | | | | 1,995,581 | |
2006-BC3, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 10/25/364 | | | 2,019,603 | | | | 1,790,961 | |
2007-BC1, 2.35% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.13%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 02/25/374 | | | 336,465 | | | | 331,161 | |
Soundview Home Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-OPT5, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/364 | | | 24,930,527 | | | | 24,166,095 | |
2006-1, 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 02/25/364 | | | 9,341,077 | | | | 9,351,775 | |
2005-OPT3, 2.69% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.47%) due 11/25/354 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,978,070 | |
2003-1, 5.59% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.38%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 08/25/314 | | | 74,696 | | | | 74,425 | |
Saxon Asset Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-3, 2.53% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.31%) due 09/25/474 | | | 30,346,555 | | | | 29,743,478 | |
Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-FRE1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/374 | | | 26,084,278 | | | | 24,461,716 | |
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.50% (WAC) due 02/25/583,4 | | | 20,208,367 | | | | 20,038,071 | |
2017-5A, 3.72% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 06/25/573,4 | | | 2,497,593 | | | | 2,561,195 | |
American Home Mortgage Investment Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-3, 2.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.50%/0.18%) due 12/25/464 | | | 10,505,615 | | | | 10,324,107 | |
2006-1, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 03/25/464 | | | 7,841,355 | | | | 7,564,510 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates | | | | | | | | |
2007-8, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/374 | | | 10,601,021 | | | $ | 10,014,338 | |
2006-6, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 09/25/364 | | | 5,078,970 | | | | 4,995,312 | |
2006-5, 2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.29%) due 08/25/364 | | | 2,056,620 | | | | 2,043,684 | |
NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-2, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.00%/0.20%) due 09/25/374 | | | 16,339,500 | | | | 15,818,175 | |
CIT Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 3.57% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 10/25/373,4 | | | 13,649,004 | | | | 13,773,146 | |
2007-1, 3.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 1.45%) due 10/25/373,4 | | | 955,939 | | | | 969,081 | |
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE9, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 11/25/364 | | | 10,186,058 | | | | 9,866,794 | |
2006-HE3, 2.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 04/25/364 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,960,344 | |
IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR6, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 06/25/464 | | | 14,236,335 | | | | 13,527,144 | |
Banc of America Funding Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-R2, 2.48% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 04/29/373,4 | | | 10,278,000 | | | | 9,994,171 | |
2015-R4, 2.23% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 01/27/353,4 | | | 3,397,508 | | | | 3,239,348 | |
Nomura Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1R, 3.13% due 09/26/58 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,917,500 | |
2015-4R, 4.55% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/363,4 | | | 1,202,736 | | | | 1,159,060 | |
Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass Through Certificates Ser | | | | | | | | |
2005-R10, 2.65% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 01/25/364 | | | 12,500,000 | | | | 12,529,890 | |
Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE6, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 05/25/374 | | | 10,255,205 | | | | 9,409,862 | |
2006-NC1, 2.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.38%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 12/25/354 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,491,731 | |
GCAT LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 3.84% due 06/25/483,7 | | | 10,830,464 | | | | 10,792,895 | |
LSTAR Securities Investment Limited | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 4.11% due 04/01/21 | | | 6,992,404 | | | | 6,991,694 | |
2017-6, 3.83% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/01/223,4 | | | 2,636,347 | | | | 2,637,995 | |
Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA7, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 05/25/474 | | | 9,621,097 | | | | 9,361,641 | |
Morgan Stanley Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-2 | | | | | | | | |
2006-2, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 02/25/364 | | | 8,945,770 | | | | 8,914,467 | |
COLT Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-3, 3.69% (WAC) due 10/26/483,4 | | | 8,750,000 | | | | 8,765,519 | |
Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-59, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.33%) due 11/20/354 | | | 4,460,797 | | | | 4,348,743 | |
2007-OH3, 2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.00%/0.29%) due 09/25/474 | | | 4,171,388 | | | | 4,096,960 | |
RASC Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-EMX4, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.23%) due 06/25/364 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,294,762 | |
JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE2, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/364 | | | 8,111,125 | | | | 8,061,712 | |
Argent Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-W2, 2.71% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.49%) due 10/25/354 | | | 7,250,000 | | | | 7,254,958 | |
Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-B, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 04/25/374 | | | 7,326,772 | | | | 7,214,257 | |
First NLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-4, 2.61% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.39%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.39%) due 02/25/364 | | | 7,167,655 | | | | 7,139,899 | |
Park Place Securities Incorporated Asset Backed Pass Through Certificates Ser | | | | | | | | |
2005-WHQ3, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 06/25/354 | | | 7,025,000 | | | | 7,024,005 | |
FBR Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-2, 2.97% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.50%) due 09/25/354 | | | 6,750,000 | | | | 6,761,855 | |
74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes9 | | | | | | | | |
2015-DNA1, 4.07% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/274 | | | 4,389,012 | | | $ | 4,467,235 | |
2014-DN1, 4.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.20%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/25/244 | | | 2,222,322 | | | | 2,283,417 | |
FirstKey Master Funding | | | | | | | | |
2017-R1, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 11/03/413,4 | | | 6,764,419 | | | | 6,615,876 | |
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-3, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 06/25/364 | | | 5,711,495 | | | | 5,524,362 | |
2005-2, 2.95% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.74%, Rate Floor: 0.49%) due 03/25/354 | | | 704,127 | | | | 705,199 | |
2005-1, 2.94% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.72%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 02/25/353,4 | | | 312,248 | | | | 313,500 | |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/583,7 | | | 6,087,206 | | | | 6,055,020 | |
GSMSC Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-5R, 2.20% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 02/26/373,4 | | | 2,246,669 | | | | 2,215,661 | |
2015-7R, 2.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/26/373,4 | | | 2,197,620 | | | | 2,103,217 | |
2015-5R, 2.20% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 04/26/373,4 | | | 1,163,639 | | | | 1,157,139 | |
New Residential Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.00% (WAC) due 12/25/573,4 | | | 5,089,473 | | | | 5,111,747 | |
LSTAR Securities Investment Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-2, 3.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/01/233,4 | | | 5,056,724 | | | | 5,060,137 | |
Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 2.58% (WAC) due 10/25/473,4 | | | 4,962,663 | | | | 4,918,342 | |
CWABS Incorporated Asset-Backed Certificates Trust | | | | | | | | |
2004-4, 2.94% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.72%, Rate Floor: 0.48%) due 07/25/344 | | | 4,778,860 | | | | 4,802,518 | |
GSAMP Trust | | | | | | | | |
2002-HE2, 3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.04%, Rate Floor: 0.52%) due 10/20/323,4 | | | 4,351,120 | | | | 4,377,720 | |
2005-HE6, 2.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.44%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 11/25/354 | | | 263,044 | | | | 263,668 | |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC | | | | | | | | |
2006-CB2, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 12/25/364 | | | 4,552,465 | | | | 4,524,571 | |
CSMC Series | | | | | | | | |
2015-12R, 2.56% (WAC) due 11/30/373,4 | | | 4,247,945 | | | | 4,235,198 | |
2014-2R, 2.26% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/27/463,4 | | | 283,045 | | | | 267,595 | |
HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-14, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 01/25/474 | | | 3,965,186 | | | | 3,824,174 | |
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities9 | | | | | | | | |
2016-C01, 4.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/25/284 | | | 1,910,819 | | | | 1,917,066 | |
2016-C02, 4.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/25/284 | | | 1,659,328 | | | | 1,665,961 | |
Asset Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series AEG | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE1, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 01/25/364 | | | 3,350,000 | | | | 3,245,152 | |
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IVa Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-RN3, 3.67% due 03/28/333 | | | 2,518,563 | | | | 2,510,950 | |
HSI Asset Securitization Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-OPT1, 2.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.42%) due 11/25/354 | | | 2,328,329 | | | | 2,323,189 | |
ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-HE2, 3.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.02%, Rate Floor: 0.68%) due 04/25/354 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,993,202 | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Incorporated Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE1, 2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.29%) due 01/25/364 | | | 1,721,831 | | | | 1,694,980 | |
First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2004-FF10, 3.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.28%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 07/25/344 | | | 1,446,090 | | | | 1,446,151 | |
Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-AF1, 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 04/25/364 | | | 1,531,895 | | | | 1,441,231 | |
GE-WMC Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-2, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 12/25/354 | | | 1,201,334 | | | | 1,195,997 | |
Ellington Loan Acquisition Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-2, 3.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.95%) due 05/25/373,4 | | | 1,020,222 | | | | 1,021,007 | |
Stanwich Mortgage Loan Co. | | | | | | | | |
2016-NPA1, 3.84% (WAC) due 10/16/463,4 | | | 1,003,676 | | | | 1,002,479 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Encore Credit Receivables Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-4, 2.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.44%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 01/25/364 | | | 923,708 | | | $ | 921,678 | |
Popular ABS Mortgage Pass-Through Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-2, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.18%) due 04/25/354 | | | 780,024 | | | | 779,414 | |
UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract | | | | | | | | |
1997-2, 7.38% due 10/15/28 | | | 395,884 | | | | 416,173 | |
First Frankin Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-FF4, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 03/25/364 | | | 169,364 | | | | 168,284 | |
Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-R5, 3.66% due 06/26/363 | | | 131,758 | | | | 115,811 | |
Accredited Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 2.35% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.13%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.13%) due 02/25/374 | | | 80,207 | | | | 80,071 | |
BCAP LLC | | | | | | | | |
2014-RR3, 2.22% (WAC) due 10/26/363,4 | | | 25,273 | | | | 25,328 | |
Total Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | | | | | | | 722,711,996 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - 3.2% |
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-SMP, 2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 12/15/343,4 | | | 9,000,000 | | | | 8,999,998 | |
2016-C37, 1.17% (WAC) due 12/15/494,8 | | | 38,093,738 | | | | 1,908,405 | |
2017-C38, 1.23% (WAC) due 07/15/504,8 | | | 25,785,742 | | | | 1,786,207 | |
2016-C32, 1.49% (WAC) due 01/15/594,8 | | | 22,805,411 | | | | 1,630,295 | |
2015-LC22, 1.03% (WAC) due 09/15/584,8 | | | 24,129,194 | | | | 1,087,971 | |
2017-C42, 1.05% (WAC) due 12/15/504,8 | | | 14,956,927 | | | | 982,105 | |
2017-RB1, 1.44% (WAC) due 03/15/504,8 | | | 9,949,126 | | | | 839,913 | |
2016-NXS5, 1.70% (WAC) due 01/15/594,8 | | | 6,829,905 | | | | 498,923 | |
Hospitality Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-HIT, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%) due 05/08/303,4 | | | 15,500,000 | | | | 15,509,585 | |
GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-NRF, 3.49% (WAC) due 12/15/343,4 | | | 6,353,165 | | | | 6,291,940 | |
2015-NRF, 3.61% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 1.30%) due 12/15/343,4 | | | 286,710 | | | | 286,800 | |
Americold LLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-ARTA, 7.44% due 01/14/293 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,700,395 | |
2010-ARTA, 6.81% due 01/14/293 | | | 2,605,000 | | | | 2,735,087 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-STAY, 3.01% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 07/15/323,4 | | | 2,800,000 | | | | 2,803,354 | |
2017-STAY, 3.26% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 07/15/323,4 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,310,502 | |
JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C5, 1.17% (WAC) due 03/15/504,8 | | | 57,569,722 | | | | 3,590,347 | |
2016-C2, 1.85% (WAC) due 06/15/494,8 | | | 8,823,886 | | | | 707,013 | |
COMM Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-CR24, 0.94% (WAC) due 08/10/484,8 | | | 66,059,729 | | | | 2,876,961 | |
2018-COR3, 0.59% (WAC) due 05/10/514,8 | | | 35,679,167 | | | | 1,310,628 | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-BNK3, 1.29% (WAC) due 02/15/504,8 | | | 33,572,673 | | | | 2,314,383 | |
2016-UB10, 2.15% (WAC) due 07/15/494,8 | | | 19,105,854 | | | | 1,831,002 | |
DBJPM Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C6, 1.18% (WAC) due 06/10/504,8 | | | 62,834,224 | | | | 4,021,334 | |
BANK | | | | | | | | |
2017-BNK7, 0.96% (WAC) due 09/15/604,8 | | | 34,973,041 | | | | 1,842,023 | |
2017-BNK4, 1.61% (WAC) due 05/15/504,8 | | | 14,238,882 | | | | 1,236,337 | |
2017-BNK6, 1.01% (WAC) due 07/15/604,8 | | | 15,480,723 | | | | 853,233 | |
BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-B2, 0.57% (WAC) due 02/15/514,8 | | | 124,023,028 | | | | 3,646,996 | |
UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C2, 1.30% (WAC) due 08/15/504,8 | | | 32,929,587 | | | | 2,405,901 | |
2017-C5, 1.17% (WAC) due 11/15/504,8 | | | 14,025,422 | | | | 902,804 | |
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-C27, 1.15% (WAC) due 12/15/474,8 | | | 36,274,145 | | | | 1,871,289 | |
2017-C34, 0.97% (WAC) due 11/15/524,8 | | | 24,703,945 | | | | 1,379,747 | |
JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-JP5, 1.26% (WAC) due 03/15/504,8 | | | 47,882,772 | | | | 2,994,732 | |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-WIKI, 4.14% (WAC) due 10/05/313,4 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,916,924 | |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-P7, 1.29% (WAC) due 04/14/504,8 | | | 23,196,954 | | | | 1,679,074 | |
2016-C2, 1.93% (WAC) due 08/10/494,8 | | | 6,711,090 | | | | 714,206 | |
2016-GC37, 1.95% (WAC) due 04/10/494,8 | | | 3,789,842 | | | | 384,303 | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-H1, 1.61% (WAC) due 06/15/504,8 | | | 30,779,227 | | | | 2,635,114 | |
Bancorp Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-CR3, 3.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 01/15/333,4 | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 2,201,381 | |
VSD | | | | | | | | |
2017-PLT1 A, 3.60% due 12/25/43 | | | 1,548,039 | | | | 1,547,594 | |
CD Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-CD7, 0.84% (WAC) due 08/15/514,8 | | | 118,971,888 | | | | 6,468,894 | |
2017-CD6, 1.12% (WAC) due 11/13/504,8 | | | 14,897,691 | | | | 896,430 | |
2016-CD1, 1.56% (WAC) due 08/10/494,8 | | | 6,989,712 | | | | 575,955 | |
CD Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-CD4, 1.48% (WAC) due 05/10/504,8 | | | 17,183,362 | | | | 1,385,218 | |
CGMS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-B1, 1.00% (WAC) due 08/15/504,8 | | | 22,401,953 | | | | 1,242,049 | |
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2013-C17, 0.97% (WAC) due 01/15/474,8 | | | 28,367,071 | | | | 959,179 | |
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C6, 1.96% (WAC) due 01/15/494,8 | | | 9,861,810 | | | | 910,383 | |
Americold LLC | | | | | | | | |
2010-ARTA, 4.95% due 01/14/293 | | | 840,000 | | | | 865,495 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-GS6, 1.20% (WAC) due 05/10/504,8 | | | 11,562,898 | | | | 849,689 | |
LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-2, 4.21% (WAC) due 01/20/413,4 | | | 500,000 | | | | 498,222 | |
76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
GE Business Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, 2.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 04/15/353,4 | | | 274,097 | | | $ | 268,837 | |
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities | | | | | | | 112,155,157 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $944,572,010) | | | | | | | 942,062,382 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Government Agency - 3.1% |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust9 | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 2.25% due 05/25/577 | | | 27,685,841 | | | | 25,798,386 | |
2017-4, 2.50% due 06/25/577 | | | 18,411,986 | | | | 17,544,172 | |
2017-4, 3.50% due 06/25/57 | | | 9,151,206 | | | | 8,909,734 | |
2017-3, 3.00% due 07/25/56 | | | 934,175 | | | | 882,390 | |
Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates9 | | | | | | | | |
2018-K074, 3.60% due 02/25/28 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 13,881,547 | |
2017-KGX1, 3.00% due 10/25/27 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 13,266,223 | |
2018-K078, 3.92% (WAC) due 06/25/284 | | | 3,350,000 | | | | 3,403,863 | |
2013-K035, 0.54% (WAC) due 08/25/234,8 | | | 108,177,846 | | | | 1,767,226 | |
Fannie Mae9 | | | | | | | | |
3.01% due 12/01/27 | | | 4,600,000 | | | | 4,398,075 | |
2.99% due 03/01/30 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,733,858 | |
3.13% due 01/01/30 | | | 3,050,000 | | | | 2,905,543 | |
3.23% due 01/01/30 | | | 2,970,568 | | | | 2,874,984 | |
3.12% due 01/01/30 | | | 2,967,950 | | | | 2,831,792 | |
3.21% due 08/01/27 | | | 2,181,202 | | | | 2,132,971 | |
3.17% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,619,910 | |
3.22% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,244,555 | |
Total Government Agency | | | | | | | 107,195,229 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS†† - 14.6% |
Financial - 10.0% |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.79%) due 07/25/224 | | | 14,650,000 | | | | 14,735,631 | |
2.98% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%) due 07/26/214 | | | 11,450,000 | | | | 11,499,090 | |
3.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.06%) due 09/13/214 | | | 5,990,000 | | | | 6,085,569 | |
4.20% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.88%) due 03/01/214 | | | 453,000 | | | | 467,764 | |
Station Place Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
3.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 11/24/183,4 | | | 23,000,000 | | | | 22,999,990 | |
3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/24/193,4 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 14,000,000 | |
2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/24/193,4 | | | 13,600,000 | | | | 13,600,000 | |
2.77% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.70%) due 09/24/194 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,000,000 | |
Santander UK plc | | | | | | | | |
2.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.62%) due 06/01/214 | | | 30,740,000 | | | | 30,931,927 | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | | | | | | |
3.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.76%) due 05/12/204 | | | 22,900,000 | | | | 23,054,173 | |
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.78% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.44%) due 09/19/193,4 | | | 14,350,000 | | | | 14,382,718 | |
3.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.91%) due 10/18/193,4 | | | 7,600,000 | | | | 7,655,024 | |
Citizens Bank North America/Providence RI | | | | | | | | |
3.12% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.81%) due 05/26/224 | | | 12,200,000 | | | | 12,252,077 | |
2.88% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.57%) due 05/26/204 | | | 8,050,000 | | | | 8,074,766 | |
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.21% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.88%) due 09/11/224 | | | 16,450,000 | | | | 16,560,544 | |
3.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.14%) due 09/13/214 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,524,847 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.73%) due 12/27/204 | | | 15,700,000 | | | | 15,781,983 | |
3.53% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.20%) due 09/15/204 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,015,713 | |
Citibank North America | | | | | | | | |
2.92% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.57%) due 07/23/214 | | | 16,390,000 | | | | 16,480,436 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | | | | | | |
3.12% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%) due 02/14/204 | | | 13,650,000 | | | | 13,682,204 | |
3.31% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.98%) due 06/16/204 | | | 1,650,000 | | | | 1,668,201 | |
3.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%) due 07/22/224 | | | 700,000 | | | | 706,017 | |
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.35%) due 01/17/204 | | | 15,450,000 | | | | 15,478,026 | |
Svenska Handelsbanken AB | | | | | | | | |
2.78% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.47%) due 05/24/214 | | | 13,500,000 | | | | 13,542,718 | |
Credit Agricole S.A. | | | | | | | | |
3.30% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.97%) due 06/10/203,4 | | | 11,550,000 | | | | 11,680,746 | |
SunTrust Bank/Atlanta GA | | | | | | | | |
2.93% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.59%) due 08/02/224 | | | 9,860,000 | | | | 9,881,971 | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%) due 03/26/214 | | | 9,552,000 | | | | 9,570,354 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | | | | | | |
3.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.68%) due 06/01/214 | | | 8,100,000 | | | | 8,145,092 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Lloyds Bank plc | | | | | | | | |
2.83% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.49%) due 05/07/214 | | | 8,050,000 | | | $ | 8,078,046 | |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.30% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.97%) due 01/11/224 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,055,305 | |
4.01% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.68%) due 03/09/214 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,029,265 | |
3.48% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.14%) due 10/19/214 | | | 702,000 | | | | 713,853 | |
UBS Group Funding Switzerland AG | | | | | | | | |
4.12% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.78%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/14/213,4 | | | 5,700,000 | | | | 5,877,434 | |
Westpac Banking Corp. | | | | | | | | |
3.18% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%) due 01/11/224 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,052,329 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%) due 10/01/214 | | | 4,200,000 | | | | 4,225,284 | |
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/15/27 | | | 324,000 | | | | 314,005 | |
Lincoln Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 04/15/213 | | | 100,000 | | | | 103,258 | |
Enstar Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 03/10/22 | | | 100,000 | | | | 100,438 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 350,006,798 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.9% |
Express Scripts Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
3.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%) due 11/30/204 | | | 21,875,000 | | | | 21,886,812 | |
General Mills, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.88% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.54%) due 04/16/214 | | | 20,750,000 | | | | 20,846,600 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.96% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.63%) due 03/09/204 | | | 8,950,000 | | | | 8,996,078 | |
3.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.72%) due 03/09/214 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,566,740 | |
Kraft Heinz Foods Co. | | | | | | | | |
2.91% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.57%) due 02/10/214 | | | 16,200,000 | | | | 16,216,435 | |
Allergan Funding SCS | | | | | | | | |
3.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.26%) due 03/12/204 | | | 11,300,000 | | | | 11,454,598 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%) due 03/19/214 | | | 11,050,000 | | | | 11,060,231 | |
Halfmoon Parent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.98% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%) due 09/17/213,4 | | | 4,100,000 | | | | 4,106,035 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 103,133,529 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.7% |
Phillips 66 | | | | | | | | |
2.91% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%) due 02/26/214 | | | 8,700,000 | | | | 8,710,755 | |
2.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%) due 04/15/193,4 | | | 4,100,000 | | | | 4,101,600 | |
Equities Corp. | | | | | | | | |
3.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.77%) due 10/01/204 | | | 11,450,000 | | | | 11,445,758 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 24,258,113 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.6% |
Discovery Communications LLC | | | | | | | | |
3.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.71%) due 09/20/194 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 11,045,957 | |
Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV | | | | | | | | |
2.92% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.58%) due 01/17/203,4 | | | 9,400,000 | | | | 9,433,887 | |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | | |
3.85% due 09/29/24 | | | 321,000 | | | | 314,563 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 20,794,407 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.3% |
Reynolds Group Issuer Incorporated / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Luxembourg | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 07/15/213,4 | | | 11,500,000 | | | | 11,658,125 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 0.1% |
Infor US, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 08/15/203 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,548,125 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.0% |
Yamana Gold, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.95% due 07/15/24 | | | 1,116,000 | | | | 1,100,153 | |
Total Corporate Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $512,741,239) | | | | | | | 514,499,250 | |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DEBT†† - 2.9% |
Government of Japan | | | | | | | | |
due 01/10/1910 | | JPY | 4,852,300,000 | | | | 42,722,191 | |
due 02/12/1910 | | JPY | 930,500,000 | | | | 8,193,666 | |
due 03/11/1910 | | JPY | 100,500,000 | | | | 885,059 | |
State of Israel | | | | | | | | |
0.50% due 10/31/18 | | ILS | 110,220,000 | | | | 30,480,832 | |
6.00% due 02/28/19 | | ILS | 19,620,000 | | | | 5,720,655 | |
Republic of Hungary | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 12/20/18 | | HUF | 2,152,000,000 | | | | 7,822,874 | |
due 10/17/1810 | | HUF | 1,125,000,000 | | | | 4,042,453 | |
Czech Republic | | | | | | | | |
due 10/05/1810 | | CZK | 82,000,000 | | | | 3,698,123 | |
Total Foreign Government Debt | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $104,513,402) | | | | | | | 103,565,853 | |
78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,4 - 1.4% |
Technology - 0.5% |
Misys Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/13/24 | | | 7,481,319 | | | $ | 7,483,563 | |
MA Financeco LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/19/21 | | | 4,975,000 | | | | 4,950,125 | |
Epicor Software | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/22 | | | 4,411,766 | | | | 4,429,236 | |
Internet Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.92% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/13/24 | | | 1,084,672 | | | | 1,091,451 | |
First Data Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%) due 07/08/22 | | | 782,185 | | | | 783,343 | |
Masergy Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/15/23 | | | 497,468 | | | | 496,846 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 19,234,564 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.3% |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 4,298,301 | | | | 4,002,793 | |
Unitymedia Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/01/23 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,252,437 | |
WMG Acquisition Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/01/23 | | | 780,000 | | | | 778,526 | |
Neustar, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/08/20 | | | 383,646 | | | | 383,888 | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/08/24 | | | 298,492 | | | | 298,758 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 8,716,402 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.2% |
DJO Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.54% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/08/20 | | | 3,969,332 | | | | 3,966,871 | |
Diamond (BC) B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/24 | | | 2,183,500 | | | | 2,139,830 | |
Albertson’s LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 12/21/22 | | | 1,225,140 | | | | 1,225,373 | |
Grocery Outlet, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/21/21 | | | 659,910 | | | | 659,910 | |
PPDI (Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.) | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/18/22 | | | 99,486 | | | | 99,543 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 8,091,527 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.2% |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/25 | | | 4,759,043 | | | | 4,741,197 | |
Prime Security Services Borrower LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/02/22 | | | 522,355 | | | | 524,585 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 5,265,782 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.1% |
iStar, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.89% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/28/23 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.1% |
CHI Overhead Doors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/29/22 | | | 984,360 | | | | 986,516 | |
Engility Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/12/20 | | | 523,591 | | | | 523,157 | |
TransDigm Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/09/23 | | | 298,500 | | | | 299,509 | |
ProAmpac PG Borrower LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.78% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/20/23 | | | 149,241 | | | | 149,688 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 1,958,870 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.0% |
Alpha 3 B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/31/24 | | | 343,755 | | | | 345,559 | |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $47,877,061) | | | | | | | 47,612,704 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER†† - 12.4% |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.45% due 11/06/183,11 | | | 22,500,000 | | | | 22,444,875 | |
2.25% due 10/05/183,11 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,995,000 | |
2.35% due 10/26/183,11 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,983,681 | |
Nutrien Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.57% due 11/13/183,11 | | | 24,400,000 | | | | 24,325,099 | |
2.38% due 10/26/183,11 | | | 18,150,000 | | | | 18,120,002 | |
Marriott International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.44% due 10/29/183,11 | | | 16,000,000 | | | | 15,966,231 | |
2.35% due 11/09/183,11 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,974,542 | |
2.30% due 10/15/183,11 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,995,528 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diageo Capital plc | | | | | | | | |
2.14% due 10/09/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | $ | 14,992,500 | |
2.15% due 10/12/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,989,825 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.33% due 10/09/1811 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,989,644 | |
2.40% due 10/17/1811 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,989,333 | |
Entergy Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.23% due 10/04/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,997,213 | |
2.57% due 10/19/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,977,390 | |
Mondelez International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.18% due 10/01/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 15,000,000 | |
2.37% due 11/14/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,951,629 | |
UDR, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.21% due 10/12/183,11 | | | 20,925,000 | | | | 20,910,422 | |
2.28% due 10/12/183,11 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,995,820 | |
Fluor Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/17/183,11 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,973,333 | |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.28% due 10/15/183,11 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,982,267 | |
AutoZone, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.28% due 10/15/183,11 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,982,267 | |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.26% due 10/03/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,998,008 | |
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.19% due 10/04/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,997,200 | |
Nasdaq, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.21% due 10/10/183,11 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,991,075 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.35% due 10/09/183,11 | | | 13,000,000 | | | | 12,990,367 | |
Relx, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.25% due 10/03/183,11 | | | 10,937,000 | | | | 10,935,633 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/01/183,11 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 10,000,000 | |
McKesson Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.25% due 10/03/183,11 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,998,750 | |
EI du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | | | | | | | |
2.27% due 10/22/183,11 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,986,758 | |
Total Commercial Paper | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $436,448,174) | | | | | | | 436,434,392 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,12 - 1.6% |
BNP Paribas issued 07/26/18 at 2.54% due 11/01/18 | | | 23,400,000 | | | | 23,400,000 | |
Barclays issued 09/06/18 at 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) open maturity4 | | | 15,970,500 | | | | 15,970,500 | |
issued 07/11/18 at 2.54% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) open maturity4 | | | 878,281 | | | | 878,281 | |
Deutsche Bank issued 07/27/18 at 2.69% due 10/26/18 | | | 14,838,000 | | | | 14,838,000 | |
Total Repurchase Agreements | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $55,086,781) | | | | | | | 55,086,781 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Contracts | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0% |
Call options on: | | | | | | | | |
BofA Merrill Lynch iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $55.00 (Notional Value $75,397,564) | | | 17,567 | | | | 17,567 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch S&P 500 Index Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $3,000.00 (Notional Value $111,605,434) | | | 383 | | | | 1,261,985 | |
Total Call options | | | | | | | 1,279,552 | |
Total OTC Options Purchased | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $4,875,424) | | | | | | | 1,279,552 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.3% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $3,504,487,355) | | | | | | $ | 3,494,870,581 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.7% | | | | | | | 22,961,676 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 3,517,832,257 | |
80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS†† | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Exchange | | | Floating Rate Type | | | Floating Rate Index | | | Fixed Rate | | | Payment Frequency | | | Maturity Date | | | Notional Amount | | | Market Value | | | Premiums Paid | | | Unrealized Appreciation** | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.69% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/21 | | | $ | 381,000,000 | | | $ | 3,155,198 | | | $ | 1,430,286 | | | $ | 1,724,912 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.59% | Quarterly | | | 11/13/47 | | | | 9,500,000 | | | | 1,081,305 | | | | 853,228 | | | | 228,077 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.73% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/23 | | | | 46,950,000 | | | | 673,838 | | | | 329,602 | | | | 344,236 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.82% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/28 | | | | 5,720,000 | | | | 151,753 | | | | 77,689 | | | | 74,064 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.77% | Quarterly | | | 04/13/25 | | | | 5,200,000 | | | | 99,893 | | | | 73,513 | | | | 26,380 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5,161,987 | | | $ | 2,764,318 | | | $ | 2,397,669 | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS†† |
Counterparty | Contracts to Sell | Currency | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | 59,500,000 | BRL | 10/01/18 | | $ | 17,137,387 | | | $ | 14,750,359 | | | $ | 2,387,028 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 51,000,000 | BRL | 10/01/18 | | | 14,804,064 | | | | 12,643,165 | | | | 2,160,899 | |
Goldman Sachs | 1,877,900,000 | HUF | 12/20/18 | | | 7,582,267 | | | | 6,795,074 | | | | 787,193 | |
Citigroup | 66,842,550 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 19,003,641 | | | | 18,444,500 | | | | 559,141 | |
Citigroup | 3,695,000,000 | JPY | 01/10/19 | | | 33,175,164 | | | | 32,805,067 | | | | 370,097 | |
Goldman Sachs | 30,652,500 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 8,714,657 | | | | 8,458,235 | | | | 256,422 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | 930,500,000 | JPY | 02/12/19 | | | 8,508,518 | | | | 8,283,242 | | | | 225,276 | |
Goldman Sachs | 1,157,300,000 | JPY | 01/10/19 | | | 10,488,778 | | | | 10,274,778 | | | | 214,000 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 1,869,460,000 | HUF | 12/20/18 | | | 6,827,968 | | | | 6,764,535 | | | | 63,433 | |
Goldman Sachs | 1,125,000,000 | HUF | 10/17/18 | | | 4,086,545 | | | | 4,047,498 | | | | 39,047 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | 21,105,000 | ILS | 10/31/18 | | | 5,850,798 | | | | 5,823,703 | | | | 27,095 | |
Citigroup | 400,900,000 | HUF | 12/20/18 | | | 1,465,062 | | | | 1,450,634 | | | | 14,428 | |
Goldman Sachs | 100,500,000 | JPY | 03/11/19 | | | 907,105 | | | | 896,592 | | | | 10,513 | |
Citigroup | 82,000,000 | CZK | 10/05/18 | | | 3,705,922 | | | | 3,698,583 | | | | 7,339 | |
Morgan Stanley | 7,865,200 | ILS | 02/28/19 | | | 2,195,511 | | | | 2,191,139 | | | | 4,372 | |
Goldman Sachs | 423,071 | CZK | 10/05/18 | | | 19,438 | | | | 19,083 | | | | 355 | |
Citigroup | 12,932,000 | ILS | 02/28/19 | | | 3,546,123 | | | | 3,602,683 | | | | (56,560 | ) |
Barclays | 128,000,000 | MXN | 10/25/18 | | | 6,645,484 | | | | 6,813,014 | | | | (167,530 | ) |
Citigroup | 163,600,000 | MXN | 10/25/18 | | | 8,483,277 | | | | 8,707,883 | | | | (224,606 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | 206,720,000 | MXN | 11/08/18 | | | 10,687,783 | | | | 10,978,449 | | | | (290,666 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 299,021,000 | MXN | 10/11/18 | | | 15,603,266 | | | | 15,953,980 | | | | (350,714 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 6,036,562 | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Buy | | | Currency | | | Settlement Date | | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | 291,600,000 | MXN | | | 10/25/18 | | | $ | 15,444,343 | | | $ | 15,520,898 | | | $ | 76,555 | |
Goldman Sachs | 1,877,900,000 | HUF | | | 12/20/18 | | | | 6,737,103 | | | | 6,795,074 | | | | 57,971 | |
Barclays | 72,230,000 | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 3,834,821 | | | | 3,853,763 | | | | 18,942 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 226,791,000 | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 12,087,122 | | | | 12,100,217 | | | | 13,095 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 206,720,000 | MXN | | | 11/08/18 | | | | 10,981,200 | | | | 10,978,449 | | | | (2,751 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | 7,828,950 | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | | 2,165,235 | | | | 2,160,316 | | | | (4,919 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 55,250,000 | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 13,934,214 | | | | 13,696,762 | | | | (237,452 | ) |
Citigroup | 55,250,000 | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 14,285,529 | | | | 13,696,762 | | | | (588,767 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (667,326 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
~ | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Affiliated issuer. |
2 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
3 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $2,153,371,010 (cost $2,157,622,512), or 61.2% of total net assets. |
4 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
5 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
6 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $7,445,665 (cost $7,590,076), or 0.2% of total net assets — See Note 10. |
7 | Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2018. See table below for additional step information for each security. |
8 | Security is an interest-only strip. |
9 | On September 7, 2008, the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm. |
10 | Zero coupon rate security. |
11 | Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase. |
12 | Repurchase Agreements — See additional disclosure in the repurchase agreements table below for more information on repurchase agreements. |
| |
| BofA — Bank of America |
| BRL — Brazilian Real |
| CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
| CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury |
| CZK — Czech Koruna |
| HUF — Hungarian Forint |
| ILS — Isreali New Shekel |
| JPY — Japanese Yen |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate |
| MXN — Mexican Peso |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| WAC — Weighted Average Coupon |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Mutual Funds | | $ | 71,048,718 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 71,048,718 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 69,072,510 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 69,072,510 | |
Asset Backed Securities | | | — | | | | 1,254,208,439 | | | | — | | | | 1,254,208,439 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | — | | | | 942,062,382 | | | | — | | | | 942,062,382 | |
Corporate Bonds | | | — | | | | 514,499,250 | | | | — | | | | 514,499,250 | |
Foreign Government Debt | | | — | | | | 103,565,853 | | | | — | | | | 103,565,853 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | — | | | | 47,612,704 | | | | — | | | | 47,612,704 | |
Commercial Paper | | | — | | | | 436,434,392 | | | | — | | | | 436,434,392 | |
Repurchase Agreements | | | — | | | | 55,086,781 | | | | — | | | | 55,086,781 | |
Options Purchased | | | — | | | | 1,279,552 | | | | — | | | | 1,279,552 | |
Interest Rate Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 2,397,669 | | | | — | | | | 2,397,669 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 7,293,201 | | | | — | | | | 7,293,201 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 140,121,228 | | | $ | 3,364,440,223 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,504,561,451 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,923,965 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,923,965 | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9) | | | — | | | | 2,689 | | | | — | * | | | 2,689 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,926,654 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,926,654 | |
* | Includes securities with $0 market value. |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, Limited Duration Fund had securities with the total value $6,615,876 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to changes in securities’ valuation methods using observable inputs. There were no other transfers between levels.
Step Coupon Bonds
The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.
Name | | Coupon rate at next step up date | | | Date of next rate change | | Final future rate | | | Final future step up date |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust 2016-1A, 4.88% due 03/17/36 | | | 6.88 | % | | 03/15/23 | | | 6.88 | % | | 03/15/23 |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust 2015-1A, 4.70% due 12/15/40 | | | 6.70 | % | | 11/30/22 | | | 6.70 | % | | 11/30/22 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2017-4, 2.50% due 06/25/57 | | | 2.75 | % | | 12/25/18 | | | 3.00 | % | | 06/25/19 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2018-1, 2.25% due 05/25/57 | | | 2.50 | % | | 03/25/19 | | | 2.75 | % | | 09/25/19 |
GCAT LLC 2018-1, 3.84% due 06/25/48 | | | 6.84 | % | | 05/26/21 | | | 7.84 | % | | 05/26/22 |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/58 | | | 7.00 | % | | 07/26/21 | | | 8.00 | % | | 07/26/22 |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
Repurchase Agreements
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral. The collateral is in the possession of the Fund’s custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements.
Counterparty and Terms of Agreement | | Face Value | | | Repurchase Price | | | Collateral | | Par Value | | | Fair Value | |
Deutsche Bank | | | | | | | | Morgan Stanley Capital Inc. | | | | | | |
2.69% | | | | | | | | 2.35% | | | | | | |
10/26/18 | | $ | 14,838,000 | | | $ | 14,938,777 | | | 01/25/37 | | $ | 50,000,000 | | | $ | 30,510,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BNP Paribas | | | | | | | | | | JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.54% | | | | | | | | | | 2.84% | | | | | | | | |
11/01/18 | | | 23,400,000 | | | | 23,560,084 | | | 12/25/35 | | | 16,459,000 | | | | 16,361,892 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.67% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 10/25/35 | | | 13,000,000 | | | | 12,288,900 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 29,459,000 | | | $ | 28,650,792 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.52% - 2.54% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) | | | | | | | | | | Standard Chartered PLC 3.85% | | | | | | | | |
Open Maturity* | | | 16,848,781 | | | | 16,848,781 | | | Perpetual Maturity | | $ | 20,800,000 | | | $ | 17,316,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Sprint Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8.75% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 03/15/32 | | | 875,000 | | | | 984,375 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 21,675,000 | | | $ | 18,300,375 | |
* | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
In the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Fund seeks to assert its rights. The Fund’s investment adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.
84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
LIMITED DURATION FUND | |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2018, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class | | $ | 27,278,433 | | | $ | 7,027,553 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (126,763 | ) | | $ | 34,179,223 | | | | 1,317,118 | | | $ | 1,430,000 | | | $ | — | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 12,599,724 | | | | 298,568 | | | | (2,900,000 | ) | | | 25,276 | | | | (52,243 | ) | | | 9,971,325 | | | | 398,057 | | | | 294,779 | | | | 4,411 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 14,349,646 | | | | 419,519 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (46,289 | ) | | | 14,722,876 | | | | 589,387 | | | | 412,618 | | | | 7,679 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 9,381,097 | | | | 2,811,386 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (17,189 | ) | | | 12,175,294 | | | | 487,012 | | | | 309,671 | | | | 2,296 | |
| | $ | 63,608,900 | | | $ | 10,557,026 | | | $ | (2,900,000 | ) | | $ | 25,276 | | | $ | (242,484 | ) | | $ | 71,048,718 | | | | | | | $ | 2,447,068 | | | $ | 14,386 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2018 |
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $3,378,283,657) | | $ | 3,368,735,082 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $71,116,917) | | | 71,048,718 | |
Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $55,086,781) | | | 55,086,781 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $19,515) | | | 19,080 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 5,136,923 | |
Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements | | | 2,764,318 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 7,293,201 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 145,885 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 34,755,267 | |
Interest | | | 11,820,409 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 8,636,884 | |
Dividends | | | 240,633 | |
Foreign tax reclaims | | | 6,968 | |
Total assets | | | 3,565,690,149 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 1,923,965 | |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9) (proceeds $3,586) | | | 2,689 | |
Overdraft due to custodian bank | | | 165,648 | |
Segregated cash due to broker | | | 6,030,534 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 24,998,657 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 8,629,787 | |
Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements | | | 3,434,212 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 1,244,172 | |
Management fees | | | 728,838 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 206,520 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 205,282 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 170,070 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 5,474 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 112,044 | |
Total liabilities | | | 47,857,892 | |
Net assets | | $ | 3,517,832,257 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 3,523,453,631 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (5,621,374 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 3,517,832,257 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 627,569,798 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 25,407,801 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.70 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 97.75%) | | $ | 25.27 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 70,981,137 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,875,583 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.68 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 189,965,379 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 7,691,259 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.70 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 2,629,315,943 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 106,481,777 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 24.69 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 |
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 204,248 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 2,447,068 | |
Interest | | | 80,811,263 | |
Total investment income | | | 83,462,579 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 11,615,183 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 1,557,877 | |
C-Class | | | 617,980 | |
P-Class | | | 380,673 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 297,514 | |
C-Class | | | 48,547 | |
P-Class | | | 167,178 | |
Institutional Class | | | 933,393 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 2,342,669 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 189,349 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 72,857 | |
Custodian fees | | | 39,100 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 679,349 | |
Total expenses | | | 18,941,669 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A Class | | | (257,384 | ) |
C Class | | | (44,714 | ) |
P Class | | | (157,586 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (808,625 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (336,305 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (1,604,614 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 17,337,055 | |
Net investment income | | | 66,125,524 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (9,696,031 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 25,276 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 14,386 | |
Swap agreements | | | 3,392,551 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 601,158 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 8,854,561 | |
Options purchased | | | (1,062,040 | ) |
Net realized gain | | | 2,129,861 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (16,219,723 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (242,484 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | 2,397,669 | |
Options purchased | | | (2,626,761 | ) |
Foreign currency translations | | | (4,007 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 3,634,632 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (13,060,674 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (10,930,813 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 55,194,711 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 66,125,524 | | | $ | 32,013,502 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 2,129,861 | | | | 3,527,356 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (13,060,674 | ) | | | 7,480,228 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 55,194,711 | | | | 43,021,086 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (14,531,941 | ) | | | (7,311,069 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (976,834 | ) | | | (519,919 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (3,531,968 | ) | | | (749,320 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (53,984,980 | ) | | | (24,387,010 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (73,025,723 | ) | | | (32,967,318 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 420,082,761 | | | | 442,378,068 | |
C-Class | | | 36,102,270 | | | | 36,743,002 | |
P-Class | | | 194,420,699 | | | | 103,833,454 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,948,541,092 | | | | 1,621,228,591 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 11,467,034 | | | | 5,865,169 | |
C-Class | | | 753,493 | | | | 373,493 | |
P-Class | | | 3,515,551 | | | | 744,376 | |
Institutional Class | | | 45,162,931 | | | | 21,805,737 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (309,311,321 | ) | | | (156,887,800 | ) |
C-Class | | | (16,238,186 | ) | | | (13,395,699 | ) |
P-Class | | | (99,572,539 | ) | | | (14,043,133 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (989,425,440 | ) | | | (489,428,410 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 1,245,498,345 | | | | 1,559,216,848 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 1,227,667,333 | | | | 1,569,270,616 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 2,290,164,924 | | | | 720,894,308 | |
End of year | | $ | 3,517,832,257 | | | $ | 2,290,164,924 | |
88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 16,952,205 | | | | 17,860,279 | |
C-Class | | | 1,458,935 | | | | 1,483,714 | |
P-Class | | | 7,852,162 | | | | 4,191,187 | |
Institutional Class | | | 78,739,381 | | | | 65,477,150 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 463,353 | | | | 236,786 | |
C-Class | | | 30,471 | | | | 15,094 | |
P-Class | | | 142,114 | | | | 30,001 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,825,515 | | | | 880,322 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (12,500,453 | ) | | | (6,338,198 | ) |
C-Class | | | (656,417 | ) | | | (541,349 | ) |
P-Class | | | (4,024,388 | ) | | | (566,399 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (39,976,154 | ) | | | (19,752,906 | ) |
Net increase in shares | | | 50,306,724 | | | | 62,975,681 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (See Note 12): |
Net investment income | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (7,270,962 | ) |
C-Class | | | (515,105 | ) |
P-Class | | | (748,808 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (24,283,348 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (40,107 | ) |
C-Class | | | (4,814 | ) |
P-Class | | | (512 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (103,662 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89 |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 24.86 | | | $ | 24.71 | | | $ | 24.65 | | | $ | 24.97 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .51 | | | | .53 | | | | .67 | | | | .69 | | | | .52 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.09 | ) | | | .20 | | | | .08 | | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.08 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .42 | | | | .73 | | | | .75 | | | | .53 | | | | .44 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.47 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | c | | | — | | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.85 | ) | | | (.47 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.70 | | | $ | 24.86 | | | $ | 24.71 | | | $ | 24.65 | | | $ | 24.97 | |
|
Total Returnd | | | 1.69 | % | | | 2.95 | % | | | 3.16 | % | | | 2.15 | % | | | 1.75 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 627,570 | | | $ | 509,410 | | | $ | 215,856 | | | $ | 117,628 | | | $ | 17,035 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.07 | % | | | 2.14 | % | | | 2.73 | % | | | 2.79 | % | | | 2.67 | % |
Total expensese | | | 0.81 | % | | | 0.86 | % | | | 0.93 | % | | | 0.99 | % | | | 1.14 | % |
Net expensesf,g,i | | | 0.75 | % | | | 0.81 | % | | | 0.84 | % | | | 0.87 | % | | | 0.83 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 40 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 24.84 | | | $ | 24.70 | | | $ | 24.63 | | | $ | 24.96 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .33 | | | | .35 | | | | .48 | | | | .49 | | | | .38 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.10 | ) | | | .18 | | | | .10 | | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .23 | | | | .53 | | | | .58 | | | | .33 | | | | .29 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.33 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | c | | | — | | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.66 | ) | | | (.33 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.68 | | | $ | 24.84 | | | $ | 24.70 | | | $ | 24.63 | | | $ | 24.96 | |
|
Total Returnd | | | 0.94 | % | | | 2.18 | % | | | 2.39 | % | | | 1.37 | % | | | 1.13 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 70,981 | | | $ | 50,743 | | | $ | 26,802 | | | $ | 10,323 | | | $ | 643 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.98 | % | | | 1.96 | % | | | 1.93 | % |
Total expensese | | | 1.59 | % | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.73 | % | | | 1.76 | % | | | 2.14 | % |
Net expensesf,g,i | | | 1.51 | % | | | 1.56 | % | | | 1.58 | % | | | 1.62 | % | | | 1.56 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 40 | % |
90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015h | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 24.86 | | | $ | 24.72 | | | $ | 24.65 | | | $ | 24.86 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .52 | | | | .47 | | | | .68 | | | | .25 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.10 | ) | | | .24 | | | | .08 | | | | (.17 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .42 | | | | .71 | | | | .76 | | | | .08 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.29 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | c | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.29 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.70 | | | $ | 24.86 | | | $ | 24.72 | | | $ | 24.65 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.69 | % | | | 2.93 | % | | | 3.17 | % | | | 0.32 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 189,965 | | | $ | 92,503 | | | $ | 1,646 | | | $ | 2,736 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.12 | % | | | 1.89 | % | | | 2.76 | % | | | 2.39 | % |
Total expensese | | | 0.87 | % | | | 0.92 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 0.94 | % |
Net expensesf,g,i | | | 0.75 | % | | | 0.81 | % | | | 0.84 | % | | | 0.88 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 26 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 24.85 | | | $ | 24.71 | | | $ | 24.64 | | | $ | 24.96 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .58 | | | | .59 | | | | .73 | | | | .78 | | | | .57 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.11 | ) | | | .19 | | | | .09 | | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.08 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .47 | | | | .78 | | | | .82 | | | | .59 | | | | .49 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.90 | ) | | | (.53 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | c | | | — | | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.63 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.91 | ) | | | (.53 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 24.69 | | | $ | 24.85 | | | $ | 24.71 | | | $ | 24.64 | | | $ | 24.96 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.95 | % | | | 3.21 | % | | | 3.43 | % | | | 2.41 | % | | | 1.98 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 2,629,316 | | | $ | 1,637,509 | | | $ | 476,591 | | | $ | 176,322 | | | $ | 69,150 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.35 | % | | | 2.36 | % | | | 2.97 | % | | | 3.14 | % | | | 2.90 | % |
Total expensese | | | 0.56 | % | | | 0.61 | % | | | 0.67 | % | | | 0.73 | % | | | 0.96 | % |
Net expensesf,g,i | | | 0.50 | % | | | 0.56 | % | | | 0.58 | % | | | 0.62 | % | | | 0.57 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 40 | % |
a | Since commencement of operations: December 16, 2013. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
b | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
c | Distributions from realized gains are less than $0.01 per share. |
d | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized. |
e | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
f | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
g | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the periods presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | — | — |
C-Class | — | 0.00%* |
P-Class | — | 0.00%* |
Institutional Class | — | — |
h | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
i | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
A-Class | 0.75% | 0.79% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.79% |
C-Class | 1.50% | 1.54% | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.52% |
P-Class | 0.75% | 0.79% | 0.80% | 0.80% | N/A |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 0.54% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.54% |
92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Investments Municipal Income Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including B. Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global Chief Investment Officer; Anne B. Walsh, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income; Jeffrey S. Carefoot, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Allen Li, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one-year period ended September 30, 2018, the Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund returned 0.44%1, compared with the 0.35% return of the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, the Fund’s benchmark.
The slightly positive market performance was thanks to two quarters of positive returns offsetting negative performance in the other two quarters, often following the ebb and flow of interest rates. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) increased its key rate by a quarter point quarterly during the period, and the general move higher in rates put pressure on the muni market. Yields on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes rose above 3% in April for the first time since 2011, bounced around over the summer, and last passed that mark in mid-September.
Extending recent municipal market trends, lower quality municipal bonds outperformed higher quality, which helped support valuations across parts of the curve, and high yield issues were the top returning sector, particularly issues from Puerto Rico. Bonds with longer maturities outperformed those with shorter maturities over the one-year period due to strong technical factors in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017. However, for the remainder of the fiscal year, municipal bonds with longer maturities were the worst performers relative to the rest of the curve. Relative to the Treasury yield curve, the AAA municipal yield curve flattened less during the period. Yields on AAA-rated municipal bonds rose across all maturities, but less at the short to middle part of the curve. Performance has suffered most in the back end of the term structure, the portion most susceptible to negative performance from adverse rate movement.
Technicals remained supportive throughout the period. Supply was lower than expected in September, as issuance did not pick up quickly after Labor Day compared with previous years. Issuance activity grew weaker as the period wore on, with total volume down 14.5% for nine months of 2018 at $249.4 billion, versus $291.7 billion for the same period a year ago. One factor was that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 reduced the relative benefit for issuers to use advanced refundings. New money issuance was about four times the refunding issuance at the end of the period, compared with only about 1.5 times a year ago.
The size of the muni market reached $3.85 trillion, according to the Fed’s data released in September, and it has not been growing fast. Among the reasons are U.S. banks cutting their positions amid lower corporate tax rates, which have reduced the appeal of tax-free income, and less buying by the household sector. Municipal fund flows have also started to ebb and finished the period with $10.7 billion in net inflows for the 12 months ended September 2018
Credit selection and curve positioning positively influenced the Fund’s return for the period. Among the best performers were bonds backed by state taxes and essential service revenues, as well as healthcare and higher education issuers. The Fund continues to overweight education, utilities and heath care compared with the benchmark, while underweighting below-investment-grade bonds.
Given increased market volatility and idiosyncratic weakness, the Fund continues to seek attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunities. Its focus continues to be on credit discipline, and bonds supported by dedicated revenue streams and/or statutory liens, with an emphasis on higher quality bonds. The Fund does maintain a 2% allocation to floating rate securities, indexed to LIBOR or the tax-exempt floating rate benchmark. To the extent that the Fed continues to raise rates, the Fund may experience a boost to aggregate income given this exposure.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide current income with an emphasis on income exempt from federal income tax, while also considering capital appreciation.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_94.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | % of Total Investments |
Fixed Income Instruments | |
AAA | 12.2% |
AA | 51.7% |
A | 14.0% |
BBB | 11.5% |
BB | 3.5% |
NR2 | 4.8% |
Other Instruments | 2.3% |
Total Investments | 100.0% |
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | April 28, 2004 |
C-Class | January 13, 2012 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | January 13, 2012 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Stockton Public Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, 6.25% | 3.1% |
Tustin Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited, 6.00% | 3.0% |
Detroit Wayne County Stadium Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.00% | 2.9% |
Hudson County Improvement Authority Revenue Bonds, 6.00% | 2.8% |
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue Bonds, 6.88% | 1.8% |
College of the Sequoias Tulare Area Improvement District No. 3 General Obligation Unlimited, 6.85% | 1.7% |
Newport Mesa Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | 1.5% |
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.00% | 1.5% |
Sacramento Municipal Utility District Revenue Bonds, 5.00% | 1.5% |
District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.00% | 1.5% |
Top Ten Total | 21.3% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_95.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares~ | 0.44% | 3.89% | 5.54% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | (3.58%) | 2.88% | 5.03% |
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index | 0.35% | 3.54% | 4.75% |
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (01/13/12) |
C-Class Shares | (0.30%) | 3.10% | 2.44% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | (1.28%) | 3.10% | 2.44% |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.61% | 4.13% | 3.46% |
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index | 0.35% | 3.54% | 2.93% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 0.44% | 1.81% |
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index | | 0.35% | 2.38% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
† | Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
~ | Effective January 13, 2012, the Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of the TS&W/Claymore Tax-Advantage Balanced Fund (“TYW”), a registered closed-end management investment company. The A-Class performance prior to that date reflects performance of TYW. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 2.3% |
Dreyfus AMT-Free Tax Exempt Cash Management —Institutional Shares 1.40%1 | | | 856,395 | | | $ | 856,395 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $856,395) | | | | | | | 856,395 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Face Amount | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 96.7% |
California - 20.3% |
Stockton Public Financing Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 10/01/38 | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,166,950 | |
6.25% due 10/01/40 | | | 250,000 | | | | 291,230 | |
Tustin Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 08/01/36 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,113,900 | |
College of the Sequoias Tulare Area Improvement District No. 3 General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
6.85% due 08/01/42 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 640,730 | |
Newport Mesa Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/393 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 572,039 | |
Sacramento Municipal Utility District Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/15/37 | | | 500,000 | | | | 555,990 | |
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Power System Revenue Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 07/01/43 | | | 500,000 | | | | 545,740 | |
Kings Canyon Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/01/28 | | | 445,000 | | | | 511,131 | |
San Diego Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 07/01/393 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 428,940 | |
Riverside County Public Financing Authority Tax Allocation | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/28 | | | 300,000 | | | | 348,546 | |
Oakland Unified School District/Alameda County General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/01/22 | | | 265,000 | | | | 284,761 | |
M-S-R Energy Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 11/01/29 | | | 200,000 | | | | 245,596 | |
Riverside County Redevelopment Successor Agency Tax Allocation | | | | | | | | |
due 10/01/372,3 | | | 250,000 | | | | 238,743 | |
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/35 | | | 200,000 | | | | 223,728 | |
Stanton Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/40 | | | 180,000 | | | | 198,752 | |
Culver Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency Tax Allocation | | | | | | | | |
due 11/01/233 | | | 195,000 | | | | 170,845 | |
Total California | | | | | | | 7,537,621 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Texas - 9.6% |
Texas Tech University Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/15/32 | | | 500,000 | | | | 536,400 | |
North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 01/01/363 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 522,440 | |
Birdville Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/15/27 | | | 305,000 | | | | 349,051 | |
Clint Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/15/31 | | | 300,000 | | | | 340,374 | |
State of Texas General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/29 | | | 250,000 | | | | 286,095 | |
Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corporation I Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 12/15/26 | | | 200,000 | | | | 229,922 | |
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/01/27 | | | 200,000 | | | | 226,568 | |
Dallas Area Rapid Transit Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/41 | | | 200,000 | | | | 223,148 | |
Texas Water Development Board Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/15/46 | | | 200,000 | | | | 222,780 | |
Central Texas Turnpike System Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/15/34 | | | 200,000 | | | | 215,346 | |
Arlington Higher Education Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/46 | | | 200,000 | | | | 212,656 | |
Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 11/15/533 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 189,160 | |
Total Texas | | | | | | | 3,553,940 | |
| | | | | | | | |
New York - 8.9% |
City of New York New York General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
1.67% (VRDN) due 08/01/384 | | | 500,000 | | | | 500,000 | |
1.62% (VRDN) due 01/01/364 | | | 500,000 | | | | 500,000 | |
1.67% (VRDN) due 03/01/404 | | | 500,000 | | | | 500,000 | |
New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/41 | | | 350,000 | | | | 371,581 | |
5.00% due 08/01/26 | | | 250,000 | | | | 282,420 | |
5.00% due 12/01/275 | | | 200,000 | | | | 223,990 | |
New York Transportation Development Corp. Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 07/01/34 | | | 200,000 | | | | 213,766 | |
5.00% due 08/01/26 | | | 200,000 | | | | 209,162 | |
New York State Urban Development Corp. Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 03/15/35 | | | 250,000 | | | | 276,965 | |
96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | |
| | Face Amount | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Westchester County Healthcare Corp. Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 11/01/44 | | $ | 197,000 | | | $ | 207,228 | |
Total New York | | | | | | | 3,285,112 | |
| | | | | | | | |
New Jersey - 5.9% |
Hudson County Improvement Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 01/01/40 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,045,950 | |
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 07/01/41 | | | 300,000 | | | | 315,714 | |
5.00% due 07/01/36 | | | 200,000 | | | | 212,378 | |
New Jersey Turnpike Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/01/31 | | | 300,000 | | | | 347,337 | |
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/01/28 | | | 250,000 | | | | 281,787 | |
Total New Jersey | | | | | | | 2,203,166 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Michigan - 5.8% |
Detroit Wayne County Stadium Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/26 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,073,250 | |
Detroit City School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 05/01/32 | | | 500,000 | | | | 536,865 | |
5.00% due 05/01/30 | | | 300,000 | | | | 322,968 | |
City of Detroit Michigan Water Supply System Revenue Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 07/01/41 | | | 200,000 | | | | 208,742 | |
Total Michigan | | | | | | | 2,141,825 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Illinois - 5.6% |
Will County Township High School District No. 204 Joliet General Obligation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 01/01/31 | | | 500,000 | | | | 540,590 | |
City of Chicago Illinois Wastewater Transmission Revenue Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 01/01/42 | | | 400,000 | | | | 441,008 | |
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/01/34 | | | 300,000 | | | | 326,619 | |
Chicago Board of Education General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 12/01/26 | | | 320,000 | | | | 320,429 | |
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/25 | | | 200,000 | | | | 228,514 | |
University of Illinois Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 10/01/29 | | | 200,000 | | | | 225,476 | |
Total Illinois | | | | | | | 2,082,636 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Washington - 4.9% |
Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities Dist Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 09/01/27 | | | 500,000 | | | | 509,760 | |
5.25% due 09/01/32 | | | 500,000 | | | | 508,275 | |
King County School District No. 409 Tahoma General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/27 | | | 325,000 | | | | 374,296 | |
Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 11/01/41 | | | 200,000 | | | | 224,088 | |
State of Washington General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/01/41 | | | 195,000 | | | | 207,119 | |
Total Washington | | | | | | | 1,823,538 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Pennsylvania - 3.9% |
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/01/27 | | | 500,000 | | | | 561,065 | |
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 09/01/36 | | | 500,000 | | | | 552,235 | |
Reading School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/01/27 | | | 300,000 | | | | 337,107 | |
Total Pennsylvania | | | | | | | 1,450,407 | |
| | | | | | | | |
District of Columbia - 3.7% |
District of Columbia General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/01/41 | | | 285,000 | | | | 319,405 | |
5.00% due 06/01/32 | | | 275,000 | | | | 306,933 | |
5.00% due 06/01/31 | | | 175,000 | | | | 202,503 | |
District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/45 | | | 500,000 | | | | 553,710 | |
Total District of Columbia | | | | | | | 1,382,551 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Colorado - 3.6% |
University of Colorado Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/01/37 | | | 285,000 | | | | 313,752 | |
5.00% due 06/01/41 | | | 200,000 | | | | 224,432 | |
Auraria Higher Education Center Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 04/01/28 | | | 390,000 | | | | 439,659 | |
City & County of Denver Colorado Airport System Revenue Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/28 | | | 200,000 | | | | 231,018 | |
City & County of Denver Colorado Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/303 | | | 200,000 | | | | 128,804 | |
Total Colorado | | | | | | | 1,337,665 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | |
| | Face Amount | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Massachusetts - 3.6% |
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 01/01/41 | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 1,101,732 | |
5.00% due 07/01/29 | | | 200,000 | | | | 222,776 | |
Total Massachusetts | | | | | | | 1,324,508 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Louisiana - 3.3% |
Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities & Community Development Auth Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/37 | | | 500,000 | | | | 548,795 | |
5.00% due 10/01/26 | | | 150,000 | | | | 172,224 | |
City of Shreveport Louisiana Water & Sewer Revenue Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/35 | | | 250,000 | | | | 280,838 | |
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 07/01/39 | | | 200,000 | | | | 216,132 | |
Total Louisiana | | | | | | | 1,217,989 | |
| | | | | | | | |
West Virginia - 2.3% |
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 04/01/29 | | | 500,000 | | | | 539,345 | |
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/01/42 | | | 300,000 | | | | 325,887 | |
Total West Virginia | | | | | | | 865,232 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Mississippi - 2.1% |
Mississippi Development Bank Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 10/01/31 | | | 500,000 | | | | 521,765 | |
6.25% due 10/01/26 | | | 230,000 | | | | 239,729 | |
Total Mississippi | | | | | | | 761,494 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Florida - 1.8% |
Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/01/40 | | | 300,000 | | | | 331,833 | |
City of Jacksonville Florida Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/29 | | | 300,000 | | | | 326,454 | |
Total Florida | | | | | | | 658,287 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Virginia - 1.7% |
County of Fairfax Virginia General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 10/01/32 | | | 300,000 | | | | 346,329 | |
Virginia College Building Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/01/28 | | | 250,000 | | | | 288,433 | |
Total Virginia | | | | | | | 634,762 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Puerto Rico - 1.5% |
Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 07/01/41 | | | 250,000 | | | | 282,725 | |
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 07/01/23 | | | 250,000 | | | | 273,653 | |
Total Puerto Rico | | | | | | | 556,378 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Kentucky - 1.2% |
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 07/01/37 | | | 200,000 | | | | 213,118 | |
City of Ashland Kentucky Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/01/22 | | | 200,000 | | | | 205,620 | |
Total Kentucky | | | | | | | 418,738 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Oklahoma - 1.1% |
Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 08/15/28 | | | 350,000 | | | | 396,917 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Arkansas - 1.0% |
County of Baxter Arkansas Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 09/01/26 | | | 330,000 | | | | 364,429 | |
| | | | | | | | |
South Carolina - 0.9% |
Anderson County School District No. 5 General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 03/01/27 | | | 300,000 | | | | 346,509 | |
| | | | | | | | |
North Carolina - 0.9% |
North Carolina Turnpike Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/01/27 | | | 300,000 | | | | 344,955 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Nevada - 0.7% |
Las Vegas Valley Water District General Obligation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/01/27 | | | 230,000 | | | | 263,870 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Arizona - 0.6% |
Salt Verde Financial Corp. Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/32 | | | 200,000 | | | | 231,570 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Georgia - 0.6% |
Savannah Economic Development Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/28 | | | 200,000 | | | | 227,818 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ohio - 0.6% |
American Municipal Power, Inc. Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 02/15/41 | | | 200,000 | | | | 217,840 | |
98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | |
| | Face Amount | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Vermont - 0.6% |
Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Financing Agency Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 12/01/46 | | $ | 200,000 | | | $ | 216,786 | |
Total Municipal Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $35,449,127) | | | | | | | 35,846,543 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.0% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $36,305,522) | | | | | | $ | 36,702,938 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.0% | | | | | | | 374,939 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 37,077,877 | |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
2 | Security is a step up bond with a 0.00% coupon rate until 10/01/21, and then accrues at a 5.00% coupon rate until maturity. |
3 | Zero coupon rate security. |
4 | The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, subject to approval by the Adviser, and is not based upon a set reference rate and spread. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
5 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $223,990 (cost $216,806), or 0.6% of total net assets. |
| |
| VRDN — Variable Rate Demand Note |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Money Market Fund | | $ | 856,395 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 856,395 | |
Municipal Bonds | | | — | | | | 35,846,543 | | | | — | | | | 35,846,543 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 856,395 | | | $ | 35,846,543 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 36,702,938 | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | |
September 30, 2018 | |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $36,305,522) | | $ | 36,702,938 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 27,242 | |
Receivables: |
Interest | | | 455,413 | |
Investment Adviser | | | 9,147 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 1,259 | |
Total assets | | | 37,195,999 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 37,686 | |
Professional fees | | | 24,409 | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | | 19,974 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 15,227 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 6,551 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 2,257 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 833 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 11,185 | |
Total liabilities | | | 118,122 | |
Net assets | | $ | 37,077,877 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 36,766,640 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 311,237 | |
Net assets | | $ | 37,077,877 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 25,570,023 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,051,966 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 12.46 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%) | | $ | 12.98 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 2,403,493 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 193,011 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 12.45 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 37,093 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,977 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 12.46 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 9,067,268 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 727,532 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 12.46 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |
Investment Income: |
Interest | | $ | 1,421,800 | |
Total investment income | | | 1,421,800 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 225,670 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 73,156 | |
C-Class | | | 30,916 | |
P-Class | | | 173 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 31,869 | |
C-Class | | | 5,176 | |
P-Class | | | 386 | |
Institutional Class | | | 18,399 | |
Registration fees | | | 70,747 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 36,108 | |
Professional fees | | | 29,573 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 11,947 | |
Custodian fees | | | 4,335 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 303 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 47,261 | |
Total expenses | | | 586,019 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (41,004 | ) |
C-Class | | | (6,171 | ) |
P-Class | | | (400 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (22,344 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (163,078 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (232,997 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 353,022 | |
Net investment income | | | 1,068,778 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 134,287 | |
Net realized gain | | | 134,287 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | (999,817 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (999,817 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (865,530 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 203,248 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,068,778 | | | $ | 1,254,911 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 134,287 | | | | 97,853 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (999,817 | ) | | | (1,468,356 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | 203,248 | | | | (115,592 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (687,912 | ) | | | (738,549 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (49,583 | ) | | | (60,391 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (1,608 | ) | | | (3,433 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (329,776 | ) | | | (452,538 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (1,068,879 | ) | | | (1,254,911 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 1,774,909 | | | | 5,199,658 | |
C-Class | | | 208,755 | | | | 635,500 | |
P-Class | | | 9,947 | | | | 1,524,469 | |
Institutional Class | | | 3,898,644 | | | | 8,142,777 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 437,195 | | | | 452,402 | |
C-Class | | | 34,842 | | | | 39,874 | |
P-Class | | | 1,602 | | | | 3,433 | |
Institutional Class | | | 269,005 | | | | 328,132 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (9,596,304 | ) | | | (12,747,143 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,549,487 | ) | | | (1,820,406 | ) |
P-Class | | | (83,607 | ) | | | (1,502,111 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (10,769,834 | ) | | | (16,080,038 | ) |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (15,364,333 | ) | | | (15,823,453 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets | | | (16,229,964 | ) | | | (17,193,956 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 53,307,841 | | | | 70,501,797 | |
End of year | | $ | 37,077,877 | | | $ | 53,307,841 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 140,305 | | | | 409,886 | |
C-Class | | | 16,475 | | | | 50,491 | |
P-Class | | | 788 | | | | 122,127 | |
Institutional Class | | | 308,805 | | | | 644,462 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 34,710 | | | | 36,078 | |
C-Class | | | 2,768 | | | | 3,184 | |
P-Class | | | 127 | | | | 274 | |
Institutional Class | | | 21,353 | | | | 26,193 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (761,249 | ) | | | (1,016,892 | ) |
C-Class | | | (123,092 | ) | | | (146,400 | ) |
P-Class | | | (6,672 | ) | | | (120,222 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (855,029 | ) | | | (1,293,270 | ) |
Net decrease in shares | | | (1,220,711 | ) | | | (1,284,089 | ) |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (see Note 12). |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101 |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.70 | | | $ | 12.86 | | | $ | 12.52 | | | $ | 12.51 | | | $ | 11.59 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .30 | | | | .27 | | | | .26 | | | | .29 | | | | .36 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | .34 | | | | .01 | | | | .92 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .06 | | | | .12 | | | | .60 | | | | .30 | | | | 1.28 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.36 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.36 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 12.46 | | | $ | 12.70 | | | $ | 12.86 | | | $ | 12.52 | | | $ | 12.51 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 0.44 | % | | | 0.94 | % | | | 4.85 | % | | | 2.39 | % | | | 11.20 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 25,570 | | | $ | 33,515 | | | $ | 41,283 | | | $ | 49,086 | | | $ | 44,090 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.35 | % | | | 2.19 | % | | | 2.06 | % | | | 2.28 | % | | | 3.00 | % |
Total expenses | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.18 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.29 | % |
Net expensesc,e,f | | | 0.80 | % | | | 0.82 | % | | | 0.81 | % | | | 0.81 | % | | | 0.83 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 13 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 173 | % |
C-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.69 | | | $ | 12.86 | | | $ | 12.52 | | | $ | 12.50 | | | $ | 11.59 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .20 | | | | .18 | | | | .16 | | | | .19 | | | | .27 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | .35 | | | | .02 | | | | .91 | |
Total from investment operations | | | (.04 | ) | | | .01 | | | | .51 | | | | .21 | | | | 1.18 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.18 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.27 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.18 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.27 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 12.45 | | | $ | 12.69 | | | $ | 12.86 | | | $ | 12.52 | | | $ | 12.50 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | (0.30 | %) | | | 0.12 | % | | | 4.06 | % | | | 1.71 | % | | | 10.28 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 2,403 | | | $ | 3,768 | | | $ | 5,008 | | | $ | 2,472 | | | $ | 1,082 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.60 | % | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.54 | % | | | 2.24 | % |
Total expenses | | | 2.11 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 1.89 | % | | | 1.87 | % | | | 2.08 | % |
Net expensesc,e,f | | | 1.55 | % | | | 1.57 | % | | | 1.56 | % | | | 1.56 | % | | | 1.58 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 13 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 173 | % |
102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2015d | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.70 | | | $ | 12.86 | | | $ | 12.52 | | | $ | 12.64 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .29 | | | | .25 | | | | .26 | | | | .13 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | .34 | | | | (.12 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .06 | | | | .11 | | | | .60 | | | | .01 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.13 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.13 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 12.46 | | | $ | 12.70 | | | $ | 12.86 | | | $ | 12.52 | |
|
Total Return | | | 0.44 | % | | | 0.89 | % | | | 4.86 | % | | | 0.06 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 111 | | | $ | 84 | | | $ | 10 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.32 | % | | | 2.01 | % | | | 2.00 | % | | | 2.46 | % |
Total expenses | | | 1.72 | % | | | 1.27 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 3.17 | % |
Net expensesc,e,f | | | 0.80 | % | | | 0.82 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.81 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 13 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 80 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 12.71 | | | $ | 12.87 | | | $ | 12.53 | | | $ | 12.51 | | | $ | 11.60 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .33 | | | | .30 | | | | .29 | | | | .32 | | | | .39 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | .34 | | | | .02 | | | | .91 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .08 | | | | .15 | | | | .63 | | | | .34 | | | | 1.30 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.39 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.39 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 12.46 | | | $ | 12.71 | | | $ | 12.87 | | | $ | 12.53 | | | $ | 12.51 | |
|
Total Return | | | 0.61 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 5.11 | % | | | 2.73 | % | | | 11.38 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 9,067 | | | $ | 15,914 | | | $ | 24,126 | | | $ | 8,564 | | | $ | 6,451 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.59 | % | | | 2.43 | % | | | 2.24 | % | | | 2.53 | % | | | 3.23 | % |
Total expenses | | | 1.09 | % | | | 0.88 | % | | | 0.84 | % | | | 0.89 | % | | | 0.97 | % |
Net expensesc,e,f | | | 0.55 | % | | | 0.57 | % | | | 0.56 | % | | | 0.56 | % | | | 0.58 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 13 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 173 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | — | — |
C-Class | — | — |
P-Class | — | 0.04% |
Institutional Class | — | — |
d | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
e | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
f | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
A-Class | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% |
C-Class | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.54% |
P-Class | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.78% | 0.81% | N/A |
Institutional Class | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% |
104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. The High Yield Fund offers R6-Class shares. R6-Class shares of the Fund are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. R6-Class shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by GI may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds.
Effective August 10, 2018, C-Class shares of each Fund will automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares.
As of January 1, 2012, A-Class, C-Class and Institutional Class shares of High Yield Fund are subject to a 2% redemption fee when shares are redeemed or exchanged within 90 days of purchase.
This report covers the Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund, Investment Grade Bond Fund, Limited Duration Fund and Municipal Income Fund (the “Funds”), each a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Funds. Additionally, R6-Class shares have been issued by the High Yield Fund only.
Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”), which operate under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provide advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
GPIM, an affiliate of GI, serves as investment sub-advisor (the “Sub-Advisor”) to the Municipal Income Fund and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Funds operate as investment companies and, accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of each Class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and/or other assets.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Valuations of the Funds’ securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Funds’ officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Valuation Committee and GI are authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end investment companies (“CEFs”) are valued at the last quoted sale price.
U.S. Government securities are valued by either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.
Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value. Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.
Typically, loans are valued using information provided by an independent third party pricing service which uses broker quotes. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unrealiable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Listed options are valued at the official settlement price listed by the exchange, usually as of 4:00 p.m. Long options are valued using the bid price and short options are valued using the ask price. In the event that a settlement price is not available, fair valuation is enacted. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued using the average bid price (for long options) or average ask price (for short options) obtained from one or more security dealers.
The value of interest rate swap agreements entered into by a fund is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that is determined using the spread priced off the previous day’s Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) price.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.
(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedules of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Funds. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.
(c) Senior Loans
Senior loans in which the Funds invest generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as the one-month or three-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Funds’ Schedules of Investments. The interest rate indicated is the rate in effect at September 30, 2018.
(d) Interests in When-Issued Securities
The Funds may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Funds actually take delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Funds will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, they may sell such securities before the settlement date.
(e) Options
Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.
When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).
(f) Swap Agreements
Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.
(g) Currency Translations
The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(h) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.
The change in value of the contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
(i) Foreign Taxes
The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
(j) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively. Cash flows received in excess of the effective yield are reflected as a return of capital.
(k) Distributions
The Funds declare dividends from investment income daily, except for Diversified Income Fund, which declares monthly. Each Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
(l) Class Allocations
Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(m) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Funds may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(n) Cash
The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(o) Indemnifications
Under the Funds’ organizational documents, the Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and/or their affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives
As part of their investment strategy, the Funds utilize a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.
Derivatives
Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.
The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:
Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.
Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.
Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.
Options Purchased and Written
A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.
The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of call/put options purchased on a quarterly basis:
Fund | Use | | Average Notional Purchased | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | Duration, Hedge | | $ | 20,530,425 | |
Limited Duration Fund | Hedge | | | 93,240,449 | |
The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of call/put options written on a quarterly basis:
Fund | Use | | Average Notional Written | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | Duration, Hedge | | $ | — | * |
* | Options contracts were outstanding for 22 days during the year ended September 30, 2018, none of which was on a quarter end. The daily average outstanding notional amount of options during the period was $30,693,900 for options written. |
Swaps
A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. A Fund utilizing OTC swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like an exchange-traded futures contract. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap transaction, the Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin payments or receipts are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity. For a fund utilizing interest rate swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss. There is no guarantee that a fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Funds with another party for their respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.
The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of interest rate swaps on a quarterly basis:
| | | Average Notional Amount | |
Fund | Use | | Long | | | Short | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | Duration, Hedge | | $ | — | | | $ | 120,000,000 | |
Limited Duration Fund | Duration, Hedge | | | — | | | | 155,392,500 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.
The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Funds may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.
The following table represents the Funds’ use, and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a quarterly basis:
| | | Average Value | |
Fund | Use | | Purchased | | | Sold | |
High Yield Fund | Hedge | | $ | 52,745 | | | $ | 21,380,992 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | Hedge, Income | | | 5,987,283 | | | | 28,618,542 | |
Limited Duration Fund | Hedge, Income | | | 48,122,298 | | | | 378,858,144 | |
110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives |
Currency contracts | Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
Interest rate contracts | Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements | Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements |
Equity contracts | Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value | |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2018:
Asset Derivative Investments Value |
Fund | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk* | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14,448 | | | $ | 14,448 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 1,971,987 | | | | 190,414 | | | | 1,124,394 | | | | 3,286,795 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 2,397,669 | | | | 1,279,552 | | | | 7,293,201 | | | | 10,970,422 | |
Liability Derivative Investments Value |
Fund | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk* | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 62,298 | | | $ | 62,298 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | 275,765 | | | | 275,765 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,923,965 | | | | 1,923,965 | |
* | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of centrally cleared interest rate swap agreements as reported on the Schedules of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |
Currency contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
| |
Interest rate contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements |
| Net realized gain (loss) on options written |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written |
| |
Equity contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options purchased |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations |
Fund | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 789,952 | | | $ | 789,952 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 3,235,272 | | | | 164,376 | | | | (550,095 | ) | | | 1,800,831 | | | | 4,650,384 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 3,392,551 | | | | — | | | | (1,062,040 | ) | | | 8,854,561 | | | | 11,185,072 | |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations |
Fund | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (103,080 | ) | | $ | (103,080 | ) |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 1,618,851 | | | | (156,385 | ) | | | (18,639 | ) | | | 832,610 | | | | 2,276,437 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 2,397,669 | | | | — | | | | (2,626,761 | ) | | | 3,634,632 | | | | 3,405,540 | |
In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Funds use margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds.
There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.
The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.
112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 3 – Offsetting
In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Funds to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.
In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.
For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Funds in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Funds attempt to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | Gross Amounts
| | | Net Amount of Assets Presented on | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Fund | Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets1 | | | Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Net Amount | |
High Yield Fund | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | $ | 14,448 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14,448 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14,448 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | Options purchased contracts | | | 190,414 | | | | — | | | | 190,414 | | | | — | | | | (75,759 | ) | | | 114,655 | |
| Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 1,124,394 | | | | — | | | | 1,124,394 | | | | (221,109 | ) | | | (793,464 | ) | | | 109,821 | |
Limited Duration Fund | Options purchased contracts | | | 1,279,552 | | | | — | | | | 1,279,552 | | | | — | | | | (1,167,629 | ) | | | 111,923 | |
| Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 7,293,201 | | | | — | | | | 7,293,201 | | | | (1,775,377 | ) | | | (4,819,415 | ) | | | 698,409 | |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
| | | | | | Gross Amounts Offset in | | | Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Fund | Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities1 | | | the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount | |
High Yield Fund | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | $ | 62,298 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 62,298 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (62,298 | ) | | $ | — | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 275,765 | | | | — | | | | 275,765 | | | | (221,109 | ) | | | — | | | | 54,656 | |
Limited Duration Fund | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 1,923,965 | | | | — | | | | 1,923,965 | | | | (1,775,377 | ) | | | — | | | | 148,588 | |
1 | Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts. |
The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2018. The Funds have the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.
Fund | | Counterparty | | Asset Type | | Cash Pledged | | | Cash Received | |
High Yield Fund | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | $ | 300,000 | | | $ | — | |
High Yield Fund Total | | | | | | | 300,000 | | | | — | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | Goldman Sachs Group | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 260,000 | |
| | BofA Merrill Lynch | | Interest Rate Swaps agreements | | | 2,862,485 | | | | — | |
| | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts, Options | | | — | | | | 115,000 | |
| | Citigroup | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 257,146 | |
| | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 260,000 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund Total | | | | | 2,862,485 | | | | 892,146 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | Morgan Stanley | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | 10,000 | | | | — | |
| | Goldman Sachs Group | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 890,000 | |
| | BNP Paribas | | Repurchase agreements | | | 958,127 | | | | — | |
| | BofA Merrill Lynch | | Interest Rate Swaps agreements | | | 4,168,796 | | | | — | |
| | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts, Options | | | — | | | | 1,420,000 | |
| | Citigroup | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 2,030,534 | |
| | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 1,690,000 | |
Limited Duration Fund Total | | | | | | | 5,136,923 | | | | 6,030,534 | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
| Level 1 | — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
114 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
| Level 2 | — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
| Level 3 | — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
Independent pricing services are used to value a majority of the Funds’ investments. When values are not available from a pricing service, they will be computed by the Funds’ investment adviser or an affiliate. In any event, values may be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over Treasuries, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Funds’ assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.
Indicative quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may be also used to value the Funds’ assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although indicative quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Funds may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in an indicative quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly indicative quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Funds pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at the annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Funds:
Fund | Management Fees (as a % of Net Assets) |
Diversified Income Fund | 0.75% |
High Yield Fund | 0.60% |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | 0.39%* |
Limited Duration Fund | 0.39%** |
Municipal Income Fund | 0.50% |
* | Prior to November 20, 2017, the Fund’s advisory was 50 basis points (0.50%) and a breakpoint of 5 basis points (0.05%) on average daily net assets above $5 billion applied to the Fund’s advisory fees. |
** | Prior to November 20, 2017, the Fund’s advisory fee was 45 basis points (0.45%). |
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
The Funds have adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s C-Class shares.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Contractual expense limitation agreements for the following Funds provide that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:
| Limit | Effective Date | Contract End Date |
Diversified Income Fund — A-Class | 1.30% | 01/29/16 | 02/01/20 |
Diversified Income Fund — C-Class | 2.05% | 01/29/16 | 02/01/20 |
Diversified Income Fund — P-Class | 1.30% | 01/29/16 | 02/01/20 |
Diversified Income Fund — Institutional Class | 1.05% | 01/29/16 | 02/01/20 |
High Yield Fund — A-Class | 1.16% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
High Yield Fund — C-Class | 1.91% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
High Yield Fund — P-Class | 1.16% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
High Yield Fund — R6-Class* | 0.91% | 05/15/17 | 02/01/20 |
High Yield Fund — Institutional Class | 0.91% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Investment Grade Bond Fund — A-Class | 0.79%** | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Investment Grade Bond Fund — C-Class | 1.54%** | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Investment Grade Bond Fund — P-Class | 0.79%** | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Investment Grade Bond Fund — Institutional Class | 0.50%** | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Limited Duration Fund — A-Class | 0.75%*** | 12/01/13 | 02/01/20 |
Limited Duration Fund — C-Class | 1.50%*** | 12/01/13 | 02/01/20 |
Limited Duration Fund — P-Class | 0.75%*** | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Limited Duration Fund — Institutional Class | 0.50%*** | 12/01/13 | 02/01/20 |
Municipal Income Fund — A-Class | 0.80% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Municipal Income Fund — C-Class | 1.55% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Municipal Income Fund — P-Class | 0.80% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Municipal Income Fund — Institutional Class | 0.55% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
* | Since the commencement of operations: May 15, 2017. |
** | Prior to November 20, 2017, the Fund’s limits were 1.00% for A-Class, 1.75% for C-Class, 1.00% for P-Class and 0.75% for Institutional Class. |
*** | Prior to November 20, 2017, the Fund’s limits were 0.80% for A-Class, 1.55% for C-Class, 0.80% for P-Class and 0.55% for Institutional Class. |
116 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2018, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:
Fund | | 2019 | | | 2020 | | | 2021 | | | Fund Total | |
Diversified Income Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | 1,312 | | | $ | 3,873 | | | $ | 4,873 | | | $ | 10,058 | |
C-Class | | | 1,196 | | | | 3,893 | | | | 5,069 | | | | 10,158 | |
P-Class | | | 1,156 | | | | 3,402 | | | | 4,482 | | | | 9,040 | |
Institutional Class | | | 53,207 | | | | 148,686 | | | | 191,684 | | | | 393,577 | |
High Yield Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | 12,450 | | | $ | 19,016 | | | $ | 21,392 | | | $ | 52,858 | |
C-Class | | | 4,537 | | | | 5,167 | | | | 3,674 | | | | 13,378 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | 3,728 | | | | 8,622 | | | | 12,350 | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,723 | | | | 5,723 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | 73,385 | | | $ | 77,376 | | | $ | 156,533 | | | $ | 307,294 | |
C-Class | | | 35,023 | | | | 25,128 | | | | 43,011 | | | | 103,162 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | 2,855 | | | | 42,627 | | | | 45,482 | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | 18,798 | | | | 174,956 | | | | 193,754 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | 171,814 | | | $ | 152,459 | | | $ | 282,834 | | | $ | 607,107 | |
C-Class | | | 31,279 | | | | 31,774 | | | | 47,300 | | | | 110,353 | |
P-Class | | | 1,275 | | | | 41,567 | | | | 163,906 | | | | 206,748 | |
Institutional Class | | | 287,680 | | | | 442,161 | | | | 896,378 | | | | 1,626,219 | |
Municipal Income Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | 178,718 | | | $ | 125,964 | | | $ | 147,177 | | | $ | 451,859 | |
C-Class | | | 13,957 | | | | 14,699 | | | | 17,294 | | | | 45,950 | |
P-Class | | | 169 | | | | 758 | | | | 634 | | | | 1,561 | |
Institutional Class | | | 36,640 | | | | 58,022 | | | | 67,892 | | | | 162,554 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GI recouped amounts from the Funds as follows:
High Yield Fund | | $ | 63,408 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 17,024 | |
If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Diversified Income Fund, Investment Grade Bond Fund and Limited Duration Fund waived $27,868, $16,169 and $214,196, respectively, related to investments in affiliated funds.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $430,362 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.
At September 30, 2018, GI and its affiliates owned over twenty percent of the outstanding shares of the Funds, as follows:
Fund | Percent of Outstanding Shares Owned |
Diversified Income Fund | 98% |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Funds’ securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
Note 6 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Each of the Funds may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following Funds entered into reverse repurchase agreements:
Fund | | Number of Days Outstanding | | | Balance at September 30, 2018 | | | Average Balance Outstanding | | | Average Interest Rate | |
High Yield Fund | | | 365 | | | $ | 65,909,328 | | | $ | 53,226,299 | | | | 2.03 | % |
The following table presents reverse repurchase agreements that are subject to netting arrangements and offset in the Statements of Assets of Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Fund | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | 65,909,328 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 65,909,328 | | | $ | 65,909,328 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
As of September 30, 2018, there was $65,909,328 in reverse repurchase agreements outstanding. As of September 30, 2018, the High Yield Fund had outstanding reverse repurchase agreements with various counterparties. Details of the reverse repurchase agreements by counterparty are as follows:
Counterparty | | Range of Interest Rate | | | Maturity Dates | | Repurchase Price | |
Barclays | | | 0.00%-2.89% | | | Open Maturity | | $ | 16,335,581 | |
Bank of America Merrill Lynch | | | 2.51%-2.70% | | | Open Maturity - 10/12/18 | | | 5,477,497 | |
BNP Paribas | | | 2.61%-2.79% | | | 10/11/2018-10/29/18 | | | 11,346,270 | |
Credit Suisse | | | 2.43 | % | | Open Maturity | | | 454,458 | |
J.P. Morgan | | | 2.00%-2.9% | | | 10/4/2018 - 10/25/18 | | | 13,118,637 | |
RBC Capital Markets LLC | | | 2.61%-2.91% | | | 10/15/18 - 10/29/18 | | | 5,678,766 | |
Societe Generale | | | 2.79% - 2.81% | | | 10/4/18 - 10/19/2018 | | | 13,498,119 | |
| | | | | | | | $ | 65,909,328 | |
118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following is a summary of the remaining contractual maturities of the reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as of year-end, aggregated by asset class of the related collateral pledged by the Funds:
Portfolio Name | | Asset Type | | For disclosure Overnight and Continuous | | | Up to 30 days | | | Total | |
High Yield Fund | | Corporate Bonds | | $ | 18,025,739 | | | $ | 47,883,589 | | | $ | 65,909,328 | |
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for reverse repurchase agreements | | | | $ | 18,025,739 | | | $ | 47,883,589 | | | $ | 65,909,328 | |
Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
Fund | | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Tax-Exempt Income | | | Total Distributions | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 232,295 | | | $ | 25,258 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 257,553 | |
High Yield Fund | | | 30,460,274 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 30,460,274 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 12,141,726 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12,141,726 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 72,470,245 | | | | 555,478 | | | | — | | | | 73,025,723 | |
Municipal Income Fund | | | 93,124 | | | | — | | | | 975,755 | | | | 1,068,879 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
Fund | | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Tax-Exempt Income | | | Total Distributions | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 301,432 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 301,432 | |
High Yield Fund | | | 22,277,843 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 22,277,843 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 10,678,841 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 10,678,841 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 32,967,318 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 32,967,318 | |
Municipal Income Fund | | | 131,130 | | | | — | | | | 1,123,781 | | | | 1,254,911 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The tax components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
Fund | | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Other Temporary Differences | | | Total | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 31,907 | | | $ | 70,989 | | | $ | 254,343 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (19,726 | ) | | $ | 337,513 | |
High Yield Fund | | | 2,273,578 | | | | — | | | | (13,607,964 | ) | | | (1,746,657 | ) | | | (1,861,937 | ) | | | (14,942,980 | ) |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 205,660 | | | | — | | | | (6,907,763 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,184,682 | ) | | | (7,886,785 | ) |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 9,527,270 | | | | — | | | | (7,775,410 | ) | | | — | | | | (7,373,234 | ) | | | (5,621,374 | ) |
Municipal Income Fund | | | 67,352 | | | | — | | | | 397,416 | | | | (86,077 | ) | | | (67,454 | ) | | | 311,237 | |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund(s) that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund(s) were as follows:
| | Unlimited | | | | | |
Fund | | Short-Term | | | Long-Term | | | Total Capital Loss Carryforward | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | (234,016 | ) | | $ | (1,512,641 | ) | | $ | (1,746,657 | ) |
Municipal Income Fund | | | (86,077 | ) | | | — | | | | (86,077 | ) |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following capital loss carryforward amounts expired or were utilized:
Fund | | Expired | | | Utilized | | | Total | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,528,707 | | | $ | 1,528,707 | |
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in swaps, “mark-to-market” of foreign foreign currency exchange contracts, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, dividends payable, and the “mark-to-market,” recharacterization, or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from bond premium/discount amortization, non-deductible expenses, income accruals on certain investments, “mark-to-market” of certain foreign currency denominated securities, and the expiration of capital loss carryforward amounts. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
Fund | | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 98 | | | $ | (98 | ) |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 588,563 | | | | (588,563 | ) |
120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
At September 30,2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
Fund | | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized (Depreciation) | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 5,906,454 | | | $ | 275,378 | | | $ | (21,035 | ) | | $ | 254,343 | |
High Yield Fund | | | 498,412,415 | | | | 4,348,987 | | | | (18,147,741 | ) | | | (13,798,754 | ) |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 586,029,139 | | | | 6,104,167 | | | | (13,030,807 | ) | | | (6,926,640 | ) |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 3,506,259,850 | | | | 14,160,637 | | | | (22,004,995 | ) | | | (7,844,358 | ) |
Municipal Income Fund | | | 36,305,522 | | | | 817,428 | | | | (420,012 | ) | | | 397,416 | |
Note 8 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
Fund | | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 2,620,815 | | | $ | 2,230,506 | |
High Yield Fund | | | 327,527,082 | | | | 381,004,580 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 309,768,623 | | | | 200,836,529 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 2,150,519,926 | | | | 1,034,996,377 | |
Municipal Income Fund | | | 5,676,506 | | | | 20,983,766 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:
Fund | | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | $ | 39,185,139 | | | $ | 4,586,882 | |
The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Funds engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:
Fund | | Purchases | | | Sales | | | Realized Gain | |
High Yield Fund | | $ | 33,352,944 | | | $ | 27,558,509 | | | $ | 359,828 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 7,499,884 | | | | 1,435,062 | | | | 20,268 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 5,844,455 | | | | 595,356 | | | | 37 | |
Note 9 – Unfunded Loan Commitments
Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, certain Funds held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018. The Funds are obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Fund | | Borrower | | Maturity Date | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
High Yield Fund | | | | | |
| | Acosta, Inc. | | 09/26/19 | | $ | 422,222 | | | $ | 108,811 | |
| | Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC | | 07/25/19 | | | 935,000 | | | | 70,359 | |
| | Bullhorn, Inc. | | 11/21/22 | | | 150,891 | | | | 3,638 | |
| | Cypress Intermediate Holdings III, Inc. | | 04/27/22 | | | 750,000 | | | | 66,476 | |
| | Epicor Software | | 06/01/20 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 41,358 | |
| | ICP Industrial, Inc. | | 11/03/23 | | | 104,137 | | | | 521 | |
| | Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | | 03/11/19 | | | 3,750,000 | | | | — | * |
| | Lytx, Inc. | | 08/31/22 | | | 105,263 | | | | 10,326 | |
| | Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | 03/20/25 | | | 52,181 | | | | 196 | |
| | MRI Software LLC | | 06/30/23 | | | 447,667 | | | | 10,580 | |
| | National Technical Systems | | 06/12/21 | | | 250,000 | | | | 14,077 | |
| | Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. | | 07/01/21 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 103,310 | |
| | Recess Holdings, Inc. | | 09/30/24 | | | 2,500 | | | | — | * |
| | Solera LLC | | 03/03/21 | | | 1,166,667 | | | | 79,714 | |
| | Wencor Group | | 06/19/19 | | | 599,231 | | | | 16,730 | |
| | | | | | | 11,235,759 | | | | 526,096 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | | 03/11/19 | | | 150,000 | | | | — | * |
| | Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | 03/20/25 | | | 104,312 | | | | 391 | |
| | | | | | | 254,312 | | | | 391 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | | 03/11/19 | | | 1,100,000 | | | | — | * |
| | Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | 03/20/25 | | | 717,147 | | | | 2,689 | |
| | | | | | | 1,817,147 | | | | 2,689 | |
* | Security has a market value of $0. |
122 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 10 – Restricted Securities
The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:
Fund | Restricted Securities | | Acquisition Date | | Cost | | | Value | |
High Yield Fund | | | | | | | | | | |
| KeHE Distributors LLC / KeHE Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | | | |
| 7.63% due 08/15/21 | | 07/30/13 | | $ | 1,479,801 | | | $ | 1,414,875 | |
| LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands BV | | | | | | | | | | |
| 6.88% due 05/15/23 | | 05/08/13 | | | 8,531,475 | | | | 8,252,637 | |
| | | | | | | 10,011,276 | | | | 9,667,512 | |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | | | | | | | | |
| Aurora Military Housing LLC | | | | | | | | | | |
| 6.89% due 01/15/47 | | 12/02/15 | | | 832,614 | | | | 871,630 | |
| Capmark Military Housing Trust | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2007-ROBS, 6.06% due 10/10/52 | | 04/23/15 | | | 466,629 | | | | 470,995 | |
| Capmark Military Housing Trust | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/52 | | 09/18/14 | | | 327,372 | | | | 324,136 | |
| Central Storage Safety Project Trust | | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.82% due 02/01/38 | | 03/20/18 | | | 1,026,319 | | | | 1,017,135 | |
| Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2007-1A, due 01/20/211 | | 05/09/14 | | | 152,830 | | | | 65,833 | |
| GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp. | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2007-HCKM, 6.11% due 08/10/52 | | 10/07/16 | | | 1,719,166 | | | | 1,504,125 | |
| Highland Park CDO I Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2006-1A, 2.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/512 | | 07/01/16 | | | 274,930 | | | | 279,283 | |
| Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities LLC | | | | | | | | | | |
| 5.30% due 08/01/50 | | 10/07/16 | | | 1,220,871 | | | | 1,124,631 | |
| Offutt AFB America First Community LLC | | | | | | | | | | |
| 5.46% due 09/01/50 | | 11/30/16 | | | 1,807,556 | | | | 1,824,630 | |
| Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018-1A, 3.97% due 06/15/48 | | 05/25/18 | | | 1,097,201 | | | | 1,085,134 | |
| Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2013-1A, 5.13% due 12/13/48 | | 11/27/13 | | | 464,723 | | | | 438,876 | |
| | | | | | | 9,390,211 | | | | 9,006,408 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | | | | | | | | |
| Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2007-1A, due 01/20/211 | | 05/09/14 | | | 109,164 | | | | 47,023 | |
| Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018-1A, 3.97% due 06/15/48 | | 05/25/18 | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,480,912 | | | | 7,398,642 | |
| | | | | | | 7,590,076 | | | | 7,445,665 | |
1 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
2 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the underlying reference rate shown was below the minimum rate earned by the security or has been adjusted by a predetermined factor. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
Note 11 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate, plus 1/2 of 1%.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for each Fund is referenced in the Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees.” The Funds did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
On October 5, 2018, the Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
Note 12 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Funds’ net assets or results of operations.
Note 13 – Legal Proceedings
Motors Liquidation Company
On or about June of 2015, the Guggenheim High Yield Fund was served and became a party to the case entitled Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Motors Liquidation Company v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., et al., Adversary Proceeding No. 09-00504 (MG) (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), brought by the Motors Liquidation Avoidance Action Trust (the “Motors Trust”). The lawsuit was initially filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on July 31, 2009 by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Motors Liquidation Company (f/k/a General Motors) against the former holders of an approximately $1.5 billion term loan issued pursuant to a term loan agreement, dated as of November 29, 2006 (the “Term Loan”), between General Motors, as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (“JPMorgan”), and various institutions as lenders, including the Guggenheim High Yield Fund (f/k/a Security Income Fund – High Yield Series). The Term Loan lenders received a full repayment of the Term Loan pursuant to a June 1, 2009 court order issued in connection with the General Motors chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The plaintiff is seeking a court order that the lenders return at least a portion of the proceeds received in 2009 based on the contention that certain UCC financing statements securing the indebtedness due under the Term Loan were terminated (thus releasing collateral secured by the UCC financing statement), rendering the Term Loan under-secured or completely unsecured. As a result, the lawsuit alleges that the Term Loan lenders were at least partially unsecured creditors at the time General Motors filed for bankruptcy, and should not have been paid as fully secured creditors.
After being served, the Guggenheim High Yield Fund filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on November 19, 2015. On June 30, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court denied the motion to dismiss, holding that the orders extending the time to serve defendants were valid. On July 14, 2016, the Guggenheim High Yield Fund filed a motion for leave to file an interlocutory appeal of the Bankruptcy Court’s decision, which was denied on March 8, 2017.
On December 18, 2015, the Guggenheim High Yield Fund filed cross-claims against co-defendant JPMorgan related to JPMorgan’s actions as administrative agent in connection with the Term Loan and the termination of the UCC financing statements. Discovery is currently stayed pending the outcome of the below referenced mediation.
On November 10, 2016, the Motors Trust filed a stipulation and proposed order dismissing its third claim for relief as set forth in its amended complaint, which was so Ordered on November 17, 2016.
On April 24, 2017, a trial in commenced in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on the collateral status and valuation of 40 representative assets (the “Representative Asset Trial”). The evidentiary potion of the trial concluded on May 5, 2017, and closing arguments were held on June 5, 2017.
124 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
On September 26, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court issued its decision. The Court held that 33 of the 40 assets at issue (the “Representative Assets”) were fixtures and that the majority of the Representative Assets should be valued on a going concern basis. The Avoidance Trust sought leave to appeal portions of the decision on October 10, 2017. The motion for leave to appeal was denied on September 7, 2018.
The parties agreed to attend mediation in front of David Geronemus, Esq in an attempt to consensually resolve the dispute. While no resolution was reached on a global settlement, mediation sessions are continuing in an effort to narrow the remaining issues in the litigation.
This lawsuit does not allege any wrongdoing on the part of the Guggenheim High Yield Fund and the Fund intends to vigorously defend the matter. If the plaintiff is successful, it is reasonably possible that the Guggenheim High Yield Fund will be required to make payments in some amount (but not likely to exceed approximately $1,000,000), although the Fund may recover some or all of this amount from its cross-claims against co-defendant JPMorgan. At this stage of the proceedings, the Guggenheim High Yield Fund is unable to make a reliable prediction as to the outcome of this lawsuit or the affect, if any, on the Fund’s net asset value.
Note 14 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
Note 15 – Subsequent Events
The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 125 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund, Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund and Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund, Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund and Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (five of the funds constituting the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below 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 each of the Funds (five of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Individual fund constituting the Guggenheim Funds Trust | Statement of operations | Statements of changes in net assets | Financial highlights |
Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund | For the year ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 and the period from January 29, 2016 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2016. |
Guggenheim High Yield Fund Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund | For the year ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the five years in the period ended September 30, 2018. |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund | For the year ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018 | For each of the four years in the period ended September 30, 2018 and the period from December 16, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014 |
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ 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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodians, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers or paying agents were not received. 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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036007_127.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Funds’ investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Municipal Income Fund designates $975,755 as tax-exempt interest income according to IRC Section 852(b)(5)(A).
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.
Fund | | Qualified Dividend Income | | | Dividend Received Deduction | | | Qualified Interest Income | | | Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain | |
Diversified Income Fund | | | 31.77 | % | | | 31.77 | % | | | 0.32 | % | | | 100.00 | % |
High Yield Fund | | | 1.63 | % | | | 1.63 | % | | | 91.42 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
Investment Grade Bond Fund | | | 0.10 | % | | | 0.09 | % | | | 85.46 | % | | | 100.00 | % |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 0.08 | % | | | 0.08 | % | | | 83.51 | % | | | 100.00 | % |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
Fund | | From long-term capital gain: | | | From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
Diversified Income Fund | | $ | 25,258 | | | $ | 173 | |
Limited Duration Fund | | | 555,478 | | | | — | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report. 2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel.
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI-Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.3 As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one- year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
136 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 137 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Inc. (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946 ) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2013-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council; Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 139 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
140 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present). Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present) ; Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present). Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present). Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (February 2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 141 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present). Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present). Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com –by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded) |
electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 145 |
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | SBMCV-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036008_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 3 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 5 |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | 8 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 24 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 33 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 35 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 51 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES | 58 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Security Investors, LLC, (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Security Investors, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
Mid Cap Value Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means investors could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. ● Investments in small- and/or mid-sized company securities may present additional risks such as less predictable earnings, higher volatility and less liquidity than larger, more established companies.
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500®”) Index* generated a total return of 17.91%, rising from 2,519.36 to 2,913.98. The path was not straight, however, as equities tumbled in February when interest rates backed up. In September, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one-year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
Russell 2500® Value Index measures the performance of the small-to mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) |
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 |
Mid Cap Value Fund |
A-Class | 1.24% | 7.29% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,072.90 | $ 6.51 |
C-Class | 2.00% | 6.85% | 1,000.00 | 1,068.50 | 10.48 |
P-Class | 1.31% | 7.22% | 1,000.00 | 1,072.20 | 6.88 |
| | | | | |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period4 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) |
Mid Cap Value Fund |
A-Class | 1.24% | 5.00% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,018.85 | $ 6.28 |
C-Class | 2.00% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,015.04 | 10.10 |
P-Class | 1.31% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.50 | 6.63 |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the team discusses performance of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund returned 10.05%1, compared with its benchmark, the Russell 2500® Value Index, which returned 10.24%.
Strategy and Market Overview
Our investment approach focuses on understanding how companies make money and how easily companies can improve returns, maintain existing high levels of profitability, or benefit from change that occurs within the industries in which they operate. In today’s rapidly changing environment marked by very sharp and quick, but constrained volatility, our long-term orientation and discipline are a competitive advantage. This should become especially critical when the environment of indiscriminant valuation expansion subsides, and fundamentals once again become a more dominant factor in the market.
Performance Review
Stock selection was the most significant factor behind the Fund’s showing relative to the benchmark, while sector allocation provided a modest benefit.
On the positive side, stock selection was strong in the Energy and Information Technology sectors. In Energy, an overweighting to exploration companies was beneficial given the surge in oil prices during the period. The Fund’s ownership of oil-centric producers in the Bakken, an oil and gas field in the upper Midwest U.S., was especially favorable, as the leading individual contributor was Whiting Petroleum Corp., which rose strongly for the period. The Fund’s Information Technology holdings also outpaced those in the benchmark, and the sector was one of the Fund’s largest overweights relative to the benchmark.
The Fund’s Financials holdings also solidly outperformed those of the benchmark. These results had a magnified impact, as the sector is the largest in the benchmark, with a 25% weighting. Exposure and significant weightings in some of the larger regional banks were important contributors. The second-largest individual contributor to performance was Financials holding E*Trade Financial Corp (not held at period end).
On the negative side, stock selection detracted in the Industrials and Consumer Staples sectors. Industrials in the Fund returned only about half that of Industrials in the benchmark. An Industrials holding, Celadon Group, Inc., was the leading individual detractor for the Fund for the period. It announced in early 2018 that its financial statements would need to be reviewed for prior periods, and the stock was delisted from the NYSE. The stock declined significantly over the one-year period.
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
The Fund’s holdings in the Staples sector declined for the period, whereas the benchmark’s Staples holdings eked out a small gain. Hurting the sector’s performance was Ingredion, an agricultural commodities holding that declined significantly over the period due to concerns about the impact of global tariffs.
Health Care as a sector had only a modest impact on relative performance for the period, but it did produce the second-largest individual detractor—Dermira, a specialty pharmaceutical that focuses on dermatology therapies (not held at period end). One of the company’s three promising pipeline products failed in Phase 3 clinical trials during the period and caused the stock to fall significantly, and it did not recover.
Portfolio Positioning
While this strategy is balanced relative to the benchmark, it does possess defensive characteristics in virtue of emphasizing relatively larger companies found in the benchmark as well as an overweight in Utilities.
At the end of the period, the Fund’s largest overweights relative to the benchmark were in Utilities and Information Technology. The Fund’s largest underweights were in Financials and Real Estate.
Portfolio and Market Outlook
For much of the period, the market was concerned with persistent Federal Reserve rate hikes and uncertainty over macroeconomic issues such as international trade and inflation. The major indices proceeded to give up the early 2018 gains and uncharacteristically, smaller sized companies tended to perform better.
For much of the period, the market significantly favored growth-oriented companies. This tended to provide a broad-based headwind for the strategy, as it is more exposed than the benchmark to this factor. At present the valuation gap between and growth and value stocks in unusually wide. As this narrows over time (as it should from these unusually large historic levels), the Fund is well positioned to benefit.
Our portfolios tend to reflect a bias toward companies with balance sheet quality. We continue to find niche companies with what we believe to be attractive growth opportunities, and, as such, are constructive on the outlook.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036008_10.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | May 1, 1997 |
C-Class | January 29, 1999 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
KeyCorp | 2.0% |
Hormel Foods Corp. | 2.0% |
Zions Bancorp North America | 1.9% |
Bunge Ltd. | 1.8% |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | 1.8% |
OGE Energy Corp. | 1.8% |
Ciena Corp. | 1.5% |
UniFirst Corp. | 1.5% |
Alleghany Corp. | 1.4% |
Equity Commonwealth | 1.4% |
Top Ten Total | 17.1% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036008_11.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
A-Class Shares | 10.05% | 8.55% | 10.20% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | 4.83% | 7.50% | 9.55% |
C-Class Shares | 9.22% | 7.73% | 9.38% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 8.22% | 7.73% | 9.38% |
Russell 2500 Value Index | 10.24% | 9.99% | 10.53% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 10.03% | 10.16% |
Russell 2500 Value Index | | 10.24% | 9.24% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2500 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and P-Class will vary due to difference in fee structures. |
† | Effective February 22, 2011, the maximum sales charge decreased from 5.75% to 4.75%. A 5.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to February 22, 2011, and a 4.75% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after February 22, 2011. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 96.3% |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 27.2% |
KeyCorp | | | 463,390 | | | $ | 9,216,827 | |
Zions Bancorp North America | | | 173,594 | | | | 8,705,739 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | | | 560,223 | | | | 8,358,527 | |
Alleghany Corp. | | | 10,222 | | | | 6,670,162 | |
Equity Commonwealth REIT* | | | 206,832 | | | | 6,637,239 | |
Alliance Data Systems Corp. | | | 27,157 | | | | 6,413,397 | |
Voya Financial, Inc. | | | 125,051 | | | | 6,211,283 | |
Physicians Realty Trust REIT | | | 347,242 | | | | 5,854,500 | |
Wintrust Financial Corp. | | | 66,797 | | | | 5,673,737 | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT | | | 42,650 | | | | 5,364,944 | |
Umpqua Holdings Corp. | | | 251,296 | | | | 5,226,957 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. REIT | | | 48,006 | | | | 4,874,529 | |
Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 440,506 | | | | 3,916,098 | |
IBERIABANK Corp. | | | 45,767 | | | | 3,723,145 | |
National Storage Affiliates Trust REIT | | | 124,414 | | | | 3,165,092 | |
Radian Group, Inc. | | | 146,561 | | | | 3,029,416 | |
LaSalle Hotel Properties REIT | | | 85,948 | | | | 2,972,941 | |
Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT | | | 172,208 | | | | 2,796,658 | |
Camden Property Trust REIT | | | 29,462 | | | | 2,756,760 | |
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A | | | 5,682 | | | | 2,569,855 | |
Unum Group | | | 63,310 | | | | 2,473,522 | |
Willis Towers Watson plc | | | 16,477 | | | | 2,322,268 | |
Old Republic International Corp. | | | 103,749 | | | | 2,321,902 | |
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | | | 37,811 | | | | 2,274,332 | |
First Horizon National Corp. | | | 131,577 | | | | 2,271,019 | |
Lexington Realty Trust REIT | | | 272,274 | | | | 2,259,874 | |
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | | | 31,877 | | | | 2,210,670 | |
Howard Hughes Corp.* | | | 16,738 | | | | 2,079,194 | |
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. — Class C | | | 26,691 | | | | 1,926,557 | |
American National Insurance Co. | | | 10,072 | | | | 1,302,209 | |
Hilltop Holdings, Inc. | | | 49,687 | | | | 1,002,187 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 126,581,540 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.4% |
Hormel Foods Corp. | | | 230,908 | | | | 9,097,775 | |
Bunge Ltd. | | | 122,958 | | | | 8,448,444 | |
Premier, Inc. — Class A* | | | 121,265 | | | | 5,551,512 | |
Encompass Health Corp. | | | 62,746 | | | | 4,891,051 | |
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.* | | | 45,684 | | | | 4,578,450 | |
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.* | | | 65,122 | | | | 4,286,981 | |
Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A* | | | 118,768 | | | | 3,935,972 | |
Cambrex Corp.* | | | 56,806 | | | | 3,885,531 | |
Perrigo Company plc | | | 47,053 | | | | 3,331,352 | |
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 47,621 | | | | 3,301,564 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 22,726 | | | | 2,385,321 | |
Sanderson Farms, Inc. | | | 22,941 | | | | 2,371,411 | |
SP Plus Corp.* | | | 63,838 | | | | 2,330,087 | |
Myriad Genetics, Inc.* | | | 48,030 | | | | 2,209,380 | |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 68,301 | | | | 2,105,037 | |
Hostess Brands, Inc.* | | | 174,494 | | | | 1,931,649 | |
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 285,661 | | | | 1,588,275 | |
ACCO Brands Corp. | | | 134,835 | | | | 1,523,635 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | | 13,266 | | | | 1,431,534 | |
TransEnterix, Inc.* | | | 223,208 | | | | 1,294,606 | |
TherapeuticsMD, Inc.* | | | 188,566 | | | | 1,236,993 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 71,716,560 | |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 15.0% |
FLIR Systems, Inc. | | | 75,006 | | | $ | 4,610,619 | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. | | | 49,016 | | | | 3,749,724 | |
Valmont Industries, Inc. | | | 25,249 | | | | 3,496,987 | |
Berry Global Group, Inc.* | | | 70,277 | | | | 3,400,704 | |
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | | | 239,555 | | | | 3,356,166 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | 86,718 | | | | 3,061,145 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 48,075 | | | | 2,889,307 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 15,048 | | | | 2,762,813 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | | | 10,484 | | | | 2,684,743 | |
GasLog Ltd. | | | 130,344 | | | | 2,574,294 | |
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc. | | | 72,201 | | | | 2,489,491 | |
ITT, Inc. | | | 39,536 | | | | 2,421,975 | |
Scorpio Tankers, Inc. | | | 1,197,928 | | | | 2,407,835 | |
Crane Co. | | | 24,234 | | | | 2,383,414 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 76,713 | | | | 2,362,760 | |
Hub Group, Inc. — Class A* | | | 51,283 | | | | 2,338,505 | |
WestRock Co. | | | 43,425 | | | | 2,320,632 | |
Carlisle Companies, Inc. | | | 19,040 | | | | 2,319,072 | |
Plexus Corp.* | | | 38,934 | | | | 2,278,028 | |
Sensata Technologies Holding plc* | | | 44,121 | | | | 2,186,196 | |
KLX, Inc.* | | | 34,455 | | | | 2,163,085 | |
Celadon Group, Inc.* | | | 754,880 | | | | 2,113,664 | |
US Concrete, Inc.* | | | 45,437 | | | | 2,083,287 | |
Park Electrochemical Corp. | | | 105,474 | | | | 2,055,688 | |
Kirby Corp.* | | | 18,332 | | | | 1,507,807 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 17,085 | | | | 1,217,135 | |
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. | | | 21,934 | | | | 1,148,464 | |
Astec Industries, Inc. | | | 19,422 | | | | 979,063 | |
Universal Forest Products, Inc. | | | 9,704 | | | | 342,842 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 69,705,445 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 10.4% |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 227,518 | | | | 8,263,454 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 104,946 | | | | 6,634,686 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 121,208 | | | | 5,528,297 | |
UGI Corp. | | | 86,569 | | | | 4,802,848 | |
AES Corp. | | | 341,865 | | | | 4,786,110 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 58,615 | | | | 4,641,136 | |
Black Hills Corp. | | | 71,521 | | | | 4,154,655 | |
Edison International | | | 53,742 | | | | 3,637,258 | |
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | | | 44,864 | | | | 3,545,602 | |
American Electric Power Company, Inc. | | | 33,996 | | | | 2,409,636 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 48,403,682 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 7.7% |
UniFirst Corp. | | | 39,817 | | | | 6,914,222 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 42,735 | | | | 6,170,934 | |
Acushnet Holdings Corp. | | | 148,501 | | | | 4,073,382 | |
Caleres, Inc. | | | 106,567 | | | | 3,821,493 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 35,856 | | | | 2,469,044 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 123,957 | | | | 2,399,808 | |
LCI Industries | | | 28,454 | | | | 2,355,991 | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 115,989 | | | | 2,165,515 | |
Unifi, Inc.* | | | 66,241 | | | | 1,876,608 | |
Genesco, Inc.* | | | 29,490 | | | | 1,388,979 | |
GMS, Inc.* | | | 48,418 | | | | 1,123,297 | |
Kohl’s Corp. | | | 14,616 | | | | 1,089,623 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 35,848,896 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 6.1% |
Hess Corp. | | | 90,842 | | | | 6,502,471 | |
Whiting Petroleum Corp.* | | | 120,601 | | | | 6,396,677 | |
Range Resources Corp. | | | 314,697 | | | | 5,346,702 | |
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.* | | | 369,924 | | | | 5,245,522 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 215,203 | | | | 3,815,549 | |
Antero Resources Corp.* | | | 63,673 | | | | 1,127,649 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 28,434,570 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 5.7% |
Conduent, Inc.* | | | 228,303 | | | $ | 5,141,384 | |
Cray, Inc.* | | | 223,088 | | | | 4,796,392 | |
Super Micro Computer, Inc.* | | | 228,255 | | | | 4,704,336 | |
Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A* | | | 97,882 | | | | 2,779,849 | |
Qorvo, Inc.* | | | 32,773 | | | | 2,519,916 | |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 35,577 | | | | 2,347,370 | |
CSG Systems International, Inc. | | | 56,807 | | | | 2,280,233 | |
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.* | | | 578,897 | | | | 2,020,350 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 26,589,830 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 4.9% |
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. | | | 66,745 | | | | 5,692,681 | |
Nucor Corp. | | | 76,178 | | | | 4,833,494 | |
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. | | | 57,574 | | | | 4,828,156 | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 152,315 | | | | 4,147,537 | |
Alcoa Corp.* | | | 48,729 | | | | 1,968,652 | |
Tahoe Resources, Inc.* | | | 447,792 | | | | 1,249,340 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 22,719,860 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 3.9% |
Ciena Corp.* | | | 228,959 | | | | 7,152,679 | |
Finisar Corp.* | | | 200,222 | | | | 3,814,229 | |
Viavi Solutions, Inc.* | | | 328,599 | | | | 3,726,313 | |
Symantec Corp. | | | 174,176 | | | | 3,706,465 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 18,399,686 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $388,196,545) | | | | | | | 448,400,069 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS††† - 0.0% |
Thermoenergy Corp.*, 1,2 | | | 858,334 | | | | 25 | |
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks | | | | |
(Cost $819,654) | | | | | | | 25 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 3.7% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund - Institutional Shares 1.91%3 | | | 17,112,064 | | | | 17,112,064 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $17,112,064) | | | | | | | 17,112,064 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 100.0% | | | | |
(Cost $406,128,263) | | | | | | $ | 465,512,158 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.0% | | | (132,582 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 465,379,576 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $25, (cost $819,654) or less than 0.01% of total net assets. |
2 | PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) — Stock issued by a company in the secondary market as a means of raising capital more quickly and less expensively than through registration of a secondary public offering. |
3 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 448,400,069 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 448,400,069 | |
Convertible Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | — | | | | 25 | | | | 25 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 17,112,064 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 17,112,064 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 465,512,133 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 25 | | | $ | 465,512,158 | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
MID CAP VALUE FUND |
September 30, 2018
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $406,128,263) | | $ | 465,512,158 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 45,660 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 4,469,903 | |
Dividends | | | 535,958 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 28,093 | |
Interest | | | 15,421 | |
Total assets | | | 470,607,193 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 3,623,191 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 435,219 | |
Management fees | | | 258,372 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 120,491 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 116,847 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 27,843 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 22,777 | |
Due to advisor | | | 1,670 | |
Miscellaneous (Note 7) | | | 621,207 | |
Total liabilities | | | 5,227,617 | |
Net assets | | $ | 465,379,576 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 353,917,834 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 111,461,742 | |
Net assets | | $ | 465,379,576 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 392,495,005 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 10,842,461 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 36.20 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%) | | $ | 38.01 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 52,995,856 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 2,034,312 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.05 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 19,888,715 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 553,311 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 35.94 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed "interested persons" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
MID CAP VALUE FUND |
Year Ended September 30, 2018
Investment Income: |
Dividends | | $ | 6,712,512 | |
Interest | | | 151,734 | |
Total investment income | | | 6,864,246 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 3,627,849 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 955,522 | |
C-Class | | | 801,826 | |
P-Class | | | 53,305 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 408,733 | |
C-Class | | | 101,966 | |
P-Class | | | 35,028 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 386,975 | |
Custodian fees | | | 14,371 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 13,729 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 5,172 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 281,830 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 32,687 | |
C-Class | | | 7,988 | |
P-Class | | | 8,563 | |
Total expenses | | | 6,735,544 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (14,347 | ) |
C-Class | | | (4,019 | ) |
P-Class | | | (14,207 | ) |
Total reimbursed expenses | | | (32,573 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 6,702,971 | |
Net investment income | | | 161,275 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | $ | 65,650,196 | |
Net realized gain | | | 65,650,196 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | (19,255,452 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (19,255,452 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 46,394,744 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 46,556,019 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed "interested persons" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 161,275 | | | $ | (194,678 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 65,650,196 | | | | 81,130,196 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (19,255,452 | ) | | | 16,183,764 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 46,556,019 | | | | 97,119,282 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions To Shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (28,138,220 | ) | | | (13,564,173 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (8,265,848 | ) | | | (3,449,720 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (1,646,381 | ) | | | (117,353 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (38,050,449 | ) | | | (17,131,246 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 44,722,196 | | | | 33,025,435 | |
C-Class | | | 2,359,664 | | | | 5,060,778 | |
P-Class | | | 12,393,245 | | | | 21,412,776 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 27,178,864 | | | | 12,673,600 | |
C-Class | | | 7,679,358 | | | | 3,069,526 | |
P-Class | | | 1,641,967 | | | | 117,352 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (84,528,678 | ) | | | (121,812,207 | ) |
C-Class | | | (43,771,157 | ) | | | (32,586,919 | ) |
P-Class | | | (16,920,813 | ) | | | (4,311,641 | ) |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (49,245,354 | ) | | | (83,351,300 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets | | | (40,739,784 | ) | | | (3,363,264 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 506,119,360 | | | | 509,482,624 | |
End of year | | $ | 465,379,576 | | | $ | 506,119,360 | |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 1,245,327 | | | | 1,025,109 | |
C-Class | | | 91,870 | | | | 210,740 | |
P-Class | | | 353,729 | | | | 649,430 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 788,250 | | | | 398,539 | |
C-Class | | | 307,667 | | | | 128,809 | |
P-Class | | | 47,941 | | | | 3,715 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (2,399,640 | ) | | | (3,691,342 | ) |
C-Class | | | (1,688,333 | ) | | | (1,325,827 | ) |
P-Class | | | (480,110 | ) | | | (134,810 | ) |
Net decrease in shares | | | (1,733,299 | ) | | | (2,735,637 | ) |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (see Note 8): |
Net investment income
A-Class | | $ | (4,950,405 | ) |
C-Class | | | (780,189 | ) |
P-Class | | | (49,828 | ) |
Net realized gains
A-Class | | $ | (8,613,768 | ) |
C-Class | | | (2,669,531 | ) |
P-Class | | | (67,525 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 35.37 | | | $ | 30.27 | | | $ | 30.86 | | | $ | 37.73 | | | $ | 38.15 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .06 | | | | .03 | | | | .30 | | | | .06 | | | | .03 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 3.37 | | | | 6.09 | | | | 3.95 | | | | (2.24 | ) | | | 2.04 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 3.43 | | | | 6.12 | | | | 4.25 | | | | (2.18 | ) | | | 2.07 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | (.37 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (2.60 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (4.84 | ) | | | (4.69 | ) | | | (2.49 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (2.60 | ) | | | (1.02 | ) | | | (4.84 | ) | | | (4.69 | ) | | | (2.49 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 36.20 | | | $ | 35.37 | | | $ | 30.27 | | | $ | 30.86 | | | $ | 37.73 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 10.05 | % | | | 20.62 | % | | | 15.51 | % | | | (6.83 | %) | | | 5.52 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 392,495 | | | $ | 396,408 | | | $ | 407,883 | | | $ | 476,792 | | | $ | 1,017,208 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.17 | % | | | 0.11 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 0.18 | % | | | 0.08 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.26 | %d | | | 1.27 | %d | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.39 | % |
Net expensesf | | | 1.26 | %g | | | 1.27 | %g | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.39 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 54 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 84 | % | | | 35 | % |
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
C-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.33 | | | $ | 22.78 | | | $ | 24.54 | | | $ | 31.14 | | | $ | 32.13 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | .06 | | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 2.49 | | | | 4.55 | | | | 3.02 | | | | (1.76 | ) | | | 1.71 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 2.32 | | | | 4.38 | | | | 3.08 | | | | (1.91 | ) | | | 1.50 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | (.18 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (2.60 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (4.84 | ) | | | (4.69 | ) | | | (2.49 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (2.60 | ) | | | (.83 | ) | | | (4.84 | ) | | | (4.69 | ) | | | (2.49 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.05 | | | $ | 26.33 | | | $ | 22.78 | | | $ | 24.54 | | | $ | 31.14 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 9.22 | % | | | 19.63 | % | | | 14.64 | % | | | (7.49 | %) | | | 4.74 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 52,996 | | | $ | 87,508 | | | $ | 98,176 | | | $ | 126,047 | | | $ | 192,942 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (0.65 | %) | | | (0.68 | %) | | | 0.27 | % | | | (0.53 | %) | | | (0.65 | %) |
Total expensesc | | | 2.03 | %d | | | 2.07 | %d | | | 2.27 | % | | | 2.12 | % | | | 2.12 | % |
Net expensesf | | | 2.03 | %g | | | 2.06 | %g | | | 2.27 | % | | | 2.12 | % | | | 2.12 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 54 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 84 | % | | | 35 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended Sept. 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 35.15 | | | $ | 30.18 | | | $ | 30.77 | | | $ | 33.91 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .05 | | | | .01 | | | | .14 | | | | .10 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 3.34 | | | | 6.08 | | | | 4.11 | | | | (3.24 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 3.39 | | | | 6.09 | | | | 4.25 | | | | (3.14 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | (.47 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (2.60 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (4.84 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (2.60 | ) | | | (1.12 | ) | | | (4.84 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 35.94 | | | $ | 35.15 | | | $ | 30.18 | | | $ | 30.77 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 10.03 | % | | | 20.57 | % | | | 15.61 | % | | | (9.26 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 19,889 | | | $ | 22,203 | | | $ | 3,423 | | | $ | 57 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.13 | % | | | 0.02 | % | | | 0.48 | % | | | 0.71 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.35 | %d | | | 1.25 | %d | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % |
Net expensesf | | | 1.28 | %g | | | 1.23 | %g | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 54 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 84 | % |
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
MID CAP VALUE FUND | |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized. |
c | Does not include expenses for the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and affiliated fund waivers. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the years would be: |
| 09/30/2018 | 09/30/2017 |
A-Class | 1.26% | 1.25% |
C-Class | 2.03% | 2.04% |
P-Class | 1.28% | 1.21% |
e | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
f | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
g | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/2018 | 09/30/2017 |
A-Class | 0.01% | 0.00%* |
C-Class | 0.01% | 0.00%* |
P-Class | 0.04% | 0.00%* |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).
Effective August 10, 2018, Class C shares of each Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the Class C shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of Class A shares.
This report covers the Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, only A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares had been issued by the Fund.
Security Investors, LLC which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services to the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Fund. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of each Class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business on the valuation date.
Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury Securities, and other information analysis.
(b) Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
(d) Distributions
Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(e) Class Allocations
Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(f) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(g) Cash
The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(h) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 2 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The Fund has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.
Contractual expense limitation agreements for the Fund provide that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:
| Limit | Effective Date | Contract End Date |
Mid Cap Value Fund – A-Class | 1.42% | 01/30/17 | 02/01/19 |
Mid Cap Value Fund – C-Class | 2.12% | 01/30/17 | 02/01/19 |
Mid Cap Value Fund – P-Class | 1.32% | 01/30/17 | 02/01/19 |
GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2018, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:
Fund | | Expires 2019 | | | Expires 2020 | | | Expires 2021 | | | Fund Total | |
Mid Cap Value Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,015 | | | $ | 1,015 | |
C-Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,020 | | | | 1,020 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,521 | | | | 7,521 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GI recouped $49,238 from the Fund.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $430,362 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors, and/or employees of GI and GFD.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services,
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
Note 3 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 16,990,651 | | | $ | 21,059,798 | | | $ | 38,050,449 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 5,247,650 | | | $ | 11,883,596 | | | $ | 17,131,246 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
The tax components of accumulated earnings (deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Total | |
| | $ | 8,161,769 | | | $ | 44,231,351 | | | $ | 59,068,622 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 111,461,742 | |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to losses deferred due to wash sales and distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
| | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) | |
| | $ | 9,904,708 | | | $ | (9,904,708 | ) |
At September 30, 2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
| | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized (Depreciation) | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
| | $ | 406,443,536 | | | $ | 77,653,453 | | | $ | (18,584,831 | ) | | $ | 59,068,622 | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
| Level 1 | — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
| Level 2 | — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
| Level 3 | — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
Fund | | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Mid Cap Value Fund | | $ | 256,949,128 | | | $ | 348,787,695 | |
Note 6 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for each Fund is referenced in the Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees.” The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
On October 5, 2018, the Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
Note 7 – Other Liabilities
The Fund wrote put options contracts through Lehman Brothers Inc., (“LBI”) that were exercised prior to the option contracts’ expiration and prior to the bankruptcy filing by LBI, during September, 2008. However, these transactions have not settled and the securities have not been delivered to the Fund as of September 30, 2018.
Although the ultimate resolution of these transactions is uncertain, the Fund has recorded a liability equal to the difference between the strike price on the put options and the market price of the underlying security on the exercise date. The amount of the liability recorded in miscellaneous payables by the Fund as of September 30, 2018, was $473,594.
Note 8 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Fund’s net assets or results of operations.
Note 9 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statement of operations 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 five 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 (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, the results of its operations 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 five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’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 Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust’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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036008_34.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.
| | Qualified Dividend Income | | | Dividend Received Deduction | | | Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain | |
| | | 32.56 | % | | | 31.69 | % | | | 100 | % |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
| | From long-term capital gain: | | | From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
| | $ | 21,059,798 | | | $ | 9,904,708 | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) |
36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”),
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI-Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
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the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report.2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated
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the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.3 As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
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In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
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Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
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Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
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Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
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Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
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StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
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In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Funds (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued | | |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2003-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present). Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present). Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - continued | |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present). Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisor, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present). Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present). Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. ("HGINA"), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The Affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(continued) |
legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(continued) |
parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(continued) |
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(concluded) |
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | SBMCVI-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036009_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 3 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 5 |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | 8 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 20 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 28 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 30 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 46 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 53 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Security Investors, LLC, (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (the “Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Advisers.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Security Investors, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● An investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means investors could lose money. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks may never be realized, or the stock may decline in value. ● Investments in small- to mid-sized company securities may present additional risks, such as less predictable earnings, higher volatility, and less liquidity than larger, more established companies.
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500®”) Index* generated a total return of 17.91%, rising from 2,519.36 to 2,913.98. The path was not straight, however, as equities tumbled in February when interest rates backed up. In September, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one-year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
Russell 2500® Value Index measures the performance of the small-to mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) |
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 |
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund | 1.14% | 7.48% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,074.80 | $ 5.99 |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period4 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) |
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund | 1.14% | 5.00% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,019.35 | $ 5.77 |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | |
To Our Shareholders:
Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by James Schier, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Farhan Sharaff, Senior Managing Director, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Gregg Strohkorb, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager; David Toussaint, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Burak Hurmeydan, Ph.D., Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the team discusses performance of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund returned 10.32%1, compared with its benchmark, the Russell 2500® Value Index, which returned 10.24%.
Strategy and Market Overview
Our investment approach focuses on understanding how companies make money and how easily companies can improve returns, maintain existing high levels of profitability, or benefit from change that occurs within the industries in which they operate. In today’s rapidly changing environment marked by very sharp and quick, but constrained volatility, our long-term orientation and discipline are a competitive advantage. This should become especially critical when the environment of indiscriminant valuation expansion subsides, and fundamentals once again become a more dominant factor in the market.
Performance Review
Stock selection was the most significant factor behind the Fund’s showing relative to the benchmark, while sector allocation provided a modest benefit.
On the positive side, stock selection was strong in the Energy and Information Technology sectors. In Energy, an overweighting to exploration companies was beneficial given the surge in oil prices during the period. The Fund’s ownership of oil-centric producers in the Bakken, an oil and gas field in the upper Midwest U.S., was especially favorable, as the leading individual contributor was Whiting Petroleum Corp., which rose strongly for the period. The Fund’s Information Technology holdings also outpaced those in the benchmark, and the sector was one of the Fund’s largest overweights relative to the benchmark.
The Fund’s Financials holdings also solidly outperformed those of the benchmark. These results had a magnified impact, as the sector is the largest in the benchmark, with a 25% weighting. Exposure and significant weightings in some of the larger regional banks were important contributors. The second-largest individual contributor to performance was Financials holding E*Trade Financial Corp (not held at period end).
On the negative side, stock selection detracted in the Industrials and Consumer Staples sectors. Industrials in the Fund returned only about half that of Industrials in the benchmark. An Industrials holding, Celadon Group, Inc., was the leading individual detractor for the Fund for the period. It announced in early 2018 that its financial statements would need to be reviewed for prior periods, and the stock was delisted from the NYSE. The stock declined significantly over the one-year period.
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
The Fund’s holdings in the Staples sector declined for the period, whereas the benchmark’s Staples holdings eked out a small gain. Hurting the sector’s performance was Ingredion, an agricultural commodities holding that declined significantly over the period due to concerns about the impact of global tariffs.
Health Care as a sector had only a modest impact on relative performance for the period, but it did produce the second-largest individual detractor—Dermira, a specialty pharmaceutical that focuses on dermatology therapies (not held at period end). One of the company’s three promising pipeline products failed in Phase 3 clinical trials during the period and caused the stock to fall significantly, and it did not recover.
Portfolio Positioning
While this strategy is balanced relative to the benchmark, it does possess defensive characteristics in virtue of emphasizing relatively larger companies found in the benchmark as well as an overweight in Utilities.
At the end of the period, the Fund’s largest overweights relative to the benchmark were in Utilities and Information Technology. The Fund’s largest underweights were in Financials and Real Estate.
Portfolio and Market Outlook
For much of the period, the market was concerned with persistent Federal Reserve rate hikes and uncertainty over macroeconomic issues such as international trade and inflation. The major indices proceeded to give up the early 2018 gains and uncharacteristically, smaller sized companies tended to perform better.
For much of the period, the market significantly favored growth-oriented companies. This tended to provide a broad-based headwind for the strategy, as it is more exposed than the benchmark to this factor. At present the valuation gap between and growth and value stocks in unusually wide. As this narrows over time (as it should from these unusually large historic levels), the Fund is well positioned to benefit.
Our portfolios tend to reflect a bias toward companies with balance sheet quality. We continue to find niche companies with what we believe to be attractive growth opportunities, and, as such, are constructive on the outlook.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036009_10.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Inception Date: July 11, 2008 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
KeyCorp | 2.0% |
Hormel Foods Corp. | 1.9% |
Zions Bancorp North America | 1.9% |
Bunge Ltd. | 1.8% |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | 1.8% |
OGE Energy Corp. | 1.8% |
Ciena Corp. | 1.5% |
Alleghany Corp. | 1.5% |
Equity Commonwealth | 1.5% |
UniFirst Corp. | 1.5% |
Top Ten Total | 17.2% |
|
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments. |
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036009_11.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund | 10.32% | 8.91% | 10.32% |
Russell 2500 Value Index | 10.24% | 9.99% | 10.53% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2500 Value Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | |
| | Shares
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 96.4% |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 27.3% |
KeyCorp | | | 73,894 | | | $ | 1,469,752 | |
Zions Bancorp North America | | | 27,296 | | | | 1,368,894 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | | | 88,232 | | | | 1,316,422 | |
Alleghany Corp. | | | 1,716 | | | | 1,119,742 | |
Equity Commonwealth REIT* | | | 33,865 | | | | 1,086,728 | |
Voya Financial, Inc. | | | 20,914 | | | | 1,038,799 | |
Alliance Data Systems Corp. | | | 4,311 | | | | 1,018,086 | |
Physicians Realty Trust REIT | | | 54,334 | | | | 916,071 | |
Wintrust Financial Corp. | | | 10,379 | | | | 881,592 | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT | | | 6,860 | | | | 862,919 | |
Umpqua Holdings Corp. | | | 38,910 | | | | 809,328 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. REIT | | | 7,644 | | | | 776,172 | |
Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 68,166 | | | | 605,996 | |
IBERIABANK Corp. | | | 7,227 | | | | 587,917 | |
National Storage Affiliates Trust REIT | | | 19,106 | | | | 486,057 | |
Radian Group, Inc. | | | 23,081 | | | | 477,084 | |
Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT | | | 28,581 | | | | 464,155 | |
LaSalle Hotel Properties REIT | | | 13,323 | | | | 460,843 | |
Camden Property Trust REIT | | | 4,613 | | | | 431,638 | |
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A | | | 883 | | | | 399,363 | |
Unum Group | | | 9,832 | | | | 384,136 | |
First Horizon National Corp. | | | 21,424 | | | | 369,778 | |
Old Republic International Corp. | | | 16,508 | | | | 369,449 | |
Willis Towers Watson plc | | | 2,621 | | | | 369,404 | |
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | | | 6,106 | | | | 367,276 | |
Lexington Realty Trust REIT | | | 43,429 | | | | 360,461 | |
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | | | 5,029 | | | | 348,761 | |
Howard Hughes Corp.* | | | 2,700 | | | | 335,394 | |
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. — Class C | | | 4,242 | | | | 306,187 | |
American National Insurance Co. | | | 1,722 | | | | 222,637 | |
Hilltop Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,649 | | | | 154,280 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 20,165,321 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.5% |
Hormel Foods Corp. | | | 36,035 | | | | 1,419,779 | �� |
Bunge Ltd. | | | 19,566 | | | | 1,344,380 | |
Premier, Inc. — Class A* | | | 19,569 | | | | 895,869 | |
Encompass Health Corp. | | | 10,020 | | | | 781,059 | |
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.* | | | 7,024 | | | | 703,945 | |
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.* | | | 10,114 | | | | 665,804 | |
Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A* | | | 18,664 | | | | 618,525 | |
Cambrex Corp.* | | | 8,902 | | | | 608,897 | |
Perrigo Company plc | | | 7,704 | | | | 545,443 | |
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 7,711 | | | | 534,604 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 3,561 | | | | 373,762 | |
Sanderson Farms, Inc. | | | 3,605 | | | | 372,649 | |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 11,930 | | | | 367,683 | |
SP Plus Corp.* | | | 10,044 | | | | 366,606 | |
Myriad Genetics, Inc.* | | | 7,578 | | | | 348,588 | |
Hostess Brands, Inc.* | | | 29,876 | | | | 330,727 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | | 2,409 | | | | 259,955 | |
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 45,705 | | | | 254,120 | |
ACCO Brands Corp. | | | 21,595 | | | | 244,024 | |
TransEnterix, Inc.* | | | 34,926 | | | | 202,571 | |
TherapeuticsMD, Inc.* | | | 29,506 | | | | 193,559 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 11,432,549 | |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | |
| | Shares
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 15.0% |
FLIR Systems, Inc. | | | 11,736 | | | $ | 721,412 | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. | | | 7,702 | | | | 589,203 | |
Valmont Industries, Inc. | | | 4,074 | | | | 564,249 | |
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | | | 39,550 | | | | 554,096 | |
Berry Global Group, Inc.* | | | 11,400 | | | | 551,646 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | 13,347 | | | | 471,149 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 7,392 | | | | 444,259 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | | | 1,730 | | | | 443,018 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 2,313 | | | | 424,667 | |
GasLog Ltd. | | | 20,809 | | | | 410,978 | |
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc. | | | 11,290 | | | | 389,279 | |
Scorpio Tankers, Inc. | | | 189,650 | | | | 381,197 | |
ITT, Inc. | | | 6,213 | | | | 380,608 | |
Crane Co. | | | 3,808 | | | | 374,517 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 12,131 | | | | 373,635 | |
Carlisle Companies, Inc. | | | 3,029 | | | | 368,932 | |
Sensata Technologies Holding plc* | | | 7,394 | | | | 366,373 | |
WestRock Co. | | | 6,828 | | | | 364,888 | |
Hub Group, Inc. — Class A* | | | 7,989 | | | | 364,298 | |
US Concrete, Inc.* | | | 7,795 | | | | 357,401 | |
Plexus Corp.* | | | 6,092 | | | | 356,443 | |
KLX, Inc.* | | | 5,519 | | | | 346,483 | |
Park Electrochemical Corp. | | | 16,568 | | | | 322,910 | |
Celadon Group, Inc.* | | | 111,054 | | | | 310,951 | |
Kirby Corp.* | | | 3,168 | | | | 260,568 | |
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. | | | 4,162 | | | | 217,922 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 2,627 | | | | 187,147 | |
Astec Industries, Inc. | | | 3,092 | | | | 155,868 | |
Universal Forest Products, Inc. | | | 1,508 | | | | 53,278 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 11,107,375 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 10.3% |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 35,834 | | | | 1,301,491 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 16,525 | | | | 1,044,710 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 19,536 | | | | 891,037 | |
UGI Corp. | | | 13,621 | | | | 755,693 | |
AES Corp. | | | 53,546 | | | | 749,644 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 9,188 | | | | 727,506 | |
Black Hills Corp. | | | 11,230 | | | | 652,350 | |
Edison International | | | 8,329 | | | | 563,707 | |
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,947 | | | | 549,022 | |
American Electric Power Company, Inc. | | | 5,344 | | | | 378,783 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 7,613,943 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 7.7% |
UniFirst Corp. | | | 6,198 | | | | 1,076,283 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 6,696 | | | | 966,902 | |
Acushnet Holdings Corp. | | | 23,975 | | | | 657,634 | |
Caleres, Inc. | | | 16,989 | | | | 609,226 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 5,886 | | | | 405,310 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 19,342 | | | | 374,461 | |
LCI Industries | | | 4,377 | | | | 362,416 | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 18,221 | | | | 340,186 | |
Unifi, Inc.* | | | 11,543 | | | | 327,013 | |
Genesco, Inc.* | | | 4,549 | | | | 214,258 | |
GMS, Inc.* | | | 7,622 | | | | 176,830 | |
Kohl’s Corp. | | | 2,287 | | | | 170,496 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 5,681,015 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 6.1% |
Hess Corp. | | | 14,260 | | | | 1,020,731 | |
Whiting Petroleum Corp.* | | | 19,095 | | | | 1,012,799 | |
Range Resources Corp. | | | 49,912 | | | | 848,005 | |
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.* | | | 57,933 | | | | 821,490 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 34,475 | | | | 611,242 | |
Antero Resources Corp.* | | | 12,477 | | | | 220,967 | |
HydroGen Corp.*,†††,1,2 | | | 1,265,700 | | | | 1 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 4,535,235 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | |
| | Shares
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 5.7% |
Conduent, Inc.* | | | 37,700 | | | $ | 849,004 | |
Cray, Inc.* | | | 35,081 | | | | 754,242 | |
Super Micro Computer, Inc.* | | | 35,894 | | | | 739,775 | |
Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A* | | | 15,413 | | | | 437,729 | |
Qorvo, Inc.* | | | 5,434 | | | | 417,821 | |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 5,575 | | | | 367,838 | |
CSG Systems International, Inc. | | | 8,928 | | | | 358,370 | |
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.* | | | 91,567 | | | | 319,569 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 4,244,348 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 4.9% |
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. | | | 10,841 | | | | 924,629 | |
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. | | | 9,049 | | | | 758,849 | |
Nucor Corp. | | | 11,957 | | | | 758,671 | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 23,941 | | | | 651,914 | |
Alcoa Corp.* | | | 7,498 | | | | 302,919 | |
Tahoe Resources, Inc.* | | | 68,759 | | | | 191,838 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 3,588,820 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 3.9% |
Ciena Corp.* | | | 35,944 | | | | 1,122,891 | |
Viavi Solutions, Inc.* | | | 53,183 | | | | 603,095 | |
Finisar Corp.* | | | 31,090 | | | | 592,264 | |
Symantec Corp. | | | 27,481 | | | | 584,796 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 2,903,046 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $63,224,396) | | | | | | | 71,271,652 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS††† - 0.0% |
Thermoenergy Corp.*,1,3 | | | 793,750 | | | | 23 | |
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks | | | | |
(Cost $757,980) | | | | | | | 23 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 5.1% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management — Institutional Shares 1.91%4 | | | 3,802,940 | | | | 3,802,940 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $3,802,940) | | | | | | | 3,802,940 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 101.5% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $67,785,316) | | | | | | $ | 75,074,615 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.5)% | | | (1,137,589 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 73,937,026 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $24, (cost $760,511) or less than 0.01% of total net assets. |
2 | Affiliated issuer. |
3 | PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) — Stock issued by a company in the secondary market as a means of raising capital more quickly and less expensively than through registration of a secondary public offering. |
4 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 71,271,651 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 71,271,652 | |
Convertible Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | — | | | | 23 | | | | 23 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 3,802,940 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,802,940 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 75,074,591 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 75,074,615 | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | |
Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
HydroGen Corp. | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | | 1,265,700 | | | $ | — | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND |
September 30, 2018
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $67,782,785) | | $ | 75,074,614 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,531) | | | 1 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 22,021 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 687,450 | |
Dividends | | | 83,964 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 73,848 | |
Interest | | | 2,828 | |
Total assets | | | 75,944,726 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 1,706,876 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 128,033 | |
Management fees | | | 41,032 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 35,102 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 6,563 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 4,377 | |
Miscellaneous (Note 7) | | | 85,717 | |
Total liabilities | | | 2,007,700 | |
Net assets | | $ | 73,937,026 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 59,861,656 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 14,075,370 | |
Net assets | | $ | 73,937,026 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 6,430,746 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 11.50 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND |
Year Ended September 30, 2018
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 1,049,954 | |
Interest | | | 28,466 | |
Total investment income | | | 1,078,420 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 568,128 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 128,335 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 60,601 | |
Custodian fees | | | 3,041 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 2,204 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 1,013 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 99,101 | |
Total expenses | | | 862,423 | |
Net investment income | | | 215,997 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 9,494,478 | |
Net realized gain | | | 9,494,478 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (2,409,347 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (2,409,347 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 7,085,131 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 7,301,128 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 215,997 | | | $ | (54,816 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 9,494,478 | | | | 10,956,696 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (2,409,347 | ) | | | 2,379,915 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 7,301,128 | | | | 13,281,795 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | (8,941,778 | ) | | | (7,184,534 | )1 |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 20,521,609 | | | | 26,427,689 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | 5,265,056 | | | | 3,569,315 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | (28,017,572 | ) | | | (29,095,222 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (2,230,907 | ) | | | 901,782 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (3,871,557 | ) | | | 6,999,043 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 77,808,583 | | | | 70,809,540 | |
End of year | | $ | 73,937,026 | | | $ | 77,808,583 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,834,588 | | | | 2,400,920 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | 481,707 | | | | 337,685 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (2,505,584 | ) | | | (2,617,531 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | (189,289 | ) | | | 121,074 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (see Note 8): |
Net investment income | | $ | (3,140,884 | ) |
Net realized gains | | $ | (4,043,650 | ) |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
MID CAP VALUE INSTITUTIONAL FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 11.75 | | | $ | 10.90 | | | $ | 10.41 | | | $ | 12.92 | | | $ | 13.09 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .03 | | | | (.01 | ) | | | .15 | | | | .06 | | | | .06 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 1.11 | | | | 2.07 | | | | 1.43 | | | | (.66 | ) | | | .65 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.14 | | | | 2.06 | | | | 1.58 | | | | (.60 | ) | | | .71 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.53 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.07 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | (1.34 | ) | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.84 | ) | | | (.81 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (1.39 | ) | | | (1.21 | ) | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.91 | ) | | | (.88 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 11.50 | | | $ | 11.75 | | | $ | 10.90 | | | $ | 10.41 | | | $ | 12.92 | |
|
Total Return | | | 10.32 | % | | | 20.23 | % | | | 16.28 | % | | | (5.85 | %) | | | 5.53 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 73,937 | | | $ | 77,809 | | | $ | 70,810 | | | $ | 287,370 | | | $ | 598,101 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.29 | % | | | (0.07 | %) | | | 1.52 | % | | | 0.52 | % | | | 0.42 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.05 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 63 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 149 | % | | | 95 | % | | | 41 | % |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).
This report covers the Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, only Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Fund.
Security Investors, LLC which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services to the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Fund. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund.
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business on the valuation date.
Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(b) Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
(d) Distributions
Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
(e) Expenses
Certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(f) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(g) Cash
The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(h) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 2 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI and GFD.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 3 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 3,106,345 | | | $ | 5,835,433 | | | $ | 8,941,778 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30,2017 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 2,203,294 | | | $ | 4,981,240 | | | $ | 7,184,534 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
The tax components of accumulated earnings (deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Total | |
| | $ | 1,303,898 | | | $ | 5,723,559 | | | $ | 7,047,913 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14,075,370 | |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to losses deferred due to wash sales and distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
| | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) | |
| | $ | 1,373,148 | | | $ | (1,373,148 | ) |
At September 30, 2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
| | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized (Depreciation) | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
| | $ | 68,026,702 | | | $ | 9,815,573 | | | $ | (2,767,660 | ) | | $ | 7,047,913 | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
Level 1 | — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| | |
Level 2 | — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
| | |
Level 3 | — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
| | $ | 46,426,140 | | | $ | 56,905,394 | |
Note 6 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for each Fund is referenced in the Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees.” The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
On October 5, 2018, the Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
Note 7 – Other Liabilities
The Fund wrote put options contracts through Lehman Brothers Inc., (“LBI”) that were exercised prior to the option contracts’ expiration and prior to the bankruptcy filing by LBI, during September, 2008. However, these transactions have not settled and the securities have not been delivered to the Fund as of September 30, 2018.
Although the ultimate resolution of these transactions is uncertain, the Fund has recorded a liability equal to the difference between the strike price on the put options and the market price of the underlying security on the exercise date. The amount of the liability recorded in miscellaneous payables by the Fund as of September 30, 2018, was $15,940.
Note 8 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Fund’s net assets or results of operations.
Note 9 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statement of operations 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 five 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 (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, the results of its operations 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 five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust���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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’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 supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. 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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036009_29.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.
| Qualified Dividend Income | Dividend Received Deduction | Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain |
| 28.41% | 27.89% | 100% |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
| | From long-term capital gain: | | | From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
| | $ | 5,835,433 | | | $ | 1,373,148 | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”),
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI-Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report.2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities3 and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities. As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one--year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
(e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered
40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Funds (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946 ) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued | | |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943)
| Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958)
| Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2003-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEES | | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present). Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present). Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - continued | |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present). Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisor, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present). Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present). Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. ("HGINA"), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The Affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com –by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded) |
guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
|
Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | CSF-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036010_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 3 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 5 |
CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND | 7 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 15 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 20 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 21 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 27 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 32 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for the Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Fund”). The report covers the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
Concinnity Advisors, LP, serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser (the “Sub-Adviser”).
The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, (“Guggenheim”) a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then information on the Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
There can be no assurance that any investment product will achieve its investment objective(s). There are risks associated with investing, including the entire loss of principal invested. Investing involves market risks. The investment return and principal value of any investment product will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500®”) Index* generated a total return of 17.91%, rising from 2,519.36 to 2,913.98. The path was not straight, however, as equities tumbled in February when interest rates backed up. In September, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one-year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report.
Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) | |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
| | Expense Ratio1 | | | Fund Return | | | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | | | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | | | Expenses Paid During Period2 | |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stewardship Fund | | | 1.05 | % | | | 8.89 | % | | | $1,000.00 | | | | $1,088.90 | | | | $5.56 | |
| | Expense Ratio1 | | | Fund Return | | | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | | | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | | | Expenses Paid During Period4 | |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stewardship Fund | | | 1.05 | % | | | 5.00 | % | | | $1,000.00 | | | | $1,019.80 | | | | $5.32 | |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals led by Farhan Sharaff, Assistant Chief Investment Officer, Equities, and Portfolio Manager; Jayson Flowers, Senior Managing Director and Head of Equity and Derivative Strategies, and Portfolio Manager; Qi Yan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Peter Derby, Portfolio Manager at Concinnity Partners, LP, an unaffiliated Sub-adviser (the “Sub-adviser”) to the Fund. The following paragraphs discuss the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund Institutional Shares returned 16.50%, compared with the 17.91% return of its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index.
Strategy Overview
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. It pursues its investment objective by investing in equity securities that the Fund believes will provide attractive long-term returns relative to the S&P 500 Index. Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s adviser (the “Investment Adviser or Manager”), and Concinnity Advisors, LP, the Fund’s sub-adviser (the “Sub-Adviser”), believe that companies that successfully implement multi-stakeholder management systems are generally better positioned to create sustained long-term value for their shareholders than competing companies that do not implement such systems. The Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser believe that companies implementing such systems do so by aligning the interests of all of a company’s core stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, business partners, and communities in which a company does business.
To identify an initial universe of companies that it believes have exemplary multi-stakeholder management systems, the Sub-Adviser uses its proprietary research methodology system, which seeks to identify the components of those management systems, including, but not limited to: (1) customer loyalty; (2) employee engagement, as demonstrated by high levels of loyalty; (3) efficient use of “intangible” assets; and (4) high supplier loyalty, as demonstrated by the maturity of supply chain activities and (5) community engagement.
Performance Review
The Fund on a net basis underperformed its benchmark by 141 basis points for the fiscal year ended on September 30, 2018.
Relative to the benchmark, overweighting the Information Technology sector, while underweighting the Financials sector, positively impacted the Fund by (+0.67%) and (+0.43%), respectively. Offsetting this was an overweight in Industrials (-0.43%) and an underweight in Consumer Discretionary (-0.36%).
Security selection impacts relative to the benchmark were mainly driven by securities from the following sectors: Consumer Staples (+0.75%), Health Care (+0.54%), Energy (+0.29%), Consumer Discretionary (-0.97%), and Information Technology (-0.71%).
The top individual contributors to return were Apple, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., and Microsoft Corp. The top individual detractors were Schering-Plough Corp., L Brands, Inc., and Applied Materials, Inc.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036010_8.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036010_8a.jpg)
Inception Date: September 26, 2014 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Apple, Inc. | 3.4% |
Johnson & Johnson | 2.4% |
Chevron Corp. | 2.4% |
Microsoft Corp. | 1.9% |
Amazon.com, Inc. | 1.8% |
AbbVie, Inc. | 1.7% |
Intel Corp. | 1.7% |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class A | 1.7% |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 1.6% |
Home Depot, Inc. | 1.4% |
Top Ten Total | 20.0% |
| |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments. |
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | Since Inception (09/26/14) |
Capital Stewardship Fund | 16.50% | 10.05% |
S&P 500 Index | 17.91% | 12.36% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. |
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND | |
| | Shares
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 100.0% |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 23.7% |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 38,499 | | | $ | 5,319,407 | |
AbbVie, Inc. | | | 39,611 | | | | 3,746,408 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 34,386 | | | | 2,861,947 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 63,120 | | | | 2,781,699 | |
Allergan plc | | | 13,185 | | | | 2,511,479 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 11,337 | | | | 2,350,047 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 17,379 | | | | 1,974,949 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 5,268 | | | | 1,783,323 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 15,984 | | | | 1,677,681 | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B | | | 25,688 | | | | 1,579,812 | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 29,037 | | | | 1,567,998 | |
United Rentals, Inc.* | | | 9,291 | | | | 1,520,008 | |
ABIOMED, Inc.* | | | 3,347 | | | | 1,505,313 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 17,809 | | | | 1,304,509 | |
Square, Inc. — Class A* | | | 12,675 | | | | 1,254,952 | |
Celgene Corp.* | | | 13,683 | | | | 1,224,492 | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | | 18,064 | | | | 1,209,385 | |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 5,942 | | | | 1,145,261 | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | | | 16,222 | | | | 1,141,704 | |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 2,786 | | | | 1,125,655 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 10,226 | | | | 1,097,352 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 2,976 | | | | 1,092,371 | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 9,055 | | | | 1,012,349 | |
Henry Schein, Inc.* | | | 11,501 | | | | 977,930 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 11,461 | | | | 902,210 | |
Moody’s Corp. | | | 5,342 | | | | 893,182 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 3,162 | | | | 841,219 | |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.* | | | 6,623 | | | | 741,312 | |
Kellogg Co. | | | 10,034 | | | | 702,581 | |
Merck & Company, Inc. | | | 9,800 | | | | 695,212 | |
Hershey Co. | | | 5,507 | | | | 561,714 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 1,945 | | | | 533,027 | |
ResMed, Inc. | | | 3,899 | | | | 449,711 | |
ManpowerGroup, Inc. | | | 5,141 | | | | 441,920 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 6,942 | | | | 430,959 | |
Biogen, Inc.* | | | 1,207 | | | | 426,445 | |
Cigna Corp. | | | 1,406 | | | | 292,800 | |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,061 | | | | 267,394 | |
Clorox Co. | | | 1,661 | | | | 249,831 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | | | | | 52,195,548 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 22.4% |
Apple, Inc. | | | 33,217 | | | | 7,498,405 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 37,039 | | | | 4,236,150 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 78,553 | | | | 3,714,771 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 25,985 | | | | 2,787,931 | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.* | | | 8,590 | | | | 2,318,871 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 42,948 | | | | 2,214,399 | |
Accenture plc — Class A | | | 12,999 | | | | 2,212,430 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | 6,648 | | | | 1,868,221 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | 23,976 | | | | 1,726,991 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 64,266 | | | | 1,656,135 | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 18,148 | | | | 1,558,732 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A | | | 19,385 | | | | 1,495,553 | |
DXC Technology Co. | | | 15,695 | | | | 1,467,796 | |
Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A* | | | 13,450 | | | | 1,464,302 | |
Lam Research Corp. | | | 9,464 | | | | 1,435,689 | |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.* | | | 3,976 | | | | 1,281,027 | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | 31,889 | | | | 1,232,510 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | | 11,026 | | | | 1,225,650 | |
Intuit, Inc. | | | 4,683 | | | | 1,064,914 | |
Red Hat, Inc.* | | | 7,783 | | | | 1,060,667 | |
Tyler Technologies, Inc.* | | | 3,983 | | | | 976,074 | |
MSCI, Inc. — Class A | | | 5,236 | | | | 928,919 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 9,553 | | | | 765,864 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.* | | | 4,755 | | | | 756,188 | |
IPG Photonics Corp.* | | | 4,123 | | | | 643,476 | |
ServiceNow, Inc.* | | | 2,837 | | | | 555,002 | |
KLA-Tencor Corp. | | | 4,684 | | | | 476,410 | |
Fiserv, Inc.* | | | 4,912 | | | | 404,651 | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.* | | | 4,961 | | | | 362,897 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 49,390,625 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 12.3% |
Amazon.com, Inc.* | | | 2,022 | | | | 4,050,066 | |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class A* | | | 3,029 | | | | 3,656,245 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 72,853 | | | | 3,544,299 | |
Facebook, Inc. — Class A* | | | 13,494 | | | | 2,219,223 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 39,093 | | | | 2,087,175 | |
eBay, Inc.* | | | 52,886 | | | | 1,746,296 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 24,573 | | | | 1,671,455 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 52,290 | | | | 1,567,131 | |
Twilio, Inc. — Class A* | | | 17,462 | | | | 1,506,622 | |
FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | | | 5,244 | | | | 1,173,135 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 31,671 | | | | 1,063,512 | |
Walt Disney Co. | | | 7,178 | | | | 839,396 | |
Comcast Corp. — Class A | | | 22,293 | | | | 789,395 | |
VeriSign, Inc.* | | | 2,852 | | | | 456,662 | |
Expedia Group, Inc. | | | 2,661 | | | | 347,207 | |
Netflix, Inc.* | | | 806 | | | | 301,549 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 27,019,368 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 11.2% |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 17,805 | | | | 2,600,777 | |
Boeing Co. | | | 5,495 | | | | 2,043,591 | |
3M Co. | | | 9,651 | | | | 2,033,562 | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 12,275 | | | | 1,871,815 | |
Johnson Controls International plc | | | 48,261 | | | | 1,689,135 | |
Eaton Corporation plc | | | 17,987 | | | | 1,560,012 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 4,073 | | | | 1,409,095 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 19,404 | | | | 1,382,341 | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 14,840 | | | | 1,304,881 | |
Ingersoll-Rand plc | | | 10,499 | | | | 1,074,048 | |
Landstar System, Inc. | | | 8,396 | | | | 1,024,312 | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | | 6,138 | | | | 999,450 | |
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | | | 7,024 | | | | 991,227 | |
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.* | | | 1,577 | | | | 960,362 | |
Rockwell Automation, Inc. | | | 4,864 | | | | 912,097 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | 3,252 | | | | 783,049 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND | |
| | Shares
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 31,615 | | | $ | 643,365 | |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | | | 16,184 | | | | 428,714 | |
Fluor Corp. | | | 6,949 | | | | 403,737 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 1,912 | | | | 345,116 | |
Raytheon Co. | | | 1,326 | | | | 274,031 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 24,734,717 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 11.1% |
Mastercard, Inc. — Class A | | | 13,946 | | | | 3,104,519 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 23,961 | | | | 2,703,759 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 48,284 | | | | 2,255,829 | |
Visa, Inc. — Class A | | | 10,180 | | | | 1,527,916 | |
State Street Corp. | | | 17,174 | | | | 1,438,838 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 13,895 | | | | 1,407,841 | |
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | | | 10,011 | | | | 1,093,001 | |
Welltower, Inc. REIT | | | 16,570 | | | | 1,065,782 | |
SEI Investments Co. | | | 17,436 | | | | 1,065,340 | |
WP Carey, Inc. REIT | | | 15,550 | | | | 1,000,020 | |
HCP, Inc. REIT | | | 37,949 | | | | 998,818 | |
BlackRock, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,002 | | | | 943,603 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT | | | 4,745 | | | | 859,557 | |
Progressive Corp. | | | 10,677 | | | | 758,494 | |
Ventas, Inc. REIT | | | 13,794 | | | | 750,118 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust REIT | | | 22,062 | | | | 636,268 | |
Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT | | | 17,902 | | | | 577,697 | |
Boston Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 3,953 | | | | 486,575 | |
Alliance Data Systems Corp. | | | 1,371 | | | | 323,775 | |
Travelers Companies, Inc. | | | 2,462 | | | | 319,346 | |
Allstate Corp. | | | 3,230 | | | | 318,801 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | | 6,161 | | | | 314,149 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 10,575 | | | | 311,540 | |
Invesco Ltd. | | | 10,435 | | | | 238,753 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 24,500,339 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 10.7% |
Home Depot, Inc. | | | 14,999 | | | | 3,107,043 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 31,829 | | | | 1,840,671 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 29,188 | | | | 1,822,791 | |
WW Grainger, Inc. | | | 4,541 | | | | 1,622,999 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 72,786 | | | | 1,409,137 | |
Pool Corp. | | | 7,285 | | | | 1,215,720 | |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | 13,099 | | | | 1,190,437 | |
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.* | | | 7,105 | | | | 1,154,491 | |
Ulta Beauty, Inc.* | | | 3,863 | | | | 1,089,830 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 15,720 | | | | 1,082,479 | |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 9,590 | | | | 1,066,312 | |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 17,314 | | | | 1,027,240 | |
Nordstrom, Inc. | | | 16,079 | | | | 961,685 | |
Kohl’s Corp. | | | 12,376 | | | | 922,631 | |
L Brands, Inc. | | | 27,032 | | | | 819,070 | |
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | | | 33,935 | | | | 793,740 | |
Best Buy Company, Inc. | | | 7,788 | | | | 618,056 | |
Copart, Inc.* | | | 11,697 | | | | 602,746 | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 7,377 | | | | 315,588 | |
Tapestry, Inc. | | | 6,086 | | | | 305,943 | |
VF Corp. | | | 2,640 | | | | 246,708 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 3,941 | | | | 224,006 | |
Vail Resorts, Inc. | | | 803 | | | | 220,359 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | | | | | 23,659,682 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 6.6% |
Chevron Corp. | | | 42,420 | | | | 5,187,118 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 36,254 | | | | 2,978,991 | |
ONEOK, Inc. | | | 42,514 | | | | 2,882,024 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 34,858 | | | | 2,698,009 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 6,248 | | | | 380,628 | |
Hess Corp. | | | 4,754 | | | | 340,291 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 14,467,061 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 1.1% |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 17,423 | | | | 1,667,729 | |
Praxair, Inc. | | | 3,101 | | | | 498,424 | |
Newmont Mining Corp. | | | 10,838 | | | | 327,308 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 2,493,461 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.9% |
Exelon Corp. | | | 33,971 | | | | 1,483,174 | |
Sempra Energy | | | 4,507 | | | | 512,671 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 1,995,845 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $200,302,947) | | | | | | | 220,456,646 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS† - 0.5% |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | | | 3,829 | | | | 1,113,167 | |
Total Exchange-Traded Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $1,097,698) | | | | | | | 1,113,167 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 0.6% |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares 1.91%1 | | | 1,358,893 | | | | 1,358,893 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $1,358,893) | | | | | | | 1,358,893 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 101.1% | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $202,759,538) | | | | | | $ | 222,928,706 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.1)% | | | | | | | (2,341,786 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 220,586,920 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 220,456,646 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 220,456,646 | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | | | 1,113,167 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,113,167 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 1,358,893 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,358,893 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 222,928,706 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 222,928,706 | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | |
September 30, 2018 | |
Assets: |
Investments, at value (cost $202,759,538) | | $ | 222,928,706 | |
Cash | | | 5,523 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 10,993 | |
Receivables: |
Dividends | | | 206,254 | |
Interest | | | 1,761 | |
Total assets | | | 223,153,237 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Payable for: |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 2,364,263 | |
Management fees | | | 147,696 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 13,128 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 3,419 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 1,146 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 36,665 | |
Total liabilities | | | 2,566,317 | |
Net assets | | $ | 220,586,920 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 180,046,291 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 40,540,629 | |
Net assets | | $ | 220,586,920 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 7,062,695 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 31.23 | |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | |
Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |
Investment Income: |
Dividends | | $ | 4,336,257 | |
Interest | | | 18,242 | |
Total investment income | | | 4,354,499 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 1,986,874 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 25,506 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 176,613 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 17,744 | |
Custodian fees | | | 12,091 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 91,091 | |
Total expenses | | | 2,309,919 | |
Net investment income | | | 2,044,580 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments | | | 27,902,511 | |
Net realized gain | | | 27,902,511 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments | | | 3,665,214 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 3,665,214 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 31,567,725 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 33,612,305 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,044,580 | | | $ | 2,650,541 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 27,902,511 | | | | 16,369,733 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 3,665,214 | | | | 11,150,223 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 33,612,305 | | | | 30,170,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (18,271,148 | ) | | | (10,056,992 | )1 |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 85,091,202 | | | | 5,207,987 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | 18,250,767 | | | | 10,033,367 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | (114,104,117 | ) | | | (28,213,603 | ) |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (10,762,148 | ) | | | (12,972,249 | ) |
Net increase in net assets | | | 4,579,009 | | | | 7,141,256 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 216,007,911 | | | | 208,866,655 | |
End of year | | $ | 220,586,920 | | | $ | 216,007,911 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 2,857,242 | | | | 200,616 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | 628,037 | | | | 382,515 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (3,842,743 | ) | | | (1,028,694 | ) |
Net decrease in shares | | | (357,464 | ) | | | (445,563 | ) |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (see Note 6): |
| Net investment income | | $ | (2,861,435 | ) |
| Net realized gains | | | (7,195,557 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2015 | | | Period Ended September 30, 2014a | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 29.11 | | | $ | 26.55 | | | $ | 23.69 | | | $ | 24.79 | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)b | | | .28 | | | | .34 | | | | .35 | | | | .31 | | | | — | c |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | 4.34 | | | | 3.51 | | | | 3.22 | | | | (1.33 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | 4.62 | | | | 3.85 | | | | 3.57 | | | | (1.02 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | (2.16 | ) | | | (.92 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (2.50 | ) | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 31.23 | | | $ | 29.11 | | | $ | 26.55 | | | $ | 23.69 | | | $ | 24.79 | |
|
Total Return | | | 16.50 | % | | | 15.01 | % | | | 15.30 | % | | | (4.15 | %) | | | (0.84 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 220,587 | | | $ | 216,008 | | | $ | 208,867 | | | $ | 189,668 | | | $ | 209,015 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.93 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.38 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 0.13 | % |
Total expensesd | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.24 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 164 | % | | | 156 | % | | | 209 | % | | | 221 | % | | | — | |
a | Since commencement of operations: September 26, 2014. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
b | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
c | Net investment income is less than $0.01 per share. |
d | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).
This report covers the Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, only Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Fund.
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”), which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services to the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Fund. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Concinnity Advisors, LP (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are valued at the last quoted sale price.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
(b) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
(c) Distributions
Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
(d) Expenses
Certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(e) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(f) Cash
The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(g) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 2 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
Note 3 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 15,115,526 | | | $ | 3,155,622 | | | $ | 18,271,148 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 10,056,992 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 10,056,992 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
The tax components of accumulated earnings (deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Total | |
| | $ | 16,165,143 | | | $ | 5,346,512 | | | $ | 19,028,974 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 40,540,629 | |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares and losses deferred due to wash sales. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassifcation between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
| | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) | |
| | $ | 5,662,822 | | | $ | (5,662,822 | ) |
At September 30, 2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
| | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized (Depreciation) | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | $ | 203,899,732 | | | $ | 24,013,478 | | | $ | (4,984,504 | ) | | $ | 19,028,974 | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
Level 1 — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
Level 2 — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
Level 3 — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
| | $ | 361,329,915 | | | $ | 390,009,238 | |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
Note 6 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Fund’s net assets or results of operations.
Note 7 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statement of operations 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 period from September 26, 2014 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2014 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 (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, the results of its operations 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 and the period from September 26, 2014 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian. 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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036010_20.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.
| Qualified Dividend Income | Dividend Received Deduction | Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain |
| 31.99% | 32.26% | 100.00% |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
| | | From long-term capital gain: | | | From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
| | | | $ | 3,155,622 | | | $ | 5,662,822 | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee – Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a “Guggenheim Fund” and collectively, the “Guggenheim Funds”). Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Adviser”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as the investment adviser to Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund” or the “Fund”), a series of the Trust (i.e., a Guggenheim Fund), pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to Capital Stewardship Fund, and GPIM (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). (Guggenheim Partners, GPIM and their affiliates may be referred to herein together as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes GPIM, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.)
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), GPIM provides certain investment advisory and management services to the Fund and is responsible for, among other things, arranging for the purchase and sale of securities and other assets on behalf of the Fund and supervising the Fund’s investment program. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, GPIM may delegate some or all of its duties and obligations to one or more sub-advisers and, in this connection, is responsible for overseeing the activities of Concinnity Advisors, LP (“Concinnity” or the “Sub-Adviser”), with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between GPIM and Concinnity (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Advisory Agreements”).
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule.
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by each of GPIM and Concinnity is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Fund and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE report, noting that the peer group identified by FUSE included 13 other large blend funds with similar pricing characteristics.
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In addition, Guggenheim and Concinnity provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”).
The Committee also considered the circumstances unique to Capital Stewardship Fund, including its organizational history. In this connection, the assets of Guggenheim Concinnity Master Strategy Fund SPC, a Cayman Islands exempted segregated portfolio company which relied on the exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” provided by Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (the “Predecessor Fund”) and for which GPIM served as investment adviser and Concinnity served as investment sub-adviser, was reorganized with and into Capital Stewardship Fund (the “Reorganization”). The Predecessor Fund was a master fund in a set of unregistered offshore and domestic master-feeder funds (collectively, the “Private Funds”), which had certain bank investors. The investors issued notes that provided coupon payments based on the after-tax return of the Private Funds and the notes, in turn, were held by a single holder affiliated with Guggenheim. The Reorganization enabled the bank investors and noteholder to continue to benefit from the strategies previously offered by the Private Funds by converting the Predecessor Fund into a registered investment company structure that pursues the same investment strategies, because Capital Stewardship Fund’s investment objective and strategies are, in all materials respects, the same as those of the Predecessor Fund. The Board had authorized the launch of Capital Stewardship Fund on the condition that it not be offered to other investors unless and until such time as the Board determines to permit additional sales. The Committee considered the foregoing and the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of the Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Investment Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee noted that the Adviser delegated certain, but not all, portfolio management responsibilities to the Sub-Adviser. Unlike most traditional sub-advisory arrangements, the Sub-Adviser does not execute trades for the Fund’s portfolio. Rather, the Sub-Adviser provides a list of eligible investments to the Adviser based on the Sub-Adviser’s proprietary screening methodology and the Adviser selects investments and engages in securities transactions for the Fund. In this connection, the Committee considered the scope of services provided by each of the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, and took into account the Adviser’s responsibility to oversee the Sub-Adviser and information provided by Guggenheim describing the Adviser’s processes and activities for providing oversight of sub-advisers (including Concinnity), including information regarding Guggenheim’s Sub-Advisory Oversight Committee.
The Committee also considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Fund, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Fund. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the remaining funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Fund.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Fund included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to Guggenheim’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, custodian and other service providers to the Fund. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund.
Investment Performance: The Fund commenced investment operations on September 26, 2014 and its investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Committee received investment returns for the since-inception, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of the Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods. The Committee considered that the Fund pursues its investment objective, under normal market conditions, by primarily investing in equity securities that the Fund believes will provide attractive long-term returns relative to the S&P 500 Index and that have implemented “multi-stakeholder management systems.”
The Committee took into account the role and responsibilities of each of the Adviser and Sub-Adviser in implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, including the manner in which the relationship between the advisory firms differs in certain respects from traditional fund management structures with an adviser and unaffiliated sub-adviser. The Committee noted that the Sub-Adviser uses its proprietary research methodology system to identify a list of companies eligible for investment by the Fund. From that list, the Adviser selects, based on desired factor tilts and subject to a risk management process, a portfolio composed of a sub-set of the eligible companies compiled by the Sub-Adviser. The Adviser retains the responsibility for executing the trades based on the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.
The Committee considered the Fund’s performance which ranked in the 51st and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund’s investment results were consistent with the Fund’s investment objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation.
Based on the information provided, the Committee concluded that the Adviser’s investment performance was acceptable and that the Adviser had appropriately reviewed and monitored the Sub-Adviser’s investment performance.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the peer group of funds identified by FUSE. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
The Committee observed that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee (representing the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year) and total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (85th, 92nd and 92nd percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. In evaluating the foregoing, the Committee considered that the Fund was launched to accommodate certain bank clients that were invested in an unregistered private fund (previously defined as the Predecessor
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Fund) with a unique investment strategy. Shares of the Fund are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and thus, are available only to accredited investors in a single institutional share class. Accordingly, in evaluating the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee considered the sophistication of the Fund’s bank client investors and the Fund’s purpose.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Fund, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for the Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate (with a zero rate reported with respect to the Fund), including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability with respect to the Guggenheim Funds generally, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided and the profitability to Guggenheim Investments in connection with the Fund.
The Committee considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Guggenheim Funds, including Capital Stewardship Fund, and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute portfolio transactions through its affiliate.
Economies of Scale: With respect to economies of scale, the Committee considered that the Fund is not available to retail investors. The Committee concluded that the advisory fee schedule reflected an appropriate level of sharing of any economies of scale.
The Committee determined that the Fund’s advisory fee was reasonable.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Sub-Adviser, the Committee considered the Fund’s investment objective and Concinnity’s investment strategy and method for implementing such investment strategy, including, but not limited to the investment decision processes employed for the Fund. In this connection, the Trustees also noted that the Sub-Adviser is experienced in identifying companies with elements of the multi-stakeholder management system. In addition, the Committee took into account the information provided by the Sub-Adviser regarding, among other things: its current advisory services and clients and the principal activities in which it is engaged; the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel responsible for providing services to the Fund; the Sub-Adviser’s evaluation of its success in meeting the Fund’s investment objective; the Fund’s portfolio construction process and the sources of information generally relied upon by the Sub-Adviser in providing investment advisory, statistical and research services to the Fund; and the Sub-Adviser’s process, in collaboration with Guggenheim, for portfolio risk management.
With respect to the Sub-Adviser’s resources and its ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Committee noted that the Sub-Adviser provided its tax return filing. The Committee also considered the Sub-Adviser’s statement that it is an ongoing viable business enterprise that currently has the resources necessary to provide the contracted for services to the Fund. In further assessing the Sub-Adviser’s resources, as well as the nature and quality of the services it provides, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s statement that, given the limited scope of services provided by Concinnity and its role in the Fund’s management, and Guggenheim’s oversight of such services, the Sub-Adviser’s resources are sufficient to provide the contracted-for services to the Fund.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the Fund’s performance, as described above, and concluded that the investment performance of the Sub-Adviser was acceptable.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee noted that the sub-advisory fees payable to Concinnity are paid by GPIM and do not impact the advisory fee paid by the Fund (which the Committee determined to be reasonable). The Committee considered the total amount of sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Adviser for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the prior year, noting that the sub-advisory fees paid by GPIM to Concinnity are the product of arms-length negotiations between GPIM and Concinnity. The Committee considered the allocation of the advisory fee charged to the Fund between GPIM and Concinnity in light of the nature, extent and quality of the investment advisory services provided by GPIM and Concinnity.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by the Sub-Adviser from its relationship with the Fund, the Committee considered Concinnity’s size and partnership structure, the aggregate management fees paid to Concinnity and the methodology used to calculate its profitability. The Committee also considered that no other benefits to the Sub-Adviser as a result of its relationship with the Fund were reported.
Based on all of the information provided, the Committee determined that the Sub-Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. See “Investment Advisory Agreement – Economies of Scale” above.
The Committee determined that the Fund’s sub-advisory fee was reasonable.
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each Advisory Agreement is in the best interest of the Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present).
Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Inc. (2014-Present).
Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired.
Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present).
Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present).
|
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present).
Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present).
Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired.
Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present).
Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958)
| Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2013-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council; Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute.
Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present).
Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
| Since February 2018 (Trustee)
Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer)
Since 2007 (Vice President)
| Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).
Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present).
Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present) ; Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).
Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).
Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).
Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (February 2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).
Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present).
Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).
Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).
Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providingthe services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com –by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded) |
electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
|
Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | MO-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0037378_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 4 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 6 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | 9 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 92 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 119 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 121 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 137 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 144 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
Macro Opportunities Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The intrinsic value of the underlying stocks in which the Fund invests may never be realized or the stock may decline in value. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The use of short selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. Theoretically, stocks sold short have the risk of unlimited losses. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for the commodity-linked structured notes the Fund invests in, and there can be no assurance that a highly liquid secondary market will develop. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility as commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity such as droughts, floods, weather, embargos, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. ● The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● This Fund is considered nondiversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the U.S. Treasury curve continued its bear-flattening trend (when short-term rates increase at a faster rate than long-term rates), as the yield on the two-year U.S. Treasury rose 134 basis points, from 1.48% to 2.82% and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rising just 73 basis points, from 2.33% to 3.06%. The difference between the two-year U.S. Treasury and 10-year U.S. Treasury narrowed from 85 basis points to 24 basis points.
4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
In September, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2.00-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
We believe the Fed will raise the federal funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 17.91%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) |
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning account value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 |
A-Class | 1.32% | 1.07% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,010.70 | $ 6.73 |
C-Class | 2.09% | 0.73% | 1,000.00 | 1,007.30 | 10.63 |
P-Class | 1.32% | 1.07% | 1,000.00 | 1,010.70 | 6.73 |
Institutional Class | 0.91% | 1.28% | 1,000.00 | 1,012.80 | 4.64 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) |
A-Class | 1.32% | 5.00% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,018.45 | $ 6.68 |
C-Class | 2.09% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,014.59 | 10.56 |
P-Class | 1.32% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,018.45 | 6.68 |
Institutional Class | 0.91% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,020.51 | 4.61 |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including B. Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global Chief Investment Officer; Anne B. Walsh, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income; Kevin H. Gundersen, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam Bloch, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund returned 2.42%1, compared with the 1.59% return of its benchmark, the ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index.
The Fund seeks to provide total return, comprised of current income and capital appreciation. Unconstrained to a benchmark, the Fund has the flexibility to invest across a broad array of fixed income securities, as well as equities, commodities, and alternative investments.
As we approach the turn in the credit cycle, we have been shortening portfolio spread duration, opportunistically moving up in credit quality, and maintaining a reasonable liquidity buffer for picking up undervalued credits in periods of market weakness.
The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) delivered four rate increases over the period, raising the federal funds rate target range to 2.00-2.25%. The portfolio was positioned for the hikes with approximately 90% in floating rate securities and a portfolio duration of less than one year. Our Macroeconomics team expects one more Fed hike in 2018 and three to four increases in 2019.
Collateralized loan obligations’ (CLOs’) debt allocation delivered a positive absolute return over the period. During the period, the portfolio further rotated into AAA tranches, given the flattening credit curve and desire to minimize downside risk. CLO new issuance for the first nine months of 2018 is currently outpacing 2017 and has pushed CLO spreads marginally wider, retracing some of the tightening we have seen over the past twelve months. Total new issue, refinance, and reset volume stands at $190 billion year-to-date and is on pace to be the biggest new issuance year post-crisis.
Leveraged loans performed well during the period. A benign default environment and strong investor demand led the sector to the best performing asset class in U.S. fixed income. Loan investors should continue to benefit from the Fed delivering rate hikes. However, the sector is increasingly dependent on CLO market demand.
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) holdings were a positive contributor in the period. Limited home inventory and improving labor market conditions should support home prices and mortgage credit performance. Pre-crisis RMBS investment performance should
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
continue benefitting from a supply shortfall caused by ongoing paydowns and limited new issuance. Spread differences between lower-risk and higher-risk RMBS tranches remain near post-crisis lows and reflect the late-cycle complacency observed in other fixed income credit markets.
High yield corporate credit exposure ended the period at historical lows for the Fund. The reduction was driven due to relatively tight spread levels and concern that coverage ratios may deteriorate with higher interest rates.
The Fund makes macro-themed investments to take positions based on its views of various markets and assets, which may involve derivatives. It also uses derivatives to hedge against changes in interest rates and foreign asset exposure. For the period, returns from derivatives were positive.
The Fund invested excess cash into the Guggenheim Strategy Funds which, in turn, invest in a diversified portfolio of debt securities and financial instruments providing exposure to fixed income markets. The investment objective of the Guggenheim Strategy Funds is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital. For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, investment in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds has benefited Fund performance relative to investing in other short-term investments.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of current income and capital appreciation.
Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0037378_11.jpg)
“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | November 30, 2011 |
C-Class | November 30, 2011 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | November 30, 2011 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class | 4.1% |
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund - Institutional Class | 2.2% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | 1.4% |
LSTAR Securities Investment Limited, 4.11% | 1.3% |
Government of Japan, 01/10/19 | 1.2% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | 1.2% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | 1.1% |
State of Israel, 0.50% | 0.9% |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd., 3.86% | 0.8% |
Shackleton 2015-VIII CLO Ltd., 3.27% | 0.8% |
Top Ten Total | 15.0% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued) | September 30, 2018 |
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | % of Total Investments |
Fixed Income Instruments | |
AAA | 7.2% |
AA | 8.6% |
A | 14.2% |
BBB | 17.6% |
BB | 3.2% |
B | 12.1% |
CCC | 5.2% |
CC | 6.4% |
C | 0.4% |
NR2 | 10.0% |
Other Instruments | 15.1% |
Total Investments | 100.0% |
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poors (“S&P”), or Fitch, which are all a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0037378_13.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (11/30/11) |
A-Class Shares | 2.42% | 4.54% | 5.53% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | (1.67%) | 3.52% | 4.78% |
C-Class Shares | 1.69% | 3.77% | 4.76% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 0.70% | 3.77% | 4.76% |
Institutional Class Shares | 2.83% | 4.91% | 5.91% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index | 1.59% | 0.52% | 0.40% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 2.42% | 3.92% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index | | 1.59% | 0.74% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return.The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 2.6% |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.7% |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 36,882 | | | $ | 1,854,058 | |
McKesson Corp. | | | 12,257 | | | | 1,625,891 | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 29,478 | | | | 1,591,812 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 31,653 | | | | 1,394,948 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 12,181 | | | | 1,323,587 | |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc* | | | 7,750 | | | | 1,303,008 | |
Kellogg Co. | | | 18,576 | | | | 1,300,692 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A | | | 21,265 | | | | 1,265,905 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 6,074 | | | | 1,259,080 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 10,643 | | | | 1,117,089 | |
Medtronic plc | | | 10,837 | | | | 1,066,036 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 13,506 | | | | 1,063,192 | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B | | | 16,892 | | | | 1,038,858 | |
Kraft Heinz Co. | | | 18,213 | | | | 1,003,718 | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 13,641 | | | | 1,000,704 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | | | 10,788 | | | | 987,749 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 11,030 | | | | 918,027 | |
Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A | | | 19,789 | | | | 850,135 | |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | | | 12,196 | | | | 812,254 | |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 25,312 | | | | 780,116 | |
Western Union Co. | | | 40,852 | | | | 778,639 | |
Performance Food Group Co.* | | | 22,550 | | | | 750,915 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 10,012 | | | | 733,379 | |
Post Holdings, Inc.* | | | 7,437 | | | | 729,123 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | 2,800 | | | | 683,424 | |
Baxter International, Inc. | | | 8,623 | | | | 664,747 | |
CoreLogic, Inc.* | | | 13,297 | | | | 657,005 | |
Travelport Worldwide Ltd. | | | 38,375 | | | | 647,386 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 5,943 | | | | 637,743 | |
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.* | | | 4,636 | | | | 623,727 | |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.* | | | 5,547 | | | | 620,876 | |
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,467 | | | | 610,485 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 5,372 | | | | 610,474 | |
United Rentals, Inc.* | | | 3,344 | | | | 547,079 | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 4,625 | | | | 517,075 | |
Bruker Corp. | | | 15,384 | | | | 514,595 | |
Mylan N.V.* | | | 14,045 | | | | 514,047 | |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | | | 3,932 | | | | 510,138 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 8,143 | | | | 505,517 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | | | 2,014 | | | | 502,815 | |
Quanta Services, Inc.* | | | 15,039 | | | | 502,002 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 6,311 | | | | 487,272 | |
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.* | | | 26,455 | | | | 478,571 | |
Kroger Co. | | | 16,208 | | | | 471,815 | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 3,399 | | | | 469,640 | |
Sabre Corp. | | | 17,950 | | | | 468,136 | |
STERIS plc | | | 4,054 | | | | 463,777 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,461 | | | | 455,018 | |
Hershey Co. | | | 4,454 | | | | 454,308 | |
Vector Group Ltd. | | | 32,494 | | | | 447,767 | |
Allergan plc | | | 2,312 | | | | 440,390 | |
Merck & Company, Inc. | | | 6,198 | | | | 439,686 | |
Cardtronics plc — Class A* | | | 12,641 | | | | 399,961 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 2,853 | | | | 396,596 | |
Simply Good Foods Co.* | | | 20,349 | | | | 395,788 | |
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A* | | | 1,228 | | | | 384,352 | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 6,356 | | | | 383,331 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | | | 2,730 | | | | 379,798 | |
Medpace Holdings, Inc.* | | | 6,329 | | | | 379,170 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 1,023 | | | | 375,502 | |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B* | | | 1,366 | | | $ | 374,953 | |
Celgene Corp.* | | | 4,188 | | | | 374,784 | |
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B | | | 7,390 | | | | 373,564 | |
Biogen, Inc.* | | | 1,056 | | | | 373,095 | |
McCormick & Company, Inc. | | | 2,829 | | | | 372,721 | |
Innoviva, Inc.* | | | 24,432 | | | | 372,344 | |
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,553 | | | | 371,002 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | | 644 | | | | 369,656 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.* | | | 6,290 | | | | 366,581 | |
MEDNAX, Inc.* | | | 7,837 | | | | 365,674 | |
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,695 | | | | 365,476 | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | | 5,457 | | | | 365,346 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | | | 1,397 | | | | 364,617 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 1,076 | | | | 364,248 | |
LivaNova plc* | | | 2,938 | | | | 364,224 | |
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.* | | | 6,650 | | | | 362,758 | |
Flowers Foods, Inc. | | | 19,210 | | | | 358,459 | |
Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A* | | | 10,377 | | | | 343,894 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.* | | | 1,846 | | | | 321,388 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.* | | | 993 | | | | 318,247 | |
Darling Ingredients, Inc.* | | | 16,281 | | | | 314,549 | |
Hologic, Inc.* | | | 7,514 | | | | 307,924 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 1,118 | | | | 306,388 | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 2,013 | | | | 299,333 | |
Targus Group International Equity, Inc*,†††,1,2 | | | 12,773 | | | | 33,063 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 53,093,216 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.4% |
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A* | | | 13,034 | | | | 1,185,964 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | | | 13,731 | | | | 1,132,121 | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 15,032 | | | | 1,129,053 | |
AECOM* | | | 30,959 | | | | 1,011,121 | |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 6,447 | | | | 941,713 | |
WestRock Co. | | | 17,303 | | | | 924,672 | |
Masco Corp. | | | 22,849 | | | | 836,273 | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 9,432 | | | | 829,356 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 13,531 | | | | 813,213 | |
Packaging Corporation of America | | | 7,299 | | | | 800,627 | |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | | | 29,677 | | | | 786,144 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | 3,095 | | | | 745,245 | |
Crane Co. | | | 7,151 | | | | 703,301 | |
Boise Cascade Co. | | | 19,026 | | | | 700,157 | |
EnerSys | | | 7,523 | | | | 655,479 | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.* | | | 8,873 | | | | 654,118 | |
Pentair plc | | | 14,976 | | | | 649,210 | |
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.* | | | 14,135 | | | | 644,556 | |
AGCO Corp. | | | 10,024 | | | | 609,359 | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 3,965 | | | | 604,623 | |
Trinseo S.A. | | | 7,632 | | | | 597,586 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 8,371 | | | | 596,350 | |
Dover Corp. | | | 6,724 | | | | 595,276 | |
Waters Corp.* | | | 2,982 | | | | 580,536 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 2,904 | | | | 533,174 | |
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A | | | 5,693 | | | | 521,877 | |
Jabil, Inc. | | | 18,913 | | | | 512,164 | |
Belden, Inc. | | | 7,079 | | | | 505,511 | |
Avnet, Inc. | | | 11,163 | | | | 499,767 | |
Trinity Industries, Inc. | | | 13,218 | | | | 484,307 | |
Eaton Corporation plc | | | 5,349 | | | | 463,919 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 2,518 | | | | 454,499 | |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 18,978 | | | | 444,085 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | 12,464 | | | | 439,979 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 2,146 | | | $ | 394,714 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 12,577 | | | | 387,372 | |
KBR, Inc. | | | 17,367 | | | | 366,965 | |
Kansas City Southern | | | 3,228 | | | | 365,668 | |
Sonoco Products Co. | | | 6,489 | | | | 360,140 | |
Tech Data Corp.* | | | 5,011 | | | | 358,637 | |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | | 10,129 | | | | 358,060 | |
Gentex Corp. | | | 16,415 | | | | 352,266 | |
Owens Corning | | | 6,404 | | | | 347,545 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 17,017 | | | | 346,296 | |
PGT Innovations, Inc.* | | | 15,497 | | | | 334,735 | |
Coherent, Inc.* | | | 1,916 | | | | 329,916 | |
Total Industrial | | | 27,887,649 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.3% |
TexGen Power LLC*,†† | | | 233,394 | | | | 8,898,146 | |
National Fuel Gas Co. | | | 30,342 | | | | 1,700,972 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 34,781 | | | | 1,586,361 | |
Exelon Corp. | | | 35,227 | | | | 1,538,011 | |
UGI Corp. | | | 23,585 | | | | 1,308,496 | |
El Paso Electric Co. | | | 22,823 | | | | 1,305,476 | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 30,365 | | | | 1,197,899 | |
Consolidated Edison, Inc. | | | 11,011 | | | | 838,928 | |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 22,447 | | | | 815,275 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 10,125 | | | | 801,698 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 12,111 | | | | 765,657 | |
AES Corp. | | | 51,518 | | | | 721,252 | |
Entergy Corp. | | | 7,519 | | | | 610,017 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 14,406 | | | | 535,471 | |
American Electric Power Company, Inc. | | | 5,227 | | | | 370,490 | |
Total Utilities | | | 22,994,149 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.3% |
SandRidge Energy, Inc.* | | | 488,408 | | | | 5,308,995 | |
Maverick Natural Resources, LLC*,†††,1 | | | 7,168 | | | | 5,288,857 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 17,037 | | | | 1,448,486 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 10,675 | | | | 1,305,339 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 10,080 | | | | 1,146,600 | |
Phillips 66 | | | 9,448 | | | | 1,064,979 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 12,790 | | | | 1,050,954 | |
Approach Resources, Inc.* | | | 357,054 | | | | 796,230 | |
HollyFrontier Corp. | | | 5,944 | | | | 415,486 | |
Williams Companies, Inc. | | | 14,357 | | | | 390,366 | |
PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A | | | 7,593 | | | | 378,967 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 21,182 | | | | 375,557 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 4,760 | | | | 368,424 | |
Murphy USA, Inc.* | | | 4,268 | | | | 364,743 | |
Titan Energy LLC* | | | 35,116 | | | | 14,397 | |
Total Energy | | | 19,718,380 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.2% |
Senior Housing Properties Trust REIT | | | 86,601 | | | | 1,520,714 | |
Allstate Corp. | | | 10,423 | | | | 1,028,750 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 8,641 | | | | 975,050 | |
Ventas, Inc. REIT | | | 15,536 | | | | 844,848 | |
Travelers Companies, Inc. | | | 6,415 | | | | 832,090 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A REIT | | | 18,732 | | | | 826,643 | |
Aflac, Inc. | | | 17,485 | | | | 823,019 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 7,726 | | | | 782,798 | |
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT | | | 23,488 | | | | 770,876 | |
Equity Commonwealth REIT* | | | 22,917 | | | | 735,406 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust REIT | | | 24,763 | | | | 714,165 | |
Visa, Inc. — Class A | | | 4,683 | | | | 702,872 | |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT | | | 32,699 | | | $ | 689,949 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | | 13,221 | | | | 674,139 | |
Principal Financial Group, Inc. | | | 10,996 | | | | 644,256 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | | 12,446 | | | | 621,802 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 12,560 | | | | 586,803 | |
Weingarten Realty Investors REIT | | | 18,774 | | | | 558,714 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT | | | 29,028 | | | | 549,500 | |
State Street Corp. | | | 6,016 | | | | 504,021 | |
Lazard Ltd. — Class A | | | 10,125 | | | | 487,316 | |
EPR Properties REIT | | | 6,941 | | | | 474,834 | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | | 3,069 | | | | 453,169 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT | | | 32,887 | | | | 444,961 | |
Raymond James Financial, Inc. | | | 4,684 | | | | 431,162 | |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | | 14,076 | | | | 428,051 | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 4,408 | | | | 418,451 | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 12,487 | | | | 388,096 | |
CyrusOne, Inc. REIT | | | 3,623 | | | | 229,698 | |
Total Financial | | | 19,142,153 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.2% |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 14,152 | | | | 883,792 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 13,825 | | | | 799,500 | |
La-Z-Boy, Inc. | | | 23,627 | | | | 746,613 | |
Lear Corp. | | | 5,090 | | | | 738,050 | |
PACCAR, Inc. | | | 10,584 | | | | 721,723 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 36,491 | | | | 706,466 | |
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | | | 13,577 | | | | 706,140 | |
Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A | | | 8,351 | | | | 666,744 | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 22,621 | | | | 560,322 | |
United Continental Holdings, Inc.* | | | 6,006 | | | | 534,894 | |
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A | | | 19,194 | | | | 468,142 | |
Toll Brothers, Inc. | | | 13,923 | | | | 459,877 | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 9,819 | | | | 420,057 | |
Meritor, Inc.* | | | 21,047 | | | | 407,470 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 2,610 | | | | 376,884 | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 5,464 | | | | 376,251 | |
Children’s Place, Inc. | | | 2,940 | | | | 375,732 | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 3,427 | | | | 374,571 | |
TJX Companies, Inc. | | | 3,342 | | | | 374,371 | |
AutoZone, Inc.* | | | 479 | | | | 371,560 | |
Best Buy Company, Inc. | | | 4,649 | | | | 368,945 | |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 3,863 | | | | 362,775 | |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 3,237 | | | | 359,922 | |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 6,065 | | | | 359,836 | |
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A | | | 4,291 | | | | 353,664 | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 18,826 | | | | 351,481 | |
General Motors Co. | | | 10,300 | | | | 346,801 | |
KB Home | | | 14,422 | | | | 344,830 | |
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.* | | | 27,657 | | | | 342,947 | |
Delphi Technologies plc | | | 10,732 | | | | 336,556 | |
Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A | | | 3,973 | | | | 316,211 | |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 7,285 | | | | 307,281 | |
Carter’s, Inc. | | | 3,109 | | | | 306,547 | |
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,493 | | | | 299,110 | |
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.* | | | 16,483 | | | | 287,463 | |
Visteon Corp.* | | | 2,983 | | | | 277,121 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 16,390,649 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 0.2% |
HP, Inc. | | | 42,206 | | | $ | 1,087,649 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | 8,155 | | | | 889,466 | |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 13,290 | | | | 876,874 | |
DXC Technology Co. | | | 9,119 | | | | 852,809 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A | | | 10,093 | | | | 778,675 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | 7,409 | | | | 672,070 | |
Cirrus Logic, Inc.* | | | 16,583 | | | | 640,104 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 3,988 | | | | 603,025 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 11,820 | | | | 558,968 | |
MAXIMUS, Inc. | | | 8,331 | | | | 542,015 | |
Accenture plc — Class A | | | 3,133 | | | | 533,236 | |
Leidos Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,473 | | | | 516,833 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | | 4,609 | | | | 512,336 | |
Paychex, Inc. | | | 6,861 | | | | 505,313 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 9,714 | | | | 500,854 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 1,995 | | | | 450,351 | |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | | | 3,295 | | | | 434,775 | |
Fiserv, Inc.* | | | 5,248 | | | | 432,330 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 3,508 | | | | 401,210 | |
ON Semiconductor Corp.* | | | 21,594 | | | | 397,977 | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 4,584 | | | | 393,720 | |
Seagate Technology plc | | | 8,314 | | | | 393,668 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 3,519 | | | | 377,554 | |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 6,361 | | | | 372,373 | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 21,674 | | | | 353,503 | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 3,726 | | | | 344,506 | |
Qlik Technologies, Inc. — Class A*,†††,1 | | | 177 | | | | 180,639 | |
Icad, Inc.* | | | 56,620 | | | | 164,764 | |
Qlik Technologies, Inc.*,†††,1 | | | 11,400 | | | | 1 | |
Qlik Technologies, Inc. — Class B*,†††,1 | | | 43,738 | | | | — | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,†††,1,2 | | | 117 | | | | — | |
Total Technology | | | 14,767,598 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.2% |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 29,679 | | | | 1,584,562 | |
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc. | | | 36,575 | | | | 1,112,977 | |
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 31,052 | | | | 1,078,126 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 17,965 | | | | 873,997 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 11,553 | | | | 785,835 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.* | | | 3,450 | | | | 687,999 | |
ARRIS International plc* | | | 24,109 | | | | 626,593 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 20,777 | | | | 622,687 | |
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. | | | 26,908 | | | | 615,386 | |
News Corp. — Class A | | | 41,304 | | | | 544,800 | |
CenturyLink, Inc. | | | 25,142 | | | | 533,011 | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 9,452 | | | | 441,314 | |
Vonage Holdings Corp.* | | | 29,952 | | | | 424,120 | |
AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A* | | | 6,278 | | | | 416,482 | |
InterDigital, Inc. | | | 5,107 | | | | 408,560 | |
Boingo Wireless, Inc.* | | | 11,375 | | | | 396,987 | |
CDW Corp. | | | 4,423 | | | | 393,293 | |
Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,772 | | | | 377,878 | |
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. | | | 9,183 | | | | 355,841 | |
TEGNA, Inc. | | | 28,698 | | | | 343,228 | |
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. | | | 52,540 | | | | 332,053 | |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.*,†† | | | 21,660 | | | | 204,427 | |
Total Communications | | | 13,160,156 | |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.1% |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 12,564 | | | $ | 1,202,626 | |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A | | | 8,985 | | | | 921,052 | |
Olin Corp. | | | 29,985 | | | | 770,015 | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 26,047 | | | | 709,260 | |
Westlake Chemical Corp. | | | 8,383 | | | | 696,711 | |
Cabot Corp. | | | 9,216 | | | | 578,028 | |
Chemours Co. | | | 12,282 | | | | 484,402 | |
International Paper Co. | | | 7,599 | | | | 373,491 | |
Celanese Corp. — Class A | | | 3,144 | | | | 358,416 | |
Domtar Corp. | | | 5,678 | | | | 296,221 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | 6,390,222 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks |
(Cost $191,622,770) | | | | | | | 193,544,172 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 0.2% |
Industrial - 0.2% |
Seaspan Corp. 6.38% due 04/30/19 | | | 485,750 | | | | 12,342,908 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.0% |
Cent CLO 16, LP due 08/1/24*,3 | | | 7,000 | | | | 37,938 | |
Total Preferred Stocks |
(Cost $12,145,655) | | | | | | | 12,380,846 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WARRANT††† - 0.0% | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc.*,1,2 | | | 92,949 | | | | — | |
Total Warrant |
(Cost $—) | | | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND† - 0.2% |
Invesco Solar ETF | | | 700,700 | | | | 14,532,518 | |
Total Exchange-Traded Fund |
(Cost $13,878,503) | | | | | | | 14,532,518 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 10.4% |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Institutional Class2 | | | 12,283,101 | | | | 303,269,766 | |
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund - Institutional Class2 | | | 5,863,072 | | | | 162,817,511 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2 | | | 4,033,511 | | | | 100,757,116 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I2 | | | 3,589,888 | | | | 89,926,690 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2 | | | 3,190,801 | | | | 79,770,031 | |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund - Institutional Class2 | | | 527,918 | | | | 15,452,163 | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund - Institutional Class2 | | | 518,254 | | | | 13,448,684 | |
Total Mutual Funds |
(Cost $768,511,355) | | | | | | | 765,441,961 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS† - 2.5% |
Federated U.S. Treasury Cash Reserve Fund — Institutional Shares 1.92%5 | | | 176,378,905 | | | | 176,378,905 | |
Western Asset Institutional U.S. Treasury Reserves — Institutional Shares 1.49%5 | | | 7,661,092 | | | | 7,661,092 | |
Total Money Market Funds |
(Cost $184,039,997) | | | | | | | 184,039,997 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 28.6% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - 20.3% |
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-16A, 4.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/296,7 | | | 24,050,000 | | | $ | 24,206,489 | |
2018-36A, 4.44% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/316,7 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,305,946 | |
2018-25A, 4.02% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 05/05/306,7 | | | 18,500,000 | | | | 18,278,115 | |
2016-33A, 4.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/286,7 | | | 17,500,000 | | | | 17,512,231 | |
2018-36A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/316,7 | | | 13,200,000 | | | | 13,185,344 | |
2018-39A, 4.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.20%, Rate Floor: 2.20%) due 10/20/286,7 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,006,554 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 3.86% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/296,7 | | | 62,500,000 | | | | 62,501,844 | |
2017-9A, 4.26% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/296,7 | | | 34,300,000 | | | | 34,227,648 | |
KVK CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-2A, 3.53% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/266,7 | | | 18,300,000 | | | | 18,302,275 | |
2018-1A, 3.98% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/296,7 | | | 16,250,000 | | | | 16,275,355 | |
2014-1A, 4.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/15/266,7 | | | 13,250,000 | | | | 13,249,263 | |
2013-2A, 4.90% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/266,7 | | | 11,500,000 | | | | 11,500,051 | |
2014-2A, 4.90% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/266,7 | | | 10,850,000 | | | | 10,849,682 | |
2014-2A, 7.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/266,7 | | | 7,200,000 | | | | 7,042,211 | |
2013-1A, due 01/15/283,6 | | | 11,900,000 | | | | 5,784,102 | |
2014-3A, due 10/15/263,6 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 508,450 | |
Shackleton 2015-VIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/276,7 | | | 62,000,000 | | | | 61,890,638 | |
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Octagon Loan Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
due 11/18/263 | | | 52,700,000 | | | $ | 45,168,538 | |
Woodmont Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 4.68% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/286,7 | | | 28,600,000 | | | | 28,781,807 | |
2017-3A, 4.58% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/296,7 | | | 7,400,000 | | | | 7,422,193 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XXIII, LP | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/15/286,7 | | | 35,300,000 | | | | 35,239,291 | |
OCP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/17/276,7 | | | 27,500,000 | | | | 27,418,759 | |
2017-8A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/17/276,7 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,979,259 | |
Telos CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-6A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.27%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/276,7 | | | 24,950,000 | | | | 24,953,590 | |
2017-6A, 4.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/276,7 | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,489,114 | |
Tralee CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.80% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/277 | | | 31,000,000 | | | | 31,010,038 | |
Marathon CLO V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-5A, 3.18% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.87%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/276,7 | | | 16,700,000 | | | | 16,646,311 | |
2017-5A, 3.76% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/276,7 | | | 11,500,000 | | | | 11,355,847 | |
2013-5A, due 11/21/273,6 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 2,441,961 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.78%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/296,7 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,970,832 | |
2017-1A, 4.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/296,7 | | | 4,650,000 | | | | 4,659,557 | |
Diamond CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 5.03% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 2.60%) due 07/22/306,7 | | | 13,500,000 | | | | 13,499,746 | |
2018-1A, 4.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 07/22/306,7 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 10,999,426 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 6.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.70%, Rate Floor: 3.70%) due 07/22/306,7 | | | 5,000,000 | | | $ | 4,999,906 | |
Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-4A, 4.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/266,7 | | | 26,800,000 | | | | 26,813,254 | |
MP CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.76% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.42%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/276,7 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 13,939,908 | |
2018-2A, 4.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/276,7 | | | 11,950,000 | | | | 11,879,571 | |
BSPRT Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL2, 5.61% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.45%, Rate Floor: 3.45%) due 10/15/346,7 | | | 16,500,000 | | | | 16,660,906 | |
2017-FL2, 4.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.15%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 10/15/346,7 | | | 9,000,000 | | | | 9,049,622 | |
Mountain Hawk II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/246,7 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 13,978,271 | |
2018-2A, 4.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/246,7 | | | 8,250,000 | | | | 8,249,677 | |
2013-2A, 5.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/22/246,7 | | | 2,750,000 | | | | 2,746,613 | |
A Voce CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/266,7 | | | 24,375,000 | | | | 24,376,421 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 5.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/22/286,7 | | | 24,000,000 | | | | 24,079,306 | |
Ares XXXIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.67% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/05/256,7 | | | 18,250,000 | | | | 18,276,877 | |
2016-1A, 5.12% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/05/256,7 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,030,724 | |
Treman Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/273,6 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 16,554,000 | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/273,6 | | | 12,400,000 | | | | 6,254,238 | |
FDF I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 5.50% due 11/12/306 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,952,163 | |
2015-1A, 4.40% due 11/12/306 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,989,403 | |
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Monroe Capital CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/22/266,7 | | | 18,500,000 | | | $ | 18,507,393 | |
2017-1A, 5.95% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/22/266,7 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,002,794 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 4.01% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/266,7 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,992,434 | |
2018-2A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/266,7 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,499,388 | |
2018-2A, 4.91% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/266,7 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,498,019 | |
Crown Point CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/31/276,7 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,978,196 | |
2017-3A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/31/276,7 | | | 5,300,000 | | | | 5,287,806 | |
West CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/266,7 | | | 17,475,000 | | | | 17,453,004 | |
2013-1A, due 11/07/253,6 | | | 5,300,000 | | | | 2,184,247 | |
Regatta V Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.16%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/266,7 | | | 19,400,000 | | | | 19,399,515 | |
Denali Capital CLO X LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.93% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/26/276,7 | | | 19,400,000 | | | | 19,370,718 | |
Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 4.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 2.25%) due 09/15/346,7 | | | 12,198,000 | | | | 12,157,448 | |
2017-FL1, 5.76% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.60%, Rate Floor: 3.60%) due 09/15/346,7 | | | 6,650,000 | | | | 6,638,964 | |
SCOF Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 4.03% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/286,7 | | | 18,250,000 | | | | 18,248,774 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.87% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.53%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/286,7 | | | 18,000,000 | | | | 17,999,543 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Garrison BSL CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.02% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/286,7 | | | 16,000,000 | | | $ | 15,984,214 | |
2018-1A, 2.80% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/286,7 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,992,742 | |
Voya CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 10/15/303,6 | | | 28,970,307 | | | | 17,015,507 | |
Shackleton 2014-VI-R CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-6RA, 4.07% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.73%, Rate Floor: 1.73%) due 07/17/286,7 | | | 15,100,000 | | | | 15,111,020 | |
2018-6RA, 2.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%, Rate Floor: 0.60%) due 07/17/286,7 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 994,401 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities VII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-7A, 5.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/286,7 | | | 16,000,000 | | | | 16,062,219 | |
Avery Point II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-3X COM, due 01/18/253 | | | 19,800,000 | | | | 15,621,844 | |
Venture XIX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-19A, 5.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/276,7 | | | 14,350,000 | | | | 14,330,200 | |
Seneca Park CLO Limited | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.46% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/266,7 | | | 13,132,000 | | | | 13,131,946 | |
OZLM XIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-13A, 4.29% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/30/276,7 | | | 12,650,000 | | | | 12,643,432 | |
NewStar Clarendon Fund CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 5.04% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/276,7 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 7,007,038 | |
2015-1A, 5.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/276,7 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,000,611 | |
2015-1A, 6.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/276,7 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,302,817 | |
OHA Credit Partners IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-9A, due 10/20/253,6 | | | 14,000,000 | | | | 11,973,010 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.83%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/17/276,7 | | | 11,600,000 | | | | 11,549,759 | |
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
TCP Waterman CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 5.33% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/286,7 | | | 11,000,000 | | | $ | 11,026,044 | |
Northwoods Capital XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 4.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/12/256,7 | | | 10,750,000 | | | | 10,734,452 | |
SCOF-2 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 4.03% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/286,7 | | | 10,500,000 | | | | 10,499,333 | |
BDS | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL2, 4.71% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.55%, Rate Floor: 2.55%) due 08/15/356,7 | | | 5,826,000 | | | | 5,851,933 | |
2018-FL2, 4.01% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 08/15/356,7 | | | 3,800,000 | | | | 3,814,439 | |
Octagon Investment Partners XIX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.44% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/266,7 | | | 9,272,657 | | | | 9,272,529 | |
Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2015-37A, due 01/15/313,6 | | | 9,500,000 | | | | 8,968,846 | |
ACIS CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-4A, 4.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/266,7 | | | 3,600,000 | | | | 3,594,754 | |
2015-6A, 5.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.37%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/276,7 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,254,583 | |
2013-1A, 6.83% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/18/246,7 | | | 2,100,000 | | | | 2,099,953 | |
Dryden 41 Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2015-41A, due 04/15/313,6 | | | 11,700,000 | | | | 8,947,072 | |
Recette CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/276,7 | | | 9,000,000 | | | | 8,929,755 | |
Avery Point VI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-6A, 4.21% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/05/276,7 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 8,005,196 | |
Golub Capital BDC CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/25/266,7 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,999,475 | |
Flagship CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-8A, 4.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 01/16/266,7 | | | 8,025,000 | | | | 7,999,196 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-3A, due 10/04/283,6 | | | 6,400,000 | | | $ | 4,990,170 | |
2013-3X SUB, due 07/15/253 | | | 4,938,326 | | | | 2,933,074 | |
Newstar Commercial Loan Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/276,7 | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,564,141 | |
Flagship VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-7A, 3.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/266,7 | | | 7,428,268 | | | | 7,427,034 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-9A, due 04/20/283,6 | | | 9,600,000 | | | | 5,575,085 | |
2018-9A, 4.15% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 1.80%) due 04/20/286,7 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,233,314 | |
ALM XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 1.65%) due 04/16/276,7 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,466,578 | |
2018-12A, 3.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 04/16/276,7 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,284,402 | |
Dryden 50 Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2017-50A, due 07/15/303,6 | | | 7,895,000 | | | | 6,540,100 | |
Venture XIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-13A, due 09/10/293,6 | | | 11,040,000 | | | | 6,468,744 | |
Marathon CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 5.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 06/15/286,7 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,997,924 | |
MidOcean Credit CLO I | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/246,7 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,959,321 | |
NXT Capital CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/296,7 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,017,492 | |
2018-1A, 5.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/21/276,7 | | | 2,750,000 | | | | 2,750,537 | |
Babson CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-IA, due 07/20/253,6 | | | 11,900,000 | | | | 5,274,425 | |
2012-2A, due 05/15/233,6 | | | 11,850,000 | | | | 476,251 | |
Hull Street CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 5.96% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/266,7 | | | 5,785,000 | | | | 5,733,203 | |
Resource Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2017-CRE5, 4.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%) due 07/15/346,7 | | | 5,689,910 | | | | 5,673,635 | |
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Silvermore CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 5.31% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/15/266,7 | | | 5,500,000 | | | $ | 5,499,657 | |
BNPP IP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-2A, 7.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/30/256,7 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,362,424 | |
FDF II Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 6.29% due 05/12/316 | | | 5,250,000 | | | | 5,246,775 | |
Sudbury Mill CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/266,7 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,997,087 | |
WhiteHorse X Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-10A, 7.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.30%, Rate Floor: 5.30%) due 04/17/276,7 | | | 4,980,000 | | | | 4,892,962 | |
AMMC CLO XV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 5.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/266,7 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,513,797 | |
Vibrant CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 5.30% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/266,7 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,498,732 | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-2A, 5.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/20/246,7 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,249,928 | |
2012-1A, 5.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/236,7 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,888 | |
Jackson Mill CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 04/15/276,7 | | | 4,150,000 | | | | 4,115,025 | |
Symphony CLO V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2007-5A, 6.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/246,7 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,056,380 | |
Madison Park Funding XVI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-16A, 5.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/266,7 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,003,749 | |
Adams Mill CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 7.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/266,7 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,996,982 | |
Garrison Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 6.33% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/29/276,7 | | | 3,700,000 | | | | 3,732,428 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
OZLM XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 4.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/30/276,7 | | | 3,525,000 | | | $ | 3,523,131 | |
NewMark Capital Funding CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-2A, 5.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/30/266,7 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,509,389 | |
Denali Capital CLO XI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/286,7 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,503,743 | |
OZLM IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 4.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/276,7 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,502,995 | |
Hunt CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 4.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/346,7 | | | 3,350,000 | | | | 3,326,973 | |
PFP Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 4.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%) due 01/14/356,7 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,256,049 | |
Exantas Capital Corporation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-RSO6, 4.01% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 1.85%) due 06/15/356,7 | | | 3,250,000 | | | | 3,247,650 | |
Flatiron CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/266,7 | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 3,199,195 | |
AMMC CLO XI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-11A, due 04/30/313,6 | | | 5,650,000 | | | | 3,142,016 | |
Mountain Hawk III CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-3A, 5.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/18/256,7 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,999,851 | |
TPG Real Estate Finance Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 4.06% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 1.90%) due 02/15/356,7 | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 2,717,550 | |
Ivy Hill Middle Market Credit Fund X Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-10A, 3.03% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/306,7 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,052 | |
DRSLF | | | | | | | | |
due 01/15/313 | | | 1,897,598 | | | | 1,526,701 | |
GPMT Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 4.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.15%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 11/19/356,7 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,201,500 | |
Great Lakes CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, due 10/15/293,6 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,117,661 | |
Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, due 01/20/213,8 | | | 8,150,000 | | | | 766,483 | |
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Gramercy Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-1A, due 07/17/233,6 | | | 2,650,000 | | | $ | 46,706 | |
2012-1X, due 07/17/233 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 22,031 | |
Keuka Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 10/21/243,6 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 50,760 | |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations | | | 1,494,621,570 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Aircraft - 6.3% |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 3.97% due 07/15/42 | | | 32,916,964 | | | | 32,457,407 | |
2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/436 | | | 26,123,860 | | | | 26,049,903 | |
2016-1, 4.45% due 08/15/41 | | | 24,905,106 | | | | 24,654,984 | |
AASET Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/426 | | | 59,641,817 | | | | 59,327,183 | |
KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/426 | | | 59,130,617 | | | | 58,355,479 | |
Raspro Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-1A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/246,7 | | | 52,271,021 | | | | 50,441,535 | |
2005-1A, 2.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 03/23/246,7 | | | 4,309,203 | | | | 4,294,275 | |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 5.93% due 05/16/426 | | | 15,485,635 | | | | 15,863,728 | |
2016-2, 5.93% due 11/15/41 | | | 9,464,000 | | | | 9,480,590 | |
2016-2, 4.21% due 11/15/41 | | | 8,450,000 | | | | 8,416,400 | |
2016-1A, 6.50% due 03/17/366,9 | | | 5,528,165 | | | | 5,597,556 | |
2016-2, 7.87% due 11/15/41 | | | 3,268,800 | | | | 3,266,384 | |
2018-1A, 5.44% due 01/16/386 | | | 1,636,673 | | | | 1,652,194 | |
Falcon Aerospace Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/426 | | | 39,973,774 | | | | 39,800,088 | |
SAPPHIRE AVIATION FINANCE I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/406 | | | 32,439,583 | | | | 32,494,267 | |
MAPS Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/436 | | | 21,293,800 | | | | 21,299,362 | |
Rise Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.75% due 02/12/39 | | | 10,054,265 | | | | 9,878,316 | |
2014-1B, 6.50% due 02/12/39 | | | 5,087,851 | | | | 4,986,094 | |
AIM Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 5.07% due 02/15/406 | | | 11,361,133 | | | | 11,232,185 | |
Falcon Aerospace Limited | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 6.30% due 02/15/426 | | | 9,194,843 | | | | 9,133,845 | |
Stripes Aircraft Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1 A1, 5.67% due 03/20/23††† | | | 6,336,828 | | | | 6,274,933 | |
Castle Aircraft Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 5.75% due 12/15/406,9 | | | 5,950,780 | | | | 5,877,863 | |
Atlas Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1 A, 4.88% due 12/15/39 | | | 5,587,837 | | | | 5,386,373 | |
Emerald Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1, 6.35% due 10/15/386 | | | 4,547,608 | | | | 4,593,442 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Eagle I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 5.29% due 12/15/396 | | | 3,858,460 | | | $ | 3,855,421 | |
Willis Engine Securitization Trust II | | | | | | | | |
2012-A, 5.50% due 09/15/376,9 | | | 3,741,858 | | | | 3,662,074 | |
Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.13% due 12/13/488 | | | 2,185,884 | | | | 2,048,479 | |
2013-1A, 6.38% due 12/13/488 | | | 1,573,584 | | | | 1,339,245 | |
Airplanes Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | |
2001-1A, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.55%) due 03/15/194,7,8 | | | 2,097,481 | | | | 52,458 | |
Total Transport-Aircraft | | | 461,772,063 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Whole Business - 0.6% |
TSGE | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 6.25% due 09/25/31†††,1 | | | 42,550,000 | | | | 42,512,286 | |
Drug Royalty III Limited Partnership 1 | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) due 04/15/276,7 | | | 2,841,553 | | | | 2,853,235 | |
Total Whole Business | | | 45,365,521 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.5% |
N-Star REL CDO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-8A, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 02/01/416,7 | | | 12,174,870 | | | | 12,107,178 | |
Putnam Structured Product Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2003-1A, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/386,7 | | | 12,079,638 | | | | 11,958,842 | |
Anchorage Credit Funding 4 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-4A, 4.50% due 02/15/356 | | | 9,200,000 | | | | 9,116,536 | |
Banco Bradesco SA | | | | | | | | |
2014-1, 5.44% due 03/12/26††† | | | 2,506,465 | | | | 2,489,800 | |
Highland Park CDO I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-1A, 2.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/517,8 | | | 2,412,692 | | | | 2,304,083 | |
Pasadena CDO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2002-1A, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/19/376,7 | | | 208,902 | | | | 208,017 | |
Total Collateralized Debt Obligations | | | 38,184,456 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Insurance - 0.3% |
LTCG Securitization Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-A, 4.59% due 06/15/486 | | | 20,057,860 | | | | 20,306,555 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified Payment Rights - 0.3% |
Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.18% due 04/07/28†††,1 | | | 15,300,000 | | | | 15,124,716 | |
CIC Receivables Master Trust | | | | | | | | |
REGD, 4.89% due 10/07/21 | | | 4,048,926 | | | | 4,117,758 | |
Total Diversified Payment Rights | | | 19,242,474 | |
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Rail - 0.1% |
Trinity Rail Leasing, LP | | | | | | | | |
2009-1A, 6.66% due 11/16/396 | | | 10,181,424 | | | $ | 11,050,059 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Container - 0.1% |
Global SC Finance II SRL | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 2.98% due 04/17/286 | | | 9,625,000 | | | | 9,449,010 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Infrastructure - 0.1% |
Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.70% due 06/15/488 | | | 6,982,501 | | | | 6,899,823 | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities |
(Cost $2,108,584,009) | | | | | | | 2,106,891,531 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 21.7% |
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities - 19.6% |
LSTAR Securities Investment Limited | | | | | | | | |
4.11% due 04/01/21 | | | 99,292,135 | | | | 99,282,047 | |
2018-2, 3.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/01/236,7 | | | 40,686,285 | | | | 40,713,748 | |
2017-9, 3.63% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/01/226,7 | | | 36,658,994 | | | | 36,681,906 | |
2017-6, 3.83% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/01/226,7 | | | 29,897,616 | | | | 29,916,302 | |
2017-8, 3.76% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/01/226,7 | | | 29,442,679 | | | | 29,454,197 | |
CIM Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-2, 4.10% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 12/25/576,7 | | | 45,674,665 | | | | 46,247,434 | |
2018-R2, 3.69% (WAC) due 08/25/576,7 | | | 46,296,349 | | | | 45,958,844 | |
RALI Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-QO6, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 06/25/467 | | | 33,943,917 | | | | 15,396,462 | |
2007-QO2, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 02/25/477 | | | 20,008,652 | | | | 12,997,600 | |
2006-QO8, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 10/25/467 | | | 10,918,413 | | | | 10,396,226 | |
2006-QO10, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 01/25/377 | | | 8,076,482 | | | | 7,762,409 | |
2006-QO3, 2.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 04/25/467 | | | 13,749,070 | | | | 7,102,552 | |
2006-QO2, 2.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.27%) due 02/25/467 | | | 11,928,191 | | | | 5,535,078 | |
2006-QO6, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 06/25/467 | | | 10,048,238 | | | | 4,665,492 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2006-QO2, 2.56% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.34%, Rate Floor: 0.34%) due 02/25/467 | | | 7,482,360 | | | $ | 3,503,163 | |
2006-QO6, 2.48% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 06/25/467 | | | 6,339,582 | | | | 2,984,324 | |
2006-QO2, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 02/25/467 | | | 4,014,867 | | | | 1,778,895 | |
GSAA Home Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-12, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 08/25/367 | | | 27,491,523 | | | | 17,817,913 | |
2006-16, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 10/25/367 | | | 28,776,109 | | | | 14,527,480 | |
2006-3, 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 03/25/367 | | | 19,152,997 | | | | 14,166,022 | |
2007-3, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 03/25/477 | | | 25,044,191 | | | | 12,408,703 | |
2006-9, 2.30% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 06/25/367 | | | 11,619,906 | | | | 6,229,518 | |
2007-7, 2.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.27%) due 07/25/377 | | | 2,230,826 | | | | 2,131,405 | |
2006-14, 2.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 09/25/367 | | | 3,309,599 | | | | 1,940,552 | |
American Home Mortgage Assets Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 2.55% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.70%) due 02/25/477 | | | 31,789,678 | | | | 21,222,255 | |
2006-6, 2.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 12/25/467 | | | 16,494,519 | | | | 14,663,653 | |
2006-1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%) due 05/25/467 | | | 16,081,055 | | | | 14,624,303 | |
2006-5, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 11/25/467 | | | 14,856,727 | | | | 8,419,011 | |
2006-3, 2.79% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.94%, Rate Floor: 0.94%) due 10/25/467 | | | 8,339,822 | | | | 7,663,948 | |
JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-WMC3, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 08/25/367 | | | 25,454,735 | | | | 20,160,968 | |
2006-WMC4, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 12/25/367 | | | 28,934,318 | | | | 17,906,046 | |
2006-WMC3, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 08/25/367 | | | 13,673,215 | | | | 10,706,858 | |
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2006-HE3, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 11/25/367 | | | 8,883,497 | | | $ | 7,968,644 | |
2006-WMC4, 2.34% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 12/25/367 | | | 9,959,447 | | | | 6,142,415 | |
2006-WMC4, 2.30% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.08%) due 12/25/367 | | | 4,211,203 | | | | 2,585,387 | |
Lehman XS Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-16N, 2.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 11/25/467 | | | 25,470,785 | | | | 24,662,816 | |
2006-18N, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 12/25/367 | | | 24,073,602 | | | | 22,600,690 | |
2006-16N, 2.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/467 | | | 8,638,197 | | | | 8,467,844 | |
2006-10N, 2.27% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 07/25/467 | | | 5,936,483 | | | | 5,779,530 | |
Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-M3, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 10/25/367 | | | 81,572,349 | | | | 54,025,130 | |
2006-M3, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.10%) due 10/25/367 | | | 16,562,074 | | | | 7,124,930 | |
Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-7, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 08/25/367 | | | 24,935,108 | | | | 13,670,464 | |
2006-6, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 07/25/367 | | | 17,529,458 | | | | 9,039,112 | |
2006-8, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 09/25/367 | | | 20,495,986 | | | | 8,446,216 | |
2006-4, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 05/25/367 | | | 12,828,922 | | | | 6,109,893 | |
2006-7, 2.34% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 08/25/367 | | | 8,258,729 | | | | 4,507,574 | |
2006-1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 02/25/367 | | | 5,187,445 | | | | 4,340,752 | |
2006-6, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 07/25/367 | | | 5,458,461 | | | | 2,788,319 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2006-8, 2.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.09%, Rate Floor: 0.09%) due 09/25/367 | | | 5,554,027 | | | $ | 2,273,305 | |
2006-6, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.10%) due 07/25/367 | | | 3,159,788 | | | | 1,604,444 | |
FirstKey Master Funding | | | | | | | | |
2017-R1, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 11/03/416,7 | | | 43,750,000 | | | | 42,220,352 | |
GSAMP Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-NC1, 2.35% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.13%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/467 | | | 39,133,682 | | | | 26,648,703 | |
2002-HE2, 3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.04%, Rate Floor: 0.52%) due 10/20/326,7 | | | 15,475,314 | | | | 15,569,919 | |
Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE8, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 10/25/367 | | | 26,204,921 | | | | 16,564,717 | |
2007-HE1, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 11/25/367 | | | 16,596,977 | | | | 11,570,470 | |
2007-HE6, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 05/25/377 | | | 10,108,602 | | | | 9,364,584 | |
2006-HE6, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.10%) due 09/25/367 | | | 5,345,215 | | | | 2,677,742 | |
2007-HE6, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 05/25/377 | | | 2,117,094 | | | | 1,942,581 | |
Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2008-BC4, 2.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 11/25/377 | | | 41,516,748 | | | | 40,817,469 | |
WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE2, 2.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 04/25/377 | | | 31,375,703 | | | | 17,020,713 | |
2007-HE2, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/377 | | | 23,908,008 | | | | 12,781,434 | |
2007-HE4, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 07/25/477 | | | 9,733,377 | | | | 7,712,743 | |
2007-HE4, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 07/25/477 | | | 3,010,307 | | | | 2,181,022 | |
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE4, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 10/25/367 | | | 22,729,077 | | | $ | 15,185,453 | |
2007-HE1, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 01/25/377 | | | 20,080,160 | | | | 13,613,672 | |
2007-ASP1, 2.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.38%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 03/25/377 | | | 14,655,152 | | | | 9,087,040 | |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/586,9 | | | 35,607,679 | | | | 35,419,404 | |
Nomura Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
3.13% due 09/26/58 | | | 30,635,000 | | | | 30,433,958 | |
2015-4R, 4.55% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/366,7 | | | 4,644,748 | | | | 4,476,079 | |
IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR6, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 06/25/467 | | | 34,768,491 | | | | 33,036,478 | |
Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-C, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 06/25/377 | | | 18,079,719 | | | | 17,451,194 | |
2007-B, 2.54% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.32%, Rate Floor: 0.32%) due 04/25/377 | | | 14,176,000 | | | | 13,776,167 | |
GCAT LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 3.84% due 06/25/486,9 | | | 24,736,780 | | | | 24,650,973 | |
Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA6, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 06/25/377 | | | 24,135,333 | | | | 23,518,258 | |
IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE1, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 05/25/377 | | | 27,412,826 | | | | 9,708,176 | |
2007-HE1, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 05/25/377 | | | 19,421,602 | | | | 6,918,252 | |
2007-HE1, 2.28% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.06%, Rate Floor: 0.06%) due 05/25/377 | | | 17,277,558 | | | | 6,063,426 | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates | | | | | | | | |
2007-8, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/377 | | | 23,782,677 | | | | 22,466,493 | |
Impac Secured Assets Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-3, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 11/25/367 | | | 24,168,994 | | | | 22,436,892 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-2, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 11/25/367 | | | 20,887,468 | | | $ | 10,575,549 | |
2006-2, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 11/25/367 | | | 11,535,539 | | | | 5,873,347 | |
Master Asset Backed Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-WMC3, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 08/25/367 | | | 12,885,204 | | | | 6,692,893 | |
2006-HE3, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.10%) due 08/25/367 | | | 11,414,917 | | | | 5,133,031 | |
2006-HE3, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 08/25/367 | | | 9,597,219 | | | | 4,347,448 | |
Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-FRE1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/377 | | | 16,240,568 | | | | 15,230,330 | |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2007-AMC3, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 03/25/377 | | | 16,580,468 | | | | 14,246,473 | |
HSI Asset Securitization Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 01/25/377 | | | 8,784,289 | | | | 7,083,806 | |
2005-OPT1, 2.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.42%) due 11/25/357 | | | 5,681,122 | | | | 5,668,582 | |
First NLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) due 08/25/376,7 | | | 9,013,110 | | | | 5,606,972 | |
2007-1, 2.29% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.07%, Rate Floor: 0.07%) due 08/25/376,7 | | | 6,834,930 | | | | 4,166,835 | |
WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE1, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Floor: 0.23%) due 01/25/377 | | | 10,431,647 | | | | 6,707,085 | |
2007-HE4, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 07/25/477 | | | 4,216,116 | | | | 3,033,127 | |
Banc of America Funding Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-R2, 2.48% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 04/29/376,7 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,723,848 | |
36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Merrill Lynch Alternative Note Asset Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-OAR3, 2.26% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 07/25/477 | | | 9,744,856 | | | $ | 9,011,505 | |
Luminent Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-2, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/25/467 | | | 9,264,405 | | | | 8,590,789 | |
CitiMortgage Alternative Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-A7, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Cap/Floor: 7.50%/0.40%) due 07/25/377 | | | 9,634,070 | | | | 8,162,035 | |
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR9, 2.69% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/467 | | | 7,807,927 | | | | 6,922,696 | |
CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-11, 2.48% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.26%, Rate Floor: 0.26%) due 09/25/467 | | | 6,400,000 | | | | 5,988,239 | |
Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-9AR, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 08/25/367 | | | 11,838,466 | | | | 5,886,393 | |
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IVa Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-RN3, 3.67% due 03/28/336 | | | 5,876,647 | | | | 5,858,884 | |
American Home Mortgage Investment Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-1, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 03/25/467 | | | 4,758,722 | | | | 4,629,284 | |
Stanwich Mortgage Loan Co. | | | | | | | | |
2016-NPA1, 3.84% (WAC) due 10/16/466,7 | | | 3,387,405 | | | | 3,383,365 | |
Alliance Bancorp Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA1, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 07/25/377 | | | 3,673,692 | | | | 3,294,968 | |
Wachovia Asset Securitization Issuance II LLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE1, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/376,7 | | | 1,721,503 | | | | 1,666,572 | |
Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-R5, 3.66% due 06/26/366 | | | 1,432,865 | | | | 1,259,443 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-FF1, 2.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.44%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 01/25/367 | | | 1,225,000 | | | $ | 1,212,642 | |
Asset Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE5, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/367 | | | 907,149 | | | | 888,168 | |
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IIIa Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-RN7, 3.10% due 09/28/326,9 | | | 535,455 | | | | 532,351 | |
Total Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | | | 1,443,793,803 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - 1.0% |
GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-NRF, 3.49% (WAC) due 12/15/346,7 | | | 53,752,227 | | | | 52,795,338 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-STAY, 4.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.15%, Rate Floor: 2.15%) due 07/15/326,7 | | | 16,531,000 | | | | 16,476,811 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-GSFL, 5.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.90%, Rate Floor: 3.90%) due 07/15/316,7 | | | 6,038,536 | | | | 6,073,824 | |
GE Business Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, 2.61% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.45%) due 04/16/356,7 | | | 1,827,315 | | | | 1,761,521 | |
2007-1A, 2.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 04/15/356,7 | | | 1,353,566 | | | | 1,327,592 | |
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities | | | 78,435,086 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Government Agency - 0.9% |
Fannie Mae18 | | | | | | | | |
3.00% due 02/01/57 | | | 26,358,054 | | | | 24,984,528 | |
2.99% due 02/01/28 | | | 19,400,000 | | | | 18,503,152 | |
3.10% due 02/01/28 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 10,596,833 | |
3.11% due 02/01/28 | | | 5,900,000 | | | | 5,684,066 | |
Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates18 | | | | | | | | |
2018-K072, 3.50% (WAC) due 12/25/277 | | | 6,300,000 | | | | 6,210,490 | |
Total Government Agency | | | 65,979,069 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Military Housing - 0.2% |
GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2004-POKA, 6.36% due 09/10/448 | | | 9,000,000 | | | | 9,292,249 | |
Capmark Military Housing Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-AET2, 6.06% due 10/10/526 | | | 5,758,565 | | | | 6,003,396 | |
Total Military Housing | | | 15,295,645 | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
(Cost $1,606,339,831) | | | | | | | 1,603,503,603 | |
38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,7 - 11.1% |
Technology - 2.9% |
Misys Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/13/24 | | | 34,371,718 | | | $ | 34,382,030 | |
Epicor Software | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/22 | | | 23,904,652 | | | | 23,999,314 | |
EIG Investors Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/09/23 | | | 17,424,494 | | | | 17,548,905 | |
TIBCO Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/04/20 | | | 11,793,546 | | | | 11,835,296 | |
Datix Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.73% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/24/25 | | | 6,556,505 | | | | 6,490,940 | |
7.02% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/28/25†††,1 | | | 2,556,000 | | | | 2,532,069 | |
9.98% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/24/26 | | | 461,709 | | | | 457,092 | |
Planview, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/27/23†††,1 | | | 8,819,366 | | | | 8,819,367 | |
Nimbus Acquisitions Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
8.25% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) (in-kind rate was 1.00%) due 07/15/21†††,1,11 | | GBP | 5,068,832 | | | | 6,554,949 | |
8.57% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/15/21 | | | 1,840,000 | | | | 1,794,000 | |
Lytx, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/31/23†††,1 | | | 7,922,369 | | | | 7,761,642 | |
Optiv, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/01/24 | | | 7,707,576 | | | | 7,488,373 | |
LANDesk Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/20/24 | | | 6,384,129 | | | | 6,429,329 | |
AVSC Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.57% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/03/25 | | | 5,952,170 | | | | 5,907,529 | |
Bullhorn, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.07% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/22†††,1 | | | 5,395,141 | | | | 5,367,326 | |
9.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/22†††,1 | | | 139,279 | | | | 124,842 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cvent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/29/24 | | | 4,975,000 | | | $ | 4,968,781 | |
Peak 10 Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/01/24 | | | 4,950,995 | | | | 4,893,217 | |
Masergy Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/15/23 | | | 4,751,474 | | | | 4,745,534 | |
Kronos, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/01/23 | | | 4,432,809 | | | | 4,453,333 | |
Camelia Bidco Banc Civica | | | | | | | | |
5.55% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/14/24 | | GBP | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,919,690 | |
CPI Acquisition, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 08/17/22 | | | 5,602,372 | | | | 3,710,003 | |
Greenway Health LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/16/24 | | | 3,581,864 | | | | 3,572,909 | |
Jaggaer | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/28/24 | | | 3,532,250 | | | | 3,523,419 | |
Advanced Computer Software | | | | | | | | |
6.88% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/24 | | | 3,374,703 | | | | 3,391,576 | |
Internet Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.92% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/13/24 | | | 3,352,920 | | | | 3,373,876 | |
OEConnection LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.25% ((Commercial Priime Lending Rate + 3.00%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/22/24 | | | 3,327,090 | | | | 3,335,408 | |
24-7 Intouch, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/20/25 | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 3,120,000 | |
Ministry Brands LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/22 | | | 2,537,060 | | | | 2,524,375 | |
6.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/22 | | | 57,151 | | | | 56,865 | |
Ping Identity Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/24/25 | | | 2,094,750 | | | | 2,097,369 | |
Flexera Software LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/26/25 | | | 2,091,625 | | | | 2,095,976 | |
40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Refinitiv (Financial & Risk Us Holdings, Inc.) | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/18/2510 | | | 2,100,000 | | | $ | 2,094,456 | |
Park Place Technologies LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%) due 03/29/25 | | | 1,795,500 | | | | 1,793,256 | |
Brave Parent Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/18/25 | | | 1,536,150 | | | | 1,536,150 | |
Project Accelerate Parent, LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/02/25 | | | 1,492,500 | | | | 1,498,097 | |
MRI Software LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/30/23 | | | 1,331,282 | | | | 1,317,968 | |
7.65% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%) due 06/30/23 | | | 62,031 | | | | 61,411 | |
7.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%) due 06/30/23†††,1 | | | 13,000 | | | | 12,022 | |
CogitalGroup | | | | | | | | |
4.50% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/23†††,10 | | EUR | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,149,559 | |
Aspect Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/202 | | | 1,032,379 | | | | 860,746 | |
VT Topco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/25 | | | 800,000 | | | | 804,000 | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/25 | | | 37,333 | | | | 37,520 | |
Solera LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/03/21†††,1 | | | 540,000 | | | | 503,104 | |
Total Technology | | | 212,943,623 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.0% |
Diamond (BC) B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/24 | | | 10,374,643 | | | | 10,167,150 | |
Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 04/29/24 | | | 9,577,537 | | | | 9,635,385 | |
IHC Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
9.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/30/21†††,1 | | | 6,952,348 | | | | 6,907,368 | |
9.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/30/21†††,1 | | | 1,357,981 | | | | 1,349,196 | |
Davis Vision | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/24 | | | 7,570,180 | | | | 7,539,445 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Affordable Care Holdings Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.04% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/24/22 | | | 7,050,625 | | | $ | 7,068,251 | |
Hanger, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/06/25 | | | 6,965,000 | | | | 6,938,881 | |
Lineage Logistics LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/27/25 | | | 6,865,500 | | | | 6,851,220 | |
AI Aqua Zip Bidco Pty Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/13/23 | | | 6,297,618 | | | | 6,302,263 | |
Sigma Holding BV (Flora Food) | | | | | | | | |
5.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/02/25 | | | 3,300,000 | | | | 3,298,812 | |
4.72% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/02/25 | | GBP | 2,100,000 | | | | 2,715,730 | |
Authentic Brands | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/27/24 | | | 5,955,564 | | | | 5,971,942 | |
Immucor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/15/21 | | | 5,480,625 | | | | 5,566,287 | |
ScribeAmerica Intermediate Holdco LLC (Healthchannels) | | | | | | | | |
6.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/03/25 | | | 5,223,750 | | | | 5,191,102 | |
One Call Medical, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/27/22 | | | 4,715,790 | | | | 4,467,032 | |
IVC Acquisition Midco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.22% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/26/24 | | GBP | 3,405,000 | | | | 4,415,565 | |
Arctic Glacier Group Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/20/24 | | | 4,384,738 | | | | 4,397,541 | |
Grocery Outlet, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/21/21 | | | 4,295,909 | | | | 4,295,909 | |
DJO Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.54% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/08/20 | | | 3,649,386 | | | | 3,647,124 | |
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/30/23 | | | 3,553,000 | | | | 3,559,680 | |
42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHO Holding I Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/27/22 | | | 3,729,050 | | | $ | 3,505,307 | |
NES Global Talent | | | | | | | | |
7.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/11/23 | | | 3,142,125 | | | | 3,142,125 | |
Smart & Final Stores LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 11/15/22 | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 3,134,016 | |
BCPE Eagle Buyer LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/18/24 | | | 2,862,440 | | | | 2,812,347 | |
Equian LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/20/24 | | | 2,487,437 | | | | 2,499,103 | |
Pelican Products, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/25 | | | 2,493,750 | | | | 2,497,914 | |
Avantor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/24 | | | 2,382,000 | | | | 2,409,917 | |
Nellson Nutraceutical (US) | | | | | | | | |
6.64% ((Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 3.25%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/23/21 | | | 2,417,026 | | | | 2,404,941 | |
CTI Foods Holding Co. LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/29/20 | | | 2,225,000 | | | | 1,821,719 | |
9.85% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/28/21 | | | 1,035,000 | | | | 410,553 | |
Gem Acquisitions, Inc. (Genex) | | | | | | | | |
5.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/08/25 | | | 2,188,985 | | | | 2,186,927 | |
Chef’s Warehouse Parent LLC | | | | | | | | |
2.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/22/22 | | | 2,142,730 | | | | 2,150,766 | |
CPI Holdco LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/21/24 | | | 1,910,156 | | | | 1,911,360 | |
Certara, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/24 | | | 1,675,732 | | | | 1,677,826 | |
Examworks Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/27/23 | | | 1,617,497 | | | | 1,628,819 | |
Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/29/23 | | | 1,688,446 | | | | 1,512,848 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
California Cryobank | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/06/25 | | | 1,100,000 | | | $ | 1,104,125 | |
MDVIP LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/14/24 | | | 992,500 | | | | 993,741 | |
Nellson Nutraceutical (CAD) | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/23/21 | | | 991,094 | | | | 986,139 | |
Executive Consultant Group | | | | | | | | |
6.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/20/24†††,1 | | | 953,493 | | | | 944,393 | |
Waterlogic Holdings Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/2510 | | EUR | 700,000 | | | | 813,161 | |
Duran Group Holding GMBH | | | | | | | | |
4.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/29/2410 | | EUR | 439,412 | | | | 484,720 | |
4.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/20/2410 | | EUR | 150,000 | | | | 165,467 | |
Sunshine Investments B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.56% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/29/25 | | | 200,000 | | | | 199,500 | |
Targus Group International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
due 05/24/16†††,1,2,4 | | | 152,876 | | | | — | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 151,683,617 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 1.8% |
DAE Aviation | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/07/22 | | | 14,335,064 | | | | 14,400,002 | |
Springs Window Fashions | | | | | | | | |
6.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/25 | | | 7,630,875 | | | | 7,688,107 | |
10.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 8.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/26 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,307,500 | |
Tronair Parent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.56% ((12 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/08/23 | | | 6,634,197 | | | | 6,534,684 | |
KUEHG Corp. (KinderCare) | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/21/25 | | | 6,062,340 | | | | 6,087,620 | |
CPG International LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.25% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/05/24 | | | 5,929,855 | | | | 5,970,652 | |
Pregis Holding I Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/20/21 | | | 6,023,871 | | | | 5,963,632 | |
44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Arctic Long Carriers | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/18/23 | | | 5,332,500 | | | $ | 5,345,831 | |
Diversitech Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/03/24 | | | 4,088,202 | | | | 4,060,934 | |
9.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/02/25 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 990,000 | |
PT Intermediate Holdings III LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/09/24 | | | 3,995,181 | | | | 3,992,704 | |
10.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 8.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/08/25 | | | 400,000 | | | | 402,000 | |
Hillman Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/25 | | | 2,394,000 | | | | 2,365,870 | |
4.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/2510 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,976,500 | |
Titan Acquisition Ltd. (Husky) | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/28/25 | | | 4,328,250 | | | | 4,201,779 | |
Hayward Industries, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/05/24 | | | 3,910,500 | | | | 3,932,008 | |
Coveris Rigid | | | | | | | | |
4.50% (6 Month EURIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/2510 | | EUR | 3,175,000 | | | | 3,603,765 | |
CHI Overhead Doors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/29/22 | | | 3,493,465 | | | | 3,501,115 | |
Resource Label Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/26/23 | | | 1,967,879 | | | | 1,928,521 | |
10.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 8.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/26/23 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,488,750 | |
Argo Merchants | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/06/24 | | | 2,978,125 | | | | 2,993,016 | |
Capstone Logistics | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/07/21 | | | 2,815,687 | | | | 2,815,687 | |
Vectra Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/08/25 | | | 2,743,125 | | | | 2,741,424 | |
Bioplan USA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/23/21 | | | 2,641,230 | | | | 2,482,756 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Dimora Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/24/24 | | | 2,477,487 | | | $ | 2,468,197 | |
STS Operating, Inc. (SunSource) | | | | | | | | |
6.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/11/24 | | | 2,393,970 | | | | 2,387,985 | |
CPM Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/11/22 | | | 2,234,292 | | | | 2,242,671 | |
Fortis Solutions Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/15/23†††,1 | | | 1,816,052 | | | | 1,816,052 | |
6.65% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/15/23†††,1 | | | 248,064 | | | | 248,064 | |
Thermasys Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.33% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 05/03/19 | | | 2,108,750 | | | | 1,983,554 | |
5.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 11/11/18†††,1 | | | 171,395 | | | | — | |
Survitec | | | | | | | | |
6.15% (6 Month GBP LIBOR + 5.25%) due 03/12/22 | | GBP | 1,125,000 | | | | 1,405,370 | |
4.75% (6 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%) due 03/12/22 | | EUR | 300,000 | | | | 338,120 | |
American Bath Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/23 | | | 1,567,900 | | | | 1,583,626 | |
National Technical Systems | | | | | | | | |
8.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/12/21†††,1 | | | 1,561,367 | | | | 1,522,333 | |
Flex Acquisition Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/21/25 | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,402,800 | |
LTI Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/25 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,304,875 | |
Endries Acquisition Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.90% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/23†††,1 | | | 1,237,500 | | | | 1,227,859 | |
Klockner Pentaplast of America, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/30/2210 | | EUR | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,205,044 | |
SLR Consulting Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/23/25†††,1 | | | 1,190,970 | | | | 1,159,864 | |
46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Advanced Integration Technology LP | | | | | | | | |
7.22% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/03/23 | | | 1,113,248 | | | $ | 1,107,682 | |
Safety Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.23% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/24†††,1 | | GBP | 850,000 | | | | 1,098,117 | |
Swissport Investments S.A. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% (2 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/08/2210 | | EUR | 869,048 | | | | 1,014,795 | |
Berlin Packaging LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.16% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%), Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/07/25 | | | 997,500 | | | | 997,031 | |
Patriot Container Corp. (Wastequip) | | | | | | | | |
5.71% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/20/25 | | | 895,500 | | | | 899,422 | |
Recess Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.06% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR +3.75%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/24 | | | 697,714 | | | | 702,947 | |
7.44% ((Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 2.75%), (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/24 | | | 93,810 | | | | 94,513 | |
Transcendia Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/30/24 | | | 645,125 | | | | 639,209 | |
EXC Holdings III Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/24 | | | 496,250 | | | | 499,352 | |
Tank Holdings Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.67% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/16/22 | | | 415,217 | | | | 415,346 | |
Alion Science & Technology Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/19/21 | | | 275,000 | | | | 276,204 | |
Wencor Group | | | | | | | | |
5.74% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%)) due 06/19/19 | | | 184,615 | | | | 179,461 | |
Total Industrial | | | 130,995,350 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 1.8% |
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/26/23 | | | 15,088,430 | | | $ | 12,208,502 | |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/25 | | | 11,464,967 | | | | 11,421,973 | |
Navistar Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/06/24 | | | 8,258,500 | | | | 8,299,793 | |
Accuride Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/17/23 | | | 7,706,527 | | | | 7,783,592 | |
USIC Holding, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/08/23 | | | 6,709,141 | | | | 6,745,504 | |
Stars Group (Amaya) | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/25 | | | 6,384,000 | | | | 6,440,179 | |
EG Finco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/07/25 | | | 4,309,173 | | | | 4,313,224 | |
5.55% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/07/25 | | GBP | 995,000 | | | | 1,295,168 | |
WESCO | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (3 Month Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance Rate + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/14/24 | | CAD | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,081,927 | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/14/24†††,1 | | | 2,394,000 | | | | 2,371,295 | |
At Home Holding III Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/03/22 | | | 5,137,500 | | | | 5,163,188 | |
CD&R Firefly Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.25% (2 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/23/25 | | GBP | 3,800,000 | | | | 4,946,369 | |
Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.70% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/16/23 | | | 4,654,692 | | | | 4,651,806 | |
Acosta, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%)) due 09/26/21 | | | 2,434,628 | | | | 1,813,335 | |
5.70% ((Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 2.25%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%)) due 09/26/19 | | | 2,266,667 | | | | 1,682,524 | |
5.40% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 09/26/19 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 890,748 | |
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Learning Care Group (US), Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/13/25 | | | 4,179,000 | | | $ | 4,185,519 | |
Alexander Mann | | | | | | | | |
6.22% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/11/25 | | GBP | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,753,519 | |
Truck Hero, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.96% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/22/24 | | | 3,731,108 | | | | 3,739,279 | |
Galls LLC | | | | | | | | |
8.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/31/25†††,1 | | | 3,378,319 | | | | 3,343,880 | |
8.68% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.25%) due 01/31/24†††,1 | | | 286,393 | | | | 253,195 | |
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/25/24 | | | 3,408,360 | | | | 3,306,109 | |
Blue Nile, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/17/23 | | | 3,281,250 | | | | 3,273,047 | |
Belk, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/12/22 | | | 3,690,648 | | | | 3,224,261 | |
Lands’ End, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/02/21 | | | 3,233,073 | | | | 3,158,712 | |
BBB Industries, LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/01/25 | | | 3,150,000 | | | | 3,153,937 | |
IRB Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.46% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/05/25 | | | 2,736,250 | | | | 2,737,974 | |
Dealer Tire LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.58% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/22/21 | | | 2,056,627 | | | | 1,976,933 | |
DG Investment Intermediate Holdings 2, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/03/25 | | | 1,618,389 | | | | 1,617,710 | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/03/25 | | | 156,843 | | | | 156,777 | |
IBC Capital Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/11/23 | | | 1,294,373 | | | | 1,301,919 | |
Gopher Resource LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/06/25 | | | 1,074,800 | | | | 1,078,830 | |
Packers Sanitation Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 12/04/24 | | | 1,044,364 | | | | 1,043,925 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Restaurant Technologies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/21/2510 | | | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 1,006,250 | |
Richmond UK Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.97% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/03/24 | | GBP | 777,012 | | | | 992,937 | |
K & N Parent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/20/23 | | | 976,113 | | | | 976,113 | |
LegalZoom.com, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/24 | | | 893,154 | | | | 904,318 | |
Safe Fleet Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.11% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/03/25 | | | 736,300 | | | | 728,480 | |
SMG US Midco 2, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/23/26 | | | 600,000 | | | | 603,498 | |
Convergint Technologies | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/01/25 | | | 209,475 | | | | 209,387 | |
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.11% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%) due 07/25/19 | | | 225,000 | | | | 208,069 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 130,043,705 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 1.1% |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 29,195,052 | | | | 27,187,892 | |
Dominion Web Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
8.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/15/24†††,1 | | | 10,955,431 | | | | 10,800,319 | |
Mcgraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/04/22 | | | 9,899,853 | | | | 9,598,700 | |
Zephyr Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
8.22% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/26 | | GBP | 4,650,417 | | | | 5,964,968 | |
Flight Bidco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/25 | | | 3,840,361 | | | | 3,830,761 | |
9.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/26 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 990,000 | |
Market Track LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/05/24 | | | 4,207,500 | | | | 4,186,462 | |
Neustar, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/08/24 | | | 3,668,471 | | | | 3,671,736 | |
50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Radiate HoldCo LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/01/24 | | | 2,978,583 | | | $ | 2,972,685 | |
Proquest LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/24/21 | | | 2,951,870 | | | | 2,958,334 | |
SFR Group S.A. | | | | | | | | |
6.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/14/26 | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 1,784,250 | |
Comet Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.31% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/24 | | | 1,592,000 | | | | 1,557,183 | |
Imagine Print Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.00% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/21/22 | | | 1,625,250 | | | | 1,515,546 | |
Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/07/22 | | | 1,030,000 | | | | 1,011,336 | |
Houghton Mifflin Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/28/21 | | | 847,809 | | | | 796,941 | |
Total Communications | | | 78,827,113 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.5% |
A-Gas Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/11/24†††,1 | | | 6,587,833 | | | | 6,477,443 | |
4.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/24†††,1,10 | | EUR | 2,750,000 | | | | 3,178,518 | |
GrafTech Finance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/12/25 | | | 9,544,188 | | | | 9,603,839 | |
Dubois Chemicals, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/15/24 | | | 3,007,733 | | | | 3,000,213 | |
5.48% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/15/24 | | | 300,000 | | | | 297,750 | |
Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/23 | | | 3,044,977 | | | | 3,067,815 | |
ICP Industrial, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/03/23 | | | 2,276,881 | | | | 2,265,496 | |
ASP Chromaflo Dutch I B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/20/23 | | | 1,778,355 | | | | 1,789,470 | |
Big River Steel LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/23/23 | | | 1,683,000 | | | | 1,706,141 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASP Chromaflo Intermediate Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/20/23 | | | 1,367,630 | | | $ | 1,376,177 | |
PMHC II, Inc. (Prince) | | | | | | | | |
6.15% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) and (6 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) and (12 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/29/25 | | | 1,393,000 | | | | 1,354,693 | |
Invictus MD Strategies Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.20% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/28/25 | | | 1,293,500 | | | | 1,300,782 | |
Nexeo Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.60% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 06/09/23 | | | 294,773 | | | | 296,320 | |
Azelis Finance S.A. | | | | | | | | |
3.50% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/16/2210 | | EUR | 248,120 | | | | 288,830 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | 36,003,487 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.5% |
National Financial Partners Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/08/24 | | | 9,782,509 | | | | 9,772,727 | |
USI, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/24 | | | 9,455,191 | | | | 9,457,555 | |
Aretec Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/13/2510 | | | 3,900,000 | | | | 3,929,250 | |
York Risk Services | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/01/21 | | | 2,979,129 | | | | 2,879,209 | |
Hanjin International Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.83% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/19/20 | | | 2,600,000 | | | | 2,596,750 | |
Advisor Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/25 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,514,575 | |
Jane Street Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/25/22 | | | 2,269,313 | | | | 2,276,869 | |
Northstar Financial Services LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.56% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 05/25/25 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,701,411 | |
Institutional Shareholder Services | | | | | | | | |
6.14% ((Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 2.75%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/16/24 | | | 729,667 | | | | 730,579 | |
52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
6.08% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/16/24 | | | 66,500 | | | $ | 66,583 | |
Total Financial | | | 35,925,508 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.3% |
Permian Production Partners | | | | | | | | |
8.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/18/24 | | | 12,195,625 | | | | 12,073,669 | |
YAK MAT (YAK ACCESS LLC) | | | | | | | | |
12.15% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 10.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/26 | | | 3,400,000 | | | | 3,230,000 | |
Gavilan Resources LLC | | | | | | | | |
8.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/01/24 | | | 2,050,000 | | | | 1,930,423 | |
Summit Midstream Partners, LP | | | | | | | | |
8.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/13/22 | | | 1,745,333 | | | | 1,768,250 | |
Ultra Petroleum, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/12/24 | | | 1,561,000 | | | | 1,403,604 | |
Riverstone Utopia Member LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/17/24 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,350,000 | |
PSS Companies | | | | | | | | |
6.79% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/28/20 | | | 836,950 | | | | 828,581 | |
Lotus Midstream, LLC | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/25/2510 | | | 800,000 | | | | 802,000 | |
Total Energy | | | 23,386,527 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.2% |
MRP Generation Holding | | | | | | | | |
9.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/18/22 | | | 3,430,000 | | | | 3,327,100 | |
Minerva Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.72% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/28/25 | | GBP | 2,200,000 | | | | 2,852,935 | |
Terraform AP Acquisition Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/27/22 | | | 2,231,877 | | | | 2,237,457 | |
Invenergy Thermal Operating I, LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/28/25 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,017,500 | |
Panda Power | | | | | | | | |
8.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/21/20 | | | 2,192,892 | | | | 2,017,460 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Bhi Investments LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.99% ((Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 3.50%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%), Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/28/24 | | | 1,551,041 | | | $ | 1,535,531 | |
Osmose Utility Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/22/22 | | | 1,289,536 | | | | 1,300,820 | |
Stonewall | | | | | | | | |
7.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/13/21 | | | 365,977 | | | | 366,892 | |
Total Utilities | | | 15,655,695 | |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests |
(Cost $822,814,305) | | | | | | | 815,464,625 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS†† - 4.7% |
Financial - 2.4% |
Station Place Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/24/196,7 | | | 51,000,000 | | | | 51,000,000 | |
3.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 11/24/186,7 | | | 32,000,000 | | | | 31,999,986 | |
2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/24/196,7 | | | 30,500,000 | | | | 30,500,000 | |
2.77% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.70%) due 09/24/197 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,000,000 | |
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/15/27 | | | 28,388,000 | | | | 27,512,247 | |
Atlas Mara Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 12/31/20 | | | 14,400,000 | | | | 12,960,000 | |
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.25% due 08/15/246 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 6,790,000 | |
Customers Bank | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 06/26/298,12 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,585,419 | |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.50% due 11/24/436,12 | | | 3,800,000 | | | | 4,151,500 | |
Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania | | | | | | | | |
5.10% due 03/30/2512 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,489,814 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 02/15/26 | | | 1,567,000 | | | | 1,580,675 | |
Lincoln Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 04/15/216 | | | 1,275,000 | | | | 1,316,539 | |
LoanCore Capital Markets LLC / JLC Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 06/01/206 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,012,375 | |
Total Financial | | | 178,898,555 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.8% |
Encore Capital Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 08/11/24††† | | | 39,600,000 | | | | 38,271,991 | |
Reynolds Group Issuer Incorporated / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Lu | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 07/15/216,7 | | | 8,535,000 | | | | 8,652,356 | |
Yamana Gold, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.76% due 03/23/22††† | | | 4,750,000 | | | | 4,641,964 | |
4.78% due 06/10/23††† | | | 550,000 | | | | 530,768 | |
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 03/01/236 | | | 2,690,000 | | | $ | 2,750,525 | |
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 12/20/278 | | | 1,524,833 | | | | 1,347,495 | |
Grinding Media Inc. / MC Grinding Media Canada Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 12/15/236 | | | 600,000 | | | | 624,444 | |
Summit Materials LLC / Summit Materials Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.50% due 04/15/22 | | | 325,000 | | | | 345,313 | |
Total Industrial | | | 57,164,856 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.4% |
Cengage Learning, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 06/15/246 | | | 11,960,000 | | | | 10,300,550 | |
MDC Partners, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 05/01/246 | | | 9,940,000 | | | | 8,796,900 | |
McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC / McGraw-Hill Global Education Finance | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 05/15/246 | | | 7,815,000 | | | | 7,004,194 | |
Altice France S.A. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 05/01/266 | | | 6,150,000 | | | | 6,150,000 | |
EIG Investors Corp. | | | | | | | | |
10.88% due 02/01/24 | | | 1,750,000 | | | | 1,909,687 | |
Total Communications | | | 34,161,331 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.4% |
Yamana Gold, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.95% due 07/15/24 | | | 14,734,000 | | | | 14,524,777 | |
4.63% due 12/15/27 | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 3,010,982 | |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 10/19/756,12 | | | 7,190,000 | | | | 7,882,038 | |
Eldorado Gold Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 12/15/206 | | | 7,175,000 | | | | 6,816,250 | |
Mirabela Nickel Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 06/24/194 | | | 1,885,418 | | | | 641,042 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | 32,875,089 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.4% |
Ferrellgas Limited Partnership / Ferrellgas Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 01/15/22 | | | 8,863,500 | | | | 7,733,404 | |
6.50% due 05/01/21 | | | 4,790,000 | | | | 4,287,050 | |
6.75% due 06/15/23 | | | 4,361,000 | | | | 3,641,435 | |
Williams Scotsman International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 12/15/226 | | | 3,932,000 | | | | 4,049,960 | |
6.88% due 08/15/236 | | | 3,175,000 | | | | 3,151,188 | |
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 05/01/22 | | | 4,699,000 | | | | 4,900,117 | |
American Tire Distributors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
10.25% due 03/01/224,6 | | | 2,950,000 | | | | 781,750 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 28,544,904 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.2% |
Offutt AFB America First Community LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.46% due 09/01/508 | | | 5,673,165 | | | | 5,473,891 | |
Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% due 01/15/236 | | | 4,376,000 | | | | 3,850,880 | |
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 05/15/22 | | | 3,617,000 | | | | 3,716,467 | |
Beverages & More, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
11.50% due 06/15/226 | | | 2,525,000 | | | | 2,020,000 | |
Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
10.00% due 02/15/236 | | | 1,475,000 | | | | 1,283,250 | |
Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC / Midas Intermediate Holdco II Finance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.88% due 10/01/226 | | | 200,000 | | | | 177,000 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 16,521,488 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.1% |
Indigo Natural Resources LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 02/15/266 | | | 2,000,000 | | | $ | 1,935,000 | |
Basic Energy Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
10.75% due 10/15/236 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,530,000 | |
American Midstream Partners Limited Partnership / American Midstream Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 12/15/216 | | | 285,000 | | | | 285,000 | |
Total Energy | | | 3,750,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 0.0% |
TIBCO Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
11.38% due 12/01/216 | | | 300,000 | | | | 320,250 | |
Total Corporate Bonds |
(Cost $361,173,087) | | | | | | | 352,236,473 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DEBT†† - 3.6% |
Government of Japan | | | | | | | | |
due 01/10/1913 | | JPY | 10,214,600,000 | | | | 89,934,690 | |
due 02/12/1913 | | JPY | 1,971,500,000 | | | | 17,360,357 | |
due 03/11/1913 | | JPY | 145,200,000 | | | | 1,278,712 | |
State of Israel | | | | | | | | |
0.50% due 10/31/18 | | ILS | 242,650,000 | | | | 67,103,738 | |
6.00% due 02/28/19 | | ILS | 37,250,000 | | | | 10,861,080 | |
Republic of Hungary | | | | | | | | |
due 10/17/1813 | | HUF | 5,000,000,000 | | | | 17,966,456 | |
due 11/21/1813 | | HUF | 3,100,000,000 | | | | 11,137,320 | |
5.50% due 12/20/18 | | HUF | 1,580,000,000 | | | | 5,743,560 | |
due 02/27/1913 | | HUF | 1,013,000,000 | | | | 3,637,230 | |
Czech Republic | | | | | | | | |
due 10/26/1813 | | CZK | 575,000,000 | | | | 25,922,002 | |
due 10/05/1813 | | CZK | 296,000,000 | | | | 13,349,322 | |
due 11/09/1813 | | CZK | 66,000,000 | | | | 2,974,526 | |
Total Foreign Government Debt |
(Cost $272,058,246) | | | | | | | 267,268,993 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FIXED RATE INTERESTS††† - 0.1% |
Communications - 0.1% |
MHGE Parent LLC | | | | | | | | |
11.00% due 04/20/221 | | | 4,700,000 | | | | 4,448,080 | |
Total Senior Fixed Rate Interests |
(Cost $4,595,539) | | | | | | | 4,448,080 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER†† - 12.0% |
Marriott International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.41% due 11/14/186,14 | | | 29,000,000 | | | | 28,914,579 | |
2.44% due 10/29/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,957,788 | |
2.35% due 11/09/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,949,083 | |
2.30% due 10/15/186,14 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,991,056 | |
2.21% due 10/19/186,14 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,988,500 | |
Mondelez International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.23% due 10/09/186,14 | | | 41,500,000 | | | | 41,479,434 | |
2.35% due 11/13/186,14 | | | 26,000,000 | | | | 25,918,040 | |
2.25% due 10/04/186,14 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,997,188 | |
Nutrien Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.45% due 11/07/186,14 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,937,049 | |
2.42% due 10/02/186,14 | | | 21,000,000 | | | | 20,993,693 | |
2.57% due 11/14/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,937,178 | |
2.38% due 10/26/186,14 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,983,472 | |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.26% due 10/16/186,14 | | | 23,375,000 | | | | 23,352,989 | |
2.35% due 10/26/186,14 | | | 22,000,000 | | | | 21,964,097 | |
2.30% due 10/09/186,14 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,992,333 | |
AutoZone, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.33% due 10/17/186,14 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,974,111 | |
2.25% due 10/11/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,987,500 | |
2.21% due 10/09/186,14 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,995,089 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/12/1814 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,982,431 | |
2.33% due 10/09/1814 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,992,233 | |
2.50% due 11/01/1814 | | | 14,200,000 | | | | 14,167,089 | |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.28% due 10/09/186,14 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,987,333 | |
2.28% due 10/15/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,982,267 | |
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Rogers Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.14% due 10/05/186,14 | | | 28,500,000 | | | $ | 28,492,907 | |
2.18% due 10/18/186,14 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,983,708 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.37% due 10/29/1814 | | | 24,000,000 | | | | 23,955,760 | |
2.24% due 10/02/1814 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,999,067 | |
VW Credit, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.35% due 10/15/186,14 | | | 35,351,000 | | | | 35,318,693 | |
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.19% due 10/04/186,14 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,995,333 | |
2.20% due 10/11/186,14 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,993,889 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/01/186,14 | | | 30,000,000 | | | | 30,000,000 | |
Comcast Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/23/186,14 | | | 30,000,000 | | | | 29,956,000 | |
McKesson Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.33% due 10/09/186,14 | | | 26,000,000 | | | | 25,986,538 | |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.26% due 10/01/186,14 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 25,000,000 | |
CBS Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/29/186,14 | | | 23,000,000 | | | | 22,957,067 | |
Amcor Finance (USA), Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.25% due 10/15/186,14 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,986,875 | |
2.34% due 10/12/186,14 | | | 7,900,000 | | | | 7,894,352 | |
Snap-On, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.18% due 10/03/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,997,578 | |
Diageo Capital plc | | | | | | | | |
2.15% due 10/12/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,986,433 | |
HP, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.58% due 10/23/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,969,624 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/26/186,14 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,966,667 | |
Relx, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.26% due 10/09/186,14 | | | 19,000,000 | | | | 18,990,458 | |
Spire, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.37% due 10/12/186,14 | | | 11,536,000 | | | | 11,527,646 | |
Total Commercial Paper |
(Cost $881,400,519) | | | | | | | 881,383,127 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,15 - 1.6% |
BNP Paribas | | | | | | | | |
issued 07/27/18 at 2.54% due 11/01/18 | | | 50,900,000 | | | | 50,900,000 | |
Deutsche Bank | | | | | | | | |
issued 07/27/18 at 2.69% due 10/26/18 | | | 32,250,000 | | | | 32,250,000 | |
Barclays | | | | | | | | |
issued 09/26/18 at 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) open maturity7 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 10,000,000 | |
issued 09/25/18 at 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) open maturity7 | | | 6,199,583 | | | | 6,199,583 | |
issued 07/30/18 at 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) open maturity7 | | | 1,178,451 | | | | 1,178,451 | |
issued 08/17/18 at (0.75)% open maturity19 | | | 740,625 | | | | 740,625 | |
issued 12/21/17 at 1.30% open maturity19 | | | 595,625 | | | | 595,625 | |
issued 06/18/18 at (2.00)% open maturity19 | | | 511,875 | | | | 511,875 | |
issued 06/20/18 at (2.00)% open maturity19 | | | 510,625 | | | | 510,625 | |
issued 06/27/18 at (2.25)% open maturity19 | | | 505,625 | | | | 505,625 | |
issued 09/08/17 at 0.50% open maturity19 | | | 499,375 | | | | 499,375 | |
issued 12/07/17 at 0.00% open maturity19 | | | 494,375 | | | | 494,375 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
issued 09/24/18 at 1.35% open maturity19 | | | 400,000 | | | $ | 400,000 | |
issued 04/02/18 at 1.30% open maturity19 | | | 346,875 | | | | 346,875 | |
issued 09/10/18 at (2.50)% open maturity19 | | | 313,875 | | | | 313,875 | |
issued 08/21/18 at (2.50)% open maturity19 | | | 311,625 | | | | 311,625 | |
issued 08/16/18 at (2.50)% open maturity19 | | | 307,875 | | | | 307,875 | |
issued 04/13/18 at (8.75)% open maturity19 | | | 225,750 | | | | 225,750 | |
issued 09/27/18 at 1.75% open maturity19 | | | 190,500 | | | | 190,500 | |
issued 11/03/17 at (8.75)% open maturity19 | | | 170,500 | | | | 170,500 | |
issued 10/26/17 at (8.75)% open maturity19 | | | 87,625 | | | | 87,625 | |
issued 09/26/17 at (8.75)% open maturity19 | | | 47,000 | | | | 47,000 | |
Jefferies & Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
issued 09/17/18 at 5.16% due 10/09/18 | | | 3,741,000 | | | | 3,741,000 | |
issued 09/20/18 at 2.75% due 10/04/18 | | | 1,455,000 | | | | 1,455,000 | |
Citigroup Global Markets | | | | | | | | |
issued 01/29/18 at 1.20% open maturity19 | | | 542,000 | | | | 542,000 | |
issued 01/08/18 at 1.37% open maturity19 | | | 527,000 | | | | 527,000 | |
issued 03/23/18 at 0.00% open maturity19 | | | 346,000 | | | | 346,000 | |
issued 06/29/18 at (0.25)% open maturity19 | | | 320,000 | | | | 320,000 | |
issued 02/15/18 at 1.35% open maturity19 | | | 313,000 | | | | 313,000 | |
issued 05/15/18 at 1.30% open maturity19 | | | 283,000 | | | | 283,000 | |
issued 04/02/18 at 1.30% open maturity19 | | | 279,000 | | | | 279,000 | |
issued 04/10/18 at 1.30% open maturity19 | | | 279,000 | | | | 279,000 | |
issued 02/27/18 at (8.00)% open maturity19 | | | 269,000 | | | | 269,000 | |
issued 01/08/18 at 0.00% open maturity19 | | | 228,000 | | | | 228,000 | |
issued 04/13/18 at 1.30% open maturity19 | | | 186,000 | | | | 186,000 | |
issued 01/05/18 at 0.00% open maturity19 | | | 113,000 | | | | 113,000 | |
Total Repurchase Agreements |
(Cost $115,668,784) | | | | | | | 115,668,784 | |
58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Contracts
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
LISTED OPTIONS purchased† - 0.5% |
Put options on: | | | | | | | | |
Eurodollar Futures Expiring December 2019 with strike price of $97.63 (Notional Value $4,256,028,400) | | | 17,576 | | | $ | 34,932,300 | |
Total Listed Options Purchased |
(Cost $18,740,866) | | | | | | | 34,932,300 | |
| | | | | | | | |
OTC OPTIONS Purchased†† - 0.1% |
Call options on: | | | | | | | | |
BofA Merrill Lynch S&P 500 Index Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $3,000.00 (Notional Value $538,794,902) | | | 1,849 | | | | 6,092,455 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $45.00 (Notional Value $139,783,410) | | | 32,290 | | | | 6,070,520 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $54.00 (Notional Value $364,300,668) | | | 84,879 | | | | 84,879 | |
Total OTC Options Purchased | | | | |
(Cost $20,978,067) | | | | | | | 12,247,854 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.9% |
(Cost $7,382,551,533) | | | | | | $ | 7,363,984,864 | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS SOLD SHORT†† - (0.3)% |
Herc Rentals, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.75% due 06/01/246 | | | (200,000 | ) | | | (215,212 | ) |
Enova International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.50% due 09/15/256 | | | (400,000 | ) | | | (398,000 | ) |
Monitronics International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.13% due 04/01/20 | | | (950,000 | ) | | | (712,500 | ) |
INEOS Group Holdings S.A. | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 08/01/246 | | | (750,000 | ) | | | (738,525 | ) |
TMS International Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.25% due 08/15/256 | | | (800,000 | ) | | | (806,000 | ) |
AK Steel Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.38% due 10/15/25 | | | (1,000,000 | ) | | | (951,250 | ) |
Park-Ohio Industries, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 04/15/27 | | | (1,400,000 | ) | | | (1,435,000 | ) |
Staples, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
8.50% due 09/15/256 | | | (1,600,000 | ) | | | (1,508,000 | ) |
Gogo Intermediate Holdings LLC/Gogo Finance Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
12.50% due 07/01/226 | | | (1,700,000 | ) | | | (1,863,183 | ) |
Quorum Health Corp. | | | | | | | | |
11.63% due 04/15/23 | | | (2,400,000 | ) | | | (2,400,000 | ) |
Tenet Healthcare Corp. | | | | | | | | |
8.13% due 04/01/22 | | | (2,425,000 | ) | | | (2,555,465 | ) |
Seagate HDD Cayman | | | | | | | | |
4.75% due 01/01/25 | | | (8,000,000 | ) | | | (7,670,627 | ) |
Total Corporate Bonds Sold Short |
(Cost $21,542,384) | | | | | | | (21,253,762 | ) |
| | Contracts | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
LISTED OPTIONS WRITTEN† - (0.2)% |
Put options on: | | | | | | | | |
Eurodollar Futures Expiring December 2019 with strike price of $97.00 (Notional Value $4,256,028,400) | | | 17,576 | | | | (12,962,300 | ) |
Total Listed Options Written |
(Premiums received $5,818,355) | | | (12,962,300 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Contracts
| | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
OTC OPTIONS WRITTEN†† - (0.0)% |
Put options on: | | | | | | | | |
BofA Merrill Lynch SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $52.00 (Notional Value $139,783,410) | | | 32,290 | | | $ | (1,097,860 | ) |
Total OTC Options Written |
(Premiums received $3,939,380) | | | (1,097,860 | ) |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.6% | | | 45,335,828 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | $ | 7,374,006,770 | |
OTC Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased†† |
Counterparty | Index | | Protection Premium Rate | | | Payment Frequency | | | Maturity Date | | | Notional Amount | |
Barclays Bank plc | PizzaExpress Financing 1 plc | | | 5.00 | % | | | At Maturity | | | | 06/20/23 | | | $ | 700,000 | |
Barclays Bank plc | Kohl's Corp Financing | | | 1.00 | % | | | At Maturity | | | | 12/20/23 | | | | 7,450,000 | |
Bank of America, N.A. | Kohl's Corp Financing | | | 1.00 | % | | | At Maturity | | | | 06/20/23 | | | | 6,950,000 | |
Counterparty | | Value | | | Upfront Premiums Paid | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)** | |
Barclays Bank plc | | $ | 260,186 | | | $ | 123,496 | | | $ | 136,690 | |
Barclays Bank plc | | | 68,130 | | | | 139,954 | | | | (71,824 | ) |
Bank of America, N.A. | | | 7,868 | | | | 117,267 | | | | (109,399 | ) |
| | $ | 336,184 | | | $ | 380,717 | | | $ | (44,533 | ) |
60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements†† |
Counterparty | Exchange | Floating Rate Type | | Floating Rate Index | | | Fixed Rate | | | Payment Frequency | | | Maturity Date | | | Notional Amount | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | | | 2.69 | % | | | Quarterly | | | | 04/13/21 | | | $ | 700,000,000 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | | | 2.73 | % | | | Quarterly | | | | 04/13/23 | | | | 145,000,000 | |
Counterparty | | Market Value | | | Upfront Premiums Paid | | | Unrealized Appreciation** | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | $ | 5,796,952 | | | $ | 123,773 | | | $ | 5,673,179 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 2,081,074 | | | | 159,952 | | | | 1,921,122 | |
| | $ | 7,878,026 | | | $ | 283,725 | | | $ | 7,594,301 | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS††
Counterparty | | Contracts to Sell | | | Currency | | | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | | | 134,300,000 | | | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | $ | 38,735,419 | | | $ | 33,293,669 | | | $ | 5,441,750 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 120,000,000 | | | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | 34,833,091 | | | | 29,748,624 | | | | 5,084,467 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 575,000,000 | | | | CZK | | | 10/26/18 | | | 27,626,964 | | | | 25,955,214 | | | | 1,671,750 | |
Citigroup | | | 167,664,150 | | | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | 47,641,907 | | | | 46,265,161 | | | | 1,376,746 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 3,100,000,000 | | | | HUF | | | 11/21/18 | | | 12,249,575 | | | | 11,181,954 | | | | 1,067,621 | |
Citigroup | | | 8,111,000,000 | | | | JPY | | | 01/10/19 | | | 72,823,750 | | | | 72,011,340 | | | | 812,410 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 1,582,500,000 | | | | HUF | | | 12/20/18 | | | 6,492,308 | | | | 5,726,186 | | | | 766,122 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 68,078,700 | | | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | 19,355,111 | | | | 18,785,602 | | | | 569,509 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 1,971,500,000 | | | | JPY | | | 02/12/19 | | | 18,027,450 | | | | 17,550,147 | | | | 477,303 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 2,103,600,000 | | | | JPY | | | 01/10/19 | | | 19,065,181 | | | | 18,676,249 | | | | 388,932 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 18,090,000 | | | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | 5,164,587 | | | | 4,991,745 | | | | 172,842 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 33,850,000 | | | | EUR | | | 10/10/18 | | | 39,445,743 | | | | 39,331,021 | | | | 114,722 | |
Citigroup | | | 1,013,000,000 | | | | HUF | | | 02/27/19 | | | 3,723,319 | | | | 3,684,516 | | | | 38,803 | |
Citigroup | | | 296,000,000 | | | | CZK | | | 10/05/18 | | | 13,377,473 | | | | 13,350,982 | | | | 26,491 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 84,400,000 | | | | HUF | | | 12/20/18 | | | 324,960 | | | | 305,396 | | | | 19,564 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 145,200,000 | | | | JPY | | | 03/11/19 | | | 1,310,563 | | | | 1,295,374 | | | | 15,189 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 841,000 | | | | EUR | | | 10/10/18 | | | 990,431 | | | | 977,175 | | | | 13,256 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 17,331,000 | | | | ILS | | | 02/28/19 | | | 4,837,819 | | | | 4,828,186 | | | | 9,633 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 7,286,250 | | | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | 2,019,918 | | | | 2,010,564 | | | | 9,354 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 66,000,000 | | | | CZK | | | 11/09/18 | | | 2,982,377 | | | | 2,980,827 | | | | 1,550 | |
Citigroup | | | 17,500,000 | | | | MXN | | | 10/25/18 | | | 907,441 | | | | 931,467 | | | | (24,026 | ) |
Citigroup | | | 22,154,000 | | | | ILS | | | 02/28/19 | | | 6,074,915 | | | | 6,171,809 | | | | (96,894 | ) |
Citigroup | | | 5,000,000,000 | | | | HUF | | | 10/17/18 | | | 17,879,428 | | | | 17,988,880 | | | | (109,452 | ) |
Barclays | | | 282,000,000 | | | | MXN | | | 10/25/18 | | | 14,640,832 | | | | 15,009,921 | | | | (369,089 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 36,385,000 | | | | GBP | | | 10/10/18 | | | 47,065,890 | | | | 47,438,187 | | | | (372,297 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Sell | | | Currency | | | Settlement Date | | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | | | 300,000,000 | | MXN | | | 11/08/18 | | | $ | 15,545,169 | | | $ | 15,932,347 | | | $ | (387,178 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | | | 458,260,000 | | MXN | | | 11/08/18 | | | | 23,693,064 | | | | 24,337,191 | | | | (644,127 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 659,778,000 | | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 34,427,990 | | | | 35,201,826 | | | | (773,836 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 15,301,115 | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Buy | | | Currency | | | Settlement Date | | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | | | 299,500,000 | | MXN | | | 10/25/18 | | | $ | 15,862,759 | | | $ | 15,941,388 | | | $ | 78,629 | |
Citigroup | | | 5,460,000 | | GBP | | | 10/10/18 | | | | 7,063,512 | | | | 7,118,662 | | | | 55,150 | |
Barclays | | | 159,370,000 | | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 8,461,240 | | | | 8,503,034 | | | | 41,794 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 500,408,000 | | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 26,669,898 | | | | 26,698,791 | | | | 28,893 | |
Citigroup | | | 987,000 | | EUR | | | 10/10/18 | | | | 1,149,601 | | | | 1,146,816 | | | | (2,785 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 758,260,000 | | MXN | | | 11/08/18 | | | | 40,279,630 | | | | 40,269,538 | | | | (10,092 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | | | 17,255,850 | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | | 4,772,413 | | | | 4,761,571 | | | | (10,842 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 11,285,000 | | EUR | | | 10/10/18 | | | | 13,172,967 | | | | 13,112,277 | | | | (60,690 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 127,150,000 | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 32,067,607 | | | | 31,521,146 | | | | (546,461 | ) |
Citigroup | | | 127,150,000 | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 32,876,110 | | | | 31,521,146 | | | | (1,354,964 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (1,781,368 | ) |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements |
Counterparty | Index | | Financing Rate Pay (Receive) | | | Payment Frequency | | | Maturity Date | | | Notional Amount | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements†† | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley | Macro Opportunities Portfolio Long Custom Basket Swap16 | 2.34% | | | At Maturity | | | | 07/22/19 | | | $ | 66,863,821 | | | $ | 1,122,648 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short†† | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley | Macro Opportunities Portfolio Short Custom Basket Swap17 | (1.56)% | | | At Maturity | | | | 07/22/19 | | | $ | 193,618,996 | | | $ | (9,885,581 | ) |
62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES16 |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 14,190 | | | | 8.6 | % | | $ | 96,063 | |
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A* | | | 5,015 | | | | 8.4 | % | | | 94,401 | |
UGI Corp. | | | 9,074 | | | | 7.0 | % | | | 78,798 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 2,336 | | | | 6.9 | % | | | 77,834 | |
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc. | | | 14,072 | | | | 6.5 | % | | | 73,501 | |
Medtronic plc | | | 4,169 | | | | 6.4 | % | | | 71,957 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 12,178 | | | | 6.3 | % | | | 70,512 | |
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | | | 5,223 | | | | 5.8 | % | | | 64,901 | |
National Fuel Gas Co. | | | 11,673 | | | | 5.2 | % | | | 57,973 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 13,382 | | | | 5.0 | % | | | 56,418 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 5,196 | | | | 4.6 | % | | | 51,684 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 6,555 | | | | 4.3 | % | | | 48,806 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.* | | | 1,327 | | | | 4.3 | % | | | 48,735 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.* | | | 382 | | | | 4.3 | % | | | 47,901 | |
Exelon Corp. | | | 13,553 | | | | 4.2 | % | | | 47,576 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 11,419 | | | | 4.2 | % | | | 47,273 | |
El Paso Electric Co. | | | 8,781 | | | | 4.1 | % | | | 46,479 | |
EnerSys | | | 2,894 | | | | 3.9 | % | | | 43,975 | |
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.* | | | 1,783 | | | | 3.8 | % | | | 42,969 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 2,286 | | | | 3.8 | % | | | 42,425 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 3,878 | | | | 3.6 | % | | | 40,698 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 4,659 | | | | 3.6 | % | | | 40,598 | |
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.* | | | 5,438 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 39,714 | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 11,682 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 38,957 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 5,445 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 38,837 | |
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | | | 5,206 | | | | 3.4 | % | | | 38,723 | |
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 9,037 | | | | 3.4 | % | | | 37,867 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 1,117 | | | | 3.2 | % | | | 36,413 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 4,243 | | | | 3.2 | % | | | 36,271 | |
Cardtronics plc — Class A* | | | 4,863 | | | | 3.1 | % | | | 35,160 | |
KBR, Inc. | | | 6,682 | | | | 3.1 | % | | | 34,568 | |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | | | 33,319 | | | | 3.0 | % | | | 33,223 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 968 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 33,106 | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 1,763 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 32,843 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 6,912 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 32,767 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 16,238 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 32,687 | |
Merck & Company, Inc. | | | 2,384 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 32,263 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | | | 5,283 | | | | 2.8 | % | | | 31,770 | |
AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A* | | | 2,415 | | | | 2.7 | % | | | 30,188 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 7,994 | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 29,510 | |
STERIS plc | | | 1,560 | | | | 2.5 | % | | | 28,133 | |
Allergan plc | | | 889 | | | | 2.5 | % | | | 27,777 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 3,133 | | | | 2.5 | % | | | 27,754 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 4,686 | | | | 2.4 | % | | | 26,649 | |
AES Corp. | | | 19,821 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 25,505 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 4,921 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 25,456 | |
Biogen, Inc.* | | | 406 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 25,349 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | 4,795 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 24,793 | |
CenturyLink, Inc. | | | 9,673 | | | | 2.1 | % | | | 23,976 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | 3,137 | | | | 2.0 | % | | | 23,251 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 5,319 | | | | 2.0 | % | | | 22,836 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 4,107 | | | | 2.0 | % | | | 22,662 | |
Crane Co. | | | 2,751 | | | | 1.9 | % | | | 21,833 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,331 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 20,683 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.* | | | 710 | | | | 1.8 | % | | $ | 20,605 | |
Visa, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,802 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 20,337 | |
Eaton Corporation plc | | | 2,058 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 20,240 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | 1,077 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 20,216 | |
Travelport Worldwide Ltd. | | | 14,764 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 20,110 | |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | | | 1,267 | | | | 1.7 | % | | | 19,417 | |
Dover Corp. | | | 2,587 | | | | 1.7 | % | | | 18,552 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 414 | | | | 1.6 | % | | | 18,463 | |
DXC Technology Co. | | | 3,508 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 15,662 | |
Domtar Corp. | | | 2,184 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 15,479 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 1,831 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 15,474 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 3,852 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 15,355 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A | | | 7,207 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 15,306 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 3,737 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 15,259 | |
TEGNA, Inc. | | | 11,041 | | | | 1.3 | % | | | 14,940 | |
Allstate Corp. | | | 4,010 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 13,880 | |
InterDigital, Inc. | | | 1,965 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 13,755 | |
Sabre Corp. | | | 6,906 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 13,715 | |
United Continental Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,310 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 13,208 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 5,542 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | 12,979 | |
Leidos Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,875 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 12,909 | |
Avnet, Inc. | | | 4,294 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 11,990 | |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc* | | | 2,981 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 11,526 | |
CoreLogic, Inc.* | | | 5,115 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 11,404 | |
Fiserv, Inc.* | | | 2,019 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 11,118 | |
Baxter International, Inc. | | | 3,317 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 11,100 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 825 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 11,033 | |
McCormick & Company, Inc. | | | 1,088 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 10,712 | |
Jabil, Inc. | | | 7,276 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 10,501 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 1,349 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 10,437 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 1,097 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 10,276 | |
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.* | | | 1,044 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 10,231 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 2,066 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 10,009 | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 3,636 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 9,998 | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 1,779 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 9,714 | |
Paychex, Inc. | | | 2,639 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 9,488 | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 2,445 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 9,475 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | | | 1,050 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 9,081 | |
Hershey Co. | | | 1,713 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 9,075 | |
Simply Good Foods Co.* | | | 7,829 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 8,814 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 6,547 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 8,776 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 3,895 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | 8,449 | |
Equity Commonwealth* | | | 8,817 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 8,377 | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 1,525 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 8,376 | |
Accenture plc — Class A | | | 1,205 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 7,988 | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 5,248 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 7,779 | |
CDW Corp. | | | 1,702 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 7,706 | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | | 2,099 | | | | 0.7 | % | | | 7,485 | |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | | | 1,513 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 7,150 | |
Trinity Industries, Inc. | | | 5,085 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 6,796 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 430 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 6,754 | |
Rexnord Corp.* | | | 4,839 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 6,727 | |
Entergy Corp. | | | 2,893 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 6,266 | |
64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Carter's, Inc. | | | 1,451 | | | | 0.6 | % | | $ | 6,260 | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | | 1,180 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | 6,236 | |
Kansas City Southern | | | 1,242 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 6,119 | |
ARRIS International plc* | | | 9,276 | | | | 0.5 | % | | | 5,762 | |
PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,921 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 5,042 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 4,832 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,981 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | | | 774 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,979 | |
OGE Energy Corp. | | | 8,636 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,953 | |
Boingo Wireless, Inc.* | | | 1,839 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,933 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 1,534 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,719 | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 4,804 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,569 | |
Kroger Co. | | | 6,236 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,541 | |
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. | | | 10,352 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,427 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 1,004 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,400 | |
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,488 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,396 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 3,324 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,349 | |
Post Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,861 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,242 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | | | 4,150 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 4,099 | |
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | | | 12,404 | | | | 0.4 | % | | | 3,973 | |
Medpace Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,435 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,910 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | 9,527 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,908 | |
Aflac, Inc. | | | 6,727 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,484 | |
La-Z-Boy, Inc. | | | 9,090 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,308 | |
Darling Ingredients, Inc.* | | | 6,264 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,195 | |
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. | | | 3,533 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,185 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 767 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 3,061 | |
Best Buy Company, Inc. | | | 1,789 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 2,953 | |
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A | | | 982 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | 2,918 | |
American Electric Power Company, Inc. | | | 2,011 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,383 | |
Illumina, Inc.* | | | 393 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,353 | |
TJX Companies, Inc. | | | 1,285 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,209 | |
LivaNova plc* | | | 1,130 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,173 | |
Bruker Corp. | | | 5,918 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,165 | |
Weingarten Realty Investors | | | 7,223 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,132 | |
Children's Place, Inc. | | | 1,131 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 2,118 | |
Celgene Corp.* | | | 1,611 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 1,795 | |
Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A | | | 1,528 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | 1,746 | |
Trinseo S.A. | | | 2,936 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,655 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. | | | 12,653 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,407 | |
Consolidated Edison, Inc. | | | 4,236 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,395 | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 1,318 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,274 | |
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A* | | | 472 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,169 | |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B* | | | 525 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,120 | |
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. | | | 20,214 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 1,081 | |
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B | | | 2,843 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 916 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A | | | 652 | | | | 0.1 | % | | $ | 860 | |
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A | | | 2,190 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 846 | |
Innoviva, Inc.* | | | 9,400 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 756 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.* | | | 2,420 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 746 | |
Raymond James Financial, Inc. | | | 1,802 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | 739 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | | 247 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 542 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | | 1,773 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 507 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.* | | | 14,039 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 352 | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 1,433 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 267 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 8,149 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 177 | |
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A | | | 11,168 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (33 | ) |
Travelers Companies, Inc. | | | 2,468 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (73 | ) |
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.* | | | 959 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (122 | ) |
Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,605 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | (140 | ) |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 1,354 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (903 | ) |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | | | 537 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (914 | ) |
Hologic, Inc.* | | | 2,891 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (959 | ) |
United Rentals, Inc.* | | | 1,286 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,356 | ) |
EPR Properties | | | 2,670 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,388 | ) |
Flowers Foods, Inc. | | | 7,391 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,526 | ) |
Pentair plc | | | 5,762 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,604 | ) |
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.* | | | 2,558 | | | | (0.1 | %) | | | (1,652 | ) |
Murphy USA, Inc.* | | | 1,642 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (1,744 | ) |
Waters Corp.* | | | 1,147 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (1,897 | ) |
Sonoco Products Co. | | | 2,496 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (1,941 | ) |
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A | | | 1,651 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,073 | ) |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 774 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,095 | ) |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 1,307 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,261 | ) |
MEDNAX, Inc.* | | | 3,015 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,287 | ) |
Belden, Inc. | | | 2,723 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,288 | ) |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 1,486 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,325 | ) |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 2,102 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,388 | ) |
FedEx Corp. | | | 1,190 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,516 | ) |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 1,696 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,736 | ) |
Lazard Ltd. — Class A | | | 3,895 | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | (2,806 | ) |
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.* | | | 6,342 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (2,827 | ) |
Celanese Corp. — Class A | | | 1,209 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,071 | ) |
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 2,333 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,152 | ) |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 1,245 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,254 | ) |
HollyFrontier Corp. | | | 2,287 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,386 | ) |
Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A | | | 7,613 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,423 | ) |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 5,113 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,444 | ) |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 2,802 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,748 | ) |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | 2,850 | | | | (0.3 | %) | | | (3,769 | ) |
Edgewell Personal Care Co.* | | | 1,042 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,178 | ) |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 8,339 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,204 | ) |
Performance Food Group Co.* | | | 8,676 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,447 | ) |
66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A* | | | 3,992 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | $ | (4,526 | ) |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 5,783 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,667 | ) |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 2,428 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,714 | ) |
MAXIMUS, Inc. | | | 3,205 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,723 | ) |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A | | | 3,883 | | | | (0.4 | %) | | | (4,784 | ) |
Kellogg Co. | | | 7,147 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (5,398 | ) |
Vector Group Ltd. | | | 12,502 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (5,451 | ) |
Packaging Corporation of America | | | 2,808 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (5,689 | ) |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 3,220 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (5,753 | ) |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 5,977 | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | (6,039 | ) |
Visteon Corp.* | | | 1,147 | | | | (0.6 | %) | | | (6,472 | ) |
State Street Corp. | | | 2,314 | | | | (0.6 | %) | | | (7,206 | ) |
Williams Companies, Inc. | | | 5,524 | | | | (0.7 | %) | | | (8,278 | ) |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | | 3,897 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (8,473 | ) |
KB Home | | | 5,548 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (8,548 | ) |
Quanta Services, Inc.* | | | 5,786 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (9,218 | ) |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | | 4,788 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (9,246 | ) |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | | 5,086 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (9,317 | ) |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 2,972 | | | | (0.8 | %) | | | (9,467 | ) |
McKesson Corp. | | | 4,716 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (9,848 | ) |
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.* | | | 10,640 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (10,193 | ) |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.* | | | 2,134 | | | | (0.9 | %) | | | (10,492 | ) |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 3,777 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (10,786 | ) |
Principal Financial Group, Inc. | | | 4,230 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (11,105 | ) |
PACCAR, Inc. | | | 4,072 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (11,327 | ) |
Toll Brothers, Inc. | | | 5,356 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (11,494 | ) |
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A | | | 7,384 | | | | (1.0 | %) | | | (11,526 | ) |
Western Union Co. | | | 15,717 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (11,874 | ) |
Evo Payments, Inc. — Class A* | | | 9,056 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (12,467 | ) |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | | | 4,692 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (12,629 | ) |
WestRock Co. | | | 6,657 | | | | (1.1 | %) | | | (12,857 | ) |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | | 5,415 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (13,004 | ) |
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 11,947 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (13,375 | ) |
Cabot Corp. | | | 3,546 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (13,543 | ) |
Masco Corp. | | | 8,791 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (13,680 | ) |
Icad, Inc.* | | | 23,169 | | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (13,786 | ) |
Mylan N.V.* | | | 5,403 | | | | (1.3 | %) | | | (14,711 | ) |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.* | | | 3,414 | | | | (1.3 | %) | | | (14,887 | ) |
Dana, Inc. | | | 7,243 | | | | (1.3 | %) | | | (15,058 | ) |
Phillips 66 | | | 3,635 | | | | (1.4 | %) | | | (16,041 | ) |
Pilgrim's Pride Corp.* | | | 10,178 | | | | (1.5 | %) | | | (16,576 | ) |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | | | 11,418 | | | | (1.5 | %) | | | (17,255 | ) |
International Paper Co. | | | 2,924 | | | | (1.6 | %) | | | (18,114 | ) |
Meritor, Inc.* | | | 8,097 | | | | (1.7 | %) | | | (19,115 | ) |
AGCO Corp. | | | 3,856 | | | | (1.9 | %) | | | (20,804 | ) |
Intel Corp. | | | 4,547 | | | | (1.9 | %) | | | (21,130 | ) |
US Foods Holding Corp.* | | | 9,738 | | | | (2.0 | %) | | | (21,990 | ) |
Coherent, Inc.* | | | 737 | | | | (2.0 | %) | | | (22,739 | ) |
Boise Cascade Co. | | | 7,320 | | | | (2.1 | %) | | | (23,771 | ) |
Cirrus Logic, Inc.* | | | 6,380 | | | | (2.2 | %) | | | (25,147 | ) |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 4,445 | | | | (2.2 | %) | | | (25,165 | ) |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 4,833 | | | | (2.3 | %) | | | (25,698 | ) |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 3,628 | | | | (2.3 | %) | | | (26,236 | ) |
Seagate Technology plc | | | 3,198 | | | | (2.3 | %) | | | (26,345 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kraft Heinz Co. | | | 7,007 | | | | (2.5 | %) | | $ | (28,455 | ) |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 8,703 | | | | (2.6 | %) | | | (29,346 | ) |
AECOM* | | | 11,911 | | | | (3.0 | %) | | | (33,487 | ) |
Chemours Co. | | | 4,725 | | | | (3.0 | %) | | | (33,790 | ) |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 2,480 | | | | (3.2 | %) | | | (35,658 | ) |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 10,021 | | | | (3.3 | %) | | | (37,405 | ) |
Westlake Chemical Corp. | | | 3,225 | | | | (3.4 | %) | | | (37,616 | ) |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A | | | 3,457 | | | | (3.4 | %) | | | (37,722 | ) |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 7,302 | | | | (3.5 | %) | | | (38,944 | ) |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 11,341 | | | | (3.5 | %) | | | (39,221 | ) |
Olin Corp. | | | 11,536 | | | | (3.7 | %) | | | (42,064 | ) |
ON Semiconductor Corp.* | | | 8,308 | | | | (3.8 | %) | | | (42,184 | ) |
Tech Data Corp.* | | | 1,928 | | | | (3.8 | %) | | | (42,517 | ) |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 2,447 | | | | (4.1 | %) | | | (46,332 | ) |
Delphi Technologies plc | | | 4,129 | | | | (4.2 | %) | | | (47,202 | ) |
News Corp. — Class A | | | 15,891 | | | | (4.3 | %) | | | (48,235 | ) |
Owens Corning | | | 2,464 | | | | (5.2 | %) | | | (58,418 | ) |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 4,095 | | | | (5.9 | %) | | | (66,293 | ) |
Lear Corp. | | | 1,958 | | | | (6.5 | %) | | | (72,848 | ) |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A | | | 8,181 | | | | (7.3 | %) | | | (82,490 | ) |
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B | | | 6,499 | | | | (8.8 | %) | | | (98,557 | ) |
Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A | | | 3,213 | | | | (9.8 | %) | | | (110,470 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Long Securities | | $ | 1,122,648 | |
| | | | |
CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES17 |
Healthcare Services Group, Inc. | | | (43,898 | ) | | | (4.1 | %) | | | 401,784 | |
Tesla, Inc.* | | | (1,977 | ) | | | (1.8 | %) | | | 173,041 | |
Royal Gold, Inc. | | | (11,980 | ) | | | (1.2 | %) | | | 120,134 | |
NewMarket Corp. | | | (6,276 | ) | | | (1.2 | %) | | | 116,088 | |
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | | | (4,037 | ) | | | (1.2 | %) | | | 114,912 | |
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.* | | | (6,791 | ) | | | (1.1 | %) | | | 111,208 | |
Valley National Bancorp | | | (71,209 | ) | | | (1.0 | %) | | | 95,452 | |
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. | | | (4,372 | ) | | | (1.0 | %) | | | 95,068 | |
LendingTree, Inc.* | | | (2,247 | ) | | | (0.9 | %) | | | 93,200 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | (3,406 | ) | | | (0.9 | %) | | | 88,443 | |
Sterling Bancorp | | | (30,924 | ) | | | (0.8 | %) | | | 78,476 | |
Vulcan Materials Co. | | | (9,363 | ) | | | (0.8 | %) | | | 75,830 | |
Capital Federal Financial, Inc. | | | (117,226 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | 71,153 | |
First Horizon National Corp. | | | (42,362 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | 67,073 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. | | | (12,381 | ) | | | (0.7 | %) | | | 64,782 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | (8,275 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 61,581 | |
Whirlpool Corp. | | | (4,179 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 60,025 | |
TripAdvisor, Inc.* | | | (9,933 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 57,958 | |
BB&T Corp. | | | (16,263 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 57,666 | |
Steven Madden Ltd. | | | (24,855 | ) | | | (0.6 | %) | | | 54,630 | |
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | (48,292 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 50,994 | |
Investors Bancorp, Inc. | | | (70,503 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 50,430 | |
Nucor Corp. | | | (11,054 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 49,735 | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | | | (8,260 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 49,606 | |
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | | | (12,041 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 46,368 | |
Signature Bank | | | (4,768 | ) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 45,670 | |
68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Appreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Associated Banc-Corp. | | | (22,488 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | $ | 42,851 | |
PriceSmart, Inc. | | | (9,629 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 41,557 | |
Wabtec Corp. | | | (4,866 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 41,117 | |
Meredith Corp. | | | (19,575 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 34,939 | |
KeyCorp | | | (25,047 | ) | | | (0.4 | %) | | | 34,928 | |
BWX Technologies, Inc. | | | (8,195 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 34,548 | |
Douglas Emmett, Inc. | | | (38,985 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 33,529 | |
Chubb Ltd. | | | (6,970 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 30,658 | |
Multi-Color Corp. | | | (12,353 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 28,712 | |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | | (17,226 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 26,794 | |
Washington Federal, Inc. | | | (15,910 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 25,937 | |
Devon Energy Corp. | | | (14,679 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 25,022 | |
Liberty Property Trust | | | (15,767 | ) | | | (0.3 | %) | | | 24,885 | |
Compass Minerals International, Inc. | | | (17,466 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 24,672 | |
WR Grace & Co. | | | (19,953 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 23,901 | |
Covanta Holding Corp. | | | (42,864 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 23,567 | |
First Republic Bank | | | (14,580 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 23,502 | |
DowDuPont, Inc. | | | (7,400 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 23,126 | |
U.S. Bancorp | | | (15,143 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 22,893 | |
Commercial Metals Co. | | | (54,660 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 16,806 | |
Polaris Industries, Inc. | | | (4,848 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 16,632 | |
Southern Copper Corp. | | | (37,204 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 16,555 | |
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A | | | (9,682 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 16,244 | |
People's United Financial, Inc. | | | (28,480 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 16,082 | |
American Homes 4 Rent — Class A | | | (34,993 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 15,267 | |
Public Storage | | | (3,287 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 15,047 | |
US Ecology, Inc. | | | (6,634 | ) | | | (0.2 | %) | | | 14,995 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | | | (32,986 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 14,079 | |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | | | (17,163 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 11,905 | |
Old National Bancorp | | | (25,618 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 11,856 | |
JBG SMITH Properties | | | (23,930 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 10,145 | |
PolyOne Corp. | | | (22,798 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 9,518 | |
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.* | | | (7,133 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 8,933 | |
CarMax, Inc.* | | | (6,753 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 8,266 | |
Praxair, Inc. | | | (2,581 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 8,158 | |
Camden Property Trust | | | (11,694 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 8,063 | |
Ally Financial, Inc. | | | (21,095 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 8,029 | |
S&P Global, Inc. | | | (2,638 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 7,312 | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | (5,126 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 6,912 | |
Paramount Group, Inc. | | | (67,210 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 5,565 | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | | (2,492 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 5,550 | |
Coca-Cola Co. | | | (11,023 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 5,273 | |
Ball Corp. | | | (9,434 | ) | | | (0.1 | %) | | | 4,947 | |
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A* | | | (1,964 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 4,900 | |
Sealed Air Corp. | | | (12,211 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 4,059 | |
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | | | (35,365 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,876 | |
Berry Global Group, Inc.* | | | (10,159 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,573 | |
Caesars Entertainment Corp.* | | | (47,022 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,367 | |
Guidewire Software, Inc.* | | | (7,093 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 3,180 | |
Hormel Foods Corp. | | | (12,744 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 2,760 | |
Silgan Holdings, Inc. | | | (17,744 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | 1,097 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | (3,136 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | $ | (1,804 | ) |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | (5,609 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (1,839 | ) |
Sensient Technologies Corp. | | | (24,260 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (1,872 | ) |
Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A* | | | (1,553 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (2,039 | ) |
Choice Hotels International, Inc. | | | (6,137 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (2,576 | ) |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | (8,696 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (2,834 | ) |
Howard Hughes Corp.* | | | (8,822 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (3,649 | ) |
Mobile Mini, Inc. | | | (24,826 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | (4,404 | ) |
Viad Corp. | | | (8,478 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (4,788 | ) |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | | | (7,833 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (5,078 | ) |
Dentsply Sirona, Inc. | | | (13,333 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (5,311 | ) |
Everest Re Group Ltd. | | | (2,852 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (5,350 | ) |
Service Corporation International | | | (11,558 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (5,834 | ) |
Henry Schein, Inc.* | | | (6,070 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (5,853 | ) |
Sotheby's* | | | (10,366 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (7,115 | ) |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.* | | | (8,919 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (7,616 | ) |
Ulta Beauty, Inc.* | | | (1,808 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (7,749 | ) |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | | (14,304 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (8,006 | ) |
Genuine Parts Co. | | | (11,296 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (8,917 | ) |
Sempra Energy | | | (7,393 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (8,926 | ) |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | | (1,781 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (9,113 | ) |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | | (8,315 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,356 | ) |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | (6,378 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,800 | ) |
Invitation Homes, Inc. | | | (70,323 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (10,880 | ) |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | (8,486 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (12,387 | ) |
Hanesbrands, Inc. | | | (28,042 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (12,667 | ) |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.* | | | (5,920 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (13,107 | ) |
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A | | | (12,883 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (13,831 | ) |
Omnicell, Inc.* | | | (7,255 | ) | | | 0.1 | % | | | (14,268 | ) |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | | | (17,204 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (15,630 | ) |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | (16,141 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (17,955 | ) |
Welltower, Inc. | | | (16,177 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (18,065 | ) |
Church & Dwight Company, Inc. | | | (8,593 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (18,584 | ) |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.* | | | (2,341 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (19,566 | ) |
American Campus Communities, Inc. | | | (26,984 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (21,233 | ) |
Alliant Energy Corp. | | | (15,063 | ) | | | 0.2 | % | | | (23,492 | ) |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | (1,912 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (24,942 | ) |
Parsley Energy, Inc. — Class A* | | | (19,183 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (25,234 | ) |
FMC Corp. | | | (7,735 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (26,116 | ) |
WPX Energy, Inc.* | | | (34,618 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (26,915 | ) |
AMETEK, Inc. | | | (10,169 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (27,759 | ) |
Cooper Companies, Inc. | | | (1,571 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (28,472 | ) |
Ellie Mae, Inc.* | | | (5,450 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (29,009 | ) |
HB Fuller Co. | | | (18,711 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (29,388 | ) |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | | (4,569 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (29,873 | ) |
Republic Services, Inc. — Class A | | | (19,770 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (30,227 | ) |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | (9,351 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (30,479 | ) |
Eaton Vance Corp. | | | (9,723 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | | (32,342 | ) |
70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equifax, Inc. | | | (15,899 | ) | | | 0.3 | % | | $ | (33,040 | ) |
General Dynamics Corp. | | | (3,709 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (34,949 | ) |
Garmin Ltd. | | | (7,289 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (37,491 | ) |
Booking Holdings, Inc.* | | | (267 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (37,903 | ) |
Netflix, Inc.* | | | (1,374 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (39,459 | ) |
IBERIABANK Corp. | | | (7,287 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (39,674 | ) |
Aon plc | | | (3,956 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (40,679 | ) |
FireEye, Inc.* | | | (33,087 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (40,684 | ) |
American Tower Corp. — Class A | | | (6,960 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (41,480 | ) |
Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A* | | | (7,079 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (41,529 | ) |
SBA Communications Corp.* | | | (6,010 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (42,402 | ) |
Terreno Realty Corp. | | | (45,050 | ) | | | 0.4 | % | | | (43,965 | ) |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | | | (27,303 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (45,559 | ) |
Xylem, Inc. | | | (12,532 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (46,832 | ) |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | | (4,414 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (48,515 | ) |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | (9,617 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (49,782 | ) |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | (14,381 | ) | | | 0.5 | % | | | (51,990 | ) |
Incyte Corp.* | | | (7,639 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (54,418 | ) |
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | | | (5,688 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (56,551 | ) |
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A | | | (8,426 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (57,078 | ) |
Workday, Inc. — Class A* | | | (4,105 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (57,372 | ) |
Realty Income Corp. | | | (23,412 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (60,382 | ) |
Sherwin-Williams Co. | | | (1,538 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (60,389 | ) |
KAR Auction Services, Inc. | | | (14,382 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (60,806 | ) |
Alleghany Corp. | | | (877 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (63,255 | ) |
CyrusOne, Inc. | | | (12,253 | ) | | | 0.6 | % | | | (63,581 | ) |
Equity Residential | | | (17,266 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (64,197 | ) |
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | | | (6,641 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (65,049 | ) |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | | (8,736 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (65,337 | ) |
Aramark | | | (11,855 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (69,891 | ) |
Dominion Energy, Inc. | | | (19,476 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (70,432 | ) |
TransDigm Group, Inc.* | | | (1,417 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (72,170 | ) |
Redwood Trust, Inc. | | | (46,541 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (72,315 | ) |
ServiceNow, Inc.* | | | (3,083 | ) | | | 0.7 | % | | | (73,373 | ) |
Eversource Energy | | | (10,962 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (73,672 | ) |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | (1,814 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (73,854 | ) |
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A | | | (69,228 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (75,196 | ) |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | (6,428 | ) | | | 0.8 | % | | | (83,296 | ) |
HCP, Inc. | | | (39,119 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (84,575 | ) |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | (32,438 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (88,044 | ) |
Kilroy Realty Corp. | | | (14,982 | ) | | | 0.9 | % | | | (89,818 | ) |
Vail Resorts, Inc. | | | (1,488 | ) | | | 1.0 | % | | | (95,350 | ) |
Haemonetics Corp.* | | | (9,585 | ) | | | 1.0 | % | | | (98,280 | ) |
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | | | (15,010 | ) | | | 1.0 | % | | | (100,773 | ) |
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | | | (62,470 | ) | | | 1.1 | % | | | (104,259 | ) |
IHS Markit Ltd.* | | | (33,020 | ) | | | 1.1 | % | | | (111,684 | ) |
Amazon.com, Inc.* | | | (278 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (114,367 | ) |
Cable One, Inc. | | | (1,180 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (116,470 | ) |
American Water Works Company, Inc. | | | (16,151 | ) | | | 1.2 | % | | | (122,951 | ) |
AptarGroup, Inc. | | | (8,346 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (125,041 | ) |
RPM International, Inc. | | | (25,514 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (125,280 | ) |
MSA Safety, Inc. | | | (11,726 | ) | | | 1.3 | % | | | (130,655 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Percentage Value | | | Value and Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | (19,927 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | $ | (133,555 | ) |
Moody's Corp. | | | (6,770 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (134,888 | ) |
ASGN, Inc.* | | | (14,708 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (135,876 | ) |
FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | | | (3,443 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (136,703 | ) |
Cannae Holdings, Inc.* | | | (39,892 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (137,081 | ) |
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | | | (18,805 | ) | | | 1.4 | % | | | (139,014 | ) |
Copart, Inc.* | | | (9,913 | ) | | | 1.5 | % | | | (145,301 | ) |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | | (22,622 | ) | | | 1.5 | % | | | (149,599 | ) |
salesforce.com, Inc.* | | | (7,636 | ) | | | 1.5 | % | | | (152,463 | ) |
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. | | | (1,437 | ) | | | 1.6 | % | | | (156,166 | ) |
TransUnion | | | (8,380 | ) | | | 1.6 | % | | | (158,089 | ) |
Ecolab, Inc. | | | (7,168 | ) | | | 1.8 | % | | | (172,918 | ) |
Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A* | | | (8,668 | ) | | | 1.8 | % | | | (179,662 | ) |
EastGroup Properties, Inc. | | | (13,842 | ) | | | 1.8 | % | | | (180,780 | ) |
Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.* | | | (10,228 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (188,089 | ) |
Markel Corp.* | | | (2,081 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (188,766 | ) |
MSCI, Inc. — Class A | | | (3,930 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (188,893 | ) |
Pegasystems, Inc. | | | (12,886 | ) | | | 1.9 | % | | | (189,094 | ) |
UDR, Inc. | | | (27,678 | ) | | | 2.0 | % | | | (192,887 | ) |
Hess Corp. | | | (16,684 | ) | | | 2.0 | % | | | (198,361 | ) |
PTC, Inc.* | | | (4,926 | ) | | | 2.1 | % | | | (205,154 | ) |
Tyler Technologies, Inc.* | | | (3,889 | ) | | | 2.2 | % | | | (218,964 | ) |
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.* | | | (36,342 | ) | | | 2.2 | % | | | (219,284 | ) |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.* | | | (2,531 | ) | | | 2.5 | % | | | (246,950 | ) |
SPS Commerce, Inc.* | | | (7,086 | ) | | | 2.8 | % | | | (278,834 | ) |
Crocs, Inc.* | | | (23,753 | ) | | | 2.9 | % | | | (290,245 | ) |
Cintas Corp. | | | (7,102 | ) | | | 3.4 | % | | | (337,094 | ) |
Tetra Tech, Inc. | | | (31,455 | ) | | | 4.0 | % | | | (396,280 | ) |
RLI Corp. | | | (22,613 | ) | | | 4.3 | % | | | (427,572 | ) |
Team, Inc.* | | | (56,852 | ) | | | 4.5 | % | | | (448,296 | ) |
Exponent, Inc. | | | (31,592 | ) | | | 4.9 | % | | | (487,713 | ) |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A* | | | (16,918 | ) | | | 5.1 | % | | | (499,558 | ) |
Rollins, Inc. | | | (41,005 | ) | | | 6.1 | % | | | (599,440 | ) |
Balchem Corp. | | | (22,083 | ) | | | 6.4 | % | | | (634,705 | ) |
Total Custom Basket of Short Securities | | $ | (9,885,581 | ) |
~ | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $141,960,857 (cost $142,530,738), or 1.9% of total net assets. |
2 | Affiliated issuer. |
3 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
4 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
5 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
6 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $3,283,988,165 (cost $3,281,130,118), or 44.5% of total net assets. |
72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
7 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
8 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $34,109,625 (cost $37,508,485), or 0.5% of total net assets — See Note 10. |
9 | Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2018. See table below for additional step information for each security. |
10 | Term loan interests in the Fund’s portfolio generally have variable rates. All or a portion of this security represents unsettled loan positions and may not have a stated coupon rate. |
11 | Payment-in-kind security. |
12 | Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
13 | Zero coupon rate security. |
14 | Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase. |
15 | Repurchase Agreements — The interest rate on repurchase agreements is market driven and based on the underlying collateral obtained. See additional disclosure in the repurchase agreements table below for more information on repurchase agreements. |
16 | Total Return based on the return of the custom long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
17 | Total Return based on the return of the custom short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
18 | On September 7, 2009, the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm. |
19 | The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, subject to approval by the Adviser, and is not based upon a set reference rate and spread. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
| BofA — Bank of America |
| BRL — Brazilian Real |
| CAD — Canadian Dollar |
| CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
| CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury |
| CZK — Czech Koruna |
| EUR — Euro |
| EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate |
| GBP — British Pound |
| HUF — Hungarian Forint |
| ICE — Intercontinental Exchange |
| ILS — Israeli New Shekel |
| JPY — Japanese Yen |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate |
| MXN — Mexican Peso |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| WAC — Weighted Average Coupon |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 178,939,039 | | | $ | 9,102,573 | | | $ | 5,502,560 | | | $ | 193,544,172 | |
Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | 12,380,846 | | | | — | | | | 12,380,846 | |
Warrant | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | * | | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Fund | | | 14,532,518 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 14,532,518 | |
Mutual Funds | | | 765,441,961 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 765,441,961 | |
Money Market Funds | | | 184,039,997 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 184,039,997 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | — | | | | 2,040,489,796 | | | | 66,401,735 | | | | 2,106,891,531 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | — | | | | 1,603,503,603 | | | | — | | | | 1,603,503,603 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | — | | | | 739,941,849 | | | | 75,522,776 | | | | 815,464,625 | |
Corporate Bonds | | | — | | | | 308,791,750 | | | | 43,444,723 | | | | 352,236,473 | |
Foreign Government Debt | | | — | | | | 267,268,993 | | | | — | | | | 267,268,993 | |
Senior Fixed Rate Interests | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,448,080 | | | | 4,448,080 | |
Commercial Paper | | | — | | | | 881,383,127 | | | | — | | | | 881,383,127 | |
Repurchase Agreements | | | — | | | | 115,668,784 | | | | — | | | | 115,668,784 | |
Options Purchased | | | 34,932,300 | | | | 12,247,854 | | | | — | | | | 47,180,154 | |
Credit Default Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 136,690 | | | | — | | | | 136,690 | |
Interest Rate Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 7,594,301 | | | | — | | | | 7,594,301 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 18,282,480 | | | | — | | | | 18,282,480 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 1,122,648 | | | | — | | | | 1,122,648 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 1,177,885,815 | | | $ | 6,017,915,294 | | | $ | 195,319,874 | | | $ | 7,391,120,983 | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Corporate Bonds Sold Short | | $ | — | | | $ | 21,253,762 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 21,253,762 | |
Options Written | | | 12,962,300 | | | | 1,097,860 | | | | — | | | | 14,060,160 | |
Credit Default Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 181,223 | | | | — | | | | 181,223 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 4,762,733 | | | | — | | | | 4,762,733 | |
Custom Basket Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 9,885,581 | | | | — | | | | 9,885,581 | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9) | | | — | | | | 768,495 | | | | 754,340 | | | | 1,522,835 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | 12,962,300 | | | $ | 37,949,654 | | | $ | 754,340 | | | $ | 51,666,294 | |
* | Security has a market value of $0. |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:
Category | | Ending Balance at September 30, 2018 | | | Valuation Technique | | | Unobservable Inputs | | | Input Range | | | Weighted Average | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | $ | 42,512,286 | | Yield Analysis | Yield | 6.4% | — |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 15,124,716 | | Model Price | Market Comparable Yields | 4.3% | — |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 8,764,733 | | Option Adjusted Spread off the prior month end broker mark over the 3 month LIBOR | Indicative Quote | — | — |
Common Stocks | | | 5,502,560 | | Enterprise Value | Valuation Multiple | 5.5x-10.1x | 6.1x |
Corporate Bonds | | | 43,444,723 | | Option Adjusted Spread off the prior month end broker mark over the 3 month LIBOR | Indicative Quote | — | — |
Senior Fixed Rate Interests | | | 4,448,080 | | Model Price | Market Comparable Yield | 12.6% | — |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 69,893,605 | | Yield Analysis | Yield | 4.8%-9.5% | 8.3% |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 2,064,116 | | Enterprise Value | Valuation Multiple | 10.9x | — |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 1,522,333 | | Model Price | Market Comparable Yields | 6.3% | — |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 1,149,559 | | Option Adjusted Spread off the prior month end broker mark over the 3 month LIBOR | Indicative Quote | — | — |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | 893,163 | | Model Price | Purchase Price | — | — |
Total Assets | | $ | 195,319,874 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments | | $ | 754,340 | | Model Price | Purchase Price | — | — |
Significant changes in an indicative quote, yield, market comparable yields, or valuation multiples would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Any remaining Level 3 securities held by the Fund and excluded from the tables above, were not considered material to the Fund.
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had securities with a total value of $6,340,182 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to lack of observable inputs and had securities with a total value of $64,194,669 transferred out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had liabilities with a total value of $757,615 transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 due to availability of market price information at year end. There were no other securities that transferred between levels.
Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the year ended September 30, 2018:
| | Assets | |
| | Asset- Backed Securities | | | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | Corporate Bonds | | | Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | Common Stocks | |
Beginning Balance | | $ | 59,045,623 | | | $ | 97,480,054 | | | $ | 59,762,406 | | | $ | 73,160,403 | | | $ | 237,892 | |
Purchases/(Receipts) | | | 15,300,000 | | | | 850,469 | | | | 5,319,500 | | | | 37,369,655 | | | | 5,288,838 | |
(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings | | | (2,580,321 | ) | | | (57,720,579 | ) | | | (7,332,696 | ) | | | (39,075,983 | ) | | | (1,000 | ) |
Amortization of discount/premiums | | | 12,613 | | | | 889,939 | | | | 432,466 | | | | 688,676 | | | | — | |
Total realized gains or losses included in earnings | | | — | | | | — | | | | 507,760 | | | | 616,696 | | | | 442 | |
Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings | | | (1,258,422 | ) | | | 720,469 | | | | (937,218 | ) | | | (27,789 | ) | | | (23,612 | ) |
Transfers into Level 3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,340,182 | | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | (4,117,758 | ) | | | (42,220,352 | ) | | | (14,307,495 | ) | | | (3,549,064 | ) | | | — | |
Ending Balance | | $ | 66,401,735 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 43,444,723 | | | $ | 75,522,776 | | | $ | 5,502,560 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2018 | | $ | (1,184,332 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,322,571 | ) | | $ | (57,721 | ) | | $ | (23,612 | ) |
76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Assets | | | | | | | Liabilities | |
| | Preferred Stocks | | | Senior Fixed Rate Interests | | | Total Assets | | | Unfunded Loans | |
Beginning Balance | | $ | 59,084 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 289,745,462 | | | $ | (1,610,986 | ) |
Purchases/(Receipts) | | | — | | | | 4,582,500 | | | | 68,710,962 | | | | (2,006,164 | ) |
(Sales, maturities and paydowns)/Fundings | | | — | | | | — | | | | (106,710,579 | ) | | | 1,970,840 | |
Amortization of discount/premiums | | | — | | | | 13,039 | | | | 2,036,733 | | | | — | |
Total realized gains or losses included in earnings | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,124,898 | | | | 1,182,323 | |
Total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings | | | (59,084 | ) | | | (147,459 | ) | | | (1,733,115 | ) | | | (1,047,968 | ) |
Transfers into Level 3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,340,182 | | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | (64,194,669 | ) | | | 757,615 | |
Ending Balance | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,448,080 | | | $ | 195,319,874 | | | $ | (754,340 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for investments in Level 3 securities still held at September 30, 2018 | | $ | — | | | $ | (147,459 | ) | | $ | (2,735,695 | ) | | $ | 263,526 | |
Step Coupon Bonds
The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a range of rates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.
Name | | Coupon rate at next step up date | | | Date of next rate change | | | Range of future rates | | | Final future step up date | |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust 2016-1A, 6.50% due 03/17/36 | | | 8.50 | % | | | 03/15/23 | | | | 8.50 | % | | | 03/15/23 | |
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IIIa Trust 2017-RN7, 3.10% due 09/28/32 | | | 4.11 | % | | | 09/28/19 | | | | 8.11%-12.11 | % | | | 09/28/20 | |
Castle Aircraft SecuritizationTrust 2015-1A, 5.75% due 12/15/40 | | | 7.75 | % | | | 11/30/22 | | | | 7.75 | % | | | 11/30/22 | |
GCAT LLC 2018-1, 3.84% due 06/25/48 | | | 6.84 | % | | | 05/26/21 | | | | 7.84 | % | | | 05/26/22 | |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/58 | | | 7.00 | % | | | 07/26/21 | | | | 8.00 | % | | | 07/26/22 | |
Willis Engine Securitization Trust II 2012-A, 5.50% due 09/15/37 | | | 8.50 | % | | | 09/15/20 | | | | 8.50 | % | | | 09/15/20 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Repurchase Agreements
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian takes possession of the underlying collateral. For the following repurchase agreements, the collateral is in the possession of the Fund’s custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements, with the exception of where securities are being sold short. The interest rate on repurchase agreements is market driven and based on the underlying collateral obtained.
Counterparty and Terms of Agreement | | Face Value | | | Repurchase Price | | | Collateral | | Par Value | | | Fair Value | |
Deutsche Bank | | | | | | | | | | Great Wolf Trust | | | | | | | | |
2.69% | | | | | | | | | | 6.50% | | | | | | | | |
10/26/18 | | $ | 32,250,000 | | | $ | 32,469,037 | | | 09/15/34 | | $ | 43,000,000 | | | $ | 43,197,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BNP Paribas | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.54% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
11/01/18 | | | 50,900,000 | | | | 51,248,217 | | | MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.42% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 05/25/47 | | $ | 42,600,000 | | | $ | 36,435,780 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Morgan Stanley Capital Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.89% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/25/35 | | | 17,232,258 | | | | 15,534,881 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.54% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 04/25/37 | | | 11,731,000 | | | | 11,400,186 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Park Place Securities Inc Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3.49% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 12/25/34 | | | 10,190,000 | | | | 10,230,760 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Morgan Stanley Capital Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3.00% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 01/25/35 | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 7,647,200 | |
| | | | | | | | | | First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.78% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 12/25/35 | | | 5,392,000 | | | | 5,197,349 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 95,145,258 | | | $ | 86,446,155 | |
78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Counterparty and Terms of Agreement | | Face Value | | | Repurchase Price | | | Collateral | | Par Value | | | Fair Value | |
Barclays | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Open Maturity* | | $ | 17,378,034 | | | $ | 17,378,034 | | | | | | | | | | | |
(8.75)% - 1.75% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Open Maturity** | | | 6,259,750 | | | | 6,259,750 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 23,637,784 | | | | 23,637,784 | | | Hunt Cos Inc. 6.25% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 02/15/26 | | $ | 13,374,000 | | | $ | 12,471,255 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Tenet Healthcare Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4.63% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 07/15/24 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,862,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Quorum Health Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 11.63% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 04/15/23 | | | 2,400,000 | | | | 2,400,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | SBA Communications Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4.88% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/01/24 | | | 1,304,000 | | | | 1,286,005 | |
| | | | | | | | | | AK Steel Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 6.38% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 10/15/25 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 951,200 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Gogo Intermediate Holdings LLC / Gogo Finance Co Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 12.50% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 07/01/22 | | | 800,000 | | | | 876,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | INEOS Group Holdings SA | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 5.63% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 08/01/24 | | | 750,000 | | | | 738,525 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Monitronics International Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 9.13% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 04/01/20 | | | 650,000 | | | | 487,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Staples Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8.50% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/15/25 | | | 200,000 | | | | 188,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Enova International Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8.50% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/15/25 | | | 400,000 | | | | 398,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 25,878,000 | | | $ | 24,660,285 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Counterparty and Terms of Agreement | | Face Value | | | Repurchase Price | | | Collateral | | Par Value | | | Fair Value | |
Jefferies & Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | 3M Co. | | | | | | | | |
2.75% - 5.16% | | | | | | | | | | 3.00% | | | | | | | | |
10/04/18 - 10/09/18 | | $ | 5,196,000 | | | $ | 5,196,000 | | | 09/14/21 | | $ | 4,995,000 | | | $ | 4,981,014 | |
| | | | | | | | | | City of Haverhill MA | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3.00% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/01/19 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,713,668 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 6,695,000 | | | $ | 6,694,682 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Citigroup Global Markets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(8.00%) - 1.37% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Open Maturity** | | | 3,685,000 | | | | 3,685,000 | | | Staples Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8.50% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/15/25 | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,036,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Gogo Intermediate Holdings LLC / Gogo Finance Co Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 12.50% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 07/01/22 | | | 900,000 | | | | 986,400 | |
| | | | | | | | | | TMS International Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 7.25% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 08/15/25 | | | 800,000 | | | | 806,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Tenet Healthcare Corp. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8.13% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 04/01/22 | | | 500,000 | | | | 526,900 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Monitronics International Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 9.13% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 04/01/20 | | | 300,000 | | | | 225,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,600,000 | | | $ | 3,581,050 | |
* | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
** | The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, subject to approval by the Adviser, and is not based upon a set reference rate and spread. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. |
In the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Fund seeks to assert its rights. The Fund’s investment adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.
80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Targus Group International Equity, Inc.*,1 | | | 19,586 | | | | — | | | | (1,000 | ) | | | 442 | | | | 14,035 | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund – Institutional Class | | | 166,996,450 | | | | 8,120,854 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (12,299,793 | ) |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund – Institutional Class | | | 12,926,051 | | | | 567,458 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (44,825 | ) |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund – Institutional Class | | | 297,474,146 | | | | 7,728,288 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,932,668 | ) |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – Institutional Class | | | 15,005,412 | | | | 837,706 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (390,955 | ) |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 87,752,252 | | | | 2,385,278 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (210,840 | ) |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 98,202,891 | | | | 2,871,012 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (316,787 | ) |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | — | | | | 79,926,756 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (156,725 | ) |
Exchange-Traded Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Invesco Solar ETF4 | | | 15,170,155 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/202 | | | 1,021,935 | | | | 20,373 | | | | (26,810 | ) | | | — | | | | (154,752 | ) |
Targus Group International, Inc. due 05/24/161,3 | | | — | ** | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | $ | 694,568,878 | | | $ | 102,457,725 | | | $ | (27,810 | ) | | $ | 442 | | | $ | (15,493,310 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81 |
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
Security Name | | Value 09/30/18 | | | Shares 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | $ | — | ** | | | 117 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Targus Group International Equity, Inc.*,1 | | | 33,063 | | | | 12,773 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | | — | ** | | | 92,949 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund – Institutional Class | | | 162,817,511 | | | | 5,863,072 | | | | — | | | | 8,120,854 | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund – Institutional Class | | | 13,448,684 | | | | 518,254 | | | | 568,617 | | | | — | |
Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund – Institutional Class | | | 303,269,766 | | | | 12,283,101 | | | | 7,721,850 | | | | — | |
Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund – Institutional Class | | | 15,452,163 | | | | 527,918 | | | | 316,593 | | | | 521,113 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 89,926,690 | | | | 3,589,888 | | | | 2,356,260 | | | | 33,358 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 100,757,116 | | | | 4,033,511 | | | | 2,823,785 | | | | 52,555 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 79,770,031 | | | | 3,190,801 | | | | 1,907,733 | | | | 19,023 | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Invesco Solar ETF4 | | | — | | | | — | | | | 311,741 | | | | — | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/202 | | | 860,746 | | | | 1,032,379 | | | | 148,056 | | | | — | |
Targus Group International, Inc. due 05/24/161,3 | | | — | ** | | | 152,876 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | $ | 766,335,770 | | | | | | | $ | 16,154,635 | | | $ | 8,746,903 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Market value is less than $1. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. Total market value of the fair valued securities amount to $33,063, (cost $161,586) or less than 0.1% of total net assets. |
2 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
3 | Security is in default of interest and/or principle obligations. |
4 | Security is no longer an affiliated entity as a result of Invesco’s acquisition of Guggenheim Investments’ ETF business in spring of 2018. |
82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
September 30, 2018
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $6,497,177,429) | | $ | 6,481,980,310 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $769,705,320) | | | 766,335,770 | |
Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $115,668,784) | | | 115,668,784 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,127,999) | | | 1,124,575 | |
Cash | | | 35,970,497 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 24,529,637 | |
Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements | | | 380,717 | |
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | | | 1,259,338 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 18,282,480 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 298,036 | |
Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements | | | 283,725 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 107,772,867 | |
Interest | | | 21,638,948 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 11,129,332 | |
Dividends | | | 1,648,374 | |
Foreign tax reclaims | | | 48,175 | |
Total assets | | | 7,588,351,565 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 9) (proceeds $2,024,418) | | | 1,522,835 | |
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $21,542,384) | | | 21,253,762 | |
Options written, at value (premiums received $9,757,735) | | | 14,060,160 | |
Segregated cash due to broker | | | 11,289,632 | |
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements | | | 10,066,804 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 4,762,733 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 104,737,325 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 28,149,376 | |
Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements | | | 6,523,838 | |
Management fees | | | 3,687,803 | |
Swap settlement | | | 3,365,156 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 2,888,023 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 604,358 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 482,540 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 434,796 | |
Due to Investment Adviser | | | 72,496 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 8,318 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 434,840 | |
Total liabilities | | | 214,344,795 | |
Net assets | | $ | 7,374,006,770 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 7,459,172,486 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (85,165,716 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 7,374,006,770 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 714,630,280 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 26,933,993 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.53 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%) | | $ | 27.64 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 433,121,033 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 16,334,411 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.52 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 160,577,508 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 6,050,148 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.54 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 6,065,677,949 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 228,316,855 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.57 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
Year Ended September 30, 2018
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,443) | | $ | 5,119,187 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 16,006,579 | |
Interest from unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $5,126) | | | 256,458,368 | |
Interest from affiliated issuers | | | 148,056 | |
Total investment income | | | 277,732,190 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 59,905,312 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 2,044,669 | |
C-Class | | | 4,458,859 | |
P-Class | | | 446,734 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 1,101,914 | |
C-Class | | | 259,160 | |
P-Class | | | 270,623 | |
Institutional Class | | | 3,442,253 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 5,460,406 | |
Interest expense | | | 1,563,229 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 390,331 | |
Custodian fees | | | 179,229 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 72,554 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,678,467 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 287,767 | |
C-Class | | | 471,329 | |
P-Class | | | 74,703 | |
Total expenses | | | 82,107,539 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A-Class | | | (99,047 | ) |
C-Class | | | (54 | ) |
P-Class | | | (64,567 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (3,507,473 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (6,026,440 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (9,697,581 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 72,409,958 | |
Net investment income | | | 205,322,232 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | 24,958,830 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 442 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 8,746,903 | |
Swap agreements | | | (8,373,180 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (343,524 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 9,523,736 | |
Securities sold short | | | 1,316,268 | |
Options purchased | | | 15,916,191 | |
Options written | | | (33,675,642 | ) |
Net realized gain | | | 18,070,024 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (67,322,744 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (15,493,310 | ) |
Securities sold short | | | 318,137 | |
Swap agreements | | | 3,391,025 | |
Options purchased | | | 29,080,425 | |
Options written | | | (6,883,916 | ) |
Foreign currency translations | | | (87,774 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 13,258,885 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (43,739,272 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (25,669,248 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 179,652,984 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 205,322,232 | | | $ | 178,908,439 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 18,070,024 | | | | 64,276,159 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (43,739,272 | ) | | | 40,465,593 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 179,652,984 | | | | 283,650,191 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (23,691,782 | ) | | | (30,384,869 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (9,668,422 | ) | | | (11,057,083 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (5,201,207 | ) | | | (5,729,629 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (180,095,136 | ) | | | (133,534,525 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (218,656,547 | ) | | | (180,706,106 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 328,520,122 | | | | 483,524,829 | |
C-Class | | | 91,817,691 | | | | 170,420,290 | |
P-Class | | | 104,834,460 | | | | 199,175,124 | |
Institutional Class | | | 3,054,881,732 | | | | 3,058,857,215 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 19,275,179 | | | | 24,670,444 | |
C-Class | | | 8,238,846 | | | | 9,315,475 | |
P-Class | | | 5,192,408 | | | | 5,726,531 | |
Institutional Class | | | 155,391,320 | | | | 114,415,649 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (521,979,332 | ) | | | (362,235,603 | ) |
C-Class | | | (99,156,360 | ) | | | (91,211,749 | ) |
P-Class | | | (137,512,748 | ) | | | (82,662,396 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,704,634,359 | ) | | | (857,219,760 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 1,304,868,959 | | | | 2,672,776,049 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 1,265,865,396 | | | | 2,775,720,134 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 6,108,141,374 | | | | 3,332,421,240 | |
End of year | | $ | 7,374,006,770 | | | $ | 6,108,141,374 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (See Note 12). |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 12,309,117 | | | | 18,254,924 | |
C-Class | | | 3,442,802 | | | | 6,433,626 | |
P-Class | | | 3,930,414 | | | | 7,529,638 | |
Institutional Class | | | 114,423,497 | | | | 115,288,077 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 723,618 | | | | 931,159 | |
C-Class | | | 309,569 | | | | 351,944 | |
P-Class | | | 194,873 | | | | 215,727 | |
Institutional Class | | | 5,827,797 | | | | 4,307,627 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (19,582,955 | ) | | | (13,675,512 | ) |
C-Class | | | (3,724,094 | ) | | | (3,447,364 | ) |
P-Class | | | (5,158,216 | ) | | | (3,109,430 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (63,860,836 | ) | | | (32,306,620 | ) |
Net increase in shares | | | 48,835,586 | | | | 100,773,796 | |
86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.67 | | | $ | 26.01 | | | $ | 26.07 | | | $ | 26.81 | | | $ | 26.31 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .72 | | | | .95 | | | | 1.16 | | | | .98 | | | | 1.10 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.08 | ) | | | .68 | | | | .21 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | .69 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .64 | | | | 1.63 | | | | 1.37 | | | | .43 | | | | 1.79 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.78 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (1.17 | ) | | | (1.27 | ) |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.02 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.78 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (1.17 | ) | | | (1.29 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.53 | | | $ | 26.67 | | | $ | 26.01 | | | $ | 26.07 | | | $ | 26.81 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 2.42 | % | | | 6.33 | % | | | 5.57 | % | | | 1.59 | % | | | 6.88 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 714,630 | | | $ | 893,104 | | | $ | 727,602 | | | $ | 844,523 | | | $ | 357,765 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.72 | % | | | 3.58 | % | | | 4.59 | % | | | 3.67 | % | | | 4.08 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.51 | % |
Net expensesd,e,f | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.27 | % | | | 1.46 | % | | | 1.38 | % | | | 1.36 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 66 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 54 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
C-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.65 | | | $ | 25.99 | | | $ | 26.05 | | | $ | 26.79 | | | $ | 26.29 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .53 | | | | .75 | | | | .98 | | | | .78 | | | | .90 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.08 | ) | | | .68 | | | | .20 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | .69 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .45 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.18 | | | | .23 | | | | 1.59 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.77 | ) | | | (1.24 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.02 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.77 | ) | | | (1.24 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.09 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.52 | | | $ | 26.65 | | | $ | 25.99 | | | $ | 26.05 | | | $ | 26.79 | |
|
Total Returnb | | | 1.69 | % | | | 5.55 | % | | | 4.79 | % | | | 0.84 | % | | | 6.10 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 433,121 | | | $ | 434,634 | | | $ | 337,075 | | | $ | 374,633 | | | $ | 248,359 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.98 | % | | | 2.83 | % | | | 3.87 | % | | | 2.90 | % | | | 3.34 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 2.18 | % | | | 2.14 | % | | | 2.36 | % | | | 2.24 | % | | | 2.22 | % |
Net expensesd,e,f | | | 2.09 | % | | | 2.03 | % | | | 2.20 | % | | | 2.13 | % | | | 2.10 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 66 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 54 | % |
88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016g | | | Period Ended Sept. 30, 2015g,h | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.68 | | | $ | 26.02 | | | $ | 26.07 | | | $ | 26.78 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .73 | | | | .92 | | | | 1.20 | | | | .37 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.09 | ) | | | .71 | | | | .21 | | | | (.62 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .64 | | | | 1.63 | | | | 1.41 | | | | (.25 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.78 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.46 | ) | | | (.46 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.78 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (1.46 | ) | | | (.46 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.54 | | | $ | 26.68 | | | $ | 26.02 | | | $ | 26.07 | |
|
Total Return | | | 2.42 | % | | | 6.33 | % | | | 5.74 | % | | | (0.95 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 160,578 | | | $ | 188,980 | | | $ | 63,665 | | | $ | 63,819 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.73 | % | | | 3.48 | % | | | 4.73 | % | | | 3.36 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.46 | % | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.43 | % |
Net expensesd,e,f | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.30 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 66 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 40 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015g | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.71 | | | $ | 26.04 | | | $ | 26.10 | | | $ | 26.84 | | | $ | 26.34 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .84 | | | | 1.02 | | | | 1.26 | | | | 1.06 | | | | 1.18 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.09 | ) | | | .71 | | | | .21 | | | | (.54 | ) | | | .70 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .75 | | | | 1.73 | | | | 1.47 | | | | .52 | | | | 1.88 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.89 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (1.53 | ) | | | (1.26 | ) | | | (1.36 | ) |
Return of capital | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.02 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.89 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (1.53 | ) | | | (1.26 | ) | | | (1.38 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.57 | | | $ | 26.71 | | | $ | 26.04 | | | $ | 26.10 | | | $ | 26.84 | |
|
Total Return | | | 2.83 | % | | | 6.73 | % | | | 5.97 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 7.23 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 6,065,678 | | | $ | 4,591,424 | | | $ | 2,204,079 | | | $ | 2,396,622 | | | $ | 914,366 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.15 | % | | | 3.86 | % | | | 4.96 | % | | | 3.97 | % | | | 4.37 | % |
Total expensesc | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.29 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.18 | % |
Net expensesd,e,f | | | 0.93 | % | | | 0.91 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.02 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 66 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 54 | % |
90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
MACRO OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges. |
c | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
d | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
e | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | | | |
| A-Class | 0.04% | 0.02% | | | |
| C-Class | 0.11% | 0.04% | | | |
| P-Class | 0.04% | 0.02% | | | |
| Institutional Class | — | — | | | |
f | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement and affiliated fee waivers. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods would be: |
| | 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
| A-Class | 1.31% | 1.25% | 1.28% | 1.30% | 1.27% |
| C-Class | 2.06% | 2.00% | 2.02% | 2.05% | 2.01% |
| P-Class | 1.31% | 1.24% | 1.15% | 1.21% | N/A |
| Institutional Class | 0.90% | 0.88% | 0.90% | 0.97% | 0.94% |
g | Consolidated. |
h | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).
Effective August 10, 2018, C-Class shares of each Fund will automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares.
This report covers the Macro Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), a non-diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, only A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Fund.
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services to the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Fund. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Consolidation of Subsidiary
The consolidated financial statements of the Fund includes the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Fund.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
A summary of the Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary is as follows:
| | Commencement Date of Subsidiary | | | Subsidiary Net Assets at September 30, 2018 | | | % of Net Assets of the Fund at September 30, 2018 | |
| | | 01/08/15 | | | $ | 8,027,672 | | | | 0.11 | % |
Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of each Class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Valuation Committee and GI are authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end investment companies (“CEFs”) are valued at the last quoted sale price.
U.S. Government securities are valued by either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.
Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value. Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.
Typically, loans are valued using information provided by an independent third party pricing service which uses broker quotes. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unrealiable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Listed options are valued at the official settlement price listed by the exchange, usually as of 4:00 p.m. Long options are valued using the bid price and short options are valued using the ask price. In the event that a settlement price is not available, fair valuation is enacted. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued using the average bid price (for long options) or average ask price (for short options) obtained from one or more security dealers.
The value of interest rate swap agreements entered into by a fund is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that is determined using the spread priced off the previous day’s Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) price.
The values of OTC swap agreements and credit default swap agreements entered into by a fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.
The value of equity swaps with custom portfolio baskets shall be computed by using the last exchange sale price for each underlying equity security within the swap agreement. A custom portfolio equity swap will be adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest, as applicable, under the swap agreement.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.
(b) Senior Loans
Senior loans in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as the one-month or three-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Consolidated Schedule of Investments. The interest rate indicated is the rate in effect at September 30, 2018.
(c) Interests in When-Issued Securities
The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually take delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, they may sell such securities before the settlement date.
(d) Short Sales
When the Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Fund maintains a segregated account of cash and/or securities as collateral for short sales.
Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.
(e) Options
Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.
When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written
96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).
(f) Swap Agreements
Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default or interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.
(g) Currency Translations
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(h) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency. The change in value of the contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(i) Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Consolidated Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(j) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively. Cash flows received in excess of the effective yield are reflected as a return of capital.
(k) Distributions
The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are
98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
(l) Class Allocations
Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(m) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(n) Cash
The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(o) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives
As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Short Sales
A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.
Derivatives
Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.
The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:
Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.
Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.
Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.
Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.
Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.
For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.
100 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Options Purchased and Written
A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options purchased on a quarterly basis:
Use | | Average Notional Purchased | |
Duration, Hedge, Speculation | | $ | 12,309,954,748 | |
The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options written on a quarterly basis:
Use | | Average Notional Written | |
Duration, Hedge, Speculation | | $ | 10,763,575,251 | |
Swaps
A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. A Fund utilizing OTC swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, the Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initital margin. Subsequent variation margin payments or receipts are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
For a fund utilizing interest rate swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss. There is no guarantee that a fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.
Total return swaps and custom basket swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as index or basket) or a fixed or variable interest rate. Index swaps will usually be computed based on the current index value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange. A fund utilizing a total return index swap bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying index declines in value.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of custom basket swaps on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Notional Amount | |
Use | | Long | | | Short | |
Hedge, Leverage | | $ | 56,792,903 | | | $ | 178,668,180 | |
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of interest rate swaps on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Notional Amount | |
Use | | Long | | | Short | |
Duration, Hedge | | $ | — | | | $ | 809,325,000 | |
Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. The Fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the reference obligation or underlying securities comprising the reference index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the reference obligation or underlying securities comprising the reference
102 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
index. The Notional Amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments.
The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of credit default swaps on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Notional Amount | |
Use | | Long | | | Short | |
Hedge, Speculation | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,900,000 | |
A credit default swap enables a fund to buy or sell protection against a defined credit event of an issuer or a basket of securities. Generally, the seller of credit protection against an issuer or basket of securities receives a periodic payment from the buyer to compensate against potential default events. If a default event occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. A fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.
The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following table represents the Fund’s use, and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Value | |
Use | | Purchased | | | Sold | |
Hedge, Income | | $ | 144,126,593 | | | $ | 900,136,024 | |
Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives |
Equity/Credit/Interest Rate contracts | Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements | Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements |
| Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements | Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements |
| Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements | |
| | |
Equity/Interest rate contracts | Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value | Options written, at value |
| | |
Currency contracts | Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2018:
| Asset Derivative Investments Value | |
| Swaps Equity Risk | | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk* | | | Swaps Credit Default Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Equity Risk | | | Options Purchased Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
| $ | 1,122,648 | | | $ | 7,594,301 | | | $ | 136,690 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 34,932,300 | | | $ | 12,247,854 | | | $ | 18,282,480 | | | $ | 74,316,273 | |
104 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
| Liability Derivative Investments Value | |
| Swaps Equity Risk | | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk* | | | Swaps Credit Default Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Equity Risk | | | Options Purchased Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
| $ | 9,885,581 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 181,223 | | | $ | 12,962,300 | | | $ | 1,097,860 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,762,733 | | | $ | 28,889,697 | |
* | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of interest rate swap agreements as reported on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |
Equity/Interest Rate/Credit contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements |
| |
Equity/Interest rate contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options purchased |
| Net realized gain (loss) on options written |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written |
| |
Currency contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2018:
| Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations | |
| Swaps Equity Risk | | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk | | | Swaps Credit Default Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Equity Risk | | | Options Purchased Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
| $ | (20,614,082 | ) | | $ | 12,428,921 | | | $ | (188,019 | ) | | $ | (36,389,034 | ) | | $ | 2,713,392 | | | $ | 38,905,374 | | | $ | (22,989,183 | ) | | $ | 9,523,736 | | | $ | (16,608,895 | ) |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations | |
| Swaps Equity Risk | | | Swaps Interest Rate Risk | | | Swaps Credit Default Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Equity Risk | | | Options Purchased Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
| $ | (5,024,357 | ) | | $ | 8,459,915 | | | $ | (44,533 | ) | | $ | (7,143,945 | ) | | $ | 260,029 | | | $ | 29,317,237 | | | $ | (236,812 | ) | | $ | 13,258,885 | | | $ | 38,846,419 | |
In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund.
There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are
106 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.
The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.
Note 3 – Offsetting
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.
In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.
For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the | | | | Net Amount of Assets Presented on the | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Instrument | | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets1 | | | | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | Financial Instruments | | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | | Net Amount | |
Options purchased contracts | | $ | 12,247,854 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 12,247,854 | | | $ | (1,097,860 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,149,994 | |
Credit default swap agreements | | | 136,690 | | | | — | | | | 136,690 | | | | (71,824 | ) | | | — | | | | 64,866 | |
Custom basket swap agreements | | | 1,122,648 | | | | — | | | | 1,122,648 | | | | (1,122,648 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 18,282,480 | | | | — | | | | 18,282,480 | | | | (4,435,438 | ) | | | (10,954,632 | ) | | | 2,892,410 | |
| | | | | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the | | | | Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on the | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Instrument | | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities1 | | | | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | Financial Instruments | | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | | Net Amount | |
Options written contracts | | $ | 1,097,860 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,097,860 | | | $ | (1,097,860 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Credit default swap agreements | | | 181,223 | | | | — | | | | 181,223 | | | | (71,824 | ) | | | — | | | | 109,399 | |
Custom basket swap agreements | | | 9,885,581 | | | | — | | | | 9,885,581 | | | | (1,122,648 | ) | | | (8,762,933 | ) | | | — | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 4,762,733 | | | | — | | | | 4,762,733 | | | | (4,435,438 | ) | | | — | | | | 327,295 | |
1 | Exchange-traded or centrally cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts. |
108 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2018. The derivatives tables following the Consolidated Schedule of Investments list each counterparty for which cash collateral may have been pledged or received at period end. The Fund has the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.
Counterparty/Clearing Agent | Asset Type | | Cash Pledged | | | Cash Received | |
Morgan Stanley | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts, Custom Basket Swap agreements | | $ | 12,025,000 | | | $ | — | |
Barclays | Repurchase agreements | | | — | | | | 335,000 | |
Goldman Sachs Group | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 2,560,000 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | Interest Rate Swap agreements | | | 12,504,637 | | | | — | |
Citigroup | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 5,164,632 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | | | — | | | | 3,230,000 | |
| | | $ | 24,529,637 | | | $ | 11,289,632 | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
Level 1 — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
Level 2 — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
Level 3 — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Independent pricing services are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.
Indicative quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may be also used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although indicative quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in an indicative quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly indicative quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.89% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. A breakpoint of 5 basis points (0.05%) on average daily net asets above $5 billion will apply to the Fund’s advisory fees.
GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from the Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Fund’s Board for such termination. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund waived $71,484 related to advisory fees in the Subsidiary.
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
The Fund has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.
110 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The contractual expense limitation agreement for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:
| Limit | Effective Date | Contract End Date |
Macro Opportunities Fund - A-Class | 1.36% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Macro Opportunities Fund - C-Class | 2.11% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Macro Opportunities Fund - P-Class | 1.36% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/20 |
Macro Opportunities Fund - Institutional Class | 0.95% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2018, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:
| | 2019 | | | 2020 | | | 2021 | | | Total | |
A-Class | | $ | 990,093 | | | $ | 698,565 | | | $ | 369,679 | | | $ | 2,058,337 | |
C-Class | | | 170,122 | | | | 203,863 | | | | 169,716 | | | | 543,701 | |
P-Class | | | — | | | | 160,330 | | | | 123,284 | | | | 283,614 | |
Institutional Class | | | 3,487,376 | | | | 2,955,151 | | | | 5,293,700 | | | | 11,736,227 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GI recouped $833,799 from the Fund.
If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund waived $3,669,736 related to investments in affiliated funds.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $430,362 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
Note 6 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements:
| | Number of Days Outstanding | | | Balance at September 30, 2018 | | | Average Balance Outstanding | | | Average Interest Rate | |
| | | 261 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,022,110 | | | | (0.31 | )% |
Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
112 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gains | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 218,656,547 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 218,656,547 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gains | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 180,706,106 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 180,706,106 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
The tax components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Other Temporary Differences | | | Total | |
| | $ | 28,009,330 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (102,088,482 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (11,086,564 | ) | | $ | (85,165,716 | ) |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following capital loss carryforward amount was utilized:
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in CLO securities and swaps, the “mark-to-market” of certain forward foreign exchange contracts, the “mark-to-market” of certain options contracts, losses deferred due to wash sales, foreign currency gains and losses, dividend payable, amortization, and transactions with the Fund’s wholly owned foreign subsidiary. Additional differences may result from the investments in partnerships, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, and the “mark-to-market” of certain foreign currency denominated securities. To the extent these
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
differences are permanent and would require a reclassifcation between paid in capital and total distributable earnings (loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
| | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings/(Loss) | |
| | $ | 618,006 | | | $ | (618,006 | ) |
At September 30,2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
| | | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized (Depreciation) | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
| | | | $ | 7,435,221,587 | | | $ | 54,684,060 | | | $ | (157,238,360 | ) | | $ | (102,554,300 | ) |
Note 8 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
| | $ | 4,407,816,295 | | | $ | 3,685,583,333 | |
The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | | | Realized Gain | |
| | $ | 24,466,731 | | | $ | 25,048,888 | | | $ | 273,428 | |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 9 – Unfunded Loan Commitments
Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.
The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Borrower | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount** | | | Value | |
Acosta, Inc. | | | 09/26/19 | | | | 2,533,333 | | | $ | 652,865 | |
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC | | | 07/25/19 | | | | 1,275,000 | | | | 95,944 | |
Bullhorn, Inc. | | | 11/21/22 | | | | 431,117 | | | | 10,396 | |
Capstone Logistics | | | 11/10/18 | | | | 242,236 | | | | 1,160 | |
Convergint Technologies | | | 02/03/25 | | | | 17,427 | | | | 7 | |
Dominion Web Solutions LLC | | | 06/15/23 | | | | 461,538 | | | | — | * |
EG Finco Ltd. | | | 02/07/25 | | | EUR | 840,979 | | | | 4,429 | |
Epicor Software | | | 06/01/20 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 82,715 | |
Fortis Solutions Group LLC | | | 12/15/23 | | | | 1,010,758 | | | | 53,706 | |
Galls LLC | | | 01/31/24 | | | | 227,646 | | | | 26,389 | |
Galls LLC | | | 01/31/25 | | | | 1,533,306 | | | | — | * |
ICP Industrial, Inc. | | | 11/03/23 | | | | 208,275 | | | | 1,041 | |
Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | | | 03/11/19 | | | | 2,450,000 | | | | — | * |
Lytx, Inc. | | | 08/31/22 | | | | 363,158 | | | | 35,625 | |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | 02/28/25 | | | | 1,727,673 | | | | 6,479 | |
Ministry Brands LLC | | | 12/02/22 | | | | 295,633 | | | | 1,478 | |
MRI Software LLC | | | 06/30/23 | | | | 237,000 | | | | 5,601 | |
National Technical Systems | | | 06/12/21 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 14,077 | |
Recess Holdings, Inc. | | | 09/30/24 | | | | 1,429 | | | | — | * |
SLR Consulting Ltd. | | | 05/23/25 | | | GBP | 300,000 | | | | 5,570 | |
Solera LLC | | | 03/03/21 | | | | 7,560,000 | | | | 516,547 | |
Thermasys Corp. | | | 11/11/18 | | | | 171,395 | | | | — | * |
VT Topco, Inc. | | | 08/17/25 | | | | 162,667 | | | | — | * |
Wencor Group | | | 06/19/19 | | | | 315,385 | | | | 8,806 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,522,835 | |
* | Security has a market value of $0. |
** | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 10 – Restricted Securities
The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:
Restricted Securities | | Acquisition Date | | | Cost | | | Value | |
Airplanes Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2001-1A, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.55%) due 03/15/191,2 | | | 01/18/12 | | | $ | 1,691,717 | | | $ | 52,458 | |
Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, due 01/20/213 | | | 05/09/14 | | | | 1,779,373 | | | | 766,483 | |
Customers Bank | | | | | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 06/26/294 | | | 06/24/14 | | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,585,419 | |
GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2004-POKA, 6.36% due 09/10/44 | | | 05/11/17 | | | | 10,051,559 | | | | 9,292,249 | |
Highland Park CDO I Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006-1A, 2.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/512 | | | 04/14/15 | | | | 1,844,963 | | | | 2,304,083 | |
Offutt AFB America First Community LLC | | | | | | | | | | | | |
5.46% due 09/01/50 | | | 02/21/17 | | | | 5,420,439 | | | | 5,473,891 | |
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V., | | | | | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 12/20/27 | | | 12/17/12 | | | | 1,519,435 | | | | 1,347,495 | |
Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.70% due 06/15/48 | | | 05/25/18 | | | | 6,980,308 | | | | 6,899,823 | |
Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 6.38% due 12/13/48 | | | 11/27/13 | | | | 1,551,572 | | | | 1,339,245 | |
Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.13% due 12/13/48 | | | 11/27/13 | | | | 2,169,119 | | | | 2,048,479 | |
| | | | | | $ | 37,508,485 | | | $ | 34,109,625 | |
1 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
2 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
3 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
4 | Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
Note 11 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for the Fund is referenced in the Consolidated Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
On October 5, 2018, the Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
Note 12 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Funds’ net assets or results of operations.
Note 13 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
Note 14 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.
118 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended (consolidated 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 consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended (consolidated for each of the four years in the period then ended), in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodians, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers or paying agents were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0037378_120.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
120 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2). See qualified interest income in the table below.
| Qualified Dividend Income | Dividend Received Deduction | Qualified Interest Income |
| 2.26% | 2.26% | 77.92% |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
| | $ | 554,732 | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”),
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI-Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report.2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.3 As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
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performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one -year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
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Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
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After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
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weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management
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fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
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Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts
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as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other
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determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation
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of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Inc. (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued | | |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and CEO, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2013-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council; Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 139 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present). Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present) ; Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present). Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 141 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - continued | |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present). Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (February 2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present). Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present). Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. ("HGINA"), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 143 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providingthe services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com –by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded) |
that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
|
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | FR-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036012_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 4 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 6 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | 9 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 49 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 67 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 69 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 85 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 92 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (the “Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
Floating Rate Strategies Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investments in floating rate senior secured syndicated bank loans and other floating rate securities involve special types of risks, including credit rate risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and prepayment risk. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements and synthetic instruments (such as synthetic collateralized debt obligations) expose the Fund to many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the U.S. Treasury curve continued its bear-flattening trend (when short-term rates increase at a faster rate than long-term rates), as the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury rose 134 basis points, from 1.48% to 2.82% and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rising just 73 basis points, from 2.33% to 3.06%. The difference between the 2-year U.S. Treasury and 10-year U.S. Treasury narrowed from 85 basis points to 24 basis points. In September, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
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ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(continued) | September 30, 2018 |
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500®”) Index* returned 17.91%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
*Index Definitions
The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index tracks the investable market of the U.S. dollar denominated leveraged loan market. It consists of issues rated “5B” or lower, meaning that the highest rated issues included in this index are Moody’s/S&P ratings of Baa1/BB+ or Ba1/BBB+. All loans are funded term loans with a tenor of at least one year and are made by issuers domiciled in developed countries.
ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) |
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 |
A-Class | 1.03% | 1.96% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.60 | $5.27 |
C-Class | 1.79% | 1.57% | 1,000.00 | 1,015.70 | 9.14 |
P-Class | 1.03% | 1.96% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.60 | 5.27 |
Institutional Class | 0.79% | 2.12% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.20 | 4.05 |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period4 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) |
A-Class | 1.03% | 5.00% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.90 | $5.22 |
C-Class | 1.79% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,016.09 | 9.05 |
P-Class | 1.03% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,019.90 | 5.22 |
Institutional Class | 0.79% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.11 | 4.00 |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including B. Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global Chief Investment Officer; Anne B. Walsh, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income; Kevin H. Gundersen, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Thomas J. Hauser, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund returned 3.80%1 net of fees, compared with the 5.60% return of its benchmark, the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index.
In the bank loan market, the lower-quality end of the market continued to perform well, as low-rated credits were bid up as investors searched for yield with spreads tightening and prices for most credits hovering around par. CCC-rated names outperformed, returning 11.7% during the year, relative to the benchmark return of 5.6%. Single-B rated credits performed relatively in line, at 5.5%, while BB-rated credits lagged slightly at 4.6%. Energy was a top performing sector at 8.8%, followed closely by Electric at 7.2%. The Consumer Non-Cyclical sector was the worst performing, though still returning 4.9% for the year.
The Fund’s returns were positive across all sectors, but lagged the benchmark. With only 2.4% of the Fund invested in CCC-rated assets relative to the 5.7% in the benchmark, the Fund failed to capitalize on the price rally of many weaker credits in the market that traded up largely on technicals, as we do not feel this is the appropriate time in the cycle to move down in credit quality in search of incremental yield. The Fund did benefit from credit selection in Non-Rated credits which outperformed the benchmark for the year. Exposure to Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (NA-RMBS) helped performance, while investments in High Yield Bonds detracted as the High Yield market lagged the leveraged loan market over the last twelve months.
For most of the past year, the leveraged loan market has benefitted from strong fundamentals and a favorable technical environment. We have seen strong earnings growth and interest coverage that has been steadily improving over the past eight quarters, thereby pushing leveraged credit risk premiums to near cycle tights. Despite the tightening spreads, borrowing costs have quietly continued to rise, as rising short-term rates flowed through to the floating rate coupons of leveraged loans. With earnings expected to peak in 2018 while the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) forges ahead into restrictive territory, this may be as good as it gets for interest coverage.
Despite the supply/demand imbalance favoring borrowers and allowing spreads to tighten, rising rates flowing through to floating rate coupons have supported loan returns this year relative to other fixed income sectors. One-month and three-month Libor have risen significantly over the last 12 months. Over the same period, despite spreads tightening 16bps on institutional loans, coupons have increased by 86bps due to this steady rise.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
Higher short-term rates are likely to continue to attract inflows to loans over the next 12 months, but it will be important to monitor demand dynamics as Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”) spreads have widened since the beginning of the year. This makes it difficult for CLO to maintain an attractive asset-liability spread and could weaken demand from the loan market’s largest investor base. We thus believe that some technical headwinds may lie ahead for the loan market, but rising coupons could cushion any negative price impact.
The Fund invests in non-U.S. dollar-denominated assets when the risk-return profile is favorable. Non-U.S. dollar-denominated assets comprise approximately 10% of the Fund. The Fund entered into currency forward contracts to hedge exchange rate risk. Over the course of the year, the U.S. dollar appreciated versus foreign currencies, which resulted in a positive impact on the forward contracts and added to performance. This was offset by depreciation of the foreign currency assets in U.S. dollar terms.
The Fund continues to be primarily invested in leveraged loans, which comprise over 85% of gross assets. In this rising rate environment in which we expect one additional rate hike in 2018 and four more in 2019, we prefer loans due to their floating rate coupons. Additionally, at this point in the cycle, with our macro team calling for a recession in 2020, we prefer leveraged loans as the more defensive leveraged credit play due to their senior secured position in the capital structure.
As the leveraged loan market continues to be issuer-friendly, documentation continues to weaken and borrowers and sponsors continue to get more aggressive with their transactions and terms. We remain committed to our fundamental investment process and work diligently with our in-house legal team to ensure loan documents properly protect our investments. We evaluate each investment from the bottom-up, seeking investments in companies we feel are best suited to survive the next recessionary period, which we believe is within the maturities of the investments we make today.
We continue to work to move up in credit quality, investing in businesses with robust free cash flow and liquidity profiles. We seek to avoid heavily-levered industries, highly cyclical names, and companies with large capital expenditure requirements that can restrict cash flow in a downturn. As credit spreads typically widen a year in advance of a recession, the Fund seeks to take advantage of exuberant markets to move up in quality and position for the recession in early 2020.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide a high level of current income while maximizing total return.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036012_11.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs, other asset-backed securities (including mortgage-backed securities) and similarly structured debt investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | November 30, 2011 |
C-Class | November 30, 2011 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
Institutional Class | November 30, 2011 |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
National Financial Partners Corp., 5.24% | 1.0% |
Alpha 3 B.V., 5.39% | 1.0% |
CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., 5.31% | 1.0% |
Equinox Holdings, Inc., 5.24% | 0.9% |
Optiv, Inc., 5.50% | 0.9% |
LPL Holdings, Inc., 4.42% | 0.9% |
Amwins Group LLC, 4.96% | 0.9% |
Altice US Finance I Corp., 4.49% | 0.9% |
Engineered Machinery Holdings, Inc., 5.64% | 0.9% |
Press Ganey Holdings, Inc., 4.99% | 0.9% |
Top Ten Total | 9.3% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036012_12.jpg)
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (11/30/11) |
A-Class Shares | 3.80% | 3.81% | 5.11% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge‡ | 0.70% | 2.81% | 4.37% |
C-Class Shares | 3.03% | 3.05% | 4.33% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | 2.03% | 3.05% | 4.33% |
Institutional Class Shares | 4.08% | 4.07% | 5.37% |
Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index | 5.60% | 4.35% | 5.25% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 3.80% | 3.51% |
Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index | | 5.60% | 4.33% |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, and Insitutional shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
‡ | Effective October 1, 2015 the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 3.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 3.00% maximum sales charge is used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | % of Total Investments |
Fixed Income Instruments | |
AA | 0.2% |
A | 2.0% |
BBB | 7.5% |
BB | 30.8% |
B | 52.2% |
CCC | 1.7% |
CC | 0.6% |
NR2 | 2.4% |
Other Instruments | 2.6% |
Total Investments | 100.0% |
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 0.0% |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0% |
Targus Group International, Inc*,†††,1,2 | | | 12,773 | | | $ | 33,063 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.0% |
Titan Energy LLC* | | | 10,110 | | | | 4,145 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY - 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent Inc.*,†††,1,2 | | | 758 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $317,262) | | | | | | | 37,208 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WARRANTS††† - 0.0% |
Aspect Software, Inc.*,1,2 | | | 604,850 | | | | — | |
Total Warrants | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $—) | | | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 0.8% |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I2 | | | 345,945 | | | | 8,665,910 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2 | | | 303,486 | | | | 7,587,154 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2 | | | 302,417 | | | | 7,554,385 | |
Total Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $23,726,153) | | | | | | | 23,807,449 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 1.8% |
Federated U.S. Treasury Cash Reserve Fund Institutional Shares 1.92%3 | | | 58,804,454 | | | | 58,804,454 | |
Total Money Market Fund | | | | |
(Cost $58,804,454) | | | | | | | 58,804,454 | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,8 - 87.0% |
Industrial - 17.7% |
TransDigm Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/30/25 | | | 17,971,156 | | | | 18,016,803 | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/09/23 | | | 11,903,513 | | | | 11,943,747 | |
Engineered Machinery Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/19/24 | | | 29,652,082 | | | | 29,244,366 | |
VC GB Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/28/24 | | | 28,804,472 | | | | 28,876,483 | |
Flex Acquisition Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/29/23 | | | 28,308,781 | | | | 28,277,358 | |
BWAY Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.58% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/03/24 | | | 27,424,238 | | | | 27,389,957 | |
DAE Aviation | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/07/22 | | | 27,124,036 | | | | 27,246,908 | |
Quikrete Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/23 | | | 25,480,769 | | | | 25,525,870 | |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Charter Nex US, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/16/24 | | | 19,231,563 | | | $ | 19,227,524 | |
Cartrawler | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/29/2111 | | EUR | 15,468,130 | | | | 17,871,330 | |
Filtration Group Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/29/25 | | | 17,661,250 | | | | 17,774,812 | |
Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/23 | | | 17,193,843 | | | | 17,266,057 | |
GYP Holdings III Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/01/25 | | | 17,028,523 | | | | 16,978,800 | |
Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) S.A.R.L. | | | | | | | | |
4.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/17/25 | | | 16,511,071 | | | | 16,511,071 | |
Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.41% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 11/10/23 | | | 16,272,584 | | | | 16,325,469 | |
Arctic Long Carriers | | | | | | | | |
6.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/18/23 | | | 15,261,813 | | | | 15,299,967 | |
Hayward Industries, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/05/24 | | | 14,305,500 | | | | 14,384,180 | |
CHI Overhead Doors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/29/22 | | | 14,212,439 | | | | 14,243,565 | |
Springs Window Fashions | | | | | | | | |
6.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/25 | | | 11,770,500 | | | | 11,858,779 | |
10.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 8.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/26 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,302,750 | |
Engility Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/14/23 | | | 12,953,934 | | | | 12,983,599 | |
RBS Global, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/21/24 | | | 12,894,138 | | | | 12,952,806 | |
CPG International LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.25% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/05/24 | | | 12,655,496 | | | | 12,742,566 | |
American Bath Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/23 | | | 11,800,034 | | | | 11,918,388 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Hillman Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/254 | | | 12,050,000 | | | $ | 11,908,413 | |
Altra Industrial Motion Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/25/254 | | | 11,300,000 | | | | 11,317,628 | |
Wrangler Buyer Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/28/24 | | | 10,861,905 | | | | 10,918,496 | |
Argo Merchants | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/06/24 | | | 10,671,615 | | | | 10,724,973 | |
Titan Acquisition Ltd. (Husky) | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/28/25 | | | 10,149,000 | | | | 9,852,446 | |
Sapphire Bidco B.V. | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/05/2511 | | EUR | 8,100,000 | | | | 9,424,574 | |
LTI Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/25 | | | 9,150,000 | | | | 9,184,312 | |
STS Operating, Inc. (SunSource) | | | | | | | | |
6.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/11/24 | | | 9,176,884 | | | | 9,153,942 | |
Befesa | | | | | | | | |
2.75% (6 Month EURIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/07/2211 | | EUR | 6,250,000 | | | | 7,259,928 | |
ABC Supply Co., Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 10/31/23 | | | 6,862,282 | | | | 6,839,637 | |
CPM Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/11/22 | | | 6,575,702 | | | | 6,600,361 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Recess Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/24 | | | 5,058,429 | | | | 5,096,367 | |
7.44% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/30/24 | | | 680,119 | | | | 685,220 | |
Thermasys Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.33% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 05/03/19 | | | 5,971,875 | | | | 5,617,325 | |
Verallia Packaging Sasu | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/29/2511 | | EUR | 3,650,000 | | | | 4,245,011 | |
Consolidated Container Co. LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/22/24 | | | 3,712,570 | | | | 3,723,708 | |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Corialis Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
3.50% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/29/2411 | | EUR | 3,075,000 | | | $ | 3,514,362 | |
Reece Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/02/25 | | | 3,192,000 | | | | 3,195,990 | |
Survitec | | | | | | | | |
4.75% (6 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%) due 03/12/2211 | | EUR | 2,700,000 | | | | 3,043,081 | |
KUEHG Corp. (KinderCare) | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/21/25 | | | 2,880,067 | | | | 2,892,077 | |
SIG Onex Wizard Acquisition | | | | | | | | |
7.00% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/11/22 | | | 2,638,079 | | | | 2,639,900 | |
EXC Holdings III Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/24 | | | 2,009,813 | | | | 2,022,374 | |
Tank Holdings Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/16/22 | | | 1,660,870 | | | | 1,661,384 | |
Pregis Holding I Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/20/21 | | | 1,346,367 | | | | 1,332,904 | |
Wencor Group | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month LIBOR + 3.50%) due 06/19/19 | | | 1,052,308 | | | | 1,022,927 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 570,040,495 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.6% |
CHG Healthcare Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.31% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 30,634,073 | | | | 30,806,543 | |
JBS USA Lux SA | | | | | | | | |
4.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 10/30/22 | | | 27,851,479 | | | | 27,905,511 | |
Albertson’s LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 08/25/21 | | | 21,642,979 | | | | 21,660,943 | |
5.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 12/21/22 | | | 6,205,697 | | | | 6,206,876 | |
Sterigenics-Norion Holdings | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/15/22 | | | 27,216,359 | | | | 27,238,948 | |
Examworks Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/27/23 | | | 26,787,968 | | | | 26,975,484 | |
Chobani LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/10/23 | | | 27,487,294 | | | | 26,800,112 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Dole Food Company, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/06/24 | | | 24,773,794 | | | $ | 24,756,205 | |
DJO Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.54% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/08/20 | | | 23,443,500 | | | | 23,428,965 | |
MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 23,129,480 | | | | 23,174,120 | |
Diamond (BC) B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/24 | | | 10,867,875 | | | | 10,650,518 | |
3.25% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/2411 | | EUR | 9,031,750 | | | | 10,318,449 | |
AI Aqua Zip Bidco Pty Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/13/23 | | | 19,182,204 | | | | 19,185,810 | |
PPDI (Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.) | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/18/22 | | | 18,671,941 | | | | 18,682,584 | |
Lineage Logistics LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/27/25 | | | 18,183,625 | | | | 18,145,803 | |
Sigma Holding BV (Flora Food) | | | | | | | | |
3.50% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/02/2511 | | EUR | 14,000,000 | | | | 16,189,573 | |
Aspen Dental | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/30/25 | | | 15,411,375 | | | | 15,480,726 | |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/11/25 | | | 15,261,750 | | | | 15,249,083 | |
Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 04/29/24 | | | 14,778,859 | | | | 14,868,124 | |
American Tire Distributors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/01/21 | | | 16,940,254 | | | | 14,653,320 | |
US Foods, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/27/23 | | | 13,117,754 | | | | 13,162,092 | |
Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.42% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/31/25 | | | 12,530,696 | | | | 12,594,102 | |
Hostess Brands LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 08/03/22 | | | 12,259,661 | | | | 12,259,661 | |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Authentic Brands | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/27/24 | | | 11,959,625 | | | $ | 11,992,514 | |
CPI Holdco LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/21/24 | | | 10,778,303 | | | | 10,785,093 | |
Immucor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/15/21 | | | 10,418,125 | | | | 10,580,960 | |
PAREXEL International Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/27/24 | | | 10,506,870 | | | | 10,430,695 | |
Cidron New Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
3.50% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/16/2511 | | EUR | 8,125,000 | | | | 9,406,961 | |
Syneos Health, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/01/24 | | | 8,599,250 | | | | 8,609,999 | |
Smart & Final Stores LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 11/15/22 | | | 8,298,839 | | | | 8,127,717 | |
NVA Holdings, Inc | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/03/25 | | | 7,724,941 | | | | 7,695,972 | |
Alpha Bidco SAS | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/29/2511 | | EUR | 6,195,620 | | | | 7,220,142 | |
CTI Foods Holding Co. LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/29/20 | | | 3,662,453 | | | | 2,998,634 | |
9.85% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/28/21 | | | 7,420,000 | | | | 2,943,291 | |
Duran Group Holding GMBH | | | | | | | | |
4.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/29/2411 | | EUR | 4,003,529 | | | | 4,416,341 | |
4.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/20/2411 | | EUR | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,489,201 | |
Pelican Products, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/25 | | | 4,758,075 | | | | 4,766,021 | |
Avantor, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/21/24 | | | 4,615,125 | | | | 4,669,214 | |
Equian LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/20/24 | | | 4,281,750 | | | | 4,301,831 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Nellson Nutraceutical (US) | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/23/21 | | | 4,055,580 | | | $ | 4,035,302 | |
Grocery Outlet, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/21/21 | | | 3,871,157 | | | | 3,871,157 | |
Cheese Bidco B.V. | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/29/2511 | | EUR | 2,904,380 | | | | 3,384,655 | |
Stratose Intermediate Holdings II LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/22/23 | | | 3,258,750 | | | | 3,273,023 | |
Arctic Glacier Group Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/20/24 | | | 2,388,761 | | | | 2,395,737 | |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.10% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/01/25 | | | 2,217,475 | | | | 2,227,964 | |
BCPE Eagle Buyer LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/18/24 | | | 2,128,392 | | | | 2,091,145 | |
Nellson Nutraceutical (CAD) | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/23/21 | | | 1,662,978 | | | | 1,654,664 | |
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/16/23 | | | 1,281,573 | | | | 1,289,788 | |
Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/20/24 | | | 644,860 | | | | 648,690 | |
Jacobs Douwe Egberts | | | | | | | | |
4.63% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/01/22 | | | 588,495 | | | | 592,079 | |
Targus Group International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
due 05/24/16†††,1,2,4,5 | | | 152,876 | | | | — | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 566,292,342 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 14.9% |
Optiv, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/01/24 | | | 30,867,269 | | | | 29,989,404 | |
Press Ganey Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/23/23 | | | 28,942,438 | | | | 29,050,972 | |
Misys Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/13/24 | | | 28,181,613 | | | | 28,190,067 | |
Solera LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/03/23 | | | 26,047,113 | | | | 26,096,081 | |
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
First Data Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/26/24 | | | 14,205,407 | | | $ | 14,215,493 | |
4.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%) due 07/08/22 | | | 11,169,121 | | | | 11,185,652 | |
LANDesk Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/20/24 | | | 24,085,104 | | | | 24,255,626 | |
Kronos, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/01/23 | | | 20,411,147 | | | | 20,505,650 | |
Seattle Spnco | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/21/24 | | | 19,391,667 | | | | 19,327,092 | |
TIBCO Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/04/20 | | | 19,058,387 | | | | 19,125,854 | |
Epicor Software | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/22 | | | 17,983,760 | | | | 18,054,976 | |
Go Daddy Operating Company LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/15/24 | | | 17,435,087 | | | | 17,498,028 | |
Peak 10 Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/01/24 | | | 17,226,000 | | | | 17,024,973 | |
Internet Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.92% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/13/24 | | | 16,609,135 | | | | 16,712,943 | |
Planview, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/27/23†††,1 | | | 15,760,000 | | | | 15,760,000 | |
Evergood 4 ApS (Nets) | | | | | | | | |
3.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/06/2511 | | EUR | 11,950,342 | | | | 13,881,658 | |
Micron Technology, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/29/25 | | | 11,700,000 | | | | 11,702,457 | |
Cologix Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/20/24 | | | 9,553,515 | | | | 9,523,708 | |
9.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/20/25 | | | 1,900,000 | | | | 1,912,464 | |
Flexera Software LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/26/25 | | | 10,464,250 | | | | 10,486,016 | |
Cypress Intermediate Holdings III, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/29/24 | | | 9,974,747 | | | | 10,012,153 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Infor (US), Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/01/22 | | | 9,856,291 | | | $ | 9,879,354 | |
IRIS Software Group | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/03/25 | | GBP | 7,500,000 | | | | 9,860,318 | |
Greenway Health LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/16/24 | | | 8,805,416 | | | | 8,783,402 | |
Informatica LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/05/22 | | | 8,671,802 | | | | 8,739,529 | |
Eiger Acquisition B.V. | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/12/2411 | | EUR | 7,400,000 | | | | 8,624,884 | |
EIG Investors Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/09/23 | | | 8,093,529 | | | | 8,151,317 | |
Jaggaer | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/28/24 | | | 8,159,000 | | | | 8,138,602 | |
Camelia Bidco Banc Civica | | | | | | | | |
5.55% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/14/24 | | GBP | 5,600,000 | | | | 7,316,755 | |
Park Place Technologies LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%) due 03/29/25 | | | 6,284,250 | | | | 6,276,395 | |
10.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 8.00%) due 03/29/26 | | | 300,000 | | | | 297,750 | |
MA Financeco LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/19/21 | | | 6,243,625 | | | | 6,212,407 | |
Cvent, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/29/24 | | | 5,870,500 | | | | 5,863,162 | |
Refinitiv (Financial & Risk Us Holdings, Inc.) | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month USD LIBOR +3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/18/254 | | | 5,800,000 | | | | 5,784,688 | |
Aspect Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/202 | | | 6,718,039 | | | | 5,601,165 | |
PISWBidCo GmbH | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (2 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/30/2511 | | EUR | 4,800,000 | | | | 5,556,228 | |
Global Healthcare Exchange LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/28/24 | | | 3,555,000 | | | | 3,561,683 | |
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Miami Escrow Borrower LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/21/24 | | | 2,871,458 | | | $ | 2,861,896 | |
Sabre GLBL, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/22/24 | | | 2,351,391 | | | | 2,357,270 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 478,378,072 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 14.0% |
Equinox Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/08/24 | | | 30,000,516 | | | | 30,128,018 | |
AlixPartners, LLP | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/04/24 | | | 28,316,665 | | | | 28,434,746 | |
USIC Holding, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/08/23 | | | 26,668,752 | | | | 26,813,296 | |
CD&R Firefly Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.25% (2 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/23/25 | | GBP | 17,450,000 | | | | 22,714,247 | |
3.50% (2 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/23/2511 | | EUR | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,903,449 | |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/25 | | | 22,627,087 | | | | 22,542,235 | |
Crown Finance US, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/28/25 | | | 14,079,250 | | | | 14,056,582 | |
2.63% (1 Month EURIBOR + 2.63%, Rate Floor: 0.00%)11 due 02/28/25 | | EUR | 5,870,500 | | | | 6,823,059 | |
Greektown Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 04/25/24 | | | 17,725,625 | | | | 17,725,625 | |
Navistar Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/06/24 | | | 17,412,500 | | | | 17,499,563 | |
Peer Holding III BV | | | | | | | | |
3.50% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/08/2511 | | EUR | 15,075,000 | | | | 17,349,028 | |
Gates Global LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/01/24 | | | 17,128,890 | | | | 17,225,325 | |
Party City Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 08/19/22 | | | 15,699,751 | | | | 15,809,022 | |
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/26/23 | | | 17,888,788 | | | | 14,474,355 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/17/24 | | | 13,394,500 | | | $ | 13,450,355 | |
Acosta, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/26/21 | | | 17,653,584 | | | | 13,148,566 | |
At Home Holding III Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/03/22 | | | 12,093,750 | | | | 12,154,219 | |
Amaya Holdings B.V. | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/2511 | | EUR | 10,100,000 | | | | 11,836,773 | |
EG Finco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/07/25 | | | 6,517,250 | | | | 6,523,376 | |
4.00% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/07/2511 | | EUR | 4,535,313 | | | | 5,269,853 | |
GVC Holdings plc | | | | | | | | |
2.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/29/2411 | | EUR | 6,350,000 | | | | 7,365,912 | |
4.30% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/29/24 | | GBP | 2,700,000 | | | | 3,515,792 | |
National Vision, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/20/24 | | | 10,731,135 | | | | 10,794,878 | |
Trader Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/28/23 | | | 9,052,876 | | | | 9,067,994 | |
Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.70% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/16/23 | | | 8,962,275 | | | | 8,956,718 | |
Life Time Fitness, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/10/22 | | | 8,768,216 | | | | 8,799,256 | |
Burlington Stores, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.72% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 11/17/24 | | | 8,693,188 | | | | 8,747,521 | |
IBC Capital Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/11/23 | | | 8,606,750 | | | | 8,656,927 | |
Packers Sanitation Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 12/04/24 | | | 8,650,289 | | | | 8,646,656 | |
Truck Hero, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.96% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/22/24 | | | 8,407,431 | | | | 8,425,843 | |
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stars Group (Amaya) | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/25 | | | 6,633,375 | | | $ | 6,691,749 | |
Prime Security Services Borrower LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/02/22 | | | 6,550,458 | | | | 6,578,428 | |
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/30/25 | | | 6,500,000 | | | | 6,517,615 | |
Columbus Finance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% (1 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/05/2411 | | EUR | 5,500,000 | | | | 6,306,607 | |
Samsonite IP Holdings S.A.R.L. | | | | | | | | |
3.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/25/25 | | | 5,556,075 | | | | 5,550,297 | |
Belmond Interfin Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/03/24 | | | 3,950,000 | | | | 3,950,000 | |
Generac Power Systems, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 05/31/23 | | | 3,832,024 | | | | 3,832,024 | |
Belk, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.88% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/12/22 | | | 4,085,699 | | | | 3,569,389 | |
International Car Wash Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/03/24 | | | 2,919,703 | | | | 2,931,878 | |
Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/27/24 | | | 1,975,000 | | | | 1,989,813 | |
Alexander Mann | | | | | | | | |
6.22% (3 Month GBP LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/11/25 | | GBP | 1,540,000 | | | | 1,926,806 | |
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.11% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%) due 07/25/19 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,109,700 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 450,813,495 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 10.5% |
Zephyr Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.47% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/25 | | GBP | 14,265,000 | | | | 18,599,457 | |
8.22% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/23/26 | | GBP | 8,542,917 | | | | 10,957,776 | |
Altice US Finance I Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/28/25 | | | 29,365,382 | | | | 29,328,675 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SFR Group S.A. | | | | | | | | |
5.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.69%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/31/26 | | | 29,403,929 | | | $ | 29,015,503 | |
Sprint Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/02/24 | | | 23,763,125 | | | | 23,822,533 | |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 24,791,080 | | | | 23,086,693 | |
CSC Holdings, LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/25 | | | 21,490,468 | | | | 21,481,442 | |
Telenet Financing USD LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/26 | | | 20,670,000 | | | | 20,576,365 | |
Mcgraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/04/22 | | | 21,089,565 | | | | 20,448,021 | |
GTT Communications B.V. | | | | | | | | |
3.25% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/2511 | | EUR | 16,059,750 | | | | 18,540,881 | |
WMG Acquisition Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/01/23 | | | 16,944,713 | | | | 16,912,688 | |
Virgin Media Bristol LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/26 | | | 16,500,000 | | | | 16,524,420 | |
Market Track LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/05/24 | | | 13,711,500 | | | | 13,642,942 | |
Radiate HoldCo LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/01/24 | | | 13,086,464 | | | | 13,060,553 | |
Ziggo Secured Finance BV | | | | | | | | |
4.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/25 | | | 11,275,000 | | | | 11,065,961 | |
Charter Communications Operating, LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%) due 04/30/25 | | | 10,470,875 | | | | 10,483,964 | |
Houghton Mifflin Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/28/21 | | | 10,548,194 | | | | 9,915,302 | |
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Imagine Print Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
7.00% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/21/22 | | | 10,588,750 | | | $ | 9,874,009 | |
GTT Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/25 | | | 6,284,250 | | | | 6,230,143 | |
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/22/24 | | | 4,450,000 | | | | 4,461,748 | |
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%) due 12/15/23 | | | 3,152,000 | | | | 3,151,338 | |
Proquest LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/24/21 | | | 2,650,873 | | | | 2,656,679 | |
Match Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/16/22 | | | 2,471,875 | | | | 2,490,414 | |
SFR Group SA | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/31/25 | | | 495,170 | | | | 482,790 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 336,810,297 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 7.2% |
National Financial Partners Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/08/24 | | | 32,506,124 | | | | 32,473,617 | |
LPL Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/23/24 | | | 29,646,044 | | | | 29,775,894 | |
Amwins Group LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.96% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/25/24 | | | 29,612,276 | | | | 29,717,103 | |
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.15% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/09/25 | | | 18,178,304 | | | | 18,233,566 | |
HUB International Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/25/25 | | | 17,057,250 | | | | 17,087,100 | |
TransUnion LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/10/23 | | | 15,934,089 | | | | 15,960,061 | |
WEX, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/30/23 | | | 11,730,992 | | | | 11,765,247 | |
Vantiv LLC | | | | | | | | |
3.88% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/09/24 | | | 11,591,750 | | | | 11,602,646 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Delos Finance S.A.R.L (International Lease Finance) | | | | | | | | |
4.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/06/23 | | | 11,250,000 | | | $ | 11,282,850 | |
Hanjin International Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.83% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/19/20 | | | 9,750,000 | | | | 9,737,813 | |
HarbourVest Partners LP | | | | | | | | |
4.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/03/25 | | | 7,900,000 | | | | 7,909,875 | |
Aretec Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/13/254 | | | 7,850,000 | | | | 7,908,875 | |
USI, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/24 | | | 7,082,460 | | | | 7,084,231 | |
Jefferies Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.88% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/02/24 | | | 5,445,000 | | | | 5,451,806 | |
Capital Automotive L.P. | | | | | | | | |
4.75% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/25/24 | | | 3,812,868 | | | | 3,817,634 | |
Advisor Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/25 | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 3,218,656 | |
Focus Financial Partners, LLC | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/03/24 | | | 3,081,178 | | | | 3,096,584 | |
Geo Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 03/22/24 | | | 2,511,750 | | | | 2,507,832 | |
Fly Leasing Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/09/23 | | | 1,512,472 | | | | 1,513,107 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 230,144,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 3.0% |
Alpha 3 B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/31/24 | | | 31,623,825 | | | | 31,789,850 | |
PQ Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/08/25 | | | 18,454,669 | | | | 18,466,295 | |
GrafTech Finance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/12/25 | | | 17,765,125 | | | | 17,876,157 | |
Nexeo Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.60% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 06/09/23 | | | 10,295,282 | | | | 10,349,332 | |
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Arch Coal, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/07/24 | | | 6,767,274 | | | $ | 6,767,274 | |
PMHC II, Inc. (Prince) | | | | | | | | |
6.15% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/29/25 | | | 5,343,150 | | | | 5,196,213 | |
HB Fuller Co. | | | | | | | | |
4.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/24 | | | 4,400,000 | | | | 4,393,972 | |
Platform Specialty Products | | | | | | | | |
4.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/20 | | | 1,746,624 | | | | 1,752,546 | |
Minerals Technologies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/14/24 | | | 768,283 | | | | 773,085 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 97,364,724 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 1.3% |
Ultra Petroleum, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/12/24 | | | 16,726,793 | | | | 15,040,230 | |
Penn Virginia Holding Corp. | | | | | | | | |
9.25% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 7.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 09/29/22 | | | 10,890,000 | | | | 11,026,125 | |
Permian Production Partners | | | | | | | | |
8.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/18/24 | | | 8,690,000 | | | | 8,603,100 | |
PSS Companies | | | | | | | | |
6.79% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 01/28/20 | | | 5,492,186 | | | | 5,437,264 | |
Yak Access LLC | | | | | | | | |
12.15% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 10.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/10/26 | | | 2,550,000 | | | | 2,422,500 | |
Summit Midstream Partners, LP | | | | | | | | |
8.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/13/22 | | | 793,333 | | | | 803,750 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 43,332,969 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.8% |
Blitz F18-675 GmbH | | | | | | | | |
3.75% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/31/2511 | | EUR | 10,452,373 | | | | 12,221,217 | |
Helix Gen Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/03/24 | | | 5,655,519 | | | | 5,299,108 | |
Stonewall | | | | | | | | |
7.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/13/21 | | | 4,292,605 | | | | 4,303,337 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Minerva Bidco Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.72% (1 Month GBP LIBOR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/28/25 | | GBP | 3,100,000 | | | $ | 4,020,045 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 25,843,707 | |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | |
(Cost $2,827,148,815) | | | 2,799,020,598 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS†† - 5.1% |
Communications - 1.3% |
Sprint Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
9.00% due 11/15/187 | | | 12,700,000 | | | | 12,778,740 | |
DISH DBS Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.75% due 07/01/26 | | | 10,700,000 | | | | 10,093,310 | |
Ziggo BV | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 01/15/277 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,691,250 | |
Midcontinent Communications / Midcontinent Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.87% due 08/15/237 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,186,200 | |
Inmarsat Finance plc | | | | | | | | |
4.88% due 05/15/227 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,482,500 | |
Anixter, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 03/01/23 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,097,500 | |
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 09/30/22 | | | 1,890,000 | | | | 1,910,667 | |
MDC Partners, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 05/01/247 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,504,500 | |
Total Communications | | | | | | | 41,744,667 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 1.0% |
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.63% due 02/01/21 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,720,831 | |
5.63% due 04/15/23 | | | 4,200,000 | | | | 4,466,123 | |
CNX Resources Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 04/15/22 | | | 6,750,000 | | | | 6,752,025 | |
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 03/31/25 | | | 5,200,000 | | | | 5,466,500 | |
Unit Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 05/15/21 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,000,000 | |
Moss Creek Resources Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.50% due 01/15/267 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,995,000 | |
American Midstream Partners LP / American Midstream Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 12/15/217 | | | 1,268,000 | | | | 1,268,000 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | 31,668,479 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.9% |
Nexi Capital SpA | | | | | | | | |
3.63% due 05/01/23 | | EUR | 15,000,000 | | | | 17,447,689 | |
Icahn Enterprises, LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 02/01/22 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,062,500 | |
Kennedy-Wilson, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 04/01/24 | | | 2,796,000 | | | | 2,754,060 | |
Icahn Enterprises Limited Partnership / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 08/01/20 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,730,889 | |
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 04/01/207 | | | 1,050,000 | | | | 1,067,063 | |
Total Financial | | | | | | | 28,062,201 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.7% |
HCA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 02/15/20 | | | 13,914,000 | | | | 14,477,517 | |
4.50% due 02/15/27 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,468,125 | |
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.63% due 11/01/257 | | | 4,275,000 | | | | 4,269,656 | |
ServiceMaster Co. LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.12% due 11/15/247 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,940,000 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 24,155,298 | |
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.5% |
Reynolds Group Issuer Inc, / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Luxemburg | | | | | | | | |
5.85% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 07/15/217,8 | | | 7,500,000 | | | $ | 7,603,125 | |
Ardagh Packaging Finance plc / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.62% due 05/15/237 | | | 2,100,000 | | | | 2,079,000 | |
4.25% due 09/15/227 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,477,500 | |
Novelis Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 08/15/247 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,071,250 | |
Grinding Media Inc. / MC Grinding Media Canada Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 12/15/237 | | | 750,000 | | | | 780,555 | |
Total Industrial | | | | | | | 15,011,430 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 0.4% |
First Data Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 01/15/247 | | | 6,250,000 | | | | 6,289,063 | |
5.75% due 01/15/247 | | | 5,200,000 | | | | 5,284,500 | |
NCR Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.87% due 12/15/21 | | | 1,450,000 | | | | 1,464,500 | |
6.37% due 12/15/23 | | | 800,000 | | | | 815,000 | |
Total Technology | | | | | | | 13,853,063 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.2% |
Ferrellgas Limited Partnership / Ferrellgas Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 05/01/21 | | | 4,615,000 | | | | 4,130,425 | |
Lennar Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.12% due 01/15/22 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,485,000 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 5,615,425 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.1% |
AES Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 05/15/26 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,107,500 | |
5.50% due 04/15/25 | | | 1,059,000 | | | | 1,085,475 | |
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands BV | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 05/15/23,9 | | | 630,000 | | | | 625,275 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | 3,818,250 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.0% |
Mirabela Nickel Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
9.50% due 06/24/195 | | | 1,279,819 | | | | 435,138 | |
Eldorado Gold Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 12/15/207 | | | 265,000 | | | | 251,750 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | | | | | 686,888 | |
Total Corporate Bonds | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $167,234,746) | | | | | | | 164,615,701 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 1.9% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - 1.9% |
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-33A, 4.36% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/287,8 | | | 12,500,000 | | | | 12,508,736 | |
OHA Credit Partners IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-9A, due 10/20/257,10 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,131,290 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities VII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-7A, 5.07% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/287,8 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,019,444 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.88% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.53%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/287,8 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,999,873 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Octagon Loan Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
due 11/18/2610 | | | 5,600,000 | | | $ | 4,799,693 | |
Jamestown CLO V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-5A, 7.45% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 5.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/277,8 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,922,791 | |
OCP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 5.16% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/22/257,8 | | | 3,800,000 | | | | 3,809,192 | |
Avery Point II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-3X COM, due 01/18/2510 | | | 4,300,020 | | | | 3,392,638 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.44% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/22/287,8 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,009,913 | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-1A, 4.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/237,8 | | | 2,600,000 | | | | 2,599,709 | |
Ares XXXIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.82% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/05/257,8 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,515,362 | |
Treman Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/277,10 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,483,100 | |
ACIS CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-6A, 5.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.37%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/277,8 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,001,410 | |
2013-1A, 6.86% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/18/247,8 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,978 | |
KVK CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.43% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/15/267,8 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,999,889 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVI, LP | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 5.52% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/277,8 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,013,745 | |
Newstar Commercial Loan Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 5.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/277,8 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,008,552 | |
Ares XXVI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 04/15/257,10 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 10,113 | |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations | | | 60,225,428 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.0% |
N-Star REL CDO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-8A, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 02/01/417,8 | | | 1,080,364 | | | | 1,074,357 | |
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Aircraft - 0.0% |
Airplanes Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | |
2001-1A, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.55%) due 03/15/195,8,9 | | | 896,492 | | | $ | 22,421 | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities | | | | |
(Cost $62,230,280) | | | | | | | 61,322,206 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 1.3% |
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities - 1.3% |
RALI Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-QO6, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 06/25/468 | | | 13,184,827 | | | | 5,980,444 | |
2006-QO2, 2.12% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 02/25/468 | | | 7,843,121 | | | | 3,475,105 | |
2006-QO10, 2.06% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 01/25/378 | | | 2,625,561 | | | | 2,523,459 | |
GSAA Home Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-14, 2.07% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 09/25/368 | | | 9,527,022 | | | | 4,378,931 | |
2007-7, 2.17% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.27%) due 07/25/378 | | | 590,947 | | | | 564,610 | |
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA6, 2.09% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.81%, Rate Floor: 0.81%) due 07/25/478 | | | 4,395,914 | | | | 4,057,277 | |
CIM Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-2, 3.89% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 12/25/577,8 | | | 3,851,802 | | | | 3,900,104 | |
American Home Mortgage Assets Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-4, 2.08% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.21%, Rate Floor: 0.21%) due 10/25/468 | | | 3,973,501 | | | | 2,970,541 | |
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR9, 2.69% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/468 | | | 3,207,715 | | | | 2,844,037 | |
Lehman XS Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-16N, 2.08% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/468 | | | 2,421,046 | | | | 2,373,301 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Wachovia Asset Securitization Issuance II LLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE1, 2.04% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/377,8 | | | 2,233,596 | | | $ | 2,162,324 | |
Merrill Lynch Alternative Note Asset Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-OAR3, 2.06% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 07/25/478 | | | 2,164,082 | | | | 2,001,223 | |
Nomura Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-4R, 4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/367,8 | | | 1,804,104 | | | | 1,738,590 | |
Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-R5, 3.66% due 06/26/367 | | | 741,137 | | | | 651,436 | |
Alliance Bancorp Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA1, 2.14% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 07/25/378 | | | 667,944 | | | | 599,085 | |
New Century Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2004-4, 2.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Cap/Floor: 12.50%/0.53%) due 02/25/358 | | | 282,848 | | | | 274,739 | |
Total Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | | | 40,495,206 | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
(Cost $39,150,499) | | | | | | | 40,495,206 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER†† - 3.1% |
Comcast Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.38% due 10/02/186,7 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,998,347 | |
Nutrien Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.45% due 11/06/186,7 | | | 13,000,000 | | | | 12,968,150 | |
2.35% due 10/12/186,7 | | | 7,550,000 | | | | 7,544,579 | |
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | | | | | | | |
2.24% due 10/10/186,7 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,994,400 | |
2.27% due 10/22/186,7 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,488,745 | |
McKesson Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.25% due 10/03/186,7 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,998,125 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.50% due 11/01/186 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,965,235 | |
Rogers Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.18% due 10/18/186,7 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 6,992,397 | |
Total Commercial Paper | | | | |
(Cost $100,952,451) | | | | | | | 100,949,978 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 101.0% | | | | |
(Cost $3,279,564,660) | | $ | 3,249,052,800 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.0)% | | | (31,307,913 | ) |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | $ | 3,217,744,887 | |
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS†† |
Counterparty | Contracts to Sell | Currency | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 206,978,000 | EUR | 10/10/18 | | $ | 241,211,333 | | | $ | 240,492,056 | | | $ | 719,277 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 7,500,000 | GBP | 10/10/18 | | | 9,879,015 | | | | 9,778,381 | | | | 100,634 | |
Goldman Sachs | 854,000 | EUR | 10/10/18 | | | 1,005,741 | | | | 992,280 | | | | 13,461 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 1,479,000 | GBP | 10/10/18 | | | 1,935,721 | | | | 1,928,297 | | | | 7,424 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 59,035,000 | GBP | 10/10/18 | | | 76,287,447 | | | | 76,968,898 | | | | (681,451 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 159,345 | |
Counterparty | Contracts to Buy | Currency | Settlement Date | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 120,000 | EUR | 10/10/18 | | $ | 139,028 | | | $ | 139,430 | | | $ | 402 | |
Citigroup | 2,960,000 | EUR | 10/10/18 | | | 3,447,637 | | | | 3,439,286 | | | | (8,351 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 7,140,000 | GBP | 10/10/18 | | | 9,372,842 | | | | 9,309,019 | | | | (63,823 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (71,772 | ) |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
~ | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $15,793,063, (cost $15,749,484) or 0.5% of total net assets. |
2 | Affiliated issuer. |
3 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
4 | Term loan interests in the Fund’s portfolio generally have variable rates. All or a portion of this security represents unsettled loan positions and may not have a stated coupon rate. |
5 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
6 | Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase. |
7 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $215,564,302 (cost $215,028,765), or 6.7% of total net assets. |
8 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
9 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $647,696 (cost $1,366,520), or less than 0.1% of total net assets — See Note 9. |
10 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
11 | The underlying reference rate was negative at period end causing the effective rate to be equal to the spread amount listed. |
| CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury |
| EUR — Euro |
| EURIBOR — European Interbank Offered Rate |
| GBP — British Pound |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| WAC — Weighted Average Coupon |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 4,145 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 33,063 | | | $ | 37,208 | |
Warrants | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | * | | | — | |
Mutual Funds | | | 23,807,449 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 23,807,449 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 58,804,454 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 58,804,454 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | — | | | | 2,783,260,598 | | | | 15,760,000 | | | | 2,799,020,598 | |
Corporate Bonds | | | — | | | | 164,615,701 | | | | — | | | | 164,615,701 | |
Asset Backed Securities | | | — | | | | 61,322,206 | | | | — | | | | 61,322,206 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | — | | | | 40,495,206 | | | | — | | | | 40,495,206 | |
Commercial Paper | | | — | | | | 100,949,978 | | | | — | | | | 100,949,978 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 841,198 | | | | — | | | | 841,198 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 82,616,048 | | | $ | 3,151,484,887 | | | $ | 15,793,063 | | | $ | 3,249,893,998 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | $ | — | | | $ | 753,625 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 753,625 | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 8) | | | — | | | | 574,678 | | | | 4,960 | | | | 579,638 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,328,303 | | | $ | 4,960 | | | $ | 1,333,263 | |
* | Includes securities with a market value of $0. |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had a total value of $1,022,927 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to changes in securities valuation method based on the availability of observable market inputs. As of September 30, 2018, the Fund had Liabilities with a total value of $561,892 transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 due to availability of market price information at period end. There were no other securities that transferred between levels.
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds,
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Inc.*,1 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | ** |
Targus Group International, Inc1 | | | 19,586 | | | | — | | | | (1,000 | ) | | | 442 | | | | 14,035 | | | | 33,063 | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | ** |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 18,806,574 | | | | 402,739 | | | | (10,500,000 | ) | | | 64,658 | | | | (108,061 | ) | | | 8,665,910 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 7,362,879 | | | | 215,257 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (23,751 | ) | | | 7,554,385 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | — | | | | 7,596,130 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (8,976 | ) | | | 7,587,154 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%) due 05/25/202 | | | 6,650,071 | | | | 132,582 | | | | (174,463 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,007,025 | ) | | | 5,601,165 | |
Targus Group International, Inc. due 05/24/161,3,4 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | ** |
| | $ | 32,839,110 | | | $ | 8,346,708 | | | $ | (10,675,463 | ) | | $ | 65,100 | | | $ | (1,133,778 | ) | | $ | 29,441,677 | |
38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
Security Name | | Shares/ Face Amount 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc.*,1 | | | 758 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Targus Group International, Inc1 | | | 12,773 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | | 604,850 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 345,945 | | | | 396,520 | | | | 7,149 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 302,417 | | | | 211,716 | | | | 3,940 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 303,486 | | | | 96,130 | | | | — | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%) due 05/25/202 | | | 6,718,039 | | | | 963,447 | | | | — | |
Targus Group International, Inc. due 05/24/163,4 | | | 152,876 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | $ | 1,667,813 | | | $ | 11,089 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Security has a market value less than $1. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The market value of fair valued securities amounts to $33,063 (cost $17,262) or less than 0.1% of total net assets. |
2 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
3 | Term loan interests in the Fund’s portfolio generally have variable rates. All or a portion of this security represents unsettled loan positions and may not have a stated coupon rate. |
4 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND |
September 30, 2018
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $3,248,958,903) | | $ | 3,219,611,123 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $30,605,757) | | | 29,441,677 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,560,699) | | | 1,557,416 | |
Cash | | | 6,161,530 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 1,800,000 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 841,198 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 152,132 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 17,559,775 | |
Interest | | | 9,290,964 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 4,290,330 | |
Foreign tax reclaims | | | 56,572 | |
Dividends | | | 55,981 | |
Total assets | | | 3,290,818,698 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 753,625 | |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 8) (proceeds $1,113,313) | | | 579,638 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 61,296,438 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 6,306,999 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 1,831,930 | |
Management fees | | | 1,205,761 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 373,406 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 278,762 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 190,505 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 4,600 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 252,147 | |
Total liabilities | | | 73,073,811 | |
Net assets | | $ | 3,217,744,887 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | | 3,256,821,691 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (39,076,804 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 3,217,744,887 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 431,562,315 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 16,648,165 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.92 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 97.00%) | | $ | 26.72 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 172,905,977 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 6,672,538 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.91 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 385,306,319 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 14,857,045 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.93 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 2,227,970,276 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 85,871,847 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 25.95 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed "interested persons" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND |
Year Ended September 30, 2018
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | $ | 704,366 | |
Interest from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $10,681) | | | 173,087,877 | |
Interest from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 963,447 | |
Total investment income | | | 174,755,690 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 22,445,723 | |
Distribution and service fees: |
A-Class | | | 1,187,789 | |
C-Class | | | 1,868,146 | |
P-Class | | | 858,506 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: |
A-Class | | | 610,948 | |
C-Class | | | 179,423 | |
P-Class | | | 463,790 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,721,370 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 2,762,578 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 206,466 | |
Custodian fees | | | 79,232 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 57,898 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 988,503 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
C-Class | | | 9,880 | |
Total expenses | | | 33,440,252 | |
Less: |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: |
A Class | | | (568,296 | ) |
C Class | | | (174,502 | ) |
P Class | | | (438,144 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,262,145 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (33,502 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (2,476,589 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 30,963,663 | |
Net investment income | | | 143,792,027 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | 5,719,357 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 65,100 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 11,089 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 4,253,463 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 10,046,301 | |
Net realized gain | | | 20,095,310 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (28,994,777 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (1,133,779 | ) |
Foreign currency translations | | | 109,495 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | (1,377,777 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (31,396,838 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (11,301,528 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 132,490,499 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed "interested persons" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 143,792,027 | | | $ | 122,442,633 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | 20,095,310 | | | | (12,762,679 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (31,396,838 | ) | | | 20,372,275 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 132,490,499 | | | | 130,052,229 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (19,328,895 | ) | | | (18,831,467 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (6,226,360 | ) | | | (6,084,905 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (14,036,610 | ) | | | (9,380,954 | )1 |
Institutional Class | | | (105,692,526 | ) | | | (89,039,000 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (145,284,391 | ) | | | (123,336,326 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 174,750,198 | | | | 298,670,600 | |
C-Class | | | 25,524,875 | | | | 66,783,552 | |
P-Class | | | 196,163,250 | | | | 320,175,325 | |
Institutional Class | | | 993,737,991 | | | | 1,832,796,630 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 15,899,450 | | | | 15,548,327 | |
C-Class | | | 4,861,463 | | | | 4,746,759 | |
P-Class | | | 13,987,188 | | | | 9,376,862 | |
Institutional Class | | | 85,084,696 | | | | 70,629,896 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (292,303,519 | ) | | | (233,410,919 | ) |
C-Class | | | (60,834,101 | ) | | | (65,504,737 | ) |
P-Class | | | (184,687,809 | ) | | | (93,746,737 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (1,431,785,517 | ) | | | (961,454,365 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (459,601,835 | ) | | | 1,264,611,193 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (472,395,727 | ) | | | 1,271,327,096 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 3,690,140,614 | | | | 2,418,813,518 | |
End of year | | $ | 3,217,744,887 | | | $ | 3,690,140,614 | |
42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 6,734,757 | | | | 11,471,959 | |
C-Class | | | 983,543 | | | | 2,566,645 | |
P-Class | | | 7,564,336 | | | | 12,285,213 | |
Institutional Class | | | 38,250,771 | | | | 70,326,314 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 613,005 | | | | 597,271 | |
C-Class | | | 187,516 | | | | 182,421 | |
P-Class | | | 539,448 | | | | 359,999 | |
Institutional Class | | | 3,277,180 | | | | 2,710,743 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (11,264,301 | ) | | | (8,965,201 | ) |
C-Class | | | (2,344,621 | ) | | | (2,517,107 | ) |
P-Class | | | (7,112,156 | ) | | | (3,598,615 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (55,157,087 | ) | | | (36,900,597 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | | | (17,727,609 | ) | | | 48,519,045 | |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the total distributions to shareholders were all from net investment income (see Note 11). |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.01 | | | $ | 25.92 | | | $ | 25.88 | | | $ | 26.52 | | | $ | 26.62 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | 1.04 | | | | .93 | | | | .99 | | | | 1.04 | | | | 1.10 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.07 | ) | | | .10 | | | | .12 | | | | (.42 | ) | | | .05 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .97 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 1.11 | | | | .62 | | | | 1.15 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (1.18 | ) | | | (1.20 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (1.26 | ) | | | (1.25 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.92 | | | $ | 26.01 | | | $ | 25.92 | | | $ | 25.88 | | | $ | 26.52 | |
|
Total Returne | | | 3.80 | % | | | 4.03 | % | | | 4.47 | % | | | 2.36 | % | | | 4.42 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 431,562 | | | $ | 534,911 | | | $ | 452,611 | | | $ | 400,270 | | | $ | 365,207 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 4.02 | % | | | 3.58 | % | | | 3.88 | % | | | 3.97 | % | | | 4.10 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 1.18 | % |
Net expensesc,f,g | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.04 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 33 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 35 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 58 | % |
44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
C-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.00 | | | $ | 25.91 | | | $ | 25.87 | | | $ | 26.51 | | | $ | 26.60 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .85 | | | | .74 | | | | .80 | | | | .85 | | | | .90 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.07 | ) | | | .10 | | | | .12 | | | | (.43 | ) | | | .06 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .78 | | | | .84 | | | | .92 | | | | .42 | | | | .96 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.87 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.88 | ) | | | (.98 | ) | | | (1.00 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.87 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.88 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (1.05 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.91 | | | $ | 26.00 | | | $ | 25.91 | | | $ | 25.87 | | | $ | 26.51 | |
|
Total Returne | | | 3.03 | % | | | 3.26 | % | | | 3.68 | % | | | 1.63 | % | | | 3.64 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 172,906 | | | $ | 204,008 | | | $ | 197,296 | | | $ | 145,808 | | | $ | 132,370 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.29 | % | | | 2.83 | % | | | 3.13 | % | | | 3.23 | % | | | 3.35 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 1.87 | % | | | 1.83 | % | | | 1.93 | % | | | 1.91 | % | | | 1.89 | % |
Net expensesc,f,g | | | 1.78 | % | | | 1.79 | % | | | 1.78 | % | | | 1.78 | % | | | 1.79 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 33 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 35 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 58 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended Sept. 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.02 | | | $ | 25.93 | | | $ | 25.89 | | | $ | 26.37 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | 1.05 | | | | .94 | | | | .99 | | | | .40 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.08 | ) | | | .09 | | | | .12 | | | | (.46 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .97 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 1.11 | | | | (.06 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.93 | | | $ | 26.02 | | | $ | 25.93 | | | $ | 25.89 | |
|
Total Return | | | 3.80 | % | | | 4.03 | % | | | 4.46 | % | | | (0.24 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 385,306 | | | $ | 360,829 | | | $ | 124,974 | | | $ | 20,536 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 4.05 | % | | | 3.59 | % | | | 3.86 | % | | | 3.68 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.16 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.04 | % |
Net expensesc,f,g | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.02 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 33 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 35 | % | | | 44 | % |
46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 26.03 | | | $ | 25.94 | | | $ | 25.90 | | | $ | 26.54 | | | $ | 26.64 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | 1.11 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 1.05 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.16 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.07 | ) | | | .10 | | | | .12 | | | | (.42 | ) | | | .06 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.04 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.17 | | | | .68 | | | | 1.22 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (1.12 | ) | | | (1.01 | ) | | | (1.13 | ) | | | (1.24 | ) | | | (1.27 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (1.12 | ) | | | (1.01 | ) | | | (1.13 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 25.95 | | | $ | 26.03 | | | $ | 25.94 | | | $ | 25.90 | | | $ | 26.54 | |
|
Total Return | | | 4.08 | % | | | 4.28 | % | | | 4.71 | % | | | 2.59 | % | | | 4.67 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 2,227,970 | | | $ | 2,590,393 | | | $ | 1,643,932 | | | $ | 1,231,352 | | | $ | 753,476 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 4.28 | % | | | 3.83 | % | | | 4.11 | % | | | 4.18 | % | | | 4.32 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 0.84 | % | | | 0.82 | % | | | 0.87 | % | | | 0.85 | % | | | 0.87 | % |
Net expensesc,f,g | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.80 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 33 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 35 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 58 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
FLOATING RATE STRATEGIES FUND |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
c | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
d | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
e | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charge and has not been annualized. |
f | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods presented would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
A-Class | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.02% |
C-Class | 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.77% |
P-Class | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.01% | N/A |
Institutional Class | 0.78% | 0.78% | 0.78% | 0.78% | 0.78% |
g | The portion of the ratios of net expenses to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the periods presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | — | — |
C-Class | 0.01% | — |
P-Class | — | — |
Institutional Class | — | 0.01% |
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).
Effective August 10, 2018, C-Class shares of each Fund will automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares.
This report covers the Floating Rate Strategies Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, only A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Fund.
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services to the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Fund. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of each Class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange
50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Valuation Committee and GI are authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.
Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value. Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Typically, loans are valued using information provided by an independent third party pricing service which uses broker quotes. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unrealiable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying security.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.
(b) Senior Loans
Senior loans in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as the one-month or three-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. The interest rate indicated is the rate in effect at September 30, 2018.
(c) Interests in When-Issued Securities
The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, they may sell such securities before the settlement date.
(d) Currency Translations
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(e) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency. The change in value of the contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
(f) Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(g) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively. Cash flows received in excess of the effective yield are reflected as a return of capital.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(h) Distributions
The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
(i) Class Allocations
Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(j) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(k) Cash
The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(l) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives
As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.
Derivatives
Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.
The Fund may utilize derivatives for the following purpose:
Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.
The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.
The following table represents the Fund’s use, and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Settlement | |
Use | | Purchased | | | Sold | |
Hedge | | $ | 233,725,464 | | | $ | 11,442,342 | |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives |
Currency contracts | Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2018:
| Asset Derivative Investments Value | | | | Liability Derivative Investments Value | |
| Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | |
| $ | 841,198 | | | | $ | 753,625 | |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |
Currency contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2018:
| Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations | | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations | |
| Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | |
| $ | 10,046,301 | | | | $ | (1,377,777 | ) |
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Fund uses, where appropriate, depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund.
The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.
Note 3 – Offsetting
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.
In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.
For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Assets Presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Net Amount | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | $ | 841,198 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 841,198 | | | $ | (745,274 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 95,924 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | $ | 753,625 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 753,625 | | | $ | (745,274 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 8,351 | |
The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2018. The Fund has the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.
Counterparty | Asset Type | | Cash Pledged | | | Cash Received | |
JP Morgan Chase and Co. | Forward Currency Contracts | | $ | 1,800,000 | | | $ | — | |
58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
| Level 1 | — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2 | — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
| Level 3 | — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
Independent pricing services are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service, they will determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over Treasuries, and other information and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.
Indicative quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may be also used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although indicative quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations. Significant changes in an indicative quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly indicative quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $5 billion; and 0.60% of the average daily net assets in excess of $5 billion.
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
The Fund has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.
The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:
| | Limit | | | Effective Date | | | Contract End Date | |
A-Class | | | 1.02 | % | | | 11/30/12 | | | | 02/01/20 | |
C-Class | | | 1.77 | % | | | 11/30/12 | | | | 02/01/20 | |
P-Class | | | 1.02 | % | | | 05/01/15 | | | | 02/01/20 | |
Institutional Class | | | 0.78 | % | | | 11/30/12 | | | | 02/01/20 | |
GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses
60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2018, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:
| | 2019 | | | 2020 | | | 2021 | | | Fund Total | |
A-Class | | $ | 715,008 | | | $ | 506,871 | | | $ | 572,780 | | | $ | 1,794,659 | |
C-Class | | | 254,684 | | | | 104,116 | | | | 176,311 | | | | 535,111 | |
P-Class | | | 16,627 | | | | 320,707 | | | | 442,125 | | | | 779,459 | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,021,450 | | | | 819,172 | | | | 1,285,374 | | | | 3,125,996 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GI recouped $9,880 from the Fund.
If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund did not waive any fees related to investments in affiliated funds.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $430,362 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Trust’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Trust’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
Note 6 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 145,284,391 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 145,284,391 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Return of Capital | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 121,000,854 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,335,472 | | | $ | 123,336,326 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
The tax components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Other Temporary Differences | | | Total | |
| | $ | 11,295,719 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (33,300,726 | ) | | $ | (6,515,802 | ) | | $ | (10,555,995 | ) | | $ | (39,076,804 | ) |
62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:
| | Unlimited | | | | | |
| | Short-Term | | | Long-Term | | | Total Capital Loss Carryforward | |
| | $ | — | | | $ | (6,515,802 | ) | | $ | (6,515,802 | ) |
* | In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, a portion of certain Fund losses are subject to an annual limitation. This annual limitation is generally applicable to all of the capital loss carryforwards shown with respect to each Fund. |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following capital loss carryforward amounts expired or were utilized:
| | Expired | | | Utilized | | | Total | |
| | $ | — | | | $ | 4,618,423 | | | $ | 4,618,423 | |
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in CLO securities, foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, distribution payable, return of capital distributions, paydown reclasses, amortization, and the “mark-to-market” of certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
| | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings/(Loss) | |
| | $ | (2,335,472 | ) | | $ | 2,335,472 | |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
At September 30, 2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
| | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Gain | | | Tax Unrealized (Loss) | | | Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) | |
| | $ | 3,282,931,924 | | | $ | 7,089,420 | | | $ | (40,968,544 | ) | | $ | (33,879,124 | ) |
Note 7 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
| | $ | 1,081,225,247 | | | $ | 1,496,686,630 | |
The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | | | Realized Gain | |
| | $ | 1,970,000 | | | $ | 8,852,761 | | | $ | 747,079 | |
Note 8 – Unfunded Loan Commitments
Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Borrower | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount* | | | Value | |
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC | | | 07/25/19 | | | | 6,800,000 | | | $ | 511,700 | |
EG Finco Ltd. | | | 02/07/25 | | | EUR | 941,896 | | | | 4,960 | |
Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | | | 03/11/19 | | | | 15,750,000 | | | | — | |
Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. | | | 03/20/25 | | | | 3,409,709 | | | | 12,786 | |
Recess Holdings, Inc. | | | 09/30/24 | | | | 10,357 | | | | — | |
Thermasys Corp. | | | 05/03/19 | | | | 485,382 | | | | — | |
Wencor Group | | | 06/19/19 | | | | 1,797,692 | | | | 50,192 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 579,638 | |
* | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
Note 9 – Restricted Securities
The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:
Restricted Securities | | Acquisition Date | | | Cost | | | Value | |
Airplanes Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2001-1A, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR +0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.55%) due 3/15/191 | | | 12/27/11 | | | $ | 723,184 | | | $ | 22,421 | |
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands BV | | | | | | | | | | | | |
6.88% due 5/15/23 | | | 12/17/13 | | | | 643,336 | | | | 625,275 | |
| | | | | | $ | 1,366,520 | | | $ | 647,696 | |
1 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
Note 10 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Funds is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for each Fund is referenced in the Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees.” The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
On October 5, 2018, The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
Note 11 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Funds’ net assets or results of operations.
Note 12 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
Note 13 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.
66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting the Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statement of operations 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 five 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 (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, the results of its operations 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 five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers or paying agents were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036012_68.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentage qualify as interest related dividends as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2). See qualified interest income column in the table below.
| Qualified Dividend Income | Dividend Received Deduction | Qualified Interest Income |
| 0.03% | 0.03% | 87.65% |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies,
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) |
● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI--Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report.2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.3 As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications,
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Inc. (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued | | |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and CEO, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2013-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present). Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present) ; Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present). Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - continued | |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present). Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (February 2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present). Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present). Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation. |
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com –by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded) |
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
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9.30.2018
Guggenheim Funds Annual Report
|
Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund | | |
GuggenheimInvestments.com | TRB-ANN-0918x0919 |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036013_ii.jpg)
DEAR SHAREHOLDER | 2 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW | 4 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES | 6 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | 9 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 71 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 93 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 95 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 111 |
GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE | 118 |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Dear Shareholder:
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the shareholder report for Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”) for the annual fiscal period ended September 30, 2018.
The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.
We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Managers’ Commentary for the Fund.
We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.
Sincerely,
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
October 31, 2018
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
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Total Return Bond Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund will leverage to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which may be more volatile and less liquid, increasing the risk of loss when compared to traditional securities. Certain of the derivative instruments are also subject to the risks of counterparty default and adverse tax treatment. ● Instruments and strategies (such as borrowing transactions and reverse repurchase agreements) may provide leveraged exposure to a particular investment, which will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Investments in reverse repurchase agreements expose the Fund to many of the same risks as investments in derivatives. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● The Fund’s investments in foreign securities carry additional risks when compared to U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political, or economic developments in the country in question (investments in emerging markets securities are generally subject to an even greater level of risk). ● Investments in syndicated bank loans generally offer a floating interest rate and involve special types of risks. ● The Fund’s investments in municipal securities can be affected by events that affect the municipal bond market. ● The Fund’s investments in real estate securities subject the Fund to the same risks as direct investments in real estate, which is particularly sensitive to economic downturns. ● The Fund’s investments in restricted securities may involve financial and liquidity risk. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
While much has been made of second quarter real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth hitting an annualized 4.2%, 2018 may be as good as it gets for growth.
The expansion was boosted by several factors, most notably the one-shot tax cut stimulus, the impact of which will fade next year. In addition, we saw a 60 basis-point lift from exporters racing to beat Chinese tariffs, a surge in energy investment, and consumers spending initial tax cut gains. Even adjusting for these factors, the economy still shows signs of overheating, with growth well above potential. Our work shows that sustainable potential growth is approximately 1.5%. Although growth could exceed an annualized 3% for the next few quarters, amplified by a fiscal boost from tax cuts and higher government spending, maintaining annualized 2–3% growth beyond that would require a significant pickup in productivity growth, which we believe is unsustainable.
Consumption will likely continue to drive growth amid increases in employment and hourly earnings. The recent upward revision of the personal saving rate shows consumer spending may have more room to run, but we see weakness in other areas. We have yet to see a big boost in capital expenditures from tax cuts, and concerns around tariffs have yet to fade. Housing may continue to be an area of weakness, with high prices, rising mortgage rates, and supply constraints holding back activity in the sector. Exports could also be held back by dollar strength.
Signs of overheating in the economy are evident in the labor market. Unemployment will likely continue to decline, forcing businesses to boost wages to attract and retain workers. At 3.7%, the unemployment rate is well below most estimates of the sustainable natural rate (including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) estimate of 4.5%). We expect unemployment to approach 3.5% by the end of the year, because the pace of job creation, averaging 190,000 over the past three months, is well above trend labor force growth of about 100,000 per month. History shows that recession risks rise as the unemployment rate falls below the natural rate.
The Fed may have a new problem in the coming quarters—inflation consistently running above its 2% target even as economic growth slows. Core inflation, as measured by the deflator for personal consumption expenditures (“PCE”) excluding food and energy, has risen to 2.0% year over year, in line with the Fed’s target.
Core inflation is a lagging indicator of economic growth, typically trailing by about 18 months. So even as the economy cools over the rest of the year and into 2019, underlying inflation will continue to trend higher.
In the 12 months ended September 30, 2018, the U.S. Treasury curve continued its bear-flattening trend (when short-term rates increase at a faster rate than long-term rates), as the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury rose 134 basis points, from 1.48% to 2.82% and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rising just 73 basis points, from 2.33% to 3.06%. The difference between the 2-year U.S. Treasury and 10-year U.S. Treasury narrowed from 85 basis points to 24 basis points. In September,
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ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the federal funds rate as expected to a target range of 2-2.25%, and removed the word “accommodative” to describe the stance of monetary policy.
We believe the Fed will raise the fed funds rate one more time in 2018 and four more times in 2019. Ultimately, tighter monetary policy may increasingly restrict consumption, business investment, and housing as the Fed aims to reduce growth to a more sustainable pace. As tighter policy gains traction, the ensuing growth slowdown could become self-reinforcing. Indeed, our recession dashboard continues to point to a recession beginning around early 2020.
For the one year ended September 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500®”) Index* returned 17.91%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 2.74%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -0.81%.
In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.22% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 3.05%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.59% for the one year period.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
*Index Definitions
Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.
MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.
S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) |
All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning March 29, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018 for actual Fund returns. Hypothetical Fund returns are for the period beginning March 31, 2018 and ending September 30, 2018.
The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
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ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued) |
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
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ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded) |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 29, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period2 |
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3 |
A-Class | 0.80% | 0.42% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,004.20 | $ 4.06 |
C-Class | 1.54% | 0.05% | 1,000.00 | 1,000.50 | 7.81 |
P-Class | 0.79% | 0.46% | 1,000.00 | 1,004.60 | 4.01 |
R6-Class | 0.50% | 0.57% | 1,000.00 | 1,005.70 | 2.54 |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 0.57% | 1,000.00 | 1,005.70 | 2.54 |
| Expense Ratio1 | Fund Return | Beginning Account Value March 31, 2018 | Ending Account Value September 30, 2018 | Expenses Paid During Period4 |
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses) |
A-Class | 0.80% | 5.00% | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,021.06 | $ 4.05 |
C-Class | 1.54% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,017.35 | 7.79 |
P-Class | 0.79% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,021.11 | 4.00 |
R6-Class | 0.50% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.56 | 2.54 |
Institutional Class | 0.50% | 5.00% | 1,000.00 | 1,022.56 | 2.54 |
1 | Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. |
2 | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 185/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
3 | Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018. |
4 | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
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MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | |
To Our Shareholders
Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including B. Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global Chief Investment Officer; Anne B. Walsh, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Adam Bloch, Director and Portfolio Manager. In the following paragraphs, the investment team discusses the market environment and the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund returned 1.28%1, compared with the -1.22% return of its benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
The Fund seeks to provide total return, comprised of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in high-quality, investment-grade fixed-income securities across multiple sectors. The Fund employs a tactical sector allocation strategy, offering the opportunity to capitalize on total return potential created by changing market conditions.
Over the 12-month period, the portfolio remained focused on sourcing attractive investments while minimizing downside risk and upgrading credit quality.
The Fed delivered four rate increases over the period, raising the fed funds rate target range to 2.00-2.25%. The Fund maintained its underweight and “barbell” duration position by obtaining key rate exposure on the very long end of the curve where we expect to see less rate movement, while remaining overweight floating rate exposure (approximately 77% of the portfolio was adjustable rate at period end.) We limited exposure to the short and intermediary parts of the curve in anticipation of higher rates and a flatter yield curve. We plan to maintain our barbell and underweight duration positioning given our view that the entire curve will pivot around 3.5% at the end of this cycle.
Collateralized loan obligations’ (“CLO”) debt allocation delivered a positive absolute return over the period. During the period, the portfolio further rotated into AAA tranches, given the flattening credit curve and desire to minimize downside risk. Over half the Fund’s CLO allocation was rated AAA at period end. CLO new issuance for the first nine months of 2018 is currently outpacing 2017 and has pushed CLO spreads marginally wider, retracing some of the tightening we have seen over the past twelve months. Total new issue, refinance, and reset volume stands at $190 billion year-to-date and is on pace to be the biggest new issuance year post-crisis.
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) holdings were a positive contributor. Limited home inventory and improving labor market conditions should support home prices and mortgage credit performance. Pre-crisis RMBS investment performance should
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
MANAGERS’ COMMENTARY (Unaudited)(concluded) | |
continue benefitting from a supply shortfall caused by ongoing paydowns and limited new issuance. Spread differences between lower-risk and higher-risk RMBS tranches remain near post-crisis lows and reflect the late-cycle complacency observed in other fixed income credit markets.
Investment grade corporates posted negative returns for the period largely on higher interest rates, which negatively impacted the benchmark. Our underweight to the sector generated relative outperformance.
The Fund uses derivatives to obtain a targeted interest rate duration, to hedge non-U.S. dollar foreign exchange exposure, and to occasionally obtain or replicate market exposure. For the period, returns from derivatives were positive.
The Fund invested excess cash into the Guggenheim Strategy Funds which, in turn, invest in a diversified portfolio of debt securities and financial instruments providing exposure to fixed income markets. The investment objective of the Guggenheim Strategy Funds is to seek a high level of income consistent with the preservation of capital. For the one year period ended September 30, 2018, investment in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds has benefited Fund performance relative to investing in other short-term investments.
Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.
1 | Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect deduction of the sales charges or taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. |
The opinions and forecast expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.
10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total return, comprised of current income and capital appreciation.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036013_11.jpg)
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued) | September 30, 2018 |
Inception Dates: |
A-Class | November 30, 2011 |
C-Class | November 30, 2011 |
P-Class | May 1, 2015 |
R6-Class | October 19, 2016 |
Institutional Class | November 30, 2011 |
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
Rating | % of Total Investments |
Fixed Income Instruments | |
AAA | 48.4% |
AA | 9.5% |
A | 11.2% |
BBB | 12.2% |
BB | 1.7% |
B | 3.3% |
CCC | 4.6% |
CC | 1.2% |
C | 0.3% |
NR2 | 2.5% |
Other Instruments | 5.1% |
Total Investments | 100.0% |
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets) |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 11/15/46 | 5.0% |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 11/15/44 | 2.7% |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 08/15/48 | 2.3% |
Government of Japan due 01/10/19 | 1.2% |
Home Equity Loan Trust, 2.41% | 1.1% |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — Institutional Class | 1.0% |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd., 3.86% | 0.9% |
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd., 3.64% | 0.9% |
State of Israel, 0.50% due 10/31/18 | 0.9% |
Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, 3.28% | 0.8% |
Top Ten Total | 16.8% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.
1 | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments has converted ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase and may change thereafter. |
2 | NR securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued) | September 30, 2018 |
Cumulative Fund Performance*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036013_13.jpg)
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
Average Annual Returns*
Periods Ended September 30, 2018
| 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (11/30/11) |
A-Class Shares | 1.28% | 4.44% | 5.18% |
A-Class Shares with sales charge† | (2.78%) | 3.44% | 4.43% |
C-Class Shares | 0.53% | 3.68% | 4.41% |
C-Class Shares with CDSC§ | (0.46%) | 3.68% | 4.41% |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.59% | 4.80% | 5.54% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | (1.22%) | 2.16% | 2.07% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (05/01/15) |
P-Class Shares | | 1.32% | 3.31% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | | (1.22%) | 1.21% |
| | 1 Year | Since Inception (10/19/16) |
R6-Class Shares | | 1.59% | 2.84% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | | (1.22%) | (0.39%) |
* | The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graph is based on A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures. |
† | Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum sales charge decreased from 4.75% to 4.00%. A 4.75% maximum sales charge is used in the calculation of the Average Annual Returns based on subscriptions made prior to October 1, 2015, and a 4.00% maximum sales charge will be used to calculate performance for periods based on subscriptions made on or after October 1, 2015. |
§ | Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. |
14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS† - 0.0% |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.0% |
Titan Energy LLC* | | | 6,740 | | | $ | 2,763 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology – 0.0% |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,†††,1,2 | | | 2 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks |
(Cost $200,000) | | | | | | | 2,763 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† - 0.0% |
Industrial - 0.0% |
Seaspan Corp. 6.38% due 04/30/19 | | | 37,300 | | | | 947,793 | |
Total Preferred Stocks |
(Cost $932,500) | | | | | | | 947,793 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WARRANTS††† - 0.0% |
Aspect Software, Inc.1,2 | | | 1,318 | | | | — | |
Total Warrants |
(Cost $—) | | | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUTUAL FUNDS† - 1.7% |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — Institutional Class2 | | | 4,072,673 | | | | 105,685,870 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I2 | | | 1,016,299 | | | | 25,458,278 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2 | | | 1,017,763 | | | | 25,444,068 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2 | | | 1,018,238 | | | | 25,435,578 | |
Total Mutual Funds |
(Cost $182,239,706) | | | | | | | 182,023,794 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND† - 2.2% |
Federated U.S. Treasury Cash Reserve Fund — Institutional Shares 1.92%3 | | | 234,010,910 | | | | 234,010,910 | |
Total Money Market Fund |
(Cost $234,010,910) | | | | | | | 234,010,910 | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† - 31.7% |
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities - 15.9% |
Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-FRE1, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 04/25/374 | | | 122,619,087 | | | | 114,991,616 | |
Soundview Home Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-OPT5, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/364 | | | 86,936,327 | | | | 84,270,642 | |
2005-OPT3, 2.69% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.47%) due 11/25/354 | | | 19,495,000 | | | | 19,388,119 | |
2007-1, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 03/25/374 | | | 3,281,611 | | | | 3,262,615 | |
Saxon Asset Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-3, 2.53% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.31%, Rate Floor: 0.31%) due 09/25/474 | | | 91,252,229 | | | | 89,438,774 | |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-6, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/574,5 | | | 23,865,266 | | | | 23,269,415 | |
2017-5, 2.82% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/25/574,5 | | | 22,499,166 | | | | 22,519,332 | |
2018-1, 3.00% (WAC) due 01/25/584,5 | | | 21,524,018 | | | | 21,116,549 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 2.75% (WAC) due 10/25/564,5 | | | 16,809,474 | | | $ | 16,457,538 | |
2016-1, 2.75% (WAC) due 02/25/554,5 | | | 4,816,695 | | | | 4,741,687 | |
CIM Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-R4, 4.07% (WAC) due 12/26/574,5 | | | 39,984,654 | | | | 39,856,827 | |
2017-2, 4.10% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) due 12/25/574,5 | | | 28,888,513 | | | | 29,250,781 | |
2018-R2, 3.69% (WAC) due 08/25/574,5 | | | 18,297,742 | | | | 18,164,349 | |
RALI Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-QO5, 2.43% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 05/25/464 | | | 21,827,424 | | | | 21,162,388 | |
2006-QO10, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 01/25/374 | | | 12,781,706 | | | | 12,284,659 | |
2007-QO4, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 05/25/474 | | | 10,513,775 | | | | 10,321,628 | |
2006-QO2, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 02/25/464 | | | 21,342,245 | | | | 9,456,254 | |
2007-QO2, 2.37% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 02/25/474 | | | 11,535,239 | | | | 7,493,280 | |
2007-QO4, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 05/25/474 | | | 4,890,560 | | | | 4,806,205 | |
2005-QO1, 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 08/25/354 | | | 5,074,313 | | | | 4,531,400 | |
2005-QO1, 3.35% (1 Year CMT Rate + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 08/25/354 | | | 3,355,205 | | | | 3,195,653 | |
2006-QS8, 2.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.45%) due 08/25/364 | | | 3,971,754 | | | | 2,984,904 | |
2006-QO2, 2.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.27%) due 02/25/464 | | | 5,261,034 | | | | 2,441,295 | |
2007-QO3, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 03/25/474 | | | 2,010,420 | | | | 1,956,796 | |
CIT Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 3.57% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 10/25/374,5 | | | 59,810,244 | | | | 60,354,236 | |
2007-1, 3.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 1.45%) due 10/25/374,5 | | | 4,461,868 | | | | 4,523,208 | |
16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2008-BC4, 2.85% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.63%, Rate Floor: 0.63%) due 11/25/374 | | | 49,368,057 | | | $ | 48,536,536 | |
2006-BC4, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 12/25/364 | | | 7,303,906 | | | | 7,057,543 | |
2006-BC3, 2.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.16%) due 10/25/364 | | | 6,559,242 | | | | 5,816,660 | |
2006-BC6, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 01/25/374 | | | 846,058 | | | | 828,075 | |
NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-2, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.00%/0.20%) due 09/25/374 | | | 57,200,108 | | | | 55,375,093 | |
American Home Mortgage Investment Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 2.08% due 05/25/476 | | | 195,069,543 | | | | 30,210,888 | |
2006-1, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 03/25/464 | | | 22,207,538 | | | | 21,423,485 | |
2006-1, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 03/25/464 | | | 3,165,947 | | | | 3,079,833 | |
IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR6, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 06/25/464 | | | 48,020,132 | | | | 45,627,980 | |
2005-AR18, 3.00% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.78%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.50%/0.78%) due 10/25/364 | | | 7,903,972 | | | | 6,704,312 | |
Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Incorporated Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE6, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 05/25/374 | | | 31,639,923 | | | | 29,134,443 | |
2006-NC1, 2.60% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.38%, Rate Floor: 0.38%) due 12/25/354 | | | 7,800,000 | | | | 7,757,003 | |
2007-HE6, 2.28% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.06%, Rate Floor: 0.06%) due 05/25/374 | | | 4,307,761 | | | | 3,935,004 | |
2007-HE6, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 05/25/374 | | | 3,164,137 | | | | 2,931,249 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Nomura Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1R, 3.13% due 01/25/37 | | | 33,348,000 | | | $ | 33,097,890 | |
2018-1R, 3.13% due 03/25/37 | | | 3,178,500 | | | | 3,156,648 | |
2015-4R, 4.55% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.43%, Rate Floor: 0.43%) due 03/26/364,5 | | | 1,804,104 | | | | 1,738,590 | |
2015-4R, 3.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.39%) due 12/26/364,5 | | | 1,257,900 | | | | 1,243,397 | |
2016-1R, 5.07% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/28/384,5 | | | 1,009,308 | | | | 1,005,779 | |
LSTAR Securities Investment Limited | | | | | | | | |
4.11% due 04/01/21 | | | 23,308,013 | | | | 23,305,644 | |
2018-2, 3.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/01/234,5 | | | 16,448,884 | | | | 16,459,987 | |
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE9, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 11/25/364 | | | 31,886,485 | | | | 30,884,579 | |
2006-HE3, 2.58% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 04/25/364 | | | 7,600,000 | | | | 7,524,654 | |
Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-59, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.33%, Rate Floor: 0.33%) due 11/20/354 | | | 13,339,952 | | | | 13,004,858 | |
2007-OH3, 2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.00%/0.29%) due 09/25/474 | | | 12,342,401 | | | | 12,122,181 | |
2007-OA7, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 05/25/474 | | | 4,988,169 | | | | 4,871,961 | |
2005-38, 2.57% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.35%, Rate Floor: 0.35%) due 09/25/354 | | | 4,096,845 | | | | 3,995,765 | |
First NLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-4, 2.61% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.39%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.39%) due 02/25/364 | | | 26,192,807 | | | | 26,091,378 | |
2005-1, 2.68% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.46%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.23%) due 05/25/354 | | | 3,001,330 | | | | 2,918,836 | |
HSI Asset Securitization Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-OPT2, 2.61% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.39%, Rate Floor: 0.39%) due 01/25/364 | | | 29,140,000 | | | | 28,838,879 | |
18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
FirstKey Master Funding | | | | | | | | |
2017-R1, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 11/03/414,5 | | | 26,933,420 | | | $ | 26,320,658 | |
2017-R1, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 11/03/414,5 | | | 1,083,878 | | | | 1,081,168 | |
RASC Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-EMX4, 2.45% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.23%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.00%/0.23%) due 06/25/364 | | | 27,832,000 | | | | 27,159,980 | |
ACE Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE4, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 10/25/364 | | | 31,573,888 | | | | 21,094,733 | |
2005-HE2, 3.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.02%, Rate Floor: 0.68%) due 04/25/354 | | | 5,700,000 | | | | 5,680,625 | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates | | | | | | | | |
2006-6, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 09/25/364 | | | 25,302,249 | | | | 24,885,483 | |
2005-15, 2.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.45%, Rate Floor: 0.45%) due 03/25/364 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,472,992 | |
COLT Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-3, 3.69% (WAC) due 10/26/484,5 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 25,044,340 | |
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates WMALT Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-AR9, 2.68% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.83%, Rate Floor: 0.83%) due 11/25/464 | | | 16,695,768 | | | | 15,308,925 | |
2006-AR9, 2.69% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 11/25/464 | | | 7,996,908 | | | | 7,090,252 | |
2006-7, 4.40% due 09/25/36 | | | 2,803,953 | | | | 1,357,294 | |
2006-8, 4.60% due 10/25/36 | | | 462,367 | | | | 268,043 | |
Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-B, 2.44% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.22%) due 04/25/374 | | | 22,744,204 | | | | 22,394,930 | |
American Home Mortgage Assets Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-4, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 10/25/464 | | | 12,234,627 | | | | 9,122,163 | |
2007-1, 2.55% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.70%) due 02/25/474 | | | 10,619,189 | | | | 7,089,192 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2006-5, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 11/25/464 | | | 4,691,598 | | | $ | 2,658,635 | |
2006-6, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 12/25/464 | | | 2,931,338 | | | | 2,601,557 | |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC | | | | | | | | |
2006-CB2, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 12/25/364 | | | 20,323,505 | | | | 20,198,977 | |
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes14 | | | | | | | | |
2015-DNA1, 4.07% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/274 | | | 19,100,980 | | | | 19,441,407 | |
GSAMP Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-NC1, 2.35% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.13%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 12/25/464 | | | 27,160,415 | | | | 18,495,316 | |
2005-HE6, 2.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.44%, Rate Floor: 0.44%) due 11/25/354 | | | 467,634 | | | | 468,744 | |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/585,7 | | | 18,459,575 | | | | 18,361,970 | |
Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2006-AF1, 2.52% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) due 04/25/364 | | | 8,431,095 | | | | 7,932,107 | |
2006-OA1, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/25/474 | | | 5,921,292 | | | | 5,764,552 | |
2007-OA2, 2.62% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.77%, Rate Floor: 0.77%) due 04/25/474 | | | 4,207,352 | | | | 4,049,329 | |
New Residential Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.00% (WAC) due 12/25/574,5 | | | 17,549,906 | | | | 17,626,713 | |
Angel Oak Mortgage Trust LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 2.71% (WAC) due 11/25/474,5 | | | 16,786,290 | | | | 16,669,862 | |
Lehman XS Trust Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-2N, 2.40% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.18%, Rate Floor: 0.18%) due 02/25/374 | | | 9,202,996 | | | | 8,851,639 | |
2007-15N, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/25/374 | | | 4,341,551 | | | | 4,260,921 | |
2005-7N, 2.76% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.54%, Rate Floor: 0.27%) due 12/25/354 | | | 2,424,843 | | | | 2,428,295 | |
20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2006-16N, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 11/25/464 | | | 1,069,491 | | | $ | 1,048,400 | |
WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA6, 2.50% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.81%, Rate Floor: 0.81%) due 07/25/474 | | | 8,778,304 | | | | 8,102,072 | |
2007-OA3, 2.62% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.77%, Rate Floor: 0.77%) due 04/25/474 | | | 5,439,470 | | | | 4,942,723 | |
2006-AR13, 2.73% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.88%, Rate Floor: 0.88%) due 10/25/464 | | | 1,938,475 | | | | 1,821,364 | |
2006-AR11, 2.77% (1 Year CMT Rate + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.92%) due 09/25/464 | | | 1,613,160 | | | | 1,512,431 | |
GSMSC Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-5R, 2.20% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 02/26/374,5 | | | 10,970,322 | | | | 10,818,910 | |
2015-5R, 2.20% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 04/26/374,5 | | | 3,518,069 | | | | 3,498,417 | |
Impac Secured Assets CMN Owner Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-2, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 03/25/364 | | | 14,447,850 | | | | 13,560,322 | |
JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-WMC4, 2.34% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.12%) due 12/25/364 | | | 15,812,392 | | | | 9,752,176 | |
2006-HE2, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/364 | | | 3,543,281 | | | | 3,521,695 | |
CSMC Series | | | | | | | | |
2015-12R, 2.56% (WAC) due 11/30/374,5 | | | 12,475,214 | | | | 12,437,781 | |
Wachovia Asset Securitization Issuance II LLC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE1, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 07/25/374,5 | | | 6,875,260 | | | | 6,655,878 | |
2007-HE2A, 2.35% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.13%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) due 07/25/374,5 | | | 5,774,483 | | | | 5,561,014 | |
HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-14, 2.32% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.15%) due 01/25/474 | | | 12,612,995 | | | | 12,164,444 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2005-HE3, 2.95% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.74%, Rate Floor: 0.49%) due 09/25/354 | | | 11,687,000 | | | $ | 11,685,478 | |
Asset Backed Securities Corporation Home Equity Loan Trust Series AEG | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE1, 2.62% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.40%) due 01/25/364 | | | 10,072,000 | | | | 9,756,769 | |
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.50% (WAC) due 02/25/584,5 | | | 5,029,638 | | | | 4,987,253 | |
2017-5A, 3.72% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 06/25/574,5 | | | 4,281,589 | | | | 4,390,620 | |
Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 2.58% (WAC) due 10/25/474,5 | | | 9,334,533 | | | | 9,251,166 | |
First Frankin Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-FF3, 2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.29%) due 02/25/364 | | | 8,616,000 | | | | 8,330,457 | |
2004-FF10, 3.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.28%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 07/25/344 | | | 7,382,289 | | | | 7,382,599 | |
Banc of America Funding Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-R7, 2.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 09/26/364,5 | | | 4,829,469 | | | | 4,716,418 | |
2015-R4, 2.23% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 01/27/354,5 | | | 2,669,471 | | | | 2,545,202 | |
ASG Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-3, 2.64% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Cap/Floor: 10.50%/0.29%) due 12/28/454,5 | | | 7,448,451 | | | | 7,209,155 | |
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-11, 2.94% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.72%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 01/25/364 | | | 6,062,965 | | | | 6,003,472 | |
Argent Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-W2, 2.71% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.49%, Rate Floor: 0.49%) due 10/25/354 | | | 5,435,000 | | | | 5,438,717 | |
GSAA Home Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-3, 2.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.19%, Rate Floor: 0.19%) due 03/25/364 | | | 4,177,651 | | | | 2,554,940 | |
22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2006-14, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 09/25/364 | | | 4,981,599 | | | $ | 2,289,706 | |
2007-7, 2.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.27%) due 07/25/374 | | | 295,474 | | | | 282,305 | |
Park Place Securities Incorporated Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-WCW2, 3.01% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.53%) due 07/25/354 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,017,047 | |
Morgan Stanley Resecuritization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-R9, 2.20% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.14%) due 11/26/464,5 | | | 5,055,096 | | | | 4,928,360 | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Incorporated Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-HE1, 2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.29%) due 01/25/364 | | | 4,336,464 | | | | 4,268,839 | |
GE-WMC Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series | | | | | | | | |
2005-2, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 12/25/354 | | | 4,183,591 | | | | 4,165,006 | |
Stanwich Mortgage Loan Co. | | | | | | | | |
2016-NPA1, 3.84% (WAC) due 10/16/464,5 | | | 4,140,162 | | | | 4,135,225 | |
Luminent Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-2, 2.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.20%, Rate Floor: 0.20%) due 02/25/464 | | | 4,339,487 | | | | 4,023,962 | |
WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series | | | | | | | | |
2007-HE4, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.25%, Rate Floor: 0.25%) due 07/25/474 | | | 5,094,474 | | | | 3,691,038 | |
CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust | | | | | | | | |
2004-15, 3.57% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.90%) due 04/25/354 | | | 3,490,000 | | | | 3,534,159 | |
GSAA Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-10, 2.87% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%, Rate Floor: 0.65%) due 06/25/354 | | | 3,312,000 | | | | 3,282,585 | |
Impac Secured Assets Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-2, 2.39% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Cap/Floor: 11.50%/0.17%) due 08/25/364 | | | 2,001,729 | | | | 1,720,644 | |
RFMSI Series Trust | | | | | | | | |
2006-S11, 6.00% due 11/25/36 | | | 1,704,169 | | | | 1,592,356 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
BCAP LLC | | | | | | | | |
2014-RR2, 2.66% (WAC) due 03/26/364,5 | | | 1,393,107 | | | $ | 1,384,518 | |
2014-RR3, 2.22% (WAC) due 10/26/364,5 | | | 42,922 | | | | 43,015 | |
Alliance Bancorp Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-OA1, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.24%) due 07/25/374 | | | 1,001,916 | | | | 898,628 | |
UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract | | | | | | | | |
1997-2, 7.38% due 10/15/28 | | | 668,053 | | | | 702,293 | |
Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust | | | | | | | | |
2010-R5, 3.66% due 06/26/365 | | | 329,394 | | | | 289,527 | |
Irwin Home Equity Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1, 5.85% due 08/25/375 | | | 285,421 | | | | 283,105 | |
Total Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | | | 1,682,282,273 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Government Agency - 11.6% |
Fannie Mae14 | | | | | | | | |
2.89% due 10/01/29 | | | 38,458,000 | | | | 35,802,557 | |
3.01% due 09/01/29 | | | 36,899,000 | | | | 34,984,561 | |
3.56% due 04/01/30 | | | 26,367,787 | | | | 25,898,401 | |
3.40% due 02/01/33 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 23,833,641 | |
3.12% due 10/01/32 | | | 24,800,000 | | | | 22,795,433 | |
3.23% due 01/01/33 | | | 23,678,873 | | | | 22,464,334 | |
2.90% due 11/01/29 | | | 21,078,000 | | | | 19,545,162 | |
2.87% due 09/01/29 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 18,549,855 | |
3.49% due 04/01/30 | | | 18,646,795 | | | | 18,357,005 | |
3.17% due 02/01/28 | | | 18,350,000 | | | | 17,576,086 | |
2.96% due 11/01/29 | | | 18,620,000 | | | | 17,379,398 | |
3.19% due 02/01/30 | | | 13,789,119 | | | | 13,189,924 | |
3.07% due 01/01/28 | | | 13,100,000 | | | | 12,494,194 | |
3.42% due 09/01/47 | | | 13,280,933 | | | | 12,198,690 | |
2.82% due 10/01/29 | | | 12,100,000 | | | | 11,200,983 | |
3.59% due 04/01/33 | | | 11,280,000 | | | | 10,963,259 | |
3.03% due 12/01/27 | | | 10,900,000 | | | | 10,366,128 | |
3.41% due 02/01/33 | | | 10,250,000 | | | | 9,827,416 | |
3.42% due 04/01/30 | | | 9,800,000 | | | | 9,556,679 | |
3.08% due 10/01/32 | | | 10,250,000 | | | | 9,484,561 | |
3.31% due 01/01/33 | | | 9,700,000 | | | | 9,249,223 | |
3.06% due 12/01/27 | | | 9,000,000 | | | | 8,592,916 | |
3.05% due 10/01/29 | | | 9,100,000 | | | | 8,569,543 | |
3.04% due 01/01/28 | | | 8,900,000 | | | | 8,441,194 | |
3.60% due 03/01/30 | | | 8,341,000 | | | | 8,284,507 | |
3.08% due 01/01/30 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,016,613 | |
2.94% due 10/01/32 | | | 8,611,285 | | | | 7,935,652 | |
3.43% due 03/01/33 | | | 8,100,000 | | | | 7,730,708 | |
3.48% due 04/01/30 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 6,875,152 | |
3.50% due 12/01/45 | | | 6,894,072 | | | | 6,808,020 | |
3.14% due 01/01/28 | | | 6,900,000 | | | | 6,634,104 | |
2.99% due 09/01/29 | | | 6,800,000 | | | | 6,361,599 | |
3.29% due 03/01/33 | | | 6,700,000 | | | | 6,250,780 | |
4.04% due 08/01/48 | | | 6,100,000 | | | | 6,125,328 | |
3.13% due 02/01/28 | | | 5,900,000 | | | | 5,693,536 | |
3.60% due 04/01/33 | | | 5,600,000 | | | | 5,490,544 | |
3.21% due 01/01/33 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,157,255 | |
4.21% due 10/01/48 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,096,538 | |
4.21% due 11/01/48 | | | 4,750,000 | | | | 4,853,305 | |
3.39% due 02/01/30 | | | 4,800,000 | | | | 4,676,104 | |
3.22% due 01/01/30 | | | 4,650,000 | | | | 4,451,679 | |
3.11% due 01/01/28 | | | 4,600,000 | | | | 4,441,967 | |
3.10% due 01/01/33 | | | 4,800,000 | | | | 4,405,714 | |
3.16% due 01/01/30 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,295,505 | |
3.33% due 04/01/30 | | | 4,274,809 | | | | 4,144,517 | |
3.39% due 02/01/33 | | | 4,300,000 | | | | 4,121,432 | |
3.50% due 02/01/48 | | | 3,963,970 | | | | 3,753,375 | |
3.65% due 03/01/33 | | | 3,600,000 | | | | 3,521,908 | |
4.24% due 08/01/48 | | | 3,400,000 | | | | 3,433,929 | |
3.11% due 11/01/27 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,325,726 | |
4.00% due 01/01/46 | | | 3,100,286 | | | | 3,139,813 | |
3.18% due 01/01/30 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,854,481 | |
3.12% due 02/01/28 | | | 2,600,000 | | | | 2,504,926 | |
3.53% due 04/01/33 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,429,126 | |
4.00% due 08/01/47 | | | 2,300,828 | | | | 2,324,579 | |
3.26% due 11/01/46 | | | 2,567,472 | | | | 2,322,768 | |
3.58% due 12/01/27 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | 2,299,989 | |
3.55% due 04/01/33 | | | 2,150,000 | | | | 2,094,714 | |
3.51% due 11/01/37 | | | 2,150,000 | | | | 2,021,827 | |
3.50% due 11/01/47 | | | 1,942,109 | | | | 1,912,052 | |
24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
3.00% due 07/01/46 | | | 1,988,342 | | | $ | 1,904,420 | |
3.14% due 12/01/32 | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,487,233 | |
2.97% due 11/01/25 | | | 1,388,838 | | | | 1,346,402 | |
3.27% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,307,135 | |
3.74% due 02/01/48 | | | 1,314,663 | | | | 1,290,635 | |
3.27% due 08/01/34 | | | 1,350,812 | | | | 1,270,799 | |
3.02% due 11/01/27 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,238,698 | |
4.05% due 09/01/48 | | | 1,210,000 | | | | 1,205,280 | |
4.50% due 02/01/45 | | | 1,159,156 | | | | 1,203,278 | |
3.13% due 01/01/30 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 952,637 | |
3.60% due 10/01/47 | | | 986,047 | | | | 927,672 | |
5.00% due 05/01/44 | | | 856,141 | | | | 901,382 | |
4.50% due 10/01/43 | | | 716,042 | | | | 743,298 | |
3.63% due 01/01/37 | | | 737,938 | | | | 692,283 | |
5.00% due 12/01/44 | | | 645,835 | | | | 679,963 | |
3.50% due 08/01/43 | | | 651,924 | | | | 645,967 | |
2.75% due 11/01/31 | | | 660,910 | | | | 602,385 | |
4.33% due 09/01/48 | | | 350,000 | | | | 360,859 | |
3.50% due 06/01/46 | | | 82,659 | | | | 81,538 | |
Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates14 | | | | | | | | |
2017-KIR3, 3.28% due 08/25/27 | | | 91,932,800 | | | | 89,686,909 | |
2017-KGX1, 3.00% due 10/25/27 | | | 81,400,000 | | | | 77,133,614 | |
2017-KW03, 3.02% due 06/25/27 | | | 65,900,000 | | | | 62,950,949 | |
2018-K074, 3.60% due 02/25/28 | | | 34,823,000 | | | | 34,528,366 | |
2017-K066, 3.20% due 06/25/27 | | | 19,507,000 | | | | 18,781,016 | |
2017-K061, 3.44% (WAC) due 11/25/264 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,841,862 | |
2016-K060, 3.30% (WAC) due 10/25/264 | | | 13,000,000 | | | | 12,748,059 | |
2018-K073, 3.45% (WAC) due 01/25/284 | | | 11,600,000 | | | | 11,402,082 | |
2018-K078, 3.92% (WAC) due 06/25/284 | | | 10,150,000 | | | | 10,313,196 | |
2017-K069, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/274 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,683,541 | |
2016-K057, 2.62% due 08/25/26 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,290,731 | |
2018-K154, 3.46% due 11/25/32 | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 8,154,944 | |
2016-K152, 3.08% due 01/25/31 | | | 7,090,000 | | | | 6,644,223 | |
2017-K070, 3.36% (WAC) due 12/25/274 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,859,875 | |
2015-K151, 3.51% due 04/25/30 | | | 2,105,000 | | | | 2,054,448 | |
2015-K043, 0.67% (WAC) due 12/25/244,6 | | | 44,408,223 | | | | 1,278,997 | |
2014-K715, 2.86% due 01/25/21 | | | 450,000 | | | | 447,594 | |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust14 | | | | | | | | |
2017-4, 2.50% due 06/25/577 | | | 64,284,391 | | | | 61,254,469 | |
2017-3, 3.00% due 07/25/56 | | | 60,861,485 | | | | 57,487,732 | |
2018-1, 2.25% due 05/25/577 | | | 43,324,988 | | | | 40,371,350 | |
2017-4, 3.50% due 06/25/57 | | | 31,960,244 | | | | 31,116,909 | |
2017-3, 2.50% due 07/25/567 | | | 9,212,600 | | | | 8,750,488 | |
Fannie Mae-Aces14 | | | | | | | | |
2017-M11, 2.98% due 08/25/29 | | | 52,100,000 | | | | 48,503,469 | |
2018-M3, 3.19% (WAC) due 02/25/304 | | | 7,800,000 | | | | 7,345,558 | |
Freddie Mac14 | | | | | | | | |
3.55% due 10/01/33 | | | 4,701,280 | | | | 4,510,955 | |
4.00% due 02/01/46 | | | 2,808,172 | | | | 2,842,293 | |
3.50% due 01/01/44 | | | 2,702,219 | | | | 2,677,184 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
4.00% due 11/01/45 | | | 2,157,275 | | | $ | 2,185,779 | |
3.00% due 08/01/46 | | | 2,013,093 | | | | 1,928,848 | |
3.50% due 12/01/47 | | | 1,919,916 | | | | 1,890,496 | |
3.26% due 09/01/45 | | | 1,965,007 | | | | 1,790,768 | |
3.40% due 04/01/31 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 965,567 | |
FREMF Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2013-K29, 0.13% due 05/25/465,6 | | | 793,911,325 | | | | 3,445,496 | |
Total Government Agency | | | 1,228,820,546 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - 2.7% |
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C32, 1.49% (WAC) due 01/15/594,6 | | | 123,354,321 | | | | 8,818,255 | |
2017-C38, 1.23% (WAC) due 07/15/504,6 | | | 74,381,949 | | | | 5,152,519 | |
2017-RB1, 1.44% (WAC) due 03/15/504,6 | | | 39,821,886 | | | | 3,361,796 | |
2016-C35, 2.14% (WAC) due 07/15/484,6 | | | 27,098,812 | | | | 3,050,391 | |
2017-C42, 1.05% (WAC) due 12/15/504,6 | | | 35,398,060 | | | | 2,324,315 | |
2016-NXS5, 1.70% (WAC) due 01/15/594,6 | | | 30,246,721 | | | | 2,209,517 | |
2015-NXS4, 1.07% (WAC) due 12/15/484,6 | | | 39,194,095 | | | | 1,939,014 | |
2017-RC1, 1.71% (WAC) due 01/15/604,6 | | | 21,076,910 | | | | 1,920,806 | |
2015-P2, 1.15% (WAC) due 12/15/484,6 | | | 34,462,462 | | | | 1,707,942 | |
2015-C30, 1.09% (WAC) due 09/15/584,6 | | | 32,151,490 | | | | 1,627,502 | |
2016-C32, 4.88% (WAC) due 01/15/594 | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,440,514 | |
2015-NXS1, 1.30% (WAC) due 05/15/484,6 | | | 11,616,593 | | | | 572,232 | |
2015-NXS4, 4.22% (WAC) due 12/15/484 | | | 64,000 | | | | 64,284 | |
GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-NRF, 3.49% (WAC) due 12/15/344,5 | | | 23,829,324 | | | | 23,552,382 | |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-WIKI, 4.14% (WAC) due 10/05/314,5 | | | 17,000,000 | | | | 16,529,238 | |
2016-JP3, 1.64% (WAC) due 08/15/494,6 | | | 73,790,240 | | | | 6,248,152 | |
JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C5, 1.17% (WAC) due 03/15/504,6 | | | 140,162,421 | | | | 8,741,257 | |
2017-C7, 1.05% (WAC) due 10/15/504,6 | | | 138,801,765 | | | | 8,409,957 | |
2016-C2, 1.85% (WAC) due 06/15/494,6 | | | 32,682,886 | | | | 2,618,713 | |
2016-C4, 0.96% (WAC) due 12/15/494,6 | | | 33,685,171 | | | | 1,765,258 | |
COMM Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-CR26, 1.18% (WAC) due 10/10/484,6 | | | 91,648,603 | | | | 4,622,646 | |
26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
2015-CR26, 4.64% (WAC) due 10/10/484 | | | 3,780,000 | | | $ | 3,652,194 | |
2018-COR3, 0.59% (WAC) due 05/10/514,6 | | | 84,250,806 | | | | 3,094,844 | |
2015-CR24, 0.94% (WAC) due 08/10/484,6 | | | 49,685,950 | | | | 2,163,868 | |
2015-CR23, 1.11% (WAC) due 05/10/484,6 | | | 48,441,899 | | | | 2,021,209 | |
2015-CR27, 1.29% (WAC) due 10/10/484,6 | | | 31,155,822 | | | | 1,654,100 | |
2013-CR13, 1.03% (WAC) due 11/10/464,6 | | | 49,631,032 | | | | 1,414,162 | |
2015-CR23, 3.80% due 05/10/48 | | | 700,000 | | | | 697,562 | |
2014-LC15, 1.46% (WAC) due 04/10/474,6 | | | 14,745,231 | | | | 600,019 | |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-P7, 1.29% (WAC) due 04/14/504,6 | | | 66,335,325 | | | | 4,801,576 | |
2016-C2, 1.93% (WAC) due 08/10/494,6 | | | 34,147,604 | | | | 3,634,050 | |
2016-P4, 2.16% (WAC) due 07/10/494,6 | | | 32,519,840 | | | | 3,616,018 | |
2016-P5, 1.69% (WAC) due 10/10/494,6 | | | 31,484,103 | | | | 2,653,760 | |
2016-GC37, 1.95% (WAC) due 04/10/494,6 | | | 19,083,087 | | | | 1,935,088 | |
2015-GC35, 1.03% (WAC) due 11/10/484,6 | | | 33,845,811 | | | | 1,418,170 | |
2015-GC29, 1.25% (WAC) due 04/10/484,6 | | | 23,976,597 | | | | 1,203,793 | |
2013-GC15, 4.37% (WAC) due 09/10/464 | | | 380,000 | | | | 394,809 | |
BENCHMARK | | | | | | | | |
2018-B4, 0.70% (WAC) due 07/15/514,6 | | | 326,564,539 | | | | 12,560,325 | |
2018-B2, 0.57% (WAC) due 02/15/514,6 | | | 132,903,197 | | | | 3,908,125 | |
2018-B6, 0.60% (WAC) due 11/10/514 | | | 65,000,000 | | | | 2,048,547 | |
Hospitality Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-HIT, 3.48% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%) due 05/08/304,5 | | | 18,500,000 | | | | 18,476,631 | |
JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-JP5, 1.26% (WAC) due 03/15/504,6 | | | 212,498,700 | | | | 13,290,306 | |
2017-JP6, 1.48% (WAC) due 07/15/504,6 | | | 69,638,055 | | | | 4,750,548 | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-H1, 1.61% (WAC) due 06/15/504,6 | | | 129,936,909 | | | | 11,124,341 | |
2016-UBS9, 4.69% (WAC) due 03/15/494 | | | 275,000 | | | | 273,643 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-STAY, 3.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 07/15/324,5 | | | 6,694,000 | | | $ | 6,729,059 | |
2017-STAY, 3.26% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 07/15/324,5 | | | 3,700,000 | | | | 3,716,895 | |
BANK | | | | | | | | |
2017-BNK4, 1.61% (WAC) due 05/15/504,6 | | | 56,461,124 | | | | 4,902,418 | |
2017-BNK6, 1.01% (WAC) due 07/15/604,6 | | | 44,060,521 | | | | 2,428,431 | |
Bancorp Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-CR3, 3.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 01/15/334,5 | | | 7,075,000 | | | | 7,079,441 | |
UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C5, 1.17% (WAC) due 11/15/504,6 | | | 54,460,415 | | | | 3,505,568 | |
2017-C2, 1.30% (WAC) due 08/15/504,6 | | | 45,922,887 | | | | 3,355,218 | |
VSD | | | | | | | | |
2017-PLT1 A, 3.60% due 12/25/43 | | | 6,772,670 | | | | 6,770,721 | |
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-C31, 4.77% (WAC) due 08/15/484 | | | 3,253,000 | | | | 3,238,483 | |
2013-C17, 5.05% (WAC) due 01/15/474 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,557,615 | |
2013-C12, 0.63% (WAC) due 07/15/454,6 | | | 40,447,793 | | | | 783,377 | |
CD Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-CD1, 1.56% (WAC) due 08/10/494,6 | | | 35,539,239 | | | | 2,928,448 | |
2017-CD6, 1.12% (WAC) due 11/13/504,6 | | | 47,672,613 | | | | 2,868,576 | |
CD Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-CD4, 1.48% (WAC) due 05/10/504,6 | | | 32,479,535 | | | | 2,618,302 | |
2017-CD3, 1.19% (WAC) due 02/10/504,6 | | | 34,829,754 | | | | 2,323,785 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-GS6, 1.20% (WAC) due 05/10/504,6 | | | 42,812,625 | | | | 3,146,047 | |
2015-GC28, 1.27% (WAC) due 02/10/484,6 | | | 21,114,065 | | | | 932,678 | |
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-C27, 1.15% (WAC) due 12/15/474,6 | | | 75,793,383 | | | | 3,909,984 | |
GE Business Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, 2.33% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.17%) due 04/15/354,5 | | | 3,783,218 | | | | 3,710,619 | |
28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
CGMS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-B1, 1.00% (WAC) due 08/15/504,6 | | | 66,608,474 | | | $ | 3,693,027 | |
CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-C3, 1.22% (WAC) due 01/10/484,6 | | | 40,048,151 | | | | 2,440,402 | |
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2015-C1, 1.07% (WAC) due 04/15/504,6 | | | 57,134,734 | | | | 2,411,120 | |
Bancorp Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-BNK3, 1.29% (WAC) due 02/15/504,6 | | | 24,362,470 | | | | 1,679,463 | |
DBJPM Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-C6, 1.18% (WAC) due 06/10/504,6 | | | 24,994,279 | | | | 1,599,611 | |
WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2013-C12, 1.42% (WAC) due 03/15/484,5,6 | | | 11,345,441 | | | | 510,319 | |
LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-2, 5.20% (WAC) due 01/20/414,5 | | | 500,000 | | | | 499,420 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corporation II | | | | | | | | |
2013-GC10, 2.94% due 02/10/46 | | | 225,000 | | | | 220,620 | |
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities | | | 288,624,025 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Military Housing - 1.5% |
Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds Resecuritization Trust Certificates | | | | | | | | |
2015-R1, 4.66% (WAC) due 11/25/554,5 | | | 65,972,913 | | | | 70,888,297 | |
2015-R1, 4.43% (WAC) due 11/25/524,5 | | | 13,374,427 | | | | 13,575,044 | |
2015-R1, 4.33% (WAC) due 10/25/524,5 | | | 11,241,138 | | | | 11,258,630 | |
Capmark Military Housing Trust | | | | | | | | |
2008-AMCW, 6.90% due 07/10/559 | | | 8,366,529 | | | | 10,001,802 | |
2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/529 | | | 8,172,128 | | | | 8,010,786 | |
2006-RILY, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.37%, Rate Floor: 0.37%) due 07/10/51†††,4,9 | | | 7,110,979 | | | | 5,255,278 | |
2007-ROBS, 6.06% due 10/10/529 | | | 4,748,326 | | | | 4,709,949 | |
2007-AET2, 6.06% due 10/10/529 | | | 2,159,462 | | | | 2,251,274 | |
GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2007-HCKM, 6.11% due 08/10/529 | | | 22,554,219 | | | | 22,707,434 | |
2005-DRUM, 5.47% due 05/10/50†††,9 | | | 4,635,719 | | | | 4,774,853 | |
2005-BLIS, 5.25% due 07/10/50†††,9 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,439,135 | |
Total Military Housing | | | 155,872,482 | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
(Cost $3,406,158,136) | | | | | | | 3,355,599,326 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 31.0% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - 23.5% |
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-36A, 3.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/314,5 | | | 94,400,000 | | | $ | 94,335,572 | |
2018-39A, 3.49% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.15%, Rate Floor: 1.15%) due 10/20/284,5 | | | 55,600,000 | | | | 55,669,961 | |
2016-33A, 4.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/284,5 | | | 48,750,000 | | | | 48,784,071 | |
2018-36A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/05/314,5 | | | 13,250,000 | | | | 13,235,289 | |
KVK CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.26% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/294,5 | | | 48,450,000 | | | | 48,356,191 | |
2017-1A, 4.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/15/264,5 | | | 24,865,000 | | | | 24,860,238 | |
2017-2A, 4.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/264,5 | | | 19,200,000 | | | | 19,197,892 | |
2017-2A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/264,5 | | | 14,800,000 | | | | 14,808,902 | |
2017-1A, 3.24% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/284,5 | | | 8,600,000 | | | | 8,578,475 | |
Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.04% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.88%, Rate Floor: 0.88%) due 09/15/344,5 | | | 77,930,386 | | | | 77,750,873 | |
2017-FL1, 3.41% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 09/15/344,5 | | | 22,477,000 | | | | 22,406,577 | |
2017-FL1, 3.66% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 09/15/344,5 | | | 14,269,000 | | | | 14,187,036 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 3.86% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/294,5 | | | 95,150,000 | | | | 95,152,807 | |
Venture XII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.11% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.80%) due 02/28/264,5 | | | 48,000,000 | | | | 47,800,589 | |
2018-12A, 3.51% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.20%, Rate Floor: 1.20%) due 02/28/264,5 | | | 29,250,000 | | | | 29,163,786 | |
30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Garrison BSL CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.97%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/284,5 | | | 43,250,000 | | | $ | 43,159,352 | |
2018-1A, 3.32% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/284,5 | | | 27,300,000 | | | | 27,350,374 | |
MP CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/274,5 | | | 48,350,000 | | | | 48,217,361 | |
2018-2A, 3.76% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.42%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/274,5 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,978,539 | |
Denali Capital CLO XI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.46% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/284,5 | | | 52,600,000 | | | | 52,664,089 | |
Hunt CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/344,5 | | | 40,700,000 | | | | 40,830,936 | |
2017-FL1, 3.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/344,5 | | | 8,730,500 | | | | 8,672,990 | |
2017-FL1, 3.81% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/15/344,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,980,038 | |
OZLM XIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-13A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/30/274,5 | | | 51,850,000 | | | | 51,829,058 | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities VII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-7A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 42,200,000 | | | | 42,171,545 | |
2016-7A, 5.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,019,443 | |
Mountain View CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%, Rate Floor: 0.80%) due 10/15/264,5 | | | 47,000,000 | | | | 46,854,944 | |
BSPRT Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL2, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.82%) due 10/15/344,5 | | | 28,487,764 | | | | 28,490,710 | |
2017-FL2, 3.26% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 1.10%) due 10/15/344,5 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 11,008,858 | |
2017-FL2, 3.56% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 10/15/344,5 | | | 6,200,000 | | | | 6,219,405 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Fortress Credit Opportunities XI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-11A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/15/314,5 | | | 44,300,000 | | | $ | 44,186,738 | |
VMC Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 2.98% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%) due 04/15/354,5 | | | 30,799,246 | | | | 30,833,757 | |
2018-FL1, 3.76% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 1.60%) due 04/15/354,5 | | | 8,300,000 | | | | 8,316,649 | |
2018-FL1, 3.36% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.20%) due 04/15/354,5 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,501,686 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/17/274,5 | | | 25,100,000 | | | | 24,859,542 | |
2017-1A, 3.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.83%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/17/274,5 | | | 15,400,000 | | | | 15,333,301 | |
SCOF Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.36% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/284,5 | | | 40,000,000 | | | | 40,001,056 | |
Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-4A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/264,5 | | | 37,000,000 | | | | 37,018,557 | |
AIMCO CLO Series | | | | | | | | |
2018-AA, 3.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.85%, Rate Floor: 0.85%) due 01/15/284,5 | | | 28,400,000 | | | | 28,284,247 | |
2017-AA, 3.45% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/264,5 | | | 8,700,000 | | | | 8,699,139 | |
Marathon CLO V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-5A, 3.18% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.87%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/274,5 | | | 22,200,000 | | | | 22,128,629 | |
2017-5A, 3.76% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/21/274,5 | | | 14,375,000 | | | | 14,194,809 | |
Woodmont Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 4.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.73%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/294,5 | | | 16,000,000 | | | | 16,047,738 | |
2017-2A, 4.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/284,5 | | | 10,100,000 | | | | 10,135,433 | |
2017-3A, 4.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/294,5 | | | 9,800,000 | | | | 9,871,843 | |
32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
NXT Capital CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/294,5 | | | 33,000,000 | | | $ | 33,077,296 | |
2018-1A, 4.55% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.20%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/21/274,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 999,707 | |
ALM XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-12A, 3.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.89%, Rate Floor: 0.89%) due 04/16/274,5 | | | 24,150,000 | | | | 24,098,387 | |
2018-12A, 3.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 1.35%) due 04/16/274,5 | | | 9,300,000 | | | | 9,236,931 | |
Telos CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-6A, 4.09% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/274,5 | | | 32,000,000 | | | | 31,994,982 | |
Mountain Hawk II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.17% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.82%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/244,5 | | | 16,984,790 | | | | 16,958,428 | |
2018-2A, 3.95% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/244,5 | | | 14,750,000 | | | | 14,750,401 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.87% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.53%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/284,5 | | | 31,500,000 | | | | 31,499,200 | |
Flagship CLO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-8A, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 01/16/264,5 | | | 30,900,000 | | | | 30,822,688 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.78%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/294,5 | | | 29,700,000 | | | | 29,665,349 | |
Venture XIX CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-19A, 4.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/274,5 | | | 29,450,000 | | | | 29,460,037 | |
Monroe Capital CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.70% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/22/264,5 | | | 18,300,000 | | | | 18,307,313 | |
2017-1A, 4.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/22/264,5 | | | 10,100,000 | | | | 10,086,809 | |
Cent CLO, LP | | | | | | | | |
2018-24A, 3.29% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.07%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/264,5 | | | 26,500,000 | | | | 26,476,577 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
FDF II Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.29% due 05/12/315 | | | 20,500,000 | | | $ | 20,552,835 | |
2016-2A, 5.29% due 05/12/315 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,998,916 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XVI, LP | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/274,5 | | | 15,500,000 | | | | 15,570,868 | |
2016-2A, 4.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/15/274,5 | | | 9,350,000 | | | | 9,381,406 | |
Midocean Credit CLO V | | | | | | | | |
2018-5A, 3.43% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/19/284,5 | | | 24,750,000 | | | | 24,752,965 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO 16 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-16A, 4.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/294,5 | | | 17,500,000 | | | | 17,589,656 | |
2017-16A, 4.21% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/294,5 | | | 6,700,000 | | | | 6,729,660 | |
A Voce CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/15/264,5 | | | 23,200,000 | | | | 23,201,844 | |
Avery Point V CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-5A, 3.32% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.98%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/264,5 | | | 22,700,000 | | | | 22,689,193 | |
OZLM IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 4.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/274,5 | | | 22,550,000 | | | | 22,546,146 | |
Cent CLO 20 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-20A, 3.97% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.63%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/264,5 | | | 22,500,000 | | | | 22,524,280 | |
NewStar Fairfield Fund CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.27%, Rate Floor: 1.27%) due 04/20/304,5 | | | 21,400,000 | | | | 21,352,177 | |
Symphony CLO XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 4.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/14/264,5 | | | 21,275,000 | | | | 21,270,885 | |
Regatta V Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.94% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.60%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/264,5 | | | 20,950,000 | | | | 20,949,755 | |
West CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/264,5 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,974,826 | |
34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Resource Capital Corporation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-CRE5, 2.96% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.80%) due 07/15/344,5 | | | 19,496,185 | | | $ | 19,496,157 | |
Flagship VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-7A, 3.90% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/20/264,5 | | | 19,125,000 | | | | 19,121,923 | |
TPG Real Estate Finance Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.75%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 02/15/354,5 | | | 19,000,000 | | | | 18,997,156 | |
Newstar Commercial Loan Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/274,5 | | | 12,750,000 | | | | 12,844,092 | |
2016-1A, 6.06% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%) due 02/25/284,5 | | | 5,750,000 | | | | 5,769,723 | |
Northwoods Capital XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 4.04% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/12/254,5 | | | 18,450,000 | | | | 18,453,205 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.61% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/17/264,5 | | | 18,450,000 | | | | 18,447,489 | |
Diamond CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.93% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 1.50%) due 07/22/304,5 | | | 18,000,000 | | | | 18,000,254 | |
TICP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-IIA, 3.74% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.84%, Rate Floor: 0.84%) due 04/20/284,5 | | | 17,800,000 | | | | 17,725,256 | |
AMMC CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 3.68% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/264,5 | | | 17,450,000 | | | | 17,462,747 | |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO I LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 5.05% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/22/284,5 | | | 17,000,000 | | | | 17,056,175 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XXIII, LP | | | | | | | | |
2018-2A, 3.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 04/15/284,5 | | | 16,900,000 | | | | 16,870,935 | |
Marathon CRE Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL1, 3.31% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.15%, Rate Floor: 1.15%) due 06/15/284,5 | | | 15,500,000 | | | | 15,519,611 | |
FDF I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.40% due 11/12/305 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,984,104 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Seneca Park CLO Limited | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/17/264,5 | | | 12,900,000 | | | $ | 12,897,659 | |
Marathon CLO VII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-7A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/28/254,5 | | | 12,600,000 | | | | 12,616,364 | |
CIFC Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.30% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/22/264,5 | | | 12,100,000 | | | | 12,100,109 | |
OZLM VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/17/264,5 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,999,561 | |
Vibrant CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-3A, 4.40% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/264,5 | | | 12,000,000 | | | | 11,997,422 | |
Sudbury Mill CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/264,5 | | | 11,850,000 | | | | 11,848,970 | |
Madison Park Funding XIV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-14A, 3.90% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.55%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/264,5 | | | 6,400,000 | | | | 6,405,311 | |
2017-14A, 3.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/264,5 | | | 5,211,000 | | | | 5,210,991 | |
AMMC CLO XV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15A, 4.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/264,5 | | | 11,600,000 | | | | 11,615,327 | |
PFP Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3, 3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.05%) due 01/14/354,5 | | | 9,576,155 | | | | 9,571,303 | |
2017-3, 3.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%) due 01/14/354,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,997,658 | |
TCP Waterman CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 7,150,000 | | | | 7,184,622 | |
2016-1A, 4.42% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/15/284,5 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,004,050 | |
BlueMountain CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 3.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/20/264,5 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 10,999,120 | |
Recette Clo Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/274,5 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 10,914,145 | |
36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Bsprt Issuer Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-FL1, 3.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/15/274,5 | | | 10,684,015 | | | $ | 10,709,994 | |
Shackleton CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-8A, 3.65% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.30%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/274,5 | | | 5,510,000 | | | | 5,466,175 | |
2017-8A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.92%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/274,5 | | | 4,900,000 | | | | 4,891,357 | |
Treman Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/275,10 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 8,277,000 | |
2015-1A, due 04/20/275,10 | | | 3,600,000 | | | | 1,815,746 | |
Ares XXXIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/05/254,5 | | | 9,800,000 | | | | 9,806,020 | |
Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2015-37A, due 01/15/315,10 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,440,890 | |
Garrison Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.52% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.20%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/29/274,5 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 7,015,331 | |
2016-2A, 5.47% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/29/274,5 | | | 2,250,000 | | | | 2,256,000 | |
ACIS CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-6A, 4.82% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.48%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/274,5 | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,495,120 | |
2013-1A, 5.28% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/18/244,5 | | | 1,650,000 | | | | 1,650,247 | |
Crown Point CLO III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-3A, 3.79% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.45%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/31/274,5 | | | 8,280,000 | | | | 8,267,964 | |
Madison Park Funding XVI Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-16A, 4.25% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.90%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/20/264,5 | | | 8,250,000 | | | | 8,247,854 | |
KKR CLO 15 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-15, 3.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.56%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/18/284,5 | | | 7,529,000 | | | | 7,538,301 | |
Flatiron CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.99% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/17/264,5 | | | 7,100,000 | | | | 7,105,270 | |
Vibrant CLO IV Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-4A, 4.75% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.40%, Rate Floor: 2.40%) due 07/20/284,5 | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 7,024,045 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-3A, due 10/04/285,10 | | | 8,920,000 | | | $ | 6,955,049 | |
OCP CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 5.16% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/22/254,5 | | | 6,500,000 | | | | 6,515,723 | |
Voya CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 10/15/305,10 | | | 10,575,071 | | | | 6,211,194 | |
Avery Point II CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-3X COM, due 01/18/2510 | | | 7,500,060 | | | | 5,917,412 | |
Symphony CLO XII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-12A, 3.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/254,5 | | | 5,750,000 | | | | 5,754,400 | |
OHA Credit Partners IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-9A, due 10/20/255,10 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,131,290 | |
Dryden XXV Senior Loan Fund | | | | | | | | |
2017-25A, 3.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/274,5 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,984,558 | |
Oaktree CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.22% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.87%) due 10/20/274,5 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,486,095 | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2012-2A, 5.19% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/20/244,5 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,999,912 | |
Atrium XI | | | | | | | | |
2017-11A, 3.85% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/23/254,5 | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 3,496,650 | |
Golub Capital BDC CLO 2014 LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.29% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.95%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/25/264,5 | | | 3,465,285 | | | | 3,463,042 | |
BDS | | | | | | | | |
2018-FL2, 3.56% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 08/15/354,5 | | | 3,100,000 | | | | 3,106,263 | |
Golub Capital Partners CLO 39B Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-39A, (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.40%, Rate Floor: 1.40%) due 10/20/284,5 | | | 3,100,000 | | | | 3,102,810 | |
MONROE CAPITAL BSL CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.08% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/22/274,5 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,998,850 | |
Cereberus ICQ Levered LLC | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 5.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/06/254,5 | | | 2,250,000 | | | | 2,249,538 | |
2015-1A, 4.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/06/254,5 | | | 646,106 | | | | 646,827 | |
38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ocean Trails CLO IV | | | | | | | | |
2017-4A, 4.14% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/13/254,5 | | | 2,500,000 | | | $ | 2,501,989 | |
Octagon Investment Partners 24 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.66% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/21/274,5 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,490,094 | |
Venture XIII CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-13A, due 09/10/295,10 | | | 3,700,000 | | | | 2,167,967 | |
Ivy Hill Middle Market Credit Fund IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-9A, 4.68% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/18/304,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,001,928 | |
2017-9A, 4.08% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/18/304,5 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 998,955 | |
NewStar Clarendon Fund CLO LLC | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 5.69% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.35%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/274,5 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,306 | |
Catamaran CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-2A, 4.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.05%, Rate Floor: 2.05%) due 10/18/264,5 | | | 1,750,000 | | | | 1,752,452 | |
Babson CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-IA, due 07/20/255,10 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 576,198 | |
2012-2A, due 05/15/235,10 | | | 4,750,000 | | | | 190,902 | |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IX Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-9A, due 04/20/285,10 | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 696,886 | |
Great Lakes CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, due 10/15/295,10 | | | 461,538 | | | | 343,895 | |
Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, due 01/20/219,10 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 141,070 | |
Ares XXVI CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 04/15/255,10 | | | 4,300,000 | | | | 34,787 | |
Keuka Park CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, due 10/21/245,10 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 16,920 | |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations | | | 2,491,721,257 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Aircraft - 3.1% |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/435 | | | 35,601,125 | | | | 35,500,338 | |
2017-1, 3.97% due 07/15/42 | | | 19,153,308 | | | | 18,885,907 | |
2015-1A, 4.70% due 12/15/405,7 | | | 10,219,723 | | | | 10,267,380 | |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust | | | | | | | | |
2016-2, 4.21% due 11/15/41 | | | 40,433,250 | | | | 40,272,475 | |
2016-1A, 4.88% due 03/17/365,7 | | | 16,573,116 | | | | 16,834,104 | |
SAPPHIRE AVIATION FINANCE I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/405 | | | 48,156,250 | | | | 48,237,427 | |
KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/425 | | | 40,604,207 | | | | 40,071,931 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
MAPS Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.21% due 05/15/435 | | | 29,520,950 | | | $ | 29,528,661 | |
AIM Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.21% due 02/15/405 | | | 20,320,726 | | | | 20,346,931 | |
2015-1A, 5.07% due 02/15/405 | | | 1,693,394 | | | | 1,674,174 | |
Raspro Trust | | | | | | | | |
2005-1A, 3.27% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.93%, Rate Floor: 0.93%) due 03/23/244,5 | | | 17,387,450 | | | | 16,778,889 | |
AASET Trust | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.97% due 05/16/425 | | | 15,795,348 | | | | 15,712,021 | |
Falcon Aerospace Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1, 4.58% due 02/15/425 | | | 12,687,661 | | | | 12,632,533 | |
Diamond Head Aviation Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1, 3.81% due 07/14/285 | | | 5,654,789 | | | | 5,650,360 | |
Emerald Aviation Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1, 4.65% due 10/15/385 | | | 3,345,740 | | | | 3,349,441 | |
2013-1, 6.35% due 10/15/385 | | | 292,346 | | | | 295,293 | |
Atlas Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1 A, 4.88% due 12/15/39 | | | 3,082,945 | | | | 2,971,792 | |
Rise Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.75% due 02/12/39 | | | 3,016,280 | | | | 2,963,495 | |
Eagle I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.31% due 12/15/395 | | | 2,256,703 | | | | 2,259,606 | |
Stripes Aircraft Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1 A1, 5.67% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 03/20/23†††,4 | | | 1,301,313 | | | | 1,288,603 | |
ECAF I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 3.47% due 06/15/405 | | | 996,994 | | | | 987,430 | |
Willis Engine Securitization Trust II | | | | | | | | |
2012-A, 5.50% due 09/15/375,7 | | | 935,465 | | | | 915,518 | |
Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.13% due 12/13/489 | | | 780,940 | | | | 731,850 | |
Airplanes Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | |
2001-1A, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.55%) due 03/15/194,9,11 | | | 409,604 | | | | 10,244 | |
Total Transport-Aircraft | | | 328,166,403 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Container - 1.1% |
Textainer Marine Containers Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-2A, 3.52% due 06/20/425 | | | 44,884,242 | | | | 43,703,266 | |
CLI Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.03% due 04/18/435 | | | 28,308,216 | | | | 28,121,534 | |
CAL Funding III Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.96% due 02/25/435 | | | 21,705,417 | | | | 21,429,827 | |
Textainer Marine Containers V Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.72% due 05/20/425 | | | 15,138,990 | | | | 14,925,210 | |
Cronos Containers Program Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 3.08% due 04/18/285 | | | 7,264,583 | | | | 7,141,216 | |
CLI Funding V LLC | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 2.83% due 03/18/285 | | | 3,439,333 | | | | 3,349,665 | |
2013-2A, 3.22% due 06/18/285 | | | 1,074,968 | | | | 1,051,545 | |
Total Transport-Container | | | 119,722,263 | |
40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Lease - 1.1% |
Capital Automotive LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.87% due 04/15/475 | | | 53,580,042 | | | $ | 52,930,684 | |
Store Master Funding I-VII | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.96% due 10/20/465 | | | 30,127,257 | | | | 29,603,501 | |
2016-1A, 4.32% due 10/20/465 | | | 11,113,197 | | | | 11,055,898 | |
STORE Master Funding I LLC | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.17% due 04/20/455 | | | 7,813,205 | | | | 7,751,019 | |
2015-1A, 3.75% due 04/20/455 | | | 1,474,375 | | | | 1,440,808 | |
Spirit Master Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2014-2A, 5.76% due 03/20/415 | | | 4,799,558 | | | | 4,929,439 | |
2014-4A, 4.63% due 01/20/455 | | | 4,075,278 | | | | 4,062,512 | |
Capital Automotive REIT | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 3.66% due 10/15/445 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 4,430,740 | |
STORE Master Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 4.16% due 03/20/435 | | | 1,674,845 | | | | 1,667,557 | |
2013-3A, 4.24% due 11/20/435 | | | 1,013,487 | | | | 1,014,517 | |
Total Net Lease | | | 118,886,675 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Collateralized Debt Obligations - 0.9% |
Anchorage Credit Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-4A, 3.50% due 02/15/355 | | | 55,600,000 | | | | 53,721,654 | |
2016-3A, 3.85% due 10/28/335 | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,371,975 | |
RB Commercial Trust | | | | | | | | |
2012-RS1, 5.35% due 01/26/225 | | | 15,660,006 | | | | 15,652,959 | |
Putnam Structured Product Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2003-1A, 3.16% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/15/384,5 | | | 15,619,459 | | | | 15,463,264 | |
Anchorage Credit Funding 1 Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2015-1A, 4.30% due 07/28/305 | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,007,149 | |
Highland Park CDO I Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-1A, 2.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/514,9 | | | 2,193,357 | | | | 2,094,621 | |
N-Star REL CDO VIII Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2006-8A, 2.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) due 02/01/44,5 | | | 1,213,332 | | | | 1,206,586 | |
Total Collateralized Debt Obligations | | | 98,518,208 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Whole Business - 0.5% |
Taco Bell Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.97% due 05/25/465 | | | 27,186,000 | | | | 27,970,860 | |
2016-1A, 3.83% due 05/25/465 | | | 2,397,490 | | | | 2,397,394 | |
Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.59% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/25/474,5 | | | 17,028,000 | | | | 17,074,146 | |
Sonic Capital LLC | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 4.47% due 05/20/465 | | | 3,760,532 | | | | 3,749,062 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Drug Royalty III Limited Partnership | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 3.98% due 04/15/275 | | | 2,091,830 | | | $ | 2,093,381 | |
Drug Royalty III Limited Partnership 1 | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 3.60% due 04/15/275 | | | 1,848,721 | | | | 1,821,054 | |
Total Whole Business | | | 55,105,897 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Infrastructure - 0.3% |
Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.97% due 06/15/489 | | | 22,892,625 | | | | 22,639,845 | |
Vantage Data Centers Issuer LLC | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 4.07% due 02/16/435 | | | 10,389,042 | | | | 10,395,061 | |
Total Infrastructure | | | 33,034,906 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified Payment Rights - 0.2% |
Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.18% due 04/07/28†††,1 | | | 21,400,000 | | | | 21,154,831 | |
CCR Incorporated MT100 Payment Rights Master Trust | | | | | | | | |
2012-CA, 4.75% due 07/10/225 | | | 520,238 | | | | 517,006 | |
CIC Receivables Master Trust | | | | | | | | |
4.89% due 10/07/21 | | | 311,456 | | | | 316,751 | |
Total Diversified Payment Rights | | | 21,988,588 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transport-Rail - 0.1% |
TRIP Rail Master Funding LLC | | | | | | | | |
2017-1A, 2.71% due 08/15/475 | | | 5,733,382 | | | | 5,645,399 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.1% |
Industrial DPR Funding Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2016-1A, 5.24% due 04/15/265 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,917,120 | |
Hana Small Business Lending Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2014-2014, 4.96% (WAC) due 01/25/404,5 | | | 24,936 | | | | 24,931 | |
Total Financial | | | 3,942,051 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Insurance - 0.1% |
Chesterfield Financial Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
2014-1A, 4.50% due 12/15/345 | | | 3,868,750 | | | | 3,880,217 | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities |
(Cost $3,287,129,306) | | | | | | | 3,280,611,864 | |
| | | | | | | | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 11.2% |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 11/15/4612,13 | | | 1,297,398,000 | | | | 530,735,734 | |
due 11/15/4412,13 | | | 647,591,400 | | | | 282,203,916 | |
due 08/15/4812,13 | | | 636,910,000 | | | | 246,734,807 | |
due 05/15/4812,13 | | | 135,131,000 | | | | 52,638,105 | |
8.13% due 08/15/21 | | | 9,900,000 | | | | 11,323,898 | |
8.75% due 08/15/20 | | | 6,500,000 | | | | 7,197,227 | |
8.75% due 05/15/20 | | | 6,030,000 | | | | 6,602,143 | |
4.75% due 02/15/41 | | | 5,250,000 | | | | 6,568,857 | |
8.00% due 11/15/21 | | | 5,600,000 | | | | 6,449,844 | |
7.88% due 02/15/21 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 6,129,492 | |
4.38% due 05/15/40 | | | 4,450,000 | | | | 5,287,678 | |
2.88% due 08/15/45 | | | 4,600,000 | | | | 4,331,547 | |
2.75% due 11/15/42 | | | 2,580,000 | | | | 2,387,709 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | | | |
2.00% due 04/30/24 | | | 15,300,000 | | | | 14,536,195 | |
3.13% due 05/15/19 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,509,570 | |
2.25% due 08/15/27 | | | 1,740,000 | | | | 1,631,794 | |
Total U.S. Government Securities |
(Cost $1,229,870,959) | | | | | | | 1,187,268,516 | |
42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
FEDERAL AGENCY BONDS†† - 4.2% |
Fannie Mae Principal Strips14 | | | | | | | | |
due 01/15/3012,13 | | | 91,565,000 | | | $ | 61,268,101 | |
due 05/15/3012,13 | | | 86,472,000 | | | | 57,190,471 | |
due 05/15/2912,13 | | | 37,600,000 | | | | 25,829,172 | |
due 07/15/3712,13 | | | 33,000,000 | | | | 16,412,154 | |
due 11/15/3012,13 | | | 17,570,000 | | | | 11,401,927 | |
Residual Funding Corporation Principal | | | | | | | | |
due 04/15/3012,13 | | | 98,239,000 | | | | 65,767,883 | |
due 01/15/3012,13 | | | 22,264,000 | | | | 15,065,157 | |
Freddie Mac Principal Strips14 | | | | | | | | |
due 03/15/3112,13 | | | 81,957,000 | | | | 52,802,347 | |
due 07/15/3212,13 | | | 33,850,000 | | | | 20,632,658 | |
Tennessee Valley Authority | | | | | | | | |
4.25% due 09/15/65 | | | 32,550,000 | | | | 35,564,976 | |
5.38% due 04/01/56 | | | 8,360,000 | | | | 10,854,657 | |
due 09/15/536,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 259,663 | |
due 09/15/546,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 249,877 | |
due 09/15/556,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 240,223 | |
due 09/15/566,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 231,021 | |
due 03/15/576,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 226,482 | |
due 09/15/576,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 222,212 | |
due 09/15/586,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 213,536 | |
due 03/15/596,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 209,516 | |
due 09/15/596,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 205,276 | |
due 09/15/606,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 197,497 | |
due 03/15/616,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 193,556 | |
due 09/15/616,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 189,951 | |
due 09/15/626,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 182,616 | |
due 03/15/636,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 179,219 | |
due 09/15/636,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 175,514 | |
due 09/15/646,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 168,871 | |
due 03/15/656,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 165,658 | |
due 09/15/656,12 | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 162,435 | |
Freddie Mac14 | | | | | | | | |
due 12/14/2912 | | | 50,220,000 | | | | 33,825,081 | |
1.25% due 10/02/19 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,465,552 | |
Freddie Mac Coupon Strips14 | | | | | | | | |
due 01/15/316,12 | | | 7,750,000 | | | | 5,008,277 | |
due 09/15/306,12 | | | 2,906,000 | | | | 1,903,769 | |
due 03/15/316,12 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 1,603,090 | |
due 07/15/316,12 | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 1,138,246 | |
due 01/15/306,12 | | | 1,050,000 | | | | 704,428 | |
Fannie Mae Interest Strips14 | | | | | | | | |
due 01/15/326,12 | | | 9,413,000 | | | | 5,827,075 | |
due 01/15/306,12 | | | 5,900,000 | | | | 3,948,661 | |
due 07/15/326,12 | | | 3,963,000 | | | | 2,411,302 | |
due 01/15/356,12 | | | 2,250,000 | | | | 1,233,876 | |
due 02/06/336,12 | | | 1,456,000 | | | | 865,960 | |
due 01/15/336,12 | | | 1,450,000 | | | | 864,354 | |
Freddie Mac Interest Strips14 | | | | | | | | |
due 03/15/306,12 | | | 7,250,000 | | | | 4,830,624 | |
Total Federal Agency Bonds |
(Cost $462,826,194) | | | | | | | 443,092,921 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS†† - 3.8% |
Government of Japan | | | | | | | | |
due 01/10/1912 | | JPY | 13,847,400,000 | | | | 121,919,763 | |
due 02/12/1912 | | JPY | 2,559,000,000 | | | | 22,533,682 | |
due 02/20/1912 | | JPY | 1,000,000,000 | | | | 8,805,932 | |
due 03/11/1912 | | JPY | 201,100,000 | | | | 1,770,999 | |
State of Israel | | | | | | | | |
0.50% due 10/31/18 | | ILS | 334,790,000 | | | | 92,584,629 | |
6.00% due 02/28/19 | | ILS | 57,720,000 | | | | 16,829,573 | |
Republic of Hungary | | | | | | | | |
due 12/27/1812 | | HUF | 15,401,240,000 | | | | 55,316,623 | |
5.50% due 12/20/18 | | HUF | 9,594,560,000 | | | | 34,877,806 | |
due 11/21/1812 | | HUF | 837,600,000 | | | | 3,009,232 | |
Czech Republic | | | | | | | | |
due 10/05/1812 | | CZK | 612,000,000 | | | | 27,600,626 | |
due 11/09/1812 | | CZK | 134,000,000 | | | | 6,039,189 | |
due 10/26/1812 | | CZK | 154,000,000 | | | | 6,942,588 | |
Total Foreign Government Bonds |
(Cost $410,836,285) | | | | | | | 398,230,642 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE BONDS†† - 3.6% |
Financial - 3.0% |
Station Place Securitization Trust | | | | | | | | |
3.21% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/24/194,5 | | | 68,500,000 | | | $ | 68,500,000 | |
2.91% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/24/194,5 | | | 41,650,000 | | | | 41,650,000 | |
3.46% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 11/24/184,5 | | | 31,000,000 | | | | 30,999,986 | |
2.77% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.70%, Rate Floor: 0.70%) due 09/24/194 | | | 23,000,000 | | | | 23,000,000 | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.62% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.25%) due 03/26/214 | | | 27,620,000 | | | | 27,673,071 | |
6.75% due 02/15/34 | | | 1,450,000 | | | | 1,662,344 | |
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.00% due 06/15/27 | | | 22,855,000 | | | | 22,149,937 | |
Central Storage Safety Project Trust | | | | | | | | |
4.82% due 02/01/389 | | | 20,500,000 | | | | 20,851,263 | |
Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.30% due 08/01/509 | | | 18,387,193 | | | | 16,494,593 | |
BBC Military Housing-Navy Northeast LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.30% due 10/15/49 | | | 8,620,000 | | | | 9,034,512 | |
Hospitality Properties Trust | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 02/15/26 | | | 8,099,000 | | | | 8,169,678 | |
Atlas Mara Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
8.00% due 12/31/20 | | | 6,600,000 | | | | 5,940,000 | |
Fort Benning Family Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.35%) due 01/15/364,9 | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,033,381 | |
Lincoln Finance Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% due 04/15/215 | | | 4,580,000 | | | | 4,729,216 | |
Navigators Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% due 10/15/23 | | | 4,050,000 | | | | 4,197,449 | |
Fort Knox Military Housing Privatization Project | | | | | | | | |
5.82% due 02/15/529 | | | 1,940,607 | | | | 1,933,614 | |
2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.34%) due 02/15/524,9 | | | 1,739,351 | | | | 1,242,573 | |
Atlantic Marine Corporations Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.43% due 12/01/505 | | | 1,404,337 | | | | 1,385,775 | |
5.37% due 12/01/505 | | | 794,900 | | | | 784,928 | |
5.38% due 02/15/48 | | | 539,352 | | | | 494,628 | |
Customers Bank | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 06/26/299,15 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,037,964 | |
Senior Housing Properties Trust | | | | | | | | |
4.75% due 02/15/28 | | | 1,760,000 | | | | 1,701,907 | |
Enstar Group Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 03/10/22 | | | 1,660,000 | | | | 1,667,277 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc | | | | | | | | |
3.88% due 09/12/23 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,651,314 | |
EPR Properties | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 06/01/27 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,624,834 | |
CBRE Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.25% due 03/15/25 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,558,795 | |
Jefferies Group LLC / Jefferies Group Capital Finance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.15% due 01/23/30 | | | 1,730,000 | | | | 1,554,245 | |
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 10/18/23 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,553,541 | |
44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Lexington Realty Trust | | | | | | | | |
4.25% due 06/15/23 | | | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,276,149 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | | | | | | |
7.25% due 04/01/32 | | | 820,000 | | | | 1,045,997 | |
Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania | | | | | | | | |
5.10% due 03/30/2515 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 995,925 | |
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. | | | | | | | | |
9.38% due 08/15/395 | | | 530,000 | | | | 819,079 | |
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 04/15/26 | | | 650,000 | | | | 647,585 | |
Pacific Beacon LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.51% due 07/15/369 | | | 500,000 | | | | 536,080 | |
Total Financial | | | 314,597,640 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.2% |
Yamana Gold, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.95% due 07/15/24 | | | 18,972,000 | | | | 18,702,598 | |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
6.75% due 10/19/755,15 | | | 3,710,000 | | | | 4,067,087 | |
Eldorado Gold Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 12/15/205 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,187,500 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | 23,957,185 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.1% |
Offutt AFB America First Community LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.46% due 09/01/509 | | | 6,618,693 | | | | 6,386,206 | |
United Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.61% due 09/15/519 | | | 4,561,314 | | | | 4,807,112 | |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 06/15/45 | | | 1,670,000 | | | | 1,687,870 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 12,881,188 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.1% |
Reynolds Group Issuer Incorporated / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Luxembourg | | | | | | | | |
5.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%) due 07/15/214,5 | | | 5,675,000 | | | | 5,753,031 | |
6.88% due 02/15/21 | | | 1,143,573 | | | | 1,156,439 | |
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
4.84% due 06/30/26††† | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 5,891,932 | |
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 12/20/279 | | | 2,304,980 | | | | 2,036,911 | |
Total Industrial | | | 14,838,313 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.1% |
Energy Transfer Partners, LP | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 02/01/42 | | | 1,560,000 | | | | 1,713,256 | |
Plains All American Pipeline Limited Partnership / PAA Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.70% due 06/15/44 | | | 1,850,000 | | | | 1,666,231 | |
Williams Companies, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.30% due 04/15/40 | | | 1,470,000 | | | | 1,661,835 | |
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.88% due 06/30/26 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,619,997 | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 03/01/41 | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,521,219 | |
Total Energy | | | 8,182,538 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.1% |
Northern Group Housing LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.80% due 08/15/535 | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,682,479 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Hasbro, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.35% due 03/15/40 | | | 1,500,000 | | | $ | 1,636,265 | |
HP Communities LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.86% due 09/15/539 | | | 1,420,000 | | | | 1,543,540 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 4,862,284 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.0% |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | | |
3.85% due 09/29/24 | | | 1,982,000 | | | | 1,942,258 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.95% due 03/15/41 | | | 1,690,000 | | | | 1,679,129 | |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 09/01/44 | | | 360,000 | | | | 338,010 | |
MDC Partners, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.50% due 05/01/245 | | | 300,000 | | | | 265,500 | |
Total Communications | | | 4,224,897 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology - 0.0% |
Citrix Systems, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.50% due 12/01/27 | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,638,211 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 0.0% |
Exelon Generation Company LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.25% due 10/01/39 | | | 670,000 | | | | 729,463 | |
Total Corporate Bonds |
(Cost $388,965,759) | | | | | | | 385,911,719 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,4 - 1.3% |
Technology - 0.5% |
Misys Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/13/24 | | | 28,960,702 | | | | 28,969,390 | |
Epicor Software | | | | | | | | |
5.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/01/22 | | | 20,572,894 | | | | 20,654,363 | |
Internet Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.92% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/13/24 | | | 3,445,950 | | | | 3,467,487 | |
TIBCO Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.75% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/04/20 | | | 1,930,525 | | | | 1,937,359 | |
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
4.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.25%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/17/24 | | | 746,222 | | | | 727,193 | |
Kronos, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.34% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/01/23 | | | 296,261 | | | | 297,633 | |
Cologix Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 03/20/24 | | | 298,485 | | | | 297,553 | |
Aspect Software, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/202 | | | 14,635 | | | | 12,202 | |
Total Technology | | | 56,363,180 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.2% |
Diamond (BC) B.V. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/24 | | | 7,245,250 | | | | 7,100,345 | |
46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/30/23 | | | 3,428,000 | | | $ | 3,434,445 | |
Albertson’s LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.38% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 12/21/22 | | | 2,721,594 | | | | 2,722,111 | |
Hearthside Group Holdings LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/23/25 | | | 2,344,125 | | | | 2,335,077 | |
DJO Finance LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.54% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%)) due 06/08/20 | | | 2,330,741 | | | | 2,329,296 | |
Grocery Outlet, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/21/21 | | | 1,715,152 | | | | 1,715,152 | |
Davis Vision | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/02/24 | | | 1,696,183 | | | | 1,689,296 | |
JBS USA Lux SA | | | | | | | | |
4.84% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 0.75%) due 10/30/22 | | | 1,561,101 | | | | 1,564,129 | |
One Call Medical, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
7.38% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 11/27/22 | | | 1,295,140 | | | | 1,226,821 | |
NVA Holdings, Inc | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/03/25 | | | 623,434 | | | | 621,096 | |
CHG Healthcare Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.31% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%)) due 06/07/23 | | | 475,000 | | | | 477,674 | |
CTI Foods Holding Co. LLC | | | | | | | | |
6.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/29/20 | | | 200,000 | | | | 163,750 | |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | | | 25,379,192 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communications - 0.2% |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
6.42% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/07/23 | | | 21,807,080 | | | | 20,307,843 | |
Proquest LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 10/24/21 | | | 1,328,664 | | | | 1,331,574 | |
Houghton Mifflin Co. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/28/21 | | | 731,108 | | | | 687,242 | |
Total Communications | | | 22,326,659 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrial - 0.1% |
Hayward Industries, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/05/24 | | | 5,197,500 | | | | 5,226,086 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Engility Corp. | | | | | | | | |
4.99% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.75%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 08/14/23 | | | 2,933,761 | | | $ | 2,940,479 | |
VC GB Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 02/28/24 | | | 2,291,998 | | | | 2,297,728 | |
Berlin Packaging LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.16% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) and (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%)) due 11/07/25 | | | 1,496,250 | | | | 1,495,547 | |
Hillman Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/31/25 | | | 997,500 | | | | 985,779 | |
Engineered Machinery Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.64% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/19/24 | | | 587,752 | | | | 579,670 | |
CHI Overhead Doors, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 07/29/22 | | | 490,923 | | | | 491,999 | |
Pro Mach Group, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
3.00% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/07/2517 | | | 350,000 | | | | 348,796 | |
Wencor Group | | | | | | | | |
5.89% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/19/21 | | | 288,335 | | | | 280,285 | |
Thermasys Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.33% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 1.25%) due 05/03/19 | | | 87,500 | | | | 82,305 | |
Total Industrial | | | 14,728,674 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financial - 0.1% |
USI, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.39% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/24 | | | 4,168,421 | | | | 4,169,463 | |
National Financial Partners Corp. | | | | | | | | |
5.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/08/24 | | | 2,263,640 | | | | 2,261,377 | |
Total Financial | | | 6,430,840 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic Materials - 0.1% |
Road Infrastructure Investment | | | | | | | | |
5.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 06/13/23 | | | 4,361,368 | | | | 4,257,786 | |
Nexeo Solutions LLC | | | | | | | | |
5.60% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) due 06/09/23 | | | 1,662,026 | | | | 1,670,751 | |
Total Basic Materials | | | 5,928,537 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer, Cyclical - 0.1% |
Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.70% (2 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/16/23 | | | 4,306,154 | | | | 4,303,484 | |
48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Acosta, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.40% ((1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 2.25%)) due 09/26/19 | | | 831,111 | | | $ | 616,925 | |
5.94% ((3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%) and (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%)) due 09/26/19 | | | 440,000 | | | | 326,608 | |
USIC Holding, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
5.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 12/08/23 | | | 157,251 | | | | 158,103 | |
Total Consumer, Cyclical | | | 5,405,120 | |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests |
(Cost $138,337,611) | | | | | | | 136,562,202 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS†† - 0.6% |
California - 0.3% |
Newport Mesa Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4512 | | | 8,565,000 | | | | 2,852,659 | |
due 08/01/3912 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 1,760,120 | |
due 08/01/4012 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 1,050,800 | |
due 08/01/3812 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 926,180 | |
due 08/01/4112 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 802,500 | |
due 08/01/4312 | | | 1,900,000 | | | | 693,576 | |
Poway Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4012 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 4,061,700 | |
due 08/01/3812 | | | 8,460,000 | | | | 3,797,694 | |
San Diego Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 07/01/3912 | | | 7,150,000 | | | | 3,130,985 | |
due 07/01/4612 | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 713,438 | |
due 07/01/4312 | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 498,082 | |
Cypress School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4812 | | | 14,450,000 | | | | 3,563,225 | |
Beverly Hills Unified School District California General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3412 | | | 5,295,000 | | | | 2,995,964 | |
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4112 | | | 5,325,000 | | | | 2,080,052 | |
San Bernardino Community College District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4412 | | | 4,750,000 | | | | 1,546,600 | |
Hanford Joint Union High School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4112 | | | 4,125,000 | | | | 1,526,910 | |
Antelope Valley Community College District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3612 | | | 2,800,000 | | | | 1,353,632 | |
Upland Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/5012 | | | 5,040,000 | | | | 1,264,284 | |
San Marcos Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/4712 | | | 3,600,000 | | | | 1,078,632 | |
Wiseburn School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3412 | | | 900,000 | | | | 487,269 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Santa Ana Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3512 | | | 700,000 | | | $ | 367,220 | |
Total California | | | 36,551,522 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Illinois - 0.2% |
State of Illinois General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
5.65% due 12/01/38 | | | 5,350,000 | | | | 5,705,293 | |
6.63% due 02/01/35 | | | 1,820,000 | | | | 2,073,144 | |
City of Chicago Illinois General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
6.31% due 01/01/44 | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 5,264,055 | |
Total Illinois | | | 13,042,492 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Texas - 0.1% |
Wylie Independent School District General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 08/15/4612 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 3,193,900 | |
due 08/15/4312 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 1,458,200 | |
Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 11/15/4512 | | | 2,850,000 | | | | 825,645 | |
due 11/15/4112 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 534,405 | |
Total Texas | | | 6,012,150 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Colorado - 0.0% |
City & County of Denver Colorado Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 08/01/3612 | | | 7,550,000 | | | | 3,635,778 | |
due 08/01/3712 | | | 2,910,000 | | | | 1,333,624 | |
Total Colorado | | | 4,969,402 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Oregon - 0.0% |
Washington & Multnomah Counties School District No. 48J Beaverton General Obligation Unlimited | | | | | | | | |
due 06/15/3312 | | | 3,850,000 | | | | 2,196,810 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Puerto Rico - 0.0% |
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
6.00% due 07/01/23 | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,641,915 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Florida - 0.0% |
County of Miami-Dade Florida Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 10/01/4112 | | | 4,100,000 | | | | 1,517,164 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Pennsylvania - 0.0% |
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Revenue Bonds | | | | | | | | |
due 01/01/4112 | | | 995,000 | | | | 374,568 | |
due 01/01/3712 | | | 570,000 | | | | 261,322 | |
Total Pennsylvania | | | 635,890 | |
Total Municipal Bonds |
(Cost $67,280,291) | | | | | | | 66,567,345 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER†† - 7.3% |
Marriott International, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.41% due 11/14/185,16 | | | 30,000,000 | | | | 29,911,633 | |
2.45% due 10/24/185,16 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,960,868 | |
2.21% due 10/19/185,16 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,988,500 | |
2.44% due 10/29/185,16 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,978,895 | |
2.48% due 11/21/185,16 | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4,982,433 | |
50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Nutrien Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.57% due 11/14/185,16 | | | 20,666,000 | | | $ | 20,601,086 | |
2.42% due 11/05/185,16 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,952,944 | |
2.50% due 10/31/185,16 | | | 18,000,000 | | | | 17,962,500 | |
2.35% due 10/12/185,16 | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 2,198,420 | |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.33% due 10/12/185,16 | | | 40,000,000 | | | | 39,971,522 | |
2.30% due 10/09/185,16 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,992,333 | |
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | | | | | | | |
2.27% due 10/22/185,16 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,973,517 | |
2.24% due 10/10/185,16 | | | 17,542,000 | | | | 17,532,176 | |
2.24% due 10/22/185,16 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,980,400 | |
AutoZone, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.33% due 10/17/185,16 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,974,111 | |
2.25% due 10/11/185,16 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,987,500 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/17/1816 | | | 26,506,000 | | | | 26,477,727 | |
2.50% due 11/01/1816 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,965,236 | |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.28% due 10/09/185,16 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,987,333 | |
2.28% due 10/04/185,16 | | | 15,100,000 | | | | 15,097,131 | |
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.19% due 10/04/185,16 | | | 36,000,000 | | | | 35,993,280 | |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.26% due 10/03/185,16 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,996,681 | |
2.26% due 10/01/185,16 | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 10,000,000 | |
American Water Capital Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/18/185,16 | | | 35,000,000 | | | | 34,961,986 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/01/185,16 | | | 30,000,000 | | | | 30,000,000 | |
HP, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.58% due 10/23/185,16 | | | 30,000,000 | | | | 29,954,439 | |
Entergy Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.57% due 10/24/185,16 | | | 25,115,000 | | | | 25,068,076 | |
Spire, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.30% due 10/19/185,16 | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,970,000 | |
Comcast Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.40% due 10/23/185,16 | | | 23,000,000 | | | | 22,966,267 | |
Amcor Ltd. | | | | | | | | |
2.39% due 10/24/185,16 | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,969,461 | |
Clorox Co. | | | | | | | | |
2.20% due 10/02/185,16 | | | 19,100,000 | | | | 19,098,833 | |
Avery Dennison Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.35%, due 10/19/185,16 | | | 19,000,000 | | | | 18,977,675 | |
Rogers Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.18% due 10/18/185,16 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,983,708 | |
2.19% due 10/10/185,16 | | | 2,750,000 | | | | 2,748,453 | |
Diageo Capital plc | | | | | | | | |
2.15% due 10/12/185,16 | | | 17,000,000 | | | | 16,988,468 | |
Snap-On, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.18% due 10/03/185,16 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,998,183 | |
Relx, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.35% due 10/12/185,16 | | | 15,000,000 | | | | 14,989,229 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Face Amount~ | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
CBS Corp. | | | | | | | | |
2.43% due 10/29/185,16 | | | 15,000,000 | | | $ | 14,971,650 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.22% due 10/01/1816 | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 11,000,000 | |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.03% due 10/10/185,16 | | | 3,475,000 | | | | 3,473,236 | |
UDR, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.21% due 10/12/185,16 | | | 3,075,000 | | | | 3,072,858 | |
BASF SE | | | | | | | | |
2.01% due 10/10/185,16 | | | 2,025,000 | | | | 2,023,982 | |
Walmart, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
2.10% due 10/22/185,16 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,997,550 | |
Total Commercial Paper |
(Cost $772,687,488) | | | | | | | 772,680,280 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,8 - 1.1% |
BNP Paribas | | | | | | | | |
issued 07/26/18 at 2.54% due 11/01/18 | | | 70,800,000 | | | | 70,800,000 | |
Deutsche Bank | | | | | | | | |
issued 07/27/18 at 2.69% due 10/26/18 | | | 41,569,000 | | | | 41,569,000 | |
issued 09/05/18 at 2.69% due 10/26/18 | | | 1,450,000 | | | | 1,450,000 | |
Total Repurchase Agreements |
(Cost $113,819,000) | | | | | | | 113,819,000 | |
| | Contracts
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† - 0.0% |
Call options on: | | | | | | | | |
BofA Merrill Lynch S&P 500 Index Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $3,000 (Notional Value $374,155,032) | | | 1,284 | | | | 4,230,780 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Expiring January 2019 with strike price of $54 (Notional Value $253,034,860) | | | 58,955 | | | | 58,955 | |
Total OTC Options Purchased |
(Cost $6,829,735) | | | | | | | 4,289,735 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments - 99.7% |
(Cost $10,702,123,880) | | $ | 10,561,618,810 | |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.3% | | | 27,958,146 | |
Total Net Assets - 100.0% | | $ | 10,589,576,956 | |
52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS†† |
Counterparty | Exchange | Floating Rate Type | Floating Rate Index | Fixed Rate | Payment Frequency | Maturity Date | Notional Amount |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.82% | Quarterly | 04/13/28 | $ 831,470,000 |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.77% | Quarterly | 04/13/25 | 390,000,000 |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.69% | Quarterly | 04/13/21 | 835,420,000 |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.59% | Quarterly | 11/13/47 | 50,400,000 |
BofA Merrill Lynch | CME | Receive | 3-Month USD-LIBOR | 2.73% | Quarterly | 04/13/23 | 258,000,000 |
Counterparty | | Market Value | | | Upfront Premiums Paid | | | Unrealized Appreciation** | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | $ | 22,059,165 | | | $ | 3,383,724 | | | $ | 18,675,441 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 7,491,974 | | | | 637,868 | | | | 6,854,106 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 6,918,414 | | | | 1,182,348 | | | | 5,736,066 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 5,736,610 | | | | 72,047 | | | | 5,664,563 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 3,702,878 | | | | 284,393 | | | | 3,418,485 | |
| | $ | 45,909,041 | | | $ | 5,560,380 | | | $ | 40,348,661 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS†† |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Sell | | | Currency | | | Settlement Date | | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 14,051,240,000 | | HUF | | | 12/27/18 | | | $ | 58,029,404 | | | $ | 50,889,741 | | | $ | 7,139,663 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 167,250,000 | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 48,548,621 | | | | 41,462,145 | | | | 7,086,476 | |
Citigroup | | | 170,500,000 | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 49,335,919 | | | | 42,267,837 | | | | 7,068,082 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 6,030,527,700 | | HUF | | | 12/20/18 | | | | 24,683,156 | | | | 21,821,121 | | | | 2,862,035 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 5,937,983,100 | | HUF | | | 12/20/18 | | | | 24,124,972 | | | | 21,486,254 | | | | 2,638,718 | |
Citigroup | | | 11,232,000,000 | | JPY | | | 01/10/19 | | | | 100,845,316 | | | | 99,720,302 | | | | 1,125,014 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 77,706,600 | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | | 22,092,371 | | | | 21,442,320 | | | | 650,051 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 2,559,000,000 | | JPY | | | 02/12/19 | | | | 23,399,567 | | | | 22,780,029 | | | | 619,538 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 2,615,400,000 | | JPY | | | 01/10/19 | | | | 23,703,965 | | | | 23,220,128 | | | | 483,837 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,350,000,000 | | HUF | | | 12/27/18 | | | | 5,358,206 | | | | 4,889,330 | | | | 468,876 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 154,000,000 | | CZK | | | 10/26/18 | | | | 7,399,221 | | | | 6,951,483 | | | | 447,738 | |
Citigroup | | | 41,004,000 | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | | 11,707,735 | | | | 11,314,623 | | | | 393,112 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 241,551,750 | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | | 66,963,781 | | | | 66,653,668 | | | | 310,113 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 1,000,000,000 | | JPY | | | 02/20/19 | | | | 9,147,867 | | | | 8,907,670 | | | | 240,197 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 520,000,000 | | HUF | | | 11/21/18 | | | | 2,099,399 | | | | 1,875,683 | | | | 223,716 | |
Citigroup | | | 612,000,000 | | CZK | | | 10/05/18 | | | | 27,658,829 | | | | 27,604,057 | | | | 54,772 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 201,100,000 | | JPY | | | 03/11/19 | | | | 1,815,113 | | | | 1,794,076 | | | | 21,037 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 23,903,000 | | ILS | | | 02/28/19 | | | | 6,672,342 | | | | 6,659,057 | | | | 13,285 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 317,600,000 | | HUF | | | 11/21/18 | | | | 1,154,236 | | | | 1,145,609 | | | | 8,627 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | | | 134,000,000 | | CZK | | | 11/09/18 | | | | 6,055,128 | | | | 6,051,982 | | | | 3,146 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 770,614 | | CZK | | | 10/05/18 | | | | 35,405 | | | | 34,758 | | | | 647 | |
Citigroup | | | 37,280,200 | | ILS | | | 02/28/19 | | | | 10,222,716 | | | | 10,385,767 | | | | (163,051 | ) |
Barclays Bank plc | | | 387,380,000 | | MXN | | | 10/25/18 | | | | 20,111,935 | | | | 20,618,948 | | | | (507,013 | ) |
Citigroup | | | 500,000,000 | | MXN | | | 11/15/18 | | | | 25,871,347 | | | | 26,526,330 | | | | (654,983 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | | | 633,020,000 | | MXN | | | 11/08/18 | | | | 32,728,966 | | | | 33,618,314 | | | | (889,348 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 906,711,000 | | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 47,313,243 | | | | 48,376,700 | | | | (1,063,457 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 28,580,828 | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Buy | | | Currency | | | Settlement Date | | | Settlement Value | | | Value at September 30, 2018 | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Citigroup | | | 387,380,000 | | MXN | | | 10/25/18 | | | $ | 20,517,248 | | | $ | 20,618,948 | | | $ | 101,700 | |
Barclays Bank plc | | | 219,000,000 | | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 11,627,104 | | | | 11,684,536 | | | | 57,432 | |
Goldman Sachs | | | 1,846,250,000 | | HUF | | | 12/20/18 | | | | 6,623,556 | | | | 6,680,550 | | | | 56,994 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 687,711,000 | | MXN | | | 10/11/18 | | | | 36,652,461 | | | | 36,692,164 | | | | 39,703 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 633,020,000 | | MXN | | | 11/08/18 | | | | 33,626,739 | | | | 33,618,314 | | | | (8,425 | ) |
Goldman Sachs | | | 23,798,400 | | ILS | | | 10/31/18 | | | | 6,581,871 | | | | 6,566,919 | | | | (14,952 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 500,000,000 | | MXN | | | 11/15/18 | | | | 26,541,532 | | | | 26,526,330 | | | | (15,202 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 168,875,000 | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 42,590,778 | | | | 41,864,991 | | | | (725,787 | ) |
Citigroup | | | 168,875,000 | | BRL | | | 10/01/18 | | | | 43,664,594 | | | | 41,864,991 | | | | (1,799,603 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (2,308,140 | ) |
54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
~ | The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
† | Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
†† | Value determined based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4. |
††† | Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of fair valued securities amounts to $21,154,831, (cost $21,400,000) or 0.2% of total net assets. |
2 | Affiliated issuer. |
3 | Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2018. |
4 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
5 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) securities is $4,672,198,287 (cost $4,677,824,277), or 44.1% of total net assets. |
6 | Security is an interest-only strip. |
7 | Security is a step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at September 30, 2018. See table below for additional step information for each security. |
8 | Repurchase Agreements — See the repurchase agreements table below for additional information on repurchase agreements. |
9 | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) illiquid and restricted securities is $148,671,378 (cost $154,377,406), or 1.4% of total net assets — See Note 10. |
10 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
11 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
12 | Zero coupon rate security. |
13 | Security is a principal-only strip. |
14 | On September 7, 2008, the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm. |
15 | Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
16 | Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase. |
17 | The underlying reference rate was negative at period end causing the effective rate to be equal to the spread amount listed. |
| BofA — Bank of America |
| BRL — Brazilian Real |
| CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
| CMT — Constant Maturity Treasury |
| CZK — Czech Koruna |
| HUF — Hungarian Forint |
| ILS — Israeli New Shekel |
| JPY — Japanese Yen |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate |
| MXN — Mexican Peso |
| plc — Public Limited Company |
| REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust |
| REMIC — Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit |
| WAC — Weighted Average Coupon |
| |
| See Sector Classification in Other Information section. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
Investments in Securities (Assets) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 2,763 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | * | | $ | 2,763 | |
Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | 947,793 | | | | — | | | | 947,793 | |
Warrants | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | * | | | — | |
Mutual Funds | | | 182,023,794 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 182,023,794 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 234,010,910 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 234,010,910 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | — | | | | 3,343,130,060 | | | | 12,469,266 | | | | 3,355,599,326 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | — | | | | 3,258,168,430 | | | | 22,443,434 | | | | 3,280,611,864 | |
U.S. Government Securities | | | — | | | | 1,187,268,516 | | | | — | | | | 1,187,268,516 | |
Federal Agency Bonds | | | — | | | | 443,092,921 | | | | — | | | | 443,092,921 | |
Foreign Government Bonds | | | — | | | | 398,230,642 | | | | — | | | | 398,230,642 | |
Corporate Bonds | | | — | | | | 380,019,787 | | | | 5,891,932 | | | | 385,911,719 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests | | | — | | | | 136,562,202 | | | | — | | | | 136,562,202 | |
Municipal Bonds | | | — | | | | 66,567,345 | | | | — | | | | 66,567,345 | |
Commercial Paper | | | — | | | | 772,680,280 | | | | — | | | | 772,680,280 | |
Repurchase Agreements | | | — | | | | 113,819,000 | | | | — | | | | 113,819,000 | |
Options Purchased | | | — | | | | 4,289,735 | | | | — | | | | 4,289,735 | |
Interest Rate Swap Agreements** | | | — | | | | 40,348,661 | | | | — | | | | 40,348,661 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | | — | | | | 32,114,509 | | | | — | | | | 32,114,509 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 416,037,467 | | | $ | 10,177,239,881 | | | $ | 40,804,632 | | | $ | 10,634,081,980 | |
Investments in Securities (Liabilities) | | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,841,821 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,841,821 | |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 9) | | | — | | | | 239,384 | | | | — | * | | | 239,384 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,081,205 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,081,205 | |
* | Security has a market value of $0. |
** | This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end. |
56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had assets with a total value of $90,366,550 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to changes in the securities valuation methods based on availability of observable market inputs. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had liabilities with a total value of $239,384 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to changes in securities valuation methods based on availability of observable market inputs. There were no other securities that transferred between levels.
Step Coupon Bonds
The following table discloses additional information related to step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase, none are scheduled to decrease.
Name | Coupon rate at next step up date | Date of next rate change | Final future rate | Final future step up date |
Apollo Aviation Securitization Equity Trust 2016-1A, 4.88% due 08/17/36 | 6.88% | 03/15/23 | 6.88% | 03/15/23 |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust 2015-1A, 4.70% due 12/15/40 | 6.70% | 11/30/22 | 6.70% | 11/30/22 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2017-3, 2.50% due 07/25/56 | 2.75% | 09/26/18 | 3.00% | 03/26/19 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2017-4, 2.50% due 06/25/57 | 2.75% | 12/25/18 | 3.00% | 06/25/19 |
Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust 2018-1, 2.25% due 05/25/57 | 2.50% | 03/25/19 | 2.75% | 09/25/19 |
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2018-GS3, 4.00% due 06/25/58 | 7.00% | 07/26/21 | 8.00% | 07/26/22 |
Willis Engine Securitization Trust II 2012-A, 5.50% due 09/15/37 | 8.50% | 09/15/20 | 8.50% | 09/15/20 |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
Repurchase Agreements
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian takes possession of the underlying collateral. For the following repurchase agreements, the collateral is in the possession of the Fund’s custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements.
At September 30, 2018, the repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund were as follows:
Counterparty and Terms of Agreement | | Face Value | | | Repurchase Price | | | Collateral | | Par Value | | | Fair Value | |
BNP Paribas | | | | | | | | | | MASTR Specialized Loan Trust | | | | | | | | |
2.54% | | | | | | | | | | 2.48% | | | | | | | | |
11/01/18 | | $ | 70,800,000 | | | $ | 71,284,357 | | | 06/25/46 | | $ | 87,319,000 | | | $ | 82,883,195 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Morgan Stanley Capital Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3.24% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 10/25/33 | | | 56,315,000 | | | | 56,292,474 | |
| | | | | | | | | | HSI Asset Securitization Corp Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.41% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 01/25/37 | | | 49,500,000 | | | | 39,916,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Morgan Stanley Capital Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2.37% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 11/25/36 | | | 27,790,000 | | | | 19,797,596 | |
| | | | | | | | | | JP Morgan Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3.70% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 04/25/36 | | | 18,800,000 | | | | 18,320,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 239,724,000 | | | $ | 217,210,665 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Bank | | | | | | | | | | Structured Asset Securities Corp Trust | | | | | | | | |
2.69% | | | | | | | | | | 2.38% | | | | | | | | |
10/26/18 | | | 43,019,000 | | | | 43,306,849 | | | 10/28/35 | | $ | 45,000,000 | | | $ | 36,454,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Hospitality Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 6.63% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 05/08/30 | | | 35,000,000 | | | | 35,140,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | Great Wolf Trust | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 6.38% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 09/15/34 | | | 1,934,000 | | | | 1,942,896 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 81,934,000 | | | $ | 73,537,396 | |
In the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Fund seeks to assert its rights. The Fund’s investment adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.
58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.
Transactions during the year ended September 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:
Security Name | | Value 09/30/17 | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Value 09/30/18 | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | ** |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — Institutional Class | | | 77,103,355 | | | | 35,526,020 | | | | (6,500,000 | ) | | | 14,819 | | | | (458,324 | ) | | | 105,685,870 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 12,326,353 | | | | 13,670,620 | | | | (500,000 | ) | | | 5,175 | | | | (43,870 | ) | | | 25,458,278 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 14,363,426 | | | | 11,131,232 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (59,080 | ) | | | 25,435,578 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 9,347,011 | | | | 16,127,427 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (30,370 | ) | | | 25,444,068 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/20 | | | 14,487 | | | | 289 | | | | (380 | ) | | | — | | | | (2,194 | ) | | | 12,202 | |
Closed-End Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund | | | 10,260,018 | | | | — | | | | (10,410,588 | ) | | | 1,932,361 | | | | (1,781,791 | ) | | | — | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc.1 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | ** |
| | $ | 123,414,650 | | | $ | 76,455,588 | | | $ | (17,410,968 | ) | | $ | 1,952,355 | | | $ | (2,375,629 | ) | | $ | 182,035,996 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) | September 30, 2018 |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
Security Name | | Shares/ Face Amount 09/30/18 | | | Investment Income | | | Capital Gain Distributions | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software Parent, Inc.*,1 | | | 2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Mutual Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund — Institutional Class | | | 4,072,673 | | | | 4,532,937 | | | | — | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund I | | | 1,016,299 | | | | 566,732 | | | | 4,496 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | | | 1,018,238 | | | | 624,324 | | | | 7,687 | |
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | | | 1,017,763 | | | | 575,170 | | | | 2,836 | |
Senior Floating Rate Interests2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc. 12.81% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 10.50%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/25/20 | | | 14,635 | | | | 2,099 | | | | — | |
Closed-End Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund | | | — | | | | 219,696 | | | | — | |
Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspect Software, Inc.1 | | | 1,318 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | $ | 6,520,958 | | | $ | 15,019 | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Security has a market value of $0. |
1 | Security was fair valued by the Valuation Committee at September 30, 2018. The total market value of affiliated fair valued securities amounts to $0 (cost $0) or 0.0% of total net assets. |
2 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND |
September 30, 2018
Assets: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,406,050,539) | | $ | 10,265,763,814 | |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $182,254,341) | | | 182,035,996 | |
Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $113,819,000) | | | 113,819,000 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $46,160) | | | 45,372 | |
Cash | | | 19,567,877 | |
Segregated cash with broker | | | 54,671,437 | |
Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swaps | | | 5,560,380 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 32,114,509 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 321,045 | |
Receivables: |
Securities sold | | | 167,570,367 | |
Fund shares sold | | | 39,145,214 | |
Interest | | | 32,294,240 | |
Dividends | | | 533,927 | |
Total assets | | | 10,913,443,178 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 5,841,821 | |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 8) (proceeds $120,756) | | | 239,384 | |
Segregated cash due to broker | | | 15,597,800 | |
Payable for: |
Securities purchased | | | 255,343,626 | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 19,262,694 | |
Variation margin on swap agreements | | | 19,048,400 | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | 4,197,370 | |
Management fees | | | 1,844,634 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees | | | 970,717 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 620,173 | |
Distribution and service fees | | | 441,453 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 19,346 | |
Due to Investment Adviser | | | 2,104 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 436,700 | |
Total liabilities | | | 323,866,222 | |
Net assets | | $ | 10,589,576,956 | |
| | | | |
Net assets consist of: |
Paid in capital | | $ | 10,650,238,381 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | (60,661,425 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 10,589,576,956 | |
| | | | |
A-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 589,760,105 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 22,094,740 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.69 | |
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 96.00%) | | $ | 27.80 | |
| | | | |
C-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 265,485,858 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 9,945,265 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.69 | |
| | | | |
P-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 738,693,546 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 27,681,557 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.69 | |
| | | | |
R6-Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 37,734,948 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 1,411,694 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.73 | |
| | | | |
Institutional Class: |
Net assets | | $ | 8,957,902,499 | |
Capital shares outstanding | | | 335,320,727 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 26.71 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61 |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND |
Year Ended September 30, 2018
Investment Income: |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 124,202 | |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers | | | 6,518,859 | |
Interest from unaffiliated issuers | | | 321,969,911 | |
Interest from affiliated issuers | | | 2,099 | |
Other income | | | 257,997 | |
Total investment income | | | 328,873,068 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: |
Management fees | | | 37,801,668 | |
Distribution and service fees: | | | | |
A-Class | | | 1,793,427 | |
C-Class | | | 2,643,984 | |
P-Class | | | 1,747,197 | |
Transfer agent/maintenance fees: | | | | |
A-Class | | | 1,141,813 | |
C-Class | | | 264,896 | |
P-Class | | | 972,469 | |
R6-Class | | | 3,628 | |
Institutional Class | | | 5,516,737 | |
Fund accounting/administration fees | | | 7,544,481 | |
Line of credit fees | | | 690,094 | |
Trustees’ fees* | | | 201,284 | |
Custodian fees | | | 139,944 | |
Interest expense | | | 27,595 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,994,591 | |
Recoupment of previously waived fees: |
A-Class | | | 20,915 | |
C-Class | | | 3,572 | |
P-Class | | | 19,669 | |
R6-Class | | | 1,269 | |
Institutional Class | | | 7,115 | |
Total expenses | | | 62,536,348 | |
Less: | | | | |
Expenses reimbursed by Adviser: | | | | |
A-Class | | | (683,013 | ) |
C-Class | | | (99,607 | ) |
P-Class | | | (558,949 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (4,780,840 | ) |
R-6 Class | | | (1,833 | ) |
Expenses waived by Adviser | | | (2,112,187 | ) |
Total waived/reimbursed expenses | | | (8,236,429 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 54,299,919 | |
Net investment income | | | 274,573,149 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): |
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (28,166,006 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | 1,952,355 | |
Distributions received from affiliated investment company shares | | | 15,019 | |
Swap agreements | | | 68,860,381 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 427,877 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 7,353,867 | |
Options purchased | | | (10,416,176 | ) |
Options written | | | 3,633,552 | |
Net realized gain | | | 43,660,869 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | | | (233,358,884 | ) |
Investments in affiliated issuers | | | (2,375,629 | ) |
Swap agreements | | | 31,040,647 | |
Options purchased | | | (2,584,084 | ) |
Options written | | | (3,456,921 | ) |
Foreign currency translations | | | (85,704 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 28,375,179 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (182,445,396 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss | | | (138,784,527 | ) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 135,788,622 | |
* | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 274,573,149 | | | $ | 193,285,181 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 43,660,869 | | | | 5,193,919 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | (182,445,396 | ) | | | 43,798,164 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 135,788,622 | | | | 242,277,264 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (18,699,133 | ) | | | (25,039,381 | )1 |
C-Class | | | (4,951,071 | ) | | | (7,275,283 | )1 |
P-Class | | | (18,342,874 | ) | | | (12,608,600 | )1 |
R6-Class | | | (865,517 | ) | | | (106,752 | )*,1 |
Institutional Class | | | (226,254,584 | ) | | | (183,484,959 | )1 |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (269,113,179 | ) | | | (228,514,975 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital share transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 407,895,750 | | | | 484,488,429 | |
C-Class | | | 81,807,500 | | | | 101,568,902 | |
P-Class | | | 449,910,679 | | | | 506,776,191 | |
R6-Class | | | 41,692,891 | | | | 14,004,848 | * |
Institutional Class | | | 5,167,683,542 | | | | 4,556,576,807 | |
Distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 15,679,136 | | | | 21,426,257 | |
C-Class | | | 4,111,804 | | | | 5,774,378 | |
P-Class | | | 18,176,643 | | | | 12,575,292 | |
R6-Class | | | 791,740 | | | | 106,752 | * |
Institutional Class | | | 183,827,711 | | | | 148,909,327 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (568,610,410 | ) | | | (307,329,650 | ) |
C-Class | | | (67,984,756 | ) | | | (71,178,051 | ) |
P-Class | | | (291,745,596 | ) | | | (111,875,823 | ) |
R6-Class | | | (18,007,700 | ) | | | (464,812 | )* |
Institutional Class | | | (2,703,743,736 | ) | | | (1,325,029,178 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 2,721,485,198 | | | | 4,036,329,669 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 2,588,160,641 | | | | 4,050,091,958 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 8,001,416,315 | | | | 3,951,324,357 | |
End of year | | $ | 10,589,576,956 | | | $ | 8,001,416,315 | |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded) |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
| | Year Ended September 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended September 30, 2017 | |
Capital share activity: | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 15,135,128 | | | | 18,097,238 | |
C-Class | | | 3,034,563 | | | | 3,786,837 | |
P-Class | | | 16,683,240 | | | | 18,936,622 | |
R6-Class | | | 1,544,316 | | | | 519,216 | * |
Institutional Class | | | 191,850,977 | | | | 170,061,911 | |
Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | 582,204 | | | | 801,866 | |
C-Class | | | 152,729 | | | | 216,143 | |
P-Class | | | 675,415 | | | | 468,997 | |
R6-Class | | | 29,388 | | | | 3,992 | * |
Institutional Class | | | 6,824,628 | | | | 5,551,921 | |
Shares redeemed | | | | | | | | |
A-Class | | | (21,162,856 | ) | | | (11,494,371 | ) |
C-Class | | | (2,526,601 | ) | | | (2,660,260 | ) |
P-Class | | | (10,851,945 | ) | | | (4,177,643 | ) |
R6-Class | | | (668,132 | ) | | | (17,086 | )* |
Institutional Class | | | (100,449,512 | ) | | | (49,487,333 | ) |
Net increase in shares | | | 100,853,542 | | | | 150,608,050 | |
* | Since commencement of operations: October 19, 2016. |
1 | For the year ended September 30, 2017, the distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains were as follows (See Note 12): |
Net investment income | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (22,443,652 | ) |
C-Class | | | (6,346,353 | ) |
P-Class | | | (11,837,451 | ) |
R6-Class | | | (106,334 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (170,419,239 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | |
A-Class | | $ | (2,595,729 | ) |
C-Class | | | (928,930 | ) |
P-Class | | | (771,149 | ) |
R6-Class | | | (418 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | (13,065,720 | ) |
64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
A-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.05 | | | $ | 27.23 | | | $ | 26.50 | | | $ | 26.94 | | | $ | 26.16 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .72 | | | | .83 | | | | .96 | | | | .94 | | | | 1.01 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.37 | ) | | | .05 | | | | .81 | | | | (.25 | ) | | | 1.13 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .35 | | | | .88 | | | | 1.77 | | | | .69 | | | | 2.14 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.71 | ) | | | (.95 | ) | | | (1.04 | ) | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.36 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (.11 | ) | | | — | | | | (.04 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.71 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (1.04 | ) | | | (1.13 | ) | | | (1.36 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.69 | | | $ | 27.05 | | | $ | 27.23 | | | $ | 26.50 | | | $ | 26.94 | |
|
Total Returng | | | 1.28 | % | | | 3.33 | % | | | 6.88 | % | | | 2.56 | % | | | 8.34 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 589,760 | | | $ | 744,989 | | | $ | 548,223 | | | $ | 435,760 | | | $ | 90,805 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.66 | % | | | 3.08 | % | | | 3.63 | % | | | 3.50 | % | | | 3.80 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 0.93 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Net expensesc,d,h | | | 0.81 | % | | | 0.87 | % | | | 0.97 | % | | | 0.91 | % | | | 0.94 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 48 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 86 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 52 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
C-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.05 | | | $ | 27.23 | | | $ | 26.50 | | | $ | 26.94 | | | $ | 26.16 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .52 | | | | .65 | | | | .75 | | | | .74 | | | | .82 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.38 | ) | | | .03 | | | | .82 | | | | (.25 | ) | | | 1.12 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .14 | | | | .68 | | | | 1.57 | | | | .49 | | | | 1.94 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.89 | ) | | | (1.16 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (.11 | ) | | | — | | | | (.04 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.86 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.93 | ) | | | (1.16 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.69 | | | $ | 27.05 | | | $ | 27.23 | | | $ | 26.50 | | | $ | 26.94 | |
|
Total Returng | | | 0.53 | % | | | 2.58 | % | | | 6.08 | % | | | 1.82 | % | | | 7.58 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 265,486 | | | $ | 251,177 | | | $ | 216,255 | | | $ | 89,320 | | | $ | 25,107 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.93 | % | | | 2.44 | % | | | 2.82 | % | | | 2.75 | % | | | 3.10 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 1.62 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.83 | % | | | 1.80 | % | | | 1.90 | % |
Net expensesc,d,h | | | 1.55 | % | | | 1.60 | % | | | 1.69 | % | | | 1.63 | % | | | 1.66 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 48 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 86 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 52 | % |
66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
P-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Period Ended Sept. 30, 2015e | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.04 | | | $ | 27.23 | | | $ | 26.49 | | | $ | 26.98 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .72 | | | | .85 | | | | .96 | | | | .36 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.36 | ) | | | .03 | | | | .84 | | | | (.43 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | .36 | | | | .88 | | | | 1.80 | | | | (.07 | ) |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.71 | ) | | | (.96 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (.11 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.71 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (1.06 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.69 | | | $ | 27.04 | | | $ | 27.23 | | | $ | 26.49 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.32 | % | | | 3.34 | % | | | 6.97 | % | | | (0.21 | %) |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 738,694 | | | $ | 572,644 | | | $ | 161,928 | | | $ | 12,509 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.69 | % | | | 3.14 | % | | | 3.58 | % | | | 3.20 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 0.91 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 0.96 | % | | | 1.02 | % |
Net expensesc,d,h | | | 0.80 | % | | | 0.86 | % | | | 0.82 | % | | | 0.84 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 48 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 86 | % | | | 74 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
R6-Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Period Ended Sept. 30, 2017f | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.09 | | | $ | 27.15 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .81 | | | | .86 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.38 | ) | | | .18 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .43 | | | | 1.04 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.79 | ) | | | (.99 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (.11 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.79 | ) | | | (1.10 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.73 | | | $ | 27.09 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.59 | % | | | 3.97 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 37,735 | | | $ | 13,709 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.00 | % | | | 3.35 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 0.53 | % | | | 0.65 | % |
Net expensesc,d,h | | | 0.50 | % | | | 0.51 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 48 | % | | | 72 | % |
68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
Institutional Class | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2018 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2017 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2016 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2015 | | | Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014 | |
Per Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 27.07 | | | $ | 27.26 | | | $ | 26.53 | | | $ | 26.97 | | | $ | 26.19 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income (loss)a | | | .80 | | | | .93 | | | | 1.05 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 1.09 | |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) | | | (.37 | ) | | | .04 | | | | .82 | | | | (.25 | ) | | | 1.14 | |
Total from investment operations | | | .43 | | | | .97 | | | | 1.87 | | | | .78 | | | | 2.23 | |
Less distributions from: |
Net investment income | | | (.79 | ) | | | (1.05 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (1.18 | ) | | | (1.45 | ) |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (.11 | ) | | | — | | | | (.04 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (.79 | ) | | | (1.16 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (1.22 | ) | | | (1.45 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 26.71 | | | $ | 27.07 | | | $ | 27.26 | | | $ | 26.53 | | | $ | 26.97 | |
|
Total Return | | | 1.59 | % | | | 3.68 | % | | | 7.26 | % | | | 2.91 | % | | | 8.74 | % |
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 8,957,902 | | | $ | 6,418,897 | | | $ | 3,024,918 | | | $ | 1,409,171 | | | $ | 270,668 | |
Ratios to average net assets: |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.99 | % | | | 3.47 | % | | | 3.94 | % | | | 3.83 | % | | | 4.09 | % |
Total expensesb | | | 0.58 | % | | | 0.68 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.76 | % | | | 0.81 | % |
Net expensesc,d,h | | | 0.50 | % | | | 0.52 | % | | | 0.59 | % | | | 0.57 | % | | | 0.57 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 48 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 86 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 52 | % |
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) |
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND | |
a | Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
b | Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. |
c | Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable. |
d | The portion of the ratios of total and net expenses before and after waivers/reimbursements to average net assets attributable to recoupments of prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements for the years presented was as follows: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 |
A-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% |
C-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% |
P-Class | 0.00%* | 0.01% |
R6-Class | 0.00%* | — |
Institutional Class | 0.00%* | — |
e | Since commencement of operations: May 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
f | Since commencement of operations: October 19, 2016. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized. |
g | Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized. |
h | Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratio for the year would be: |
| 09/30/18 | 09/30/17 | 09/30/16 | 09/30/15 | 09/30/14 |
A-Class | 0.80% | 0.84% | 0.87% | 0.84% | 0.86% |
C-Class | 1.55% | 1.57% | 1.60% | 1.56% | 1.58% |
P-Class | 0.80% | 0.83% | 0.75% | 0.75% | — |
R6-Class | 0.49% | 0.48% | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 0.49% | 0.49% | 0.49% | 0.50% | 0.50% |
70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.
The Trust offers a combination of five separate classes of shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, P-Class shares, R6-Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. R6-Class shares of the Fund are offered primarily through qualified retirement and benefit plans. Class R6 shares are also offered through certain other plans and platforms sponsored by financial intermediaries. Certain institutional investors and others deemed appropriate by Guggenheim Investments (“GI”) may also be eligible to purchase R6-Class shares subject to a $2 million minimum initial investment. At September 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of nineteen funds (the “Funds”).
Effective August 10, 2018, C-Class shares of each Fund will automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares.
This report covers the Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified investment company. At September 30, 2018, A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and R6-Class had been issued by the Fund.
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services to the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Fund. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
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The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
The NAV of each Class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.
If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Valuation Committee and GI are authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.
Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.
U.S. Government securities are valued by either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.
Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value. Money market funds are valued at their NAV.
Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.
Typically, loans are valued using information provided by an independent third party pricing service which uses broker quotes. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unrealiable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.
Listed options are valued at the official settlement price listed by the exchange, usually as of 4:00 p.m. Long options are valued using the bid price and short options are valued using the ask price. In the event that a settlement price is not available, fair valuation is enacted. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued using the average bid price (for long options) or average ask price (for short options) obtained from one or more security dealers.
The value of interest rate swap agreements entered into by a fund is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that is determined using the spread priced off the previous day’s Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) price.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying security.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.
In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.
(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.
(c) Senior Loans
Senior loans in which the Fund invests generally pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as the one-month or three-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. The interest rate indicated is the rate in effect at September 30, 2018.
(d) Interests in When-Issued Securities
The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, they may sell such securities before the settlement date.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
(e) Options
Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.
When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).
(f) Swap Agreements
Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.
(g) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency. The change in value of the contract is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
(h) Currency Translations
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(i) Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2018, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(j) Security Transactions
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.
Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively. Cash flows received in excess of the effective yield are reflected as a return of capital.
(k) Distributions
The Fund declares dividends from investment income daily. The Fund pays its shareholders from its net investment income monthly and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
(l) Class Allocations
Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.
(m) Earnings Credits
Under the fee arrangement with the custodian, the Fund may earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in the Statement of Operations are before the reduction in expense from the related earnings credits, if any. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no earnings credits received.
(n) Cash
The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.18% at September 30, 2018.
(o) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives
As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.
Derivatives
Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.
The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:
Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.
Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.
Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.
Options Purchased and Written
A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.
The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The Fund had no options written outstanding as of September 30, 2018. The amounts of net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written during the year, as disclosed on the Statement of Operations, serve as indicators of the volume of activity for the Fund.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of call/put options purchased on a quarterly basis:
Use | | Average Notional Purchased | |
Duration, Hedge | | $ | 463,850,766 | |
Swaps
A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. A fund utilizing OTC swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like an exchange-traded futures contract. Upon entering into certain centrally cleared swap transactions, the Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin payments or receipts are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity. For Funds utilizing interest rate swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss. There is no guarantee that a Fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of interest rate swaps on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Notional Amount | |
Use | | Long | | | Short | |
Duration, Hedge | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,368,702,500 | |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.
The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.
The following table represents the Fund’s use, and volume of forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a quarterly basis:
| | Average Value | |
Use | | Purchased | | | Sold | |
Hedge, Income | | $ | 469,170,044 | | | $ | 128,646,530 | |
Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives |
Currency contracts | Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
Interest Rate contracts | Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements | Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements |
Equity contracts | Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value | |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2018:
| Asset Derivative Investments Value | |
| Swaps Interest Rate Risk* | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
| $ | 40,348,661 | | | $ | 4,289,735 | | | $ | 32,114,509 | | | $ | 76,752,905 | |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Liability Derivative Investments Value |
| | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total Value at September 30, 2018 | |
| | | $ | 5,841,821 | | | $ | 5,841,821 | |
* | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of interest rate swap agreements as reported on the Schedule of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2018:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |
Currency contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
Equity contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options purchased |
Interest rate contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on options written |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written |
| Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements |
The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended September 30, 2018:
| Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations | |
| Swaps Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
| $ | 68,860,381 | | | $ | 3,633,552 | | | $ | (10,416,176 | ) | | $ | 7,353,867 | | | $ | 69,431,624 | |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations | |
| Swaps Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Written Interest Rate Risk | | | Options Purchased Equity Risk | | | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
| $ | 31,040,647 | | | $ | (3,456,921 | ) | | $ | (2,584,084 | ) | | $ | 28,375,179 | | | $ | 53,374,821 | |
In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund.
The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors counterparty credit risk.
Note 3 – Offsetting
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.
In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.
For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets1 | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Assets Presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Net Amount | |
Options contracts | | $ | 4,289,735 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,289,735 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,289,735 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 32,114,509 | | | | — | | | | 32,114,509 | | | | (5,392,240 | ) | | | (15,189,984 | ) | | | 11,532,285 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | | |
Instrument | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities1 | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | Financial Instruments | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | $ | 5,841,821 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,841,821 | | | $ | (5,392,240 | ) | | $ | (340,000 | ) | | $ | 109,581 | |
1 | Exchange-traded or centrally cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts. |
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The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2018. The Fund has the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.
Counterparty | Asset Type | | Cash Pledged | | | Cash Received | |
Morgan Stanley | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | $ | — | | | $ | 170,000 | |
Barclays Bank plc | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 340,000 | | | | — | |
Goldman Sachs Group | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | — | | | | 3,440,000 | |
BofA Merrill Lynch | Interest Rate Swaps agreements | | | 54,331,437 | | | | — | |
| Forward foreign currency exchange contracts and options | | | — | | | | 296,000 | |
Citigroup | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | — | | | | 5,501,800 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | — | | | | 6,190,000 | |
Total | | | $ | 54,671,437 | | | $ | 15,597,800 | |
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
| Level 1 | — | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2 | — | significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). |
| Level 3 | — | significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions. |
The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
Independent pricing services are used to value a majority of the Fund’s investments. When values are not available from a pricing service, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques, including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over Treasuries, and other information
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report. Significant changes in an indicative quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Indicative quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may be also used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although indicative quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations.
Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly indicative quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.
Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.39% of the average daily net assets. Effective November 20, 2017, the advisory fee for the Fund was reduced from 0.50% to 0.39%. The advisory fee breakpoint of 5 basis points (0.05%) on average daily net assets above $5 billion for the Fund was removed as the breakpoint is no longer necessary or applicable in light of the aformentioned advisory fee reduction.
GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.
The Fund has adopted Distribution Plans related to the offering of A-Class, C-Class and P-Class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s A-Class and P-Class shares, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s C-Class shares.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
The investment advisory contract for the Fund provides that the total expenses be limited to a percentage of average net assets for each class of shares, exclusive of brokerage costs, dividends on securities sold short, expenses of other investment companies in which a Fund invests, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification and extraordinary expenses. The limits are listed below:
| Limit | Effective Date | Contract End Date |
Total Return Bond Fund - A-Class | 0.79% | 11/20/17 | 02/01/20 |
Total Return Bond Fund - C-Class | 1.54% | 11/20/17 | 02/01/20 |
Total Return Bond Fund - P-Class | 0.79% | 11/20/17 | 02/01/20 |
Total Return Bond Fund - R6-Class | 0.50% | 10/19/16 | 02/01/20 |
Total Return Bond Fund - Institutional Class | 0.50% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/20 |
Prior to November 20, 2017, the limits in effect were as follows:
| Limit | Effective Date | Contract End Date |
Total Return Bond Fund - A-Class | 0.90% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/19 |
Total Return Bond Fund - C-Class | 1.65% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/19 |
Total Return Bond Fund - P-Class | 0.90% | 05/01/15 | 02/01/19 |
Total Return Bond Fund - R6-Class | 0.50% | 10/19/16 | 02/01/19 |
Total Return Bond Fund - Institutional Class | 0.50% | 11/30/12 | 02/01/19 |
GI is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous 36 months, beginning on the date of the expense limitation agreement, if on any day the estimated operating expenses are less than the indicated percentages. For purposes of this arrangement, GI is entitled to recoupment of previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses for 36 months from the date of the waiver or reimbursement by GI. At September 30, 2018, the amount of fees waived or expenses reimbursed that are subject to recoupment and will expire during the years ended September 30, are presented in the following table:
| | 2019 | | | 2020 | | | 2021 | | | Total | |
A-Class | | $ | 886,912 | | | $ | 902,097 | | | $ | 807,942 | | | $ | 2,596,951 | |
C-Class | | | 201,092 | | | | 297,149 | | | | 141,993 | | | | 640,234 | |
P-Class | | | 47,053 | | | | 562,669 | | | | 661,267 | | | | 1,270,989 | |
R6-Class | | | — | | | | 2,956 | | | | 5,254 | | | | 8,210 | |
Institutional | | | 4,174,107 | | | | 6,941,687 | | | | 5,917,973 | | | | 17,033,767 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GI recouped $52,540 from the Fund.
If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund waived $702,000 related to investments in affiliated funds.
86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $430,362 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned administrative and accounting services, MUIS is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses. For providing the aforementioned transfer agent and custodian services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly fee based on the number of transactions during the month and the number of accounts under management, subject to certain minimum monthly fees, and out of pocket expenses.
Note 6 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements as follows:
| Number of Days Outstanding | | | Balance at September 30, 2018 | | | Average Balance Outstanding | | | Average Interest Rate | |
| | 14 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 38,346,426 | | | | 1.88 | % |
Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 268,599,387 | | | $ | 513,792 | | | $ | 269,113,179 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:
| | Ordinary Income | | | Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Total Distributions | |
| | $ | 228,514,975 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 228,514,975 | |
Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
The tax components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
| Undistributed Ordinary Income | | | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Accumulated Capital and Other Losses | | | Other Temporary Differences | | | Total | |
| $ | 75,693,585 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (111,747,091 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (24,607,919 | ) | | $ | (60,661,425 | ) |
For Federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2018, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in swaps, foreign currency gains and losses, “mark-to-market” of certain foreign currency exchange contracts, losses deferred due to wash sales, reclasses of distributions received and paid, dividends payable, and the “mark-to-market,” recharacterization, or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, and the “mark-to-market” of certain foreign currency denominated securities. To the extent these differences are
88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
permanent and would require a reclassification between paid in capital and total distributable earnings (loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.
The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2018 for permanent book/tax differences:
| | Paid In Capital | | | Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) | |
| | $ | 12,590,943 | | | $ | (12,590,943 | ) |
At September 30, 2018, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
| | Tax Cost | | | Tax Unrealized Appreciation | | | Tax Unrealized Depreciation | | | Net Unrealized Depreciation | |
| | $ | 10,726,826,890 | | | $ | 99,634,815 | | | $ | (211,279,318 | ) | | $ | (111,644,503 | ) |
Note 8 – Securities Transactions
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
| | $ | 4,937,877,664 | | | $ | 3,653,818,493 | |
For the year ended September 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities, were as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
| | $ | 892,485,774 | | | $ | 385,563,396 | |
The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:
| | Purchases | | | Sales | | | Realized Gain | |
| | $ | 14,170,318 | | | $ | 9,686,311 | | | $ | 106,943 | |
Note 9 – Unfunded Loan Commitments
Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.
The unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Borrower | Maturity Date | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Acosta, Inc. | 09/26/19 | | $ | 928,889 | | | $ | 239,384 | |
Thermasys Corp. | 11/11/18 | | | 7,112 | | | | — | |
Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | 03/11/19 | | | 3,350,000 | | | | — | |
| | | $ | 4,286,001 | | | $ | 239,384 | |
Note 10 – Restricted Securities
The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board:
Restricted Securities | Acquisition Date | | Cost | | | Value | |
Airplanes Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | | |
2001-1A, 2.47% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%, Rate Floor: 0.55%) due 03/15/191,3 | 11/30/11 | | $ | 335,966 | | | $ | 10,244 | |
Capmark Military Housing Trust | | | | | | | | | |
2008-AMCW, 6.90% due 07/10/55 | 05/20/16 | | | 10,661,803 | | | | 10,001,802 | |
2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/52 | 09/18/14 | | | 8,187,041 | | | | 8,010,786 | |
2006-RILY, 2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.37%, Rate Floor: 0.37%) due 07/10/511 | 10/11/16 | | | 4,292,253 | | | | 5,255,278 | |
2007-ROBS, 6.06% due 10/10/52 | 04/23/15 | | | 4,666,299 | | | | 4,709,949 | |
2007-AET2, 6.06% due 10/10/52 | 10/16/15 | | | 2,132,429 | | | | 2,251,274 | |
Central Storage Safety Project Trust | | | | | | | | | |
4.82% due 02/01/38 | 02/02/18 | | | 21,246,863 | | | | 20,851,263 | |
Copper River CLO Ltd. | | | | | | | | | |
2007-1A, due 01/20/212 | 05/09/14 | | | 327,491 | | | | 141,070 | |
Customers Bank | | | | | | | | | |
6.13% due 06/26/294 | 06/24/14 | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,037,964 | |
Fort Benning Family Communities LLC | | | | | | | | | |
2.51% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.35%) due 01/15/361 | 03/27/15 | | | 4,849,712 | | | | 5,033,381 | |
90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
Restricted Securities | Acquisition Date | | Cost | | | Value | |
Fort Knox Military Housing Privatization Project | | | | | | | | | |
5.82% due 02/15/52 | 04/09/15 | | $ | 1,938,699 | | | $ | 1,933,614 | |
2.50% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.34%) due 02/15/521 | 04/09/15 | | | 1,120,153 | | | | 1,242,573 | |
GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp. | | | | | | | | | |
2005-BLIS, 5.25% due 07/10/50 | 05/20/16 | | | 2,592,586 | | | | 2,439,135 | |
2005-DRUM, 5.47% due 05/10/50 | 05/20/16 | | | 4,950,137 | | | | 4,774,853 | |
2007-HCKM, 6.11% due 08/10/52 | 10/07/16 | | | 25,953,882 | | | | 22,707,434 | |
Highland Park CDO I Ltd. | | | | | | | | | |
2006-1A, 2.71% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/511 | 07/01/16 | | | 2,061,973 | | | | 2,094,621 | |
HP Communities LLC | | | | | | | | | |
5.86% due 09/15/53 | 10/06/16 | | | 1,613,175 | | | | 1,543,540 | |
Mid-Atlantic Military Family Communities LLC | | | | | | | | | |
5.30% due 08/01/50 | 10/07/16 | | | 17,736,642 | | | | 16,494,593 | |
Offutt AFB America First Community LLC | | | | | | | | | |
5.46% due 09/01/50 | 11/30/16 | | | 6,326,447 | | | | 6,386,206 | |
Pacific Beacon LLC | | | | | | | | | |
5.51% due 07/15/36 | 08/23/17 | | | 582,972 | | | | 536,080 | |
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. | | | | | | | | | |
5.50% due 12/20/27 | 12/17/12 | | | 2,296,825 | | | | 2,036,911 | |
Secured Tenant Site Contract Revenue Notes Series | | | | | | | | | |
2018-1A, 3.97% due 06/15/48 | 05/25/18 | | | 22,891,590 | | | | 22,639,845 | |
Turbine Engines Securitization Ltd. | | | | | | | | | |
2013-1A, 5.13% due 12/13/48 | 11/27/13 | | | 774,950 | | | | 731,850 | |
United Communities LLC | | | | | | | | | |
5.61% due 09/15/51 | 05/25/16 | | | 4,837,518 | | | | 4,807,112 | |
| | | $ | 154,377,406 | | | $ | 148,671,378 | |
1 | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2018. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
2 | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments on defined deal dates. |
3 | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
4 | Security has a fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
Note 11 – Line of Credit
The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured a 364-day committed, $1,000,000,000 line of credit from Citibank, N.A., which was in place through October 6, 2017, at which time the line of credit was renewed with an increased commitment amount of $1,065,000,000. A Fund may draw (borrow) from the line of credit as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other short-term liquidity purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) |
money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
The commitment fee that may be paid by the Fund is at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the average daily amount of their unused commitment amount. The allocated commitment fee amount for each Fund is referenced in the Statement of Operations under “Line of credit fees”. The Fund did not have any borrowings under this agreement as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018.
On October 5, 2018, the Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, renewed its existing line of credit with Citibank, N.A., with an increased commitment amount of $1,205,000,000. Fees related to borrowings, if any, vary under this arrangement between the greater of Citibank’s “base rate”, LIBOR plus 1%, or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%.
Note 12 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates
In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to U.S. GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
As of September 30, 2018, management has implemented the amendments to Regulation S-X, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Fund’s net assets or results of operations.
Note 13 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
Note 14 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.
92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”), (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statement of operations 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 five 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 (one of the funds constituting Guggenheim Funds Trust) at September 30, 2018, the results of its operations 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 five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’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 Trust 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 Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’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 Trust’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 securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers, and paying agents or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers or paying agents were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded) |
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.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-18-017704/fp0036013_94.jpg)
We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.
Tysons, Virginia
November 29, 2018
94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2019, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2018.
The Fund’s investment income (dividend income plus short-term gains, if any) qualifies as follows:
Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.
Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.
| | Qualified Dividend Income | | | Dividend Received Deduction | | | Qualified Interest Income | | | Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain | |
| | | 0.02 | % | | | 0.02 | % | | | 78.90 | % | | | 100.00 | % |
With respect to the taxable year ended September 30, 2018, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:
| | From long-term capital gain: | | | From long-term capital gain, using proceeds from shareholder redemptions: | |
| | $ | 513,792 | | | $ | 8,648,948 | |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95 |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.
Report of the Guggenheim Funds Trust Contracts Review Committee
Guggenheim Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series:
● Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (“Alpha Opportunity Fund”) ● Guggenheim Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”) ● Guggenheim Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Capital Stewardship Fund (“Capital Stewardship Fund”) ● Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund (“Floating Rate Strategies Fund”) ● Guggenheim Investment Grade Bond Fund (“Investment Grade Bond Fund”) ● Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund (“Limited Duration Fund”) |
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● Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund (“Macro Opportunities Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund (“Municipal Income Fund”) ● Guggenheim Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund (“StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund”) ● Guggenheim World Equity Income Fund (“World Equity Income Fund”) | ● Guggenheim Market Neutral Real Estate Fund (“Market Neutral Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund (“Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund”) ● Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund (“Risk Managed Real Estate Fund”) ● Guggenheim StylePlus—Large Core Fund (“StylePlus—Large Core Fund”) ● Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (“Total Return Bond Fund”) |
Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global financial services firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of: (i) Alpha Opportunity Fund; (ii) High Yield Fund; (iii) Investment Grade Bond Fund; (iv) Large Cap Value Fund; (v) Mid Cap Value Fund; (vi) Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund; (vii) Municipal Income Fund; (viii) Small Cap Value Fund; (ix) StylePlus—Large Core Fund; (x) StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund; and (xi) World Equity Income Fund (collectively, the “SI-Advised Funds”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” Security Investors and GPIM are also known as “Guggenheim Investments,” the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners that includes other affiliated investment management businesses.)
Under the terms of investment management agreements between Security Investors and the Trust, with respect to the SI-Advised Funds, Security Investors also is responsible for overseeing the activities of GPIM, an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, with respect to its service as investment sub-adviser to Municipal Income Fund, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Security Investors and GPIM (the “GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
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GPIM serves as investment adviser with respect to each of: (i) Diversified Income Fund; (ii) Floating Rate Strategies Fund; (iii) Limited Duration Fund; (iv) Macro Opportunities Fund; (v) Market Neutral Real Estate Fund; (vi) Risk Managed Real Estate Fund; and (vii) Total Return Bond Fund (collectively, the “GPIM-Advised Funds” and together with the SI-Advised Funds, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”).1 Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Advisers regularly provide (or, as applicable, oversee the provision of) investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and direct the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.
Each of the Advisory Agreements continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. At meetings held in person on April 26, 2018 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 22, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreements and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule. GPIM also serves as investment adviser for the Capital Stewardship Fund, which is addressed in a separate report.2
As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Agreements and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. Recognizing that the evaluation process with respect to the services provided by
1 | The investment management agreements pertaining to the SI-Advised Funds and the investment management agreements pertaining to the GPIM-Advised Funds are referred to herein together as the “Advisory Agreements” and, together with the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement, as the “Agreements.” In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, GPIM, with respect to its service as investment adviser to the GPIM-Advised Funds, and Security Investors as to the SI-Advised Funds, are each referred to herein as the “Adviser” and together, the “Advisers.” |
2 | Because shares of the Capital Stewardship Fund are only offered for subscription and are held by a limited number of institutional/bank investors, and the Fund issues a shareholder report separate from the other series of the Trust, the factors considered by the Committee in evaluating the proposed renewal of an investment management agreement pertaining to the Capital Stewardship Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Concinnity Advisors, LP, are addressed in a separate report of the Committee. Accordingly, references to the “Funds” should be understood as referring to all series of the Trust, excluding Capital Stewardship Fund. |
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Guggenheim is an ongoing one, the Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.
In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.
Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Advisory Agreements
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by each Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by each Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee considered Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee noted certain changes to the organization, including those in connection with the sale of Guggenheim’s exchange-traded fund business to Invesco Ltd., and considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the Funds.
The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations
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received by the Board. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. In this connection, the Committee considered enhancements to the organization’s compliance processes and programs, including in response to certain examination findings from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in monitoring and coordinating compliance responsibilities with the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.
With respect to Municipal Income Fund, the Committee noted that although Security Investors delegated responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets to the Sub-Adviser, as affiliated companies, both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are part of the Guggenheim organization. Further, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s explanation that investment advisory-related services are provided by many Guggenheim employees under different related legal entities and thus, the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other, as well as the risks assumed by each party, cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities.3 As a result, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided to Municipal Income Fund under the Advisory Agreement and GPIM Sub-Advisory Agreement separately.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of each Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the applicable Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee certain unaudited financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”). The Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH as supplemental information. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
3 | Consequently, except where the context indicates otherwise, references to “Adviser” or “Sub-Adviser” should be understood as referring to Guggenheim Investments generally and the services it provides under both Agreements. |
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The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by each Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how each Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that each Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under each Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.
Investment Performance: The Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark, a universe of funds and a narrower peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons.
In seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods for those Funds that were recently launched, as well as in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund.
In this connection, the Committee made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 12th and 45th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Diversified Income Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of January 29, 2016, and observed that the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 79th and 93rd percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee noted that the Fund is compared to a custom peer group of multi-asset income funds created by FUSE. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the Fund’s higher allocation to fixed-income securities relative to its peer funds, as equities performed strongly in 2017, and low-risk investment bias in seeking to minimize portfolio volatility relative to higher-risk peer funds. The Adviser stated that this low-risk bias will tend to cause underperformance to higher-risk peers during periods of abnormally strong market returns. The Committee also considered that the Fund’s Class A shares outperformed its benchmark by 3.33% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2017. In addition, given the Fund’s limited operating history, the Committee considered the capabilities
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of the Fund’s portfolio management team—based on the Committee’s familiarity with the investment professionals in their service to other Funds—and noted that the team had not yet had an opportunity to manage the Fund’s portfolio over a full market cycle.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 40th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
High Yield Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 5th percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 2nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Limited Duration Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of December 16, 2013, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 4th and 11th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 1st and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of February 26, 2016, and observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 37th and 15th percentiles of its performance universe for the since-inception and one-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The Committee noted the Fund’s inception date of March 28, 2014, and observed the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 6th and 5th percentiles of its performance universe for the three-year and one year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 20th and 8th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 38th and 36th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
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Total Return Bond Fund: The Committee observed that the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 2nd percentile of its performance universe for both the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
World Equity Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 72nd and 67th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The Committee considered that the Fund implemented a strategy change and a new portfolio management team in August 2013, noting the Adviser’s statement that the Fund has experienced notable improvement as a result, but underperformed its peer funds in 2017. In this regard, the Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that the Fund’s defensive investment approach contributed to its underperformance, with the Fund’s exposure to lower-volatility, higher-yielding equity securities detracting from performance as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017.
Value Funds: Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund and Small Cap Value Fund
Large Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 36th and 17th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, exceeding its performance universe median for both of these periods.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 67th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The Fund’s returns ranked in the 65th and 21st percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Small Cap Value Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 91st and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted measures taken by the Adviser to remedy longer-term relative underperformance with respect to the Value Funds strategy, including strategy enhancements such as implementation of a refined stock selection process and additional risk controls to enforce the strategy’s sell discipline. In this connection, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, although these measures led to improved performance in 2016, the Fund underperformed its peer funds in 2017, ranking in the 94th percentile of its performance universe. The Committee considered the Adviser’s explanation that several factors detracted from performance, including its industry weightings, particularly with respect to information technology, industrials and healthcare, and its preference for value stocks over growth stocks as growth stocks performed strongly in 2017. The Committee also considered the steps being taken to improve the Fund’s performance.
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Municipal Income Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 78th and 86th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, respectively, underperforming its performance universe median for both of these periods. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s increased allocation to floating rate securities in 2016 and the Fund’s more conservative investment approach detracted from performance that year, impacting trailing returns for five-year and three-year periods. In light of the foregoing, the Committee also considered the more recent one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2017, and observed that the return of Fund’s Class A shares ranked in the 57th and 33rd percentiles, respectively, of its performance universe. The Committee also took into account management’s statement that it expects the Fund’s performance to continue to improve going forward as it anticipates the effects of recent tax reform and idiosyncratic risks.
After reviewing the foregoing and related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by each Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. The Committee also reviewed aggregated advisory and administrative fees compared to the peer group average and median.
As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the applicable Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable, noting that, in certain instances, Guggenheim charges a lower advisory fee to such other clients. In this connection, the Committee considered, among other things, Guggenheim’s representations about the significant differences between managing mutual funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee also considered Guggenheim’s explanation that lower fees are charged in certain instances due to various other factors, including the scope of contract, type of investors, fee structure, applicable legal, governance and capital structures, tax status and historical pricing reasons. In addition, the Committee took into account Guggenheim’s discussion of the entrepreneurial risks it faces when offering the Funds as compared to other types of accounts. The Committee concluded that the information it received demonstrated that the aggregate services provided to, or specific circumstances of, each Fund were sufficiently different from the services provided to, or the specific circumstances of, other clients with similar investment strategies and/or the risks borne by Guggenheim were sufficiently greater than those associated with managing other clients with similar investment strategies to support the difference in fees.
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In further considering the comparative fee and expense data presented in the Contract Review Materials and addressed by Guggenheim, the Committee took into account those Funds with currently effective expense limitation agreements with the Adviser and made the following observations:
Alpha Opportunity Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (21st percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee4 is equal to the median (50th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (28th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.25% to 0.90%.
Diversified Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the fourth quartile (81st percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (1st and 25th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group.
Floating Rate Strategies Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (86th, 97th and 86th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $3.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
High Yield Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (47th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (89th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (67th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Investment Grade Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the third quartile (53rd percentile). The Fund’s net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd percentile as to each) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% in excess of $5 billion.
4 | The “net effective management fee” for Alpha Opportunity Fund and each of the other Funds represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements, based on the Fund’s class level peer group percent rank, weighted by class level assets under management. |
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Large Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (43rd percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (70th percentile) of its peer group. In addition, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance.
Limited Duration Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (43rd and 27th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (64th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 0.45% to 0.39%.
Macro Opportunities Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund, the net effective management fee and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the fourth quartile (91st, 82nd and 77th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee noted that the Fund is categorized as a non-traditional bond fund which seeks to add value by investing in many non-traditional securities outside of fixed income, including equities, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement explaining the higher fees and expenses that performance is driven by a unique investment approach that requires significant resources. In this regard, the Committee took into consideration the Fund’s strong investment performance. The Committee also considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved an additional breakpoint, reducing the Fund’s advisory fee by 0.05% on assets over $5 billion, noting that the Fund had approximately $6.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017.
Market Neutral Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (47th and 30th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (1st percentile) of its peer group.
Mid Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (19th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (74th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the second quartile (39th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved the elimination of the Fund’s advisory fee breakpoint and a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Mid Cap Value Institutional Fund: The contractual advisory fee percentile rank of the Fund is in the first quartile (8th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the fourth quartile (77th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (62nd percentile) of its peer group.
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Municipal Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (40th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the third quartile (56th percentile) of its peer group.
Risk Managed Real Estate Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (each 15th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee is in the second quartile (38th percentile).
StylePlus—Large Core Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (each 71st percentile) of its peer group.
StylePlus—Mid Growth Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (29th percentile) of its peer group and the net effective management fee ranks in the third quartile (69th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s asset weighted total net expense ratio ranks in the fourth quartile (85th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered the net expense ratio’s proximity to the peer group median.
Small Cap Value Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the first quartile (22nd percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the second quartile (40th and 45th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective January 30, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee from 1.00% to 0.75%.
Total Return Bond Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund is in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee and asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the third quartile (68th and 51st percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Committee considered that, effective November 20, 2017, the Board approved a reduction in the Fund’s contractual advisory fee to 0.39%, reduced from an advisory fee of 0.50% on the average daily net assets up to $5 billion and 0.45% thereafter.
World Equity Income Fund: The average contractual advisory fee percentile rank across all share classes of the Fund and the asset weighted total net expense ratio each rank in the first quartile (12th and 16th percentiles, respectively) of its peer group. The Fund’s net effective management fee ranks in the second quartile (46th percentile) of its peer group.
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With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.
In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.
The Committee considered other benefits available to each Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although the Adviser may have benefited from arrangements in the past whereby an affiliate received commissions for executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds, it is not Guggenheim’s current practice to execute Fund portfolio transactions through its affiliate. In addition, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it may benefit from marketing synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.
Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.
The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for a Fund, with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued) |
the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.
As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including expense limitations and/or advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation. The Committee also took into account the contractual advisory fee reductions for multiple Funds and the advisory fee breakpoints with respect to several of the fixed income Funds that were offered by the Adviser and approved by the Board and went into effect in 2017.
The Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Sub-Adviser: As noted above, because both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for Municipal Income Fund—Security Investors and GPIM, respectively—are part of and do business as Guggenheim Investments and the services provided by the Adviser on the one hand and the Sub-Adviser on the other cannot be ascribed to distinct legal entities, the Committee did not evaluate the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement separately. Therefore, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of the Fund’s portfolio management team in connection with the Committee’s evaluation of Guggenheim’s investment professionals under the applicable Advisory Agreement.
With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the Sub-Adviser’s ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as noted above, the Committee considered the financial condition of GPIMH. Thereafter, the Committee received the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIM.
The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and at the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Sub-Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Sub-Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve Municipal Income Fund in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance: The Committee considered the returns of the Fund under its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by the Sub-Adviser from Its Relationship with the Fund: The Committee considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement is with an affiliate of the Adviser, that the Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser from its own fees so that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund does not impact the fees paid by the Fund and that the Sub-Adviser’s revenues were included in the calculation of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability. Given its determination of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, the Committee concluded that the sub-advisory fee rate for the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale: The Committee recognized that, because the Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Adviser and not the Fund, the analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Committee’s consideration of the applicable Advisory Agreement, which was separately considered. (See “Advisory Agreements – Economies of Scale” above.)
Overall Conclusions
Based on the foregoing, the Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of each of the Agreements is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his business judgment, may attribute different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of each Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
Thereafter, on May 23, 2018, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of each Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | | | |
Randall C. Barnes (1951) | Trustee | Since 2014 | Current: Private Investor (2001-present). Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). | 49 | Current: Trustee, Purpose Investments Inc. (2014-Present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Valuation Oversight Committee | Since 1994 | Current: Retired. Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017). | 48 | Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016). |
Jerry B. Farley (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since 2005 | Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present). | 48 | Current: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-present); CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present). |
Roman Friedrich III (1946) | Trustee and Chairman of the Contracts Review Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present). Former: Senior Managing Director, MLV & Co. LLC (2010-2011). | 48 | Current: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-present). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued | | |
Ronald A. Nyberg (1953) | Trustee and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee | Since 2014 | Current: Partner, Momkus LLC (2016-present). Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999). | 49 | Current: PPM Funds Board (February 2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016). |
Maynard F. Oliverius (1943) | Trustee | Since 1998 | Current: Retired. Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare (1996-2012). | 48 | Current: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (2016-present); Stormont-Vail Foundation (2013-present); University of Minnesota MHA Alumni Philanthropy Committee (2009-present); Fort Hays State University Foundation (1999-present). Former: Topeka Community Foundation (2009-2014). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded | | |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. (1958) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Since 2014 | Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council (2013-present) and Executive Committee (2016-2018), Independent Directors Council Governor, Board of Governors (2018-present), Investment Company Institute. Former: Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999). | 48 | Current: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-present); Western Asset Inflation- Linked Income Fund (2003-present). Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016); Bennett Group of Funds (2011-2013). |
| THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113 |
INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | | |
Amy J. Lee*** (1961) | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since February 2018 (Trustee) Since 2014 (Chief Legal Officer) Since 2007 (Vice President) | Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Former: President and Chief Executive Officer (2017- February 2018); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012). | 157 | None. |
* | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. |
*** | This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager. |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS | | | |
Brian E. Binder (1972) | President and Chief Executive Officer | Since February 2018 | Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (January 2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (January 2018-present). Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-January 2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012). |
James M. Howley (1972) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present). Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004). |
Keith D. Kemp (1960) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009). |
Mark E. Mathiasen (1978) | Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
Glenn McWhinnie (1969) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2016 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund complex (2016-present). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - continued | |
Michael P. Megaris (1984) | Assistant Secretary | Since 2014 | Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). |
Elisabeth Miller (1968) | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present). Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-February 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009). |
Margaux Misantone (1978) | AML Officer | Since 2017 | Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (February 2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present). Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-January 2018). |
Adam J. Nelson (1979) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2015 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present). Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011). |
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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded) |
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupations During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS - concluded | |
Kimberly J. Scott (1974) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
Bryan Stone (1979) | Vice President | Since 2014 | Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present). Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
John L. Sullivan (1955) | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2014 | Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present). Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004). |
Jon Szafran (1989) | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2017 | Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. ("HGINA"), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* | The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. |
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) |
Who We Are
This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The Affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.
Our Commitment to You
Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.
The Information We Collect About You
We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.
How We Handle Your Personal Information
The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our
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legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.
In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:
| ● | We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts. |
| ● | We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback. |
| ● | We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us. |
| ● | We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers. |
| ● | We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter. |
| ● | We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you. |
| ● | Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors. |
We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.
We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.
We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.
Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices
The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.
When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.
Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.
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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued) |
How We Protect Privacy Online
We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.
How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.
International Visitors
If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.
In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.
We’ll Keep You Informed
If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.
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We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.
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The registrant’s Board of Trustees has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to the Code during the period covered by this report. The Code is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.
| Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
The registrant's Board of Trustees has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), Dr. Jerry B. Farley. Dr. Farley is “independent,” meaning that he is not an “interested person” of the Registrant (as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and he does not accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Registrant (except in his capacity as a Board or committee member). Dr. Farley qualifies as an audit committee financial expert by virtue of his experience at educational institutions, where his business responsibilities have included all aspects of financial management and reporting.
Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or Board of Trustees.
| Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
| (a) | Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years (the “Reporting Periods”) for professional services rendered by the registrant’s principal accountant (the “Auditor”) for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $605,778 in 2018 and $571,463 in 2017. |
| (b) | Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4 were $0 in 2018 and $0 in 2017. These audit-related were as follows: issuance of report concerning transfer agent's system of internal accounting control pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 of the Securities Exchange Act. |
| (c) | Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed to the registrant in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“Tax Services”) were $229,041 in 2018 and $200,330 in 2017. These services consisted of (i) preparation of U.S. federal, state and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal and state tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired and (iv) review of U.S. federal excise distribution calculations. |
The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Tax Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2018 and $0 in 2017.
| (d) | All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed to the registrant in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, were $0 in 2018 and $0 in 2017. |
The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Non-Audit Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, other than the services reported in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2018 and $0 in 2017.
| (e) | (1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. |
(1) The registrant’s audit committee reviews, and in its sole discretion, pre-approves, pursuant to written pre-approval procedures (A) all engagements for audit and non-audit services to be provided by the principal accountant to the registrant and (B) all engagements for non-audit services to be provided by the principal accountant (1) to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including a sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted or overseen by another investment adviser) and (2) to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant; but in the case of the services described in subsection (B)(1) or (2), only if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant; provided that such pre-approval need not be obtained in circumstances in which the preapproval requirement is waived under rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or New York Stock Exchange listing standards. Sections V.B.2 and V.B.3 of the registrant’s audit committee’s Audit Committee Charter contain the Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures and such sections are included below.
V.B.2.Pre-approve any engagement of the independent auditors to provide any non-prohibited services to the Fund, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).
(a) The categories of services to be reviewed and considered for pre-approval include the following (collectively, “Identified Services”):
Audit Services
• Annual financial statement audits
• Seed audits (related to new product filings, as required)
• SEC and regulatory filings and consents
Audit-Related Services
• Accounting consultations
• Fund merger/reorganization support services
• Other accounting related matters
• Agreed upon procedures reports
• Attestation reports
• Other internal control reports
Tax Services
• Recurring tax services:
o Preparation of Federal and state income tax returns, including extensions
o Preparation of calculations of taxable income, including fiscal year tax designations
o Preparation of annual Federal excise tax returns (if applicable)
o Preparation of calendar year excise distribution calculations
o Calculation of tax equalization on an as-needed basis
o Preparation of the estimated excise distribution calculations on an as-needed basis
o Preparation of quarterly Federal, state and local and franchise tax estimated tax payments on an as-needed basis
o Preparation of state apportionment calculations to properly allocate Fund taxable income among the states for state tax filing
purposes
o Provision of tax compliance services in India for Funds with direct investments in India
o Assistance with management’s identification of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) for tax purposes
• Permissible non-recurring tax services upon request:
o Assistance with determining ownership changes which impact a Fund’s utilization of loss carryforwards
o Assistance with calendar year shareholder reporting designations on Form 1099
o Assistance with corporate actions and tax treatment of complex securities and structured products
o Assistance with IRS ruling requests and calculation of deficiency dividends
o Conduct training sessions for the Adviser’s internal tax resources
o Assistance with Federal, state, local and international tax planning and advice regarding the tax consequences of proposed or actual transactions
o Tax services related to amendments to Federal, state and local returns and sales and use tax compliance
o RIC qualification reviews
o Tax distribution analysis and planning
o Tax authority examination services
o Tax appeals support services
o Tax accounting methods studies
o Fund merger, reorganization and liquidation support services
o Tax compliance, planning and advice services and related projects
(b) The Committee has pre-approved Identified Services for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000.
(c) For Identified Services with estimated fees of $25,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the Chair or any member of the Committee designated by the Chair is hereby authorized to pre-approve such services on behalf of the Committee.
(d) For Identified Services with estimated fees of $50,000 or more, such services require pre-approval by the Committee.
(e) All requests for Identified Services to be provided by the independent auditor that were pre-approved by the Committee shall be submitted to the Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”) of the Trust by the independent auditor using the pre-approval request form attached as Appendix C to the Audit Committee Charter. The Trust’s CAO will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general preapproval of the Committee.
(f) The independent auditors or the CAO of the Trust (or an officer of the Trust who reports to the CAO) shall report to the Committee at each of its regular quarterly meetings all audit, audit-related and permissible non-audit services initiated since the last such report (unless the services were contained in the initial audit plan, as previously presented to, and approved by, the Committee). The report shall include a general description of the services and projected fees, and the means by which such services were approved by the Committee (including the particular category of Identified Services under which pre-approval was obtained).
V.B.3. Pre-approve any engagement of the independent auditors, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors, to provide any non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust), if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).
(a) The Chair or any member of the Committee designated by the Chair may grant the pre-approval for non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000. All such delegated pre-approvals shall be presented to the Committee no later than the next Committee meeting.
(b) For non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are $25,000 or more, such services require pre-approval by the Committee.
(2) None of the services described in each of Items 4(b) through (d) were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
| (g) | Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees were for audit-related and tax services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to Service Affiliates, for the Reporting Periods were $229,041 in 2018 and $200,330 in 2017. |
| (h) | Auditor Independence. The registrant’s Audit Committee was provided with information relating to the provision of non-audit services by Ernst & Young, LLP to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved by the Audit Committee so that a determination could be made whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young, LLP’s independence. |
| Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
Not applicable.
The Schedule of Investments is included under Item 1 of this form.
| Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
| Item 8. | Portfolio Mangers of Closed-end Management Investment Companies |
Not applicable
| 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. |
The registrant does not currently have in place procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.
There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.
| Item 11. | Controls and Procedures. |
| (a) | The registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act) as of a date within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that based on such evaluation as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act, that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.. |
| (b) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal quarter 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 Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not Applicable.
| (a)(1) | The registrant’s code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached. |
| (a)(2) | Separate certifications by the President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached. |
| (b) | A certification by the registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is attached. |
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) | Guggenheim Funds Trust | |
| | |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Brian Binder | |
| Brian Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| | |
Date | December 7, 2018 | |
| | |
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/ Brian Binder | |
| Brian Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| | |
Date | December 7, 2018 | |
| | |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ John L. Sullivan | |
| John L. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |
| | |
Date | December 7, 2018 | |
| * | Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature. |