UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES 811-22036 --------------------------------- Investment Company Act file number Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC --------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 --------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Steven L. Suss U.S. Trust Hedge Fund Management, Inc. 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 -------------------------------------- (Name and address of agent for Service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 352-4497 -------------- Date of fiscal year end: 3/31/2009 ---------- Date of reporting period: 9/30/2008 ----------- ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. - ---------------------------------- EXCELSIOR DIRECTIONAL HEDGE FUND OF FUNDS (TI), LLC Financial Statements (Unaudited) Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Financial Statements (Unaudited) Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 Contents Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity - Net Assets as of September 30, 2008...................................................... 1 Statement of Operations for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008................................................................ 2 Statements of Changes in Members' Equity - Net Assets for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and for the Year Ended March 31, 2008.......................................................... 3 Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008................................................................ 4 Financial Highlights for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and for the Period from April 23, 2007 (Commencement of Operations) to March 31, 2008........................................... 5 Notes to Financial Statements................................................. 6 The Registrant files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Registrant's Forms N-Q are available on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. Information on Form N-Q is available without charge, upon request, by calling collect (203) 352-4497. A description of the policies and procedures that the Registrant uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling collect (203) 352-4497 and on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Registrant voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling collect (203) 352-4497, and on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity - Net Assets (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Investment in Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC at fair value $ 249,310,532 Cash and cash equivalents 7,450,264 Investments in Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC made in advance 19,471,000 Other assets 17,506 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Assets $ 276,249,302 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Members' interests received in advance 23,509,000 Repurchase of Members' interests payable 3,100,080 Management fee payable 343,364 Professional fees payable 22,354 Administration fees payable 53,162 Other payable 3,990 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Liabilities 27,031,950 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Assets $ 249,217,352 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS Represented by: Capital $ 261,725,365 Accumulated net unrealized depreciation on investment (12,508,013) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Members' Equity - Net Assets $ 249,217,352 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes and attached unaudited financial statements of Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Statement of Operations (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INVESTMENT LOSS ALLOCATED FROM EXCELSIOR DIRECTIONAL HEDGE FUND OF FUNDS MASTER FUND, LLC: Interest $ 75,020 Expenses (1,593,156) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment loss allocated from Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC (1,518,136) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund Income: Interest 38,373 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund Expenses: Management fee 733,652 Professional fees 19,520 Board of Managers' fees and expenses 4,000 Administration fees 110,941 Other 140,035 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Expenses 1,008,148 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Investment Loss before Expense Limitation (2,487,911) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense limitation (97,364) Net Investment Loss after Expense Limitation (2,585,275) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS ALLOCATED FROM EXCELSIOR DIRECTIONAL HEDGE FUND OF FUNDS MASTER FUND, LLC Net realized gain on investment 6,200,536 Net change in accumulated unrealized depreciation on investment (20,271,050) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments Allocated from Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC (14,070,514) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECREASE IN MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM OPERATIONS $ (6,655,789) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes and attached unaudited financial statements of Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Statements of Changes in Members' Equity - Net Assets (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period from Period from April 23, 2007 April 1, 2008 - (Commencement of September 30, Operations) - 2008 March 31, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATIONS Net investment loss $ (2,585,275) $ (5,814,036) Net realized gain on investments 6,200,536 5,979,177 Net change in accumulated unrealized depreciation on investments (20,271,050) 997,254 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Decrease) Increase in Members' Equity - Net Assets Derived from Operations (16,655,789) 1,162,395 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS Members' subscriptions 23,975,000 49,432,844 Members' interests repurchased (62,046,592) (56,967,666) Transfers of Members' interests* - 310,364,405 Offering costs - (47,245) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Decrease) Increase in Members' Equity - Net Assets Derived from Capital Transactions (38,071,592) 302,782,338 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net (Decrease) Increase in Members' Equity - Net Assets (54,727,381) 303,944,733 MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 303,944,733 - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD $ 249,217,352 $ 303,944,733 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *On April 23, 2007, all Members' interests were transferred from Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC (the "Company"). The Fund in turn, invested all of its capital in the Company. The accompanying notes and attached unaudited financial statements of Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net decrease in members' equity - net assets derived from operations $ (16,655,789) Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in members' equity - net assets derived from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: Net change in accumulated unrealized depreciation on 20,271,050 investment allocated from Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Net realized gain on investment allocated from Excelsior (6,200,536) Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Net investment loss allocated from Excelsior Directional 1,518,136 Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Purchases of investment in Excelsior Directional Hedge (37,427,425) Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Proceeds from investment in Excelsior Directional Hedge 62,046,592 Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Decrease in reimbursement for expenses in excess of 97,364 expense limitation Decrease in other assets 74,995 Decrease in management fee payable (58,200) Increase in administration fees payable 53,162 Decrease in professional fees payable (3,867) Increase in other payable 325 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 23,715,807 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from members' subscriptions 39,199,000 Payments for members' interests repurchased (60,096,280) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (20,897,280) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,818,527 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4,631,737 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 7,450,264 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplementary Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the period for interest $ 3,142 The accompanying notes and attached unaudited financial statements of Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Financial Highlights (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following represents certain ratios to average members' equity - net assets, total return and other supplemental information for the periods indicated: For the period from April 23, 2007 For the period from (Commencement April 1, 2008 - of Operations) - September 30, 2008* March 31, 2008 ------------------------------------------- Net assets, end of period $249,217,352 $303,944,733 Ratio of net investment loss to (0.90%) (1.78%) average members' equity - net assets (a) Ratio of total expenses to 0.91% 1.89% average members' equity - net assets (b) (c) Ratio of net expenses to average members' equity - net assets (b) 0.94% 1.86% Total return (d) (6.71%) (0.13%) * The ratios and total return are not annualized for the period. (a) The ratio reflects the income and expenses assuming inclusion of the Fund's proportionate share of income and expenses of the Company. (b) The ratio reflects the expenses assuming inclusion of the Fund's proportionate share of the expenses of the Company. (c) The ratio is before any expense limitation or reimbursement per the Expense Limitation Agreement. (d) Total return assumes a purchase of an interest in the Fund on the first day and the sale of an interest on the last day of the period and is calculated using geometrically linked monthly returns. The accompanying notes and attached unaudited financial statements of Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Organization Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC (the "Fund") was organized as a limited liability company under the laws of Delaware on February 26, 2007, and commenced operations on April 23, 2007. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC (the "Company"), a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company that is registered under the 1940 Act. The Company pursues its investment objective principally through a multi-manager, multi-strategy program of investments in a diverse group of investment funds that primarily invest or trade in a wide range of equity and debt securities. The investment managers selected by the Company generally conduct their investment programs through these investment funds (collectively, the "Investment Funds"), in which the Company invests as a limited partner or member along with other investors. The financial statements of the Company, including the Schedule of Investments, are attached to this report and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements. The percentage of the Company's members' equity owned by the Fund at September 30, 2008 was 68.75%. U.S. Trust Hedge Fund Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser of the Company and as a manager to the Fund (the "Adviser"). The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("Bank of America"). Bank of America is a bank holding and a financial holding company which has its principal executive offices at 101 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. The Adviser provides various management and administrative services to the Company and the Fund. The Board of Managers (the "Board") has overall responsibility to manage and supervise the operations of the Fund, including the exclusive authority to oversee and to establish policies regarding the management, conduct and operation of the Fund's business. The Board has engaged the Adviser to manage the day-to-day operations of the Fund. Subscriptions for interests in the Fund ("Interests") by eligible investors may be accepted as of the first day of each calendar quarter, or at such times as the Board may determine. The Fund may, from time to time, offer to repurchase Interests from its members ("Members") pursuant to written tenders by the Members. These repurchase offers will be made at such times and on such terms as may be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, subject to the liquidity of the Company's assets and other factors considered by the Board. The Adviser expects that, generally, it will recommend to the Board that the Fund offer to repurchase Interests from Members twice each year, at June 30th and December 31st. Members can only transfer or assign Interests under certain limited circumstances. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Significant Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing the Fund's financial statements are reasonable and prudent; however, actual results could differ from these estimates. a. Portfolio Valuation The net asset value of the Fund is determined by, or at the direction of, the Adviser as of the close of business at the end of each fiscal period (as defined in the Fund's Limited Liability Company Agreement), in accordance with the valuation principles set forth below, or as may be determined from time to time pursuant to policies established by the Board. The Fund records its investment in the Company at fair value. The Fund's investment in the Company is represented by the Fund's proportionate interest in the Company's Members' Equity - Net Assets at September 30, 2008. Valuation of investments held by the Company is discussed in the notes to the Company's financial statements. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments, which is included in Members' Equity - Net Assets on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity - Net Assets, reflects the Fund's allocated share of the Company's net unrealized gain or loss on investments. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The Fund adopted SFAS No. 157 on April 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy and specifies that a valuation technique used to measure fair value shall maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS No. 157 are described below: Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) a. Portfolio Valuation (continued) Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; Level 2 - Quoted prices which are not active, or inputs that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and Level 3 - Prices, inputs or exotic modeling techniques which are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity). As required by SFAS No. 157, investments are classified within the level of the lowest significant input considered in determining fair value. Investments classified within Level 3 consider several inputs and may include Level 1 or Level 2 inputs as components of the overall fair value measurement. The table below sets forth information about the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Fund investments are measured at September 30, 2008: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ---------------------------------------------- Investment in the Company $ - $ - $249,310,532 $249,310,532 ---------------------------------------------- Total $ - $ - $249,310,532 $249,310,532 ============================================== Distributions received from the Company, whether in the form of cash or securities, are applied first as a reduction of the investment's cost, and any excess is treated as realized gain from investments in Investment Funds. Realized gains or losses on investments in Investment Funds are measured by the difference between the proceeds from the sale or liquidation and the cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation reported in prior years. b. Fund Expenses The Fund bears its own expenses and, indirectly, bears a pro rata portion of the Company's expenses incurred in its business, including, but not limited to, the following: fees paid directly or indirectly to the investment managers of the Investment Funds; all costs and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Company's account; legal fees; accounting and auditing fees; custodial and escrow fees; fees paid to the Fund's and the Company's administrator; costs of insurance; management fees and advisory fees; travel and related expenses of the Fund's and the Company's Boards; all costs with respect to communications regarding the Fund's and the Company's transactions among the Adviser and any custodian or other agent engaged by the Fund; and other types of expenses approved by the Fund's and the Company's Boards. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) b. Fund Expenses (continued) The Adviser and the Fund have entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the "Expense Limitation Agreement"), under which the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees, or to pay or absorb (subject to the reimbursement described below) the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to limit the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, including organizational and offering costs and the proportionate share of the Company's expenses to 1.84% per annum of the Fund's average monthly net assets (the "Expense Limitation"). In consideration of the Adviser's agreement to limit the Fund's expenses, the Fund will carry forward the amount of expenses waived, paid or absorbed by the Adviser in excess of the Expense Limitation for a period not to exceed three years from the end of the fiscal year in which they were incurred, and will reimburse the Adviser such amounts. Reimbursement will be made as promptly as possible, but only to the extent it does not cause the Fund's ordinary operating expenses to exceed the Expense Limitation in effect at the time the fee was waived or the expense was paid or absorbed. The Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until December 31, 2010 and continue thereafter until terminated by the Adviser or the Fund. As of September 30, 2008, the Fund has not exceeded the expense limitation per the Expense Limitation Agreement. During the six month period ended September 30, 2008, the Adviser recouped $97,364 of reimbursable expenses paid on behalf of the Fund during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the Fund has fully reimbursed the Adviser for prior period expenses. c. Income Taxes As a limited liability company, no provision for the payment of Federal, state or local income taxes has been provided by the Fund. Each Member is individually required to report on its own tax return its share of the Fund's taxable income or loss. The Fund has a tax year end of December 31. Net investment income or loss and net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments of the Fund for each fiscal period are allocated among, and credited to or debited against, the capital accounts of all Members as of the last day of each fiscal period in accordance with each Member's respective investment percentage for the fiscal period, as defined in the Fund's Limited Liability Company Agreement. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) c. Income Taxes (continued) The cost of the Fund's investment in the Company for Federal income tax purposes is based on amounts reported to the Fund by the Company on a Schedule K-1 for the year ended December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2007, the cost of investment for Federal income tax purposes was $284,044,434. This includes aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of $32,946,937. Effective April 23, 2007, the Fund adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund's tax returns in order 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. The Fund has evaluated the application of FIN 48 and has determined that it does not have a material impact on the Fund's financial statements. There is no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return for the year ended December 31, 2007. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Fund's U.S. Federal tax returns remains open for the year ended December 31, 2007. The statute of limitations on the Fund's state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction. d. Other Cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts maintained in a PFPC Trust Company interest-bearing account. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund records its proportionate share of the Company's investment income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses. 3. Management Fee, Related Party Transactions and Other As of September 30, 2008, the Adviser's employees and affiliates have a combined interest of approximately 9.24% of the Members' equity - net assets. The Adviser provides certain investment advisory services to the Company and incurs research, travel and other expenses related to the selection and monitoring of investment managers. Further, the Adviser provides certain management and administrative services to the Fund, including providing office space and other support services, maintaining files and records, and preparing Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Management Fee, Related Party Transactions and Other (continued) and filing various regulatory materials. In consideration for such services, the Fund pays the Adviser a quarterly management fee at an annual rate of 0.5% based on the Fund's net assets on the first business day of each quarter after adjustment for any subscriptions effective on that date. For the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the management fee was $733,652, of which $343,364 was payable as of September 30, 2008. As of September 26, 2008, the Board is made up of three Managers who are not "interested persons," as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, of the Fund (the "Disinterested Managers"). David R. Bailin, a member of the Board who was an "interested person" of the Fund, as defined under the 1940 Act, resigned from the Board effective September 26, 2008. The Disinterested Managers receive per-meeting fees of: $500 for attendance at quarterly meetings of the Board; and $500 for telephone participation at a quarterly Board meeting or for participation at a telephonic special meeting of the Board. All Disinterested Managers may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each regular or special meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any other service or activity they perform or engage in as Managers. Any managers who are "interested persons," as defined by the 1940 Act of the Fund, if any, do not receive any retainer or other fee from the Fund. The Fund incurred $4,000 of per meeting fees for the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, none of which was payable as of September 30, 2008. The Fund has retained J.D. Clark & Company (the "Administrator") to provide accounting and certain administrative and investor services to the Fund. In connection with such services provided, the Fund pays the Administrator a quarterly fee equal to the greater of: (i) $3,000; or (ii) .00025 of the Fund's net assets as of the first day of each calendar quarter on the first $150 million of net assets, plus .000125 of the Fund's net assets in excess of $150 million. For the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the Fund incurred $110,941 in expenses related to such administrative services, of which $53,162 was payable as of September 30, 2008. 4. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk In the normal course of business, the Investment Funds in which the Company invests trade various financial instruments and enter into various investment activities with off-balance sheet risk. These may include, but are not limited to, short selling activities, writing option contracts, contracts for differences and equity swaps. However, as a result of the investments by the Company as a limited partner or member, the Company's liability with respect to its investments in the Investment Funds is limited to the net asset value of its interest in each Investment Fund. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Guarantees In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund, and therefore, cannot be established; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from any such claims is considered remote. 6. Subsequent Events Subsequent to September 30, 2008, subscriptions for Interests by eligible investors will be accepted by the Fund as of the first day of each calendar month. This policy is subject to change at the discretion of the Board in consultation with the Adviser. At September 30, 2008, the Fund had received subscriptions in advance for Interests from Members in the amount of $23,509,000. These subscriptions became Interests in the Fund effective October 1, 2008. The Fund also invested $19,471,000 in the Company as of October 1, 2008. EXCELSIOR DIRECTIONAL HEDGE FUND OF FUNDS MASTER FUND, LLC Financial Statements (Unaudited) Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Financial Statements (Unaudited) Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 Contents Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity - Net Assets as of September 30, 2008...................................................... 1 Schedule of Investments as of September 30, 2008.............................. 2 Statement of Operations for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008.................................................................... 4 Statements of Changes in Members' Equity - Net Assets for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and for the Year Ended March 31, 2008.......................................................... 5 Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008.................................................................... 6 Financial Highlights for the Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and for the Years Ended March 31, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005............. 7 Notes to Financial Statements................................................. 8 The Registrant files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Registrant's Forms N-Q are available on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. Information on Form N-Q is available without charge, upon request, by calling collect (203) 352-4497. A description of the policies and procedures that the Registrant uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling collect (203) 352-4497 and on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Registrant voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling collect (203) 352-4497, and on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity - Net Assets (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Investments in Investment Funds, at fair value (cost $307,259,971) $361,999,418 Cash and cash equivalents 8,073,698 Investments in Investment Funds made in advance 29,000,000 Receivables for interests in Investment Funds sold 1,300,036 Other assets 17,515 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Assets $400,390,667 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Members' interests received in advance 36,699,000 Due to Adviser 995,186 Professional fees payable 40,000 Bank note facility fee payable 28,750 Administration fees payable 6,000 Other payable 3,357 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Liabilities 37,772,293 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Assets $362,618,374 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS Represented by: Capital $307,878,927 Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments 54,739,447 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Members' Equity - Net Assets $362,618,374 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <Caption> % of First First Members' % Ownership Available Acquisition Fair Equity - of Investment Redemption Investment Funds * Date Cost ** Value ** Net Assets Funds Date *** Liquidity **** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hedged Long/Short Equity Funds - ------------------------------ <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Basix Capital Fund, L.P. 7/1/2004 $ 5,500,000 $ 8,721,784 2.41% 9.37% N/A Quarterly Foundation Partners, L.P. 7/1/2002 10,000,000 13,944,106 3.85% 9.64$ N/A Quarterly SAB Capital Partners, L.P. 4/1/2001 - 763,224 0.21% 0.15% N/A Annually Scopia PX, LLC 9/1/2005 11,000,000 13,248,740 3.65% 6.23% (1) Quarterly Spring Point Opportunity Partners, L.P. 7/1/2006 17,610,520 21,412,022 5.90% 5.68% N/A Quarterly --------------------------------------- Strategy Total 44,110,520 58,089,876 16.02% --------------------------------------- <Caption> Opportunistic Long/Short (U.S. Only) Funds - ------------------------------------------ <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Addison Clark Fund, L.P. 4/1/2008 15,000,000 15,344,534 4.23% 5.35% 3/31/2009 Quarterly Alson Signature Fund, L.P. 9/1/2006 14,000,000 12,716,717 3.51% 3.89% N/A Quarterly Cadmus Capital Partners (QP), L.P. 7/1/2003 287,052 1,008,090 0.28% 9.51% N/A (2) Quaker Capital Partners I, L.P. 1/1/2001 3,164,863 9,706,401 2.68% 3.12% N/A Annually Royal Capital Value Fund (QP), L.P. 7/1/2008 7,000,000 6,481,070 1.79% 0.93% 9/30/2009 Annually Seminole Capital Partners, L.P. 9/1/2005 17,200,000 20,079,239 5.54% 4.75% N/A Semi-annually Swiftcurrent Partners, L.P. 10/1/2000 8,550,000 13,487,741 3.72% 1.37% N/A Annually Tonga Partners, L.P. 10/1/2000 4,060,553 9,446,270 2.61% 4.83% N/A Semi-annually Valinor Capital Partners, L.P. 7/1/2007 13,000,000 12,828,575 3.54% 4.73% (3) Annually --------------------------------------- Strategy Total 82,262,468 101,098,637 27.90% --------------------------------------- <Caption> Hedged Sector Funds - ------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Coatue Qualified Partners, L.P. 1/1/2002 6,000,000 14,584,247 4.02% 1.79% N/A Quarterly Durus Life Sciences Fund, LLC 1/1/2001 586,983 53,623 0.01% 2.05% N/A (4) Longbow Partners, L.P. 5/1/2004 16,200,000 20,218,420 5.58% 6.18% N/A Quarterly Sivik Global Healthcare Partners, L.P. 11/1/2003 1,600,000 4,178,747 1.15% 3.10% N/A Semi-annually --------------------------------------- Strategy Total 24,386,983 39,035,037 10.76% --------------------------------------- <Caption> Event Driven/Relative Value Funds - --------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> American Durham L.P. 7/1/2008 12,000,000 11,154,846 3.08% 7.54% 12/31/2008 Quarterly Aristeia Partners, L.P. 4/1/2008 17,000,000 15,025,413 4.14% 3.48% N/A Quarterly Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P. 7/1/2003 11,400,000 14,863,846 4.10% 0.56% N/A Annually Farallon Capital Partners, L.P. 11/1/2004 22,000,000 27,015,947 7.44% 0.37% N/A Annually Pentwater Event Fund LLC 7/1/2008 6,000,000 5,416,503 1.49% 3.52% N/A (5) Polygon Global Opportunities Fund, L.P. 8/1/2006 15,600,000 14,150,536 3.90% 1.64% N/A (6) Waterfall Eden Fund, L.P. 7/1/2008 9,000,000 8,729,190 2.41% 4.84% (7) Quarterly --------------------------------------- Strategy Total 93,000,000 96,356,281 26.56% --------------------------------------- Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <Caption> % of First First Members' % Ownership Available Acquisition Fair Equity - of Investment Redemption Investment Funds * Date Cost ** Value ** Net Assets Funds Date *** Liquidity **** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Opportunistic Long/Short (Global) Funds - --------------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> AKO Partners, L.P. 10/1/2005 14,500,000 16,663,576 4.60% 4.13% N/A Quarterly Artha Emerging Markets Funds, L.P. 4/1/2008 14,000,000 12,988,058 3.58% 3.18% 3/31/2010 Quarterly Delta Fund Europe, L.P. 5/1/2006 14,000,000 12,432,688 3.43% 2.89% N/A Quarterly Indus Asia Pacific Fund, L.P. 3/1/2004 15,000,000 17,565,336 4.84% 3.11% (8) Quarterly Indus Event Driven Fund, L.P. 6/1/2005 - 42,529 0.01% 4.25% N/A (2) Indus Japan Fund, L.P. 3/1/2004 6,000,000 7,727,400 2.13% 2.93% N/A Quarterly --------------------------------------- Strategy Total 63,500,000 67,419,587 18.59% --------------------------------------- Total investments in Investment Funds $307,259,971 361,999,418 99.83% ============ Other Assets, Less Liabilities 618,956 0.17% -------------------------- Members' Equity - Net Assets $362,618,374 100.00% ========================== * Non-income producing investments. (1) $1,944,742 locked up until 9/30/2009. ** See definition in Note 2a. (2) The Investment Fund is closing and is in the process of *** From original investment date. returning capital to its partners. **** Available frequency of redemptions after initial (3) $909,841 has an initial lock-up period that expires on lock-up period. 12/31/2009, $4,052,793 has an initial lock-up period that N/A Initial lock-up period has either expired prior to September expires on 12/31/2010 and $1,822,032 has an initial lock-up 30, 2008 or the Investment Fund did not have an initial period that expires on 12/31/2011. lock-up period. However, specific redemption restrictions (4) The Investment Fund is currently in liquidation and has may apply. eliminated partner withdrawal rights. (5) The Investment Fund has temporarily suspended withdrawal rights. (6) The Investment Fund will be liquidating its assets and has suspended redemption rights. (7) $3,862,247 has an initial lock-up period that expires on 9/30/2009 and $4,866,943 has an initial lock-up period that expires on 9/30/2010. (8) $1,826,618 has an initial lock-up period that expires on 9/30/2009. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Statement of Operations (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT INCOME Interest $ 100,518 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Investment Income 100,518 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING EXPENSES Advisory fee 1,926,610 Bank note facility fee expense 57,188 Professional fees 53,900 Other 31,170 Board of Managers' fees and expenses 27,500 Administration fees 12,000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 2,108,368 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Investment Loss (2,007,850) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS Net realized gain from Investment Fund redemptions 7,486,397 Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments (30,504,467) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments (23,018,070) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECREASE IN MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM OPERATIONS $(25,025,920) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Statements of Changes in Members' Equity - Net Assets (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period from April 1, 2008 - Year Ended September 30, March 31, 2008 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATIONS Net investment loss $ (2,007,850) $ (3,987,859) Net realized gain on investments 7,486,397 6,109,713 Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments (30,504,467) 298,607 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Decrease) Increase in Members' Equity - Net Assets Derived from Operations (25,025,920) 2,420,461 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS Members' subscriptions 130,121,025 374,515,210 Members' interests repurchased (62,046,592) (57,365,810) Transfers of Members' interests* - (310,364,405) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase in Members' Equity - Net Assets Derived from Capital Transactions 68,074,433 6,784,995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Increase in Members' Equity - Net Assets 43,048,513 9,205,456 MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 319,569,861 310,364,405 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS' EQUITY - NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD $ 362,618,374 $ 319,569,861 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *On April 23, 2007, all Members' interests were transferred to Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC (the "Feeder Fund"). The Feeder Fund, in turn, invested all of its capital in the Company. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net decrease in members' equity - net assets derived from operations $ (25,025,920) Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in members' equity - net assets derived from operations to net cash used in operating activities: Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments 30,504,467 Net realized gain from Investment Fund redemptions (7,486,397) Purchases of Investment Funds (83,000,000) Proceeds from sales of Investment Funds 25,389,192 Increase in other assets (6,500) Increase in due to Adviser 151,985 Decrease in professional fees payable (85,377) Increase in bank note facility fee 28,750 Increase in administration fees payable 6,000 Increase in other payable 484 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Cash Used in Operating Activities (59,523,316) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from member subscriptions 121,820,025 Payments for member interests repurchased (62,046,592) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 59,773,433 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 250,117 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,823,581 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 8,073,698 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Financial Highlights (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following represents certain ratios to average members' equity - net assets, total return, and other supplemental information for the periods indicated: For the period from April 1, For the year For the year For the year For the year 2008 - ended ended ended ended September March 31, March 31, March 31, March 31, 30, 2008** 2008* 2007 2006 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Net assets, end of period $ 362,618,374 $ 319,569,861 $ 310,364,405 $ 292,022,821 $ 240,943,784 Ratio of net (0.54%) (1.18%) (1.71%) (1.75%) (1.77%) investment loss to average Members' equity - net assets (a), (b) Ratio of expenses 0.57% 1.24% 1.86% 1.85% 1.81% to average Members' equity - net assets (a), (b) Portfolio turnover 7.19% 7.37% 30.25% 15.33% 15.61% Total return (c) (6.35%) 0.45% 8.82% 10.09% 4.83% * The Company reorganized into a master-feeder structure on April 23, 2007. ** The ratios and total return are not annualized for the period. (a) Ratio does not reflect the Company's proportionate share of the net income (loss) and expenses, including incentive fees or allocations, of the Investment Funds. Please refer to Note 5 for additional information about the expenses of the Investment Funds that the Company indirectly bears. (b) Average members' equity - net assets is determined using the net assets at the end of each month during the period and net assets at the beginning of the period. (c) Total return is net of expenses and assumes a purchase of an interest in the Company on the first day and a sale of an interest on the last day of the period and is calculated using geometrically linked monthly returns. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Organization Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC, formerly known as Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds, LLC (the "Company"), was organized as a limited liability company under the laws of Delaware on July 6, 2000, and commenced operations on October 1, 2000. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company. The Company's investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. The Company pursues its investment objective principally through a multi-manager, multi-strategy program of investments in a diverse group of investment funds that primarily invest or trade in a wide range of equity and debt securities. The investment managers selected by the Company generally conduct their investment programs through these investment funds (collectively, the "Investment Funds") in which the Company invests as a limited partner or member along with other investors. On April 23, 2007, pursuant to member approval, the Company was reorganized into a "master/feeder" investment structure (the "Reorganization"). Effective that date, the Company became a master fund and member interests in the Company were transferred to a new entity, Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that is registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company (the "Feeder Fund"). The Feeder Fund in turn invested substantially all of its assets into the Company. On July 1, 2007, Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds, Ltd. (the "Offshore Fund") also became a feeder of the Company. The Feeder Fund and the Offshore Fund (together, the "Feeder Funds") pursue their investment objectives by investing substantially all of their interests in the Company. The Feeder Funds have the same investment objective and substantially the same investment policies as the Company (except that the Feeder Funds pursue their investment objectives by investing in the Company). U.S. Trust Hedge Fund Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser of the Company (the "Adviser"). The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("Bank of America"). Bank of America is a bank holding and a financial holding company which has its principal executive offices at 101 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. The Adviser is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising the investment program and providing day-to-day management services. The Board of Managers (the "Board") has overall responsibility to manage and supervise the operations of the Company, including the exclusive authority to oversee and to establish policies regarding the management, conduct and operation of the Company's business. The Board has engaged the Adviser to provide investment advice regarding the selection of Investment Funds and to manage the day-to-day operations of the Company. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Organization (continued) The Company was established to hold substantially all of the assets of the Feeder Fund and the Offshore Fund, as members of the Company ("Members"). As of September 30, 2008, the Feeder Fund's and Offshore Fund's ownership of the Company's Members' Equity--Net Assets were 68.75% and 31.25%, respectively. Member subscriptions for interests in the Company ("Interests") by eligible investors may be accepted as of the first day of each calendar quarter, or at such times as the Board may determine. The Company may, from time to time, offer to repurchase Interests from its Members pursuant to written tenders by Members. These repurchase offers will be made at such times and on such terms as may be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, subject to the liquidity of the Company's assets and other factors considered by the Board. The Adviser expects that, generally, it will recommend to the Board that the Company offer to repurchase Interests from Members twice in each year, at June 30th and December 31st. Members can only transfer or assign Company Interests under certain limited circumstances. 2. Significant Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing the Company's financial statements are reasonable and prudent; however, actual results could differ from these estimates. a. Portfolio Valuation The net asset value of the Company is determined by, or at the direction of, the Adviser as of the close of business at the end of each fiscal period (as defined in the Company's Limited Liability Company Agreement), in accordance with the valuation principles set forth below, or as may be determined from time to time pursuant to policies established by the Board. Ordinarily, the Company's investments in Investment Funds are carried at fair value as determined by the Company's pro-rata interest in the net assets of each Investment Fund as reported by the investment manager, who determines the value of the Investment Fund's net assets. The values of the Investment Funds' net assets are determined in accordance with their valuation policies as described in their respective offering memoranda or operating agreements. All valuations utilize financial information supplied by the investment manager of each Investment Fund and are net of management and performance incentive fees or allocations pursuant to the Investment Funds' agreements. The investments in Investment Funds, representing 99.83% of the Members' equity, have been fair valued in accordance with procedures established by the Board. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) a. Portfolio Valuation (continued) As a general matter, the fair value of the Company's interests in an Investment Fund will represent the amount that the Company could reasonably expect to receive from the Investment Fund if the Company's interests were redeemed at the time of valuation, based on information reasonably available at the time the valuation is made and that the Adviser believes to be reliable. The Adviser, or, in certain cases, the Board, will consider such information, and may conclude in certain circumstances that the information provided by an Investment Fund's manager does not represent the fair value of the Company's interests in an Investment Fund. Following procedures adopted by the Board, and in the absence of specific transaction activity in interests in a particular Investment Fund, the Company could consider whether it was appropriate, in light of all relevant circumstances, to value such a position at the Investment Fund's net asset value as reported at the time of valuation, or whether to adjust such value to reflect a premium or discount to net asset value. Any such decision must be made in good faith, and subject to the review and supervision of the Board. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, the values of the Company's investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments held by the Company been available. The Company's investment in Durus Life Sciences Fund, LLC ("Durus") is valued at $53,623 and represents 0.01% of the Company's Members' Equity - Net Assets as of September 30, 2008. Durus was fair valued in good faith by the Adviser, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. As of September 30, 2008, Durus is in liquidation and there are no ongoing redemption rights available to partners. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on April 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy and specifies that a valuation technique used to measure fair value shall maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS No. 157 are described below: Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) a. Portfolio Valuation (continued) Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date; Level 2 - Quoted prices which are not active, or inputs that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and Level 3 - Prices, inputs or exotic modeling techniques which are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity). As required by SFAS No. 157, investments are classified within the level of the lowest significant input considered in determining fair value. Investments classified within Level 3 consider several inputs and may include Level 1 or Level 2 inputs as components of the overall fair value measurement. The table below sets forth information about the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company's investments are measured at September 30, 2008: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ---------------------------------------------- Investments in Investment Funds $ - $ - $ 361,999,418 $ 361,999,418 ---------------------------------------------- Total $ - $ - $ 361,999,418 $ 361,999,418 ============================================== Distributions received from Investment Funds, whether in the form of cash or securities, are applied first as a reduction of the investment's cost, and any excess is treated as realized gain from investments in Investment Funds. Realized gains or losses on investments in Investment Funds are measured by the difference between the proceeds from the sale or liquidation and the cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation reported in prior years. b. Company Expenses The Company bears certain expenses incurred in its business, including, but not limited to, the following: fees paid directly or indirectly to the investment managers of the Investment Funds; all costs and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Company's account; legal fees; accounting and auditing fees; custodial fees; fees paid to the Company's administrator; costs of insurance; advisory fees; travel and related expenses of the Board; all costs with respect to communications regarding the Company's transactions among the Adviser and any custodian or other agent engaged by the Company; and other types of expenses approved by the Board. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Income Taxes As a limited liability company, no provision for the payment of Federal, state or local income taxes has been provided by the Company. Each Member is individually required to report on its own tax return its share of the Company's taxable income or loss. The Company has a tax year end of December 31. Net investment income or loss and net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments of the Company for each fiscal period are allocated among, and credited to or debited against, the capital accounts of all Members as of the last day of the fiscal period in accordance with each Member's respective investment percentage for the fiscal period, as defined in the Company's Limited Liability Company Agreement. The cost of the Company's investments in Investment Funds for Federal income tax purposes is based on amounts reported to the Company by the Investment Funds on a Schedule K-1 or PFIC annual information statement for the year ended December 31, 2007. Based on Investment Funds owned at December 31, 2007, the cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes was $303,932,199. This included aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of $35,480,886 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $2,332,690. Effective April 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company's tax returns in order 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. The Company has evaluated the application of FIN 48 and has determined that it does not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. There is no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return for the year ended December 31, 2007. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Company's U.S. Federal tax returns remains open for the years ended December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2007. The statute of limitations on the Company's state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction. d. Other Cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts maintained in a PFPC Trust Company interest-bearing account. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Advisory Fee, Related Party Transactions and Other The Adviser provides certain investment advisory services and incurs research, travel and other expenses related to the selection and monitoring of investment managers. Further, the Adviser provides certain management and administrative services to the Company, including providing office space and other support services, maintaining files and records, and preparing and filing various regulatory materials. In consideration for such services, the Company pays the Adviser a quarterly advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.0% based on the Company's net assets on the first business day of each quarter after adjustment for any subscriptions effective on that date. Each Feeder Fund also pays the Adviser a quarterly management fee at an annual rate of 0.5% based on the Feeder Fund's net assets on the first business day of each quarter after adjustment for any subscriptions effective on that date. Prior to the Reorganization, the Company paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.5% based on the Company's net assets on the first business day of each quarter after adjustment for any subscriptions effective on that date. The change in the fee structure resulting from the Reorganization does not have a material impact on the total advisory and management fees attributable to the capital accounts of the investors of the Feeder Funds. For the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the Company incurred advisory fees totaling $1,926,610, based on the current advisory fee rate of 1.0%. Of total advisory fees, $995,186 was payable as of September 30, 2008. As of September 26, 2008, the Board is made up of three Managers who are not "interested persons," as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, of the Company (the "Disinterested Managers"). David R. Bailin, a member of the Board who was an "interested person" of the Company, as defined under the 1940 Act, resigned from the Board effective September 26, 2008. The Disinterested Managers receive an annual retainer of $10,000 and per-meeting fees of: $2,000 for in-person attendance at quarterly meetings of the Board; $1,000 for telephone participation at a quarterly Board meeting or for participation at a telephonic special meeting of the Board; and $1,000 for each audit committee meeting (whether held in-person or by telephone). All Disinterested Managers may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each regular or special meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any other service or activity they perform or engage in as Managers. Any managers who are "interested persons," as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Company, if any, do not receive any retainer or other fee from the Company. The Company incurred $27,500 of retainer and per meeting fees for the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, none of which is payable as of September 30, 2008. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Advisory Fee, Related Party Transactions and Other (Continued) The Company has retained J.D. Clark & Company (the "Administrator") to provide accounting and certain administrative and investor services to the Company. As a result of the Reorganization, the Company's contract with the Administrator was amended to reflect the new "master/feeder" structure. Previously, the Company paid the Administrator a quarterly fee equal to the greater of: (i) $3,000; or (ii) .00025 of the Company's net assets as of the first day of each calendar quarter on the first $150 million of net assets, plus .000125 of the Company's net assets in excess of $150 million. As of April 23, 2007, the Company pays the Administrator a quarterly fee equal to $3,000 per Feeder Fund invested in the Company. For the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the Company incurred $12,000 in expenses related to such administrative services, $6,000 of which was payable as of September 30, 2008. The Feeder Funds incur additional expenses directly for the services provided by the Administrator. 4. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk In the normal course of business, the Investment Funds in which the Company invests trade various financial instruments and enter into various investment activities with off-balance sheet risk. These may include, but are not limited to, short selling activities, writing option contracts, contracts for differences and equity swaps. However, as a result of the investments by the Company as a limited partner or member, the Company's liability with respect to its investments in the Investment Funds is limited to the net asset value of its interest in each Investment Fund. 5. Investments in Investment Funds As of September 30, 2008, the Company had investments in thirty-one Investment Funds. The Company, as an investor in these Investment Funds, is charged management fees ranging from 0.0% to 2.0% (per annum) of the net asset value of its ownership interests in the Investment Funds, as well as incentive fees or allocations ranging from 15% to 20% of net profits earned that are attributable to the Company's ownership interests in such Investment Funds. The Company also generally bears a pro rata share of the other expenses of each Investment Fund in which it invests. Total expenses, including incentive fees or allocations, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, ranged from approximately 1.5% to 14.7% of the Company's average invested capital in each Investment Fund. Incentive fees or allocations for the same fiscal year ranged from approximately 0.0% to 8.1% of the Company's average invested capital in each Investment Fund. These ratios may vary over time depending on the allocation of the Company's assets among the Investment Funds and the actual expenses and investment performance of the Investment Funds. Although the ranges of Investment Fund expense ratios are based on audited financial data received from the Investment Funds, the ranges were not reviewed by the Company's auditors. Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds Master Fund, LLC Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) continued - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 2008 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Investments in Investment Funds (continued) In general, most of the Investment Funds in which the Fund invests provide for periodic withdrawals of capital ranging from monthly to annually and, in some cases, have lock up provisions under which the Fund may not withdraw capital for a specified period after the date of its contribution, which may be up to three years. The governing documents of Investment Funds generally provide that the Investment Fund may suspend, limit or delay the right of its investors, such as the Fund, to withdraw capital. In addition, some of the Investment Funds may invest a portion of their assets in illiquid securities and may not permit the portion of the Fund's capital invested in these Investment Funds that is allocable to illiquid securities to be withdrawn until the securities are sold or become liquid. Aggregate purchases and proceeds of interests in Investment Funds for the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 are $96,000,000 and $26,486,386, respectively. 6. Bank Note-Line of Credit Facility The Company maintains a $30,000,000 revolving line of credit agreement with a U.S. financial institution that is collateralized by the Company's cash and investments. Based upon the election of the Company, interest accrues at either the financial institution's prime rate less 1.25% per annum or Libor plus 1.5% per annum. The note also includes a provision for a facility fee of 0.375% per annum on the unused portion of the note. For the period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the Company incurred $57,188 in facility fees related to the bank line of credit, $28,750 of which was payable as of September 30, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the Company did not have an outstanding revolving note balance. 7. Guarantees In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Company, and therefore, cannot be established; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from any such claim is considered remote. 8. Subsequent Events As of September 30, 2008, the Company received subscriptions in advance for Interests from Members in the amount of $36,699,000, which is reflected as Members' interests received in advance on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity - Net Assets. These subscriptions became Interests in the Company effective October 1, 2008. ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS. - ------------------------- Not applicable for semi-annual reports. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. - ------------------------------------------ Not applicable for semi-annual reports. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. - ------------------------------------------------ Not applicable for semi-annual reports. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. - ------------------------------------------------ Not applicable. ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. - ---------------------------------- The Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to members filed under Item 1 of this form. ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. - -------------------------------- Not applicable for semi-annual reports. ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- There has been no change, as of the date of this filing, in any of the portfolio managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the Registrant's most recently filed annual report on Form NCSR. ITEM 9. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSE-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. - ---------------------------------- Not applicable. ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. - -------------------------------------------------------------- There have been no material changes to the procedures by which members may recommend nominees to the Registrant's board of managers that would require disclosure. ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. - ---------------------------------- (a) The Registrant's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) were effective as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) of the 1940 Act. (b) There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 12. EXHIBITS. - ------------------- (a)(1) Not applicable for semi-annual reports. (a)(2) Separate certifications for the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act are filed herewith. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (Registrant) Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC ---------------------------------------------------------- By (Signature and Title) /s/ Spencer N. Boggess -------------------------- Spencer N. Boggess, Principal Executive Officer Date December 5, 2008 ---------------- 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) Excelsior Directional Hedge Fund of Funds (TI), LLC ---------------------------------------------------------- By (Signature and Title) /s/ Steven L. Suss ------------------------ Steven L. Suss, Principal Financial Officer Date December 5, 2008 ----------------