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 | 811-22756 |
Advisors Preferred Trust |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
1445 Research Blvd, Suite 530, Rockville, MD | 20850 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
The Corporation Trust Company |
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: | 631-470-2734 |
Date of fiscal year end: | 9/30 |
Date of reporting period: | 3/31/25 |
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
(a) |
(b) | Not applicable |
Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments. The Registrants schedule of investments in unaffiliated issuers is included in the Financial Statements under Item 7 of this form.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.
(a) |
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||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | ||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | ||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | ||
Semi-Annual Financial Statements | ||
and Additional Information | ||
March 31, 2025 | ||
Investor Information: 1-866-862-9686 | ||
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of shareholders and are not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. Nothing herein contained is to be considered an offer of sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Spectrum Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information. | ||
Distributed
by Ceros Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA | ||
SPECTRUM LOW VOLATILITY FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2025 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||||||
OPEN-END FUNDS — 60.8% | ||||||||||||
ALTERNATIVE - 10.1% | ||||||||||||
1,751,152 | AQR Equity Market Neutral Fund, Class R6 | $ | 19,332,719 | |||||||||
FIXED INCOME - 50.7% | ||||||||||||
920,510 | Bramshill Multi Strategy Income Fund Institutional Class, Institutional Class | 6,121,389 | ||||||||||
1,969,231 | Holbrook Income Fund, Class I | 19,200,000 | ||||||||||
1,195,741 | Holbrook Structured Income Fund, Class I | 11,754,132 | ||||||||||
1,177,111 | Medalist Partners MBS Total Return Fund, Institutional Class | 10,087,838 | ||||||||||
1,794,393 | PIMCO Income Fund, Institutional Class | 19,200,001 | ||||||||||
1,985,371 | Regan Total Return Income Fund, Institutional Class | 18,861,024 | ||||||||||
1,400,395 | RiverPark Strategic Income Fund, Institutional Class | 12,125,736 | ||||||||||
97,350,120 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL OPEN-END FUNDS (Cost $116,510,723) | 116,682,839 | |||||||||||
Principal | Coupon Rate | |||||||||||
Amount ($) | (%) | Maturity | ||||||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 37.7% | ||||||||||||
U.S. TREASURY BILLS — 37.7% | ||||||||||||
7,583,000 | United States Treasury Bill(a) | 4.2200 | 06/05/25 | 7,525,518 | ||||||||
31,536,000 | United States Treasury Bill(a) | 4.2300 | 06/12/25 | 31,271,697 | ||||||||
7,681,000 | United States Treasury Bill(a) | 4.2400 | 06/20/25 | 7,609,452 | ||||||||
26,300,000 | United States Treasury Bill(a) | 4.2400 | 06/26/25 | 26,036,752 | ||||||||
72,443,419 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES (Cost $72,450,931) | 72,443,419 | |||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 15.1% | ||||||||||||
MONEY MARKET FUND – 15.1% | ||||||||||||
28,998,640 | Fidelity Government Portfolio, Class I, 4.20% (Cost $28,998,640)(b) | 28,998,640 | ||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 113.6% (Cost $217,960,294) | $ | 218,124,898 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS - (13.6)% | (26,135,946 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | $ | 191,988,952 |
(a) | Zero coupon bond; rate disclosed is the effective yield as of March 31, 2025. |
(b) | Rate disclosed is the seven-day effective yield as of March 31, 2025. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
1
SPECTRUM LOW VOLATILITY FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
TOTAL RETURN SWAPS | ||||||||||||||||
Notional Amount | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||
Number of | at March 31, | Termination | Appreciation | |||||||||||||
Shares | Reference Entity | 2025 | Interest Rate Payable (1) | Date | Counterparty | (Depreciation) | ||||||||||
Long Position: | ||||||||||||||||
1,002,936 | AQR Equity Market Neutral Fund Class I | $ | 11,012,236 | USD SOFR plus 165 bp | 2/18/2026 | NGFP | $ | 624,524 | ||||||||
2,195,432 | Eaton Vance Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund, Class I* | 17,629,319 | USD SOFR plus 165 bp | 9/13/2027 | BRC | — | ||||||||||
Total: | $ | 624,524 |
BRC - Barclays Capital
NGFP - Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc.
SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(1) | Interest rate is based upon predetermined notional amounts, which may be a multiple of the number of shares plus a specified spread. |
* | Swap contract reset at March 31, 2025. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
2
SPECTRUM ACTIVE ADVANTAGE FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2025 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||||||
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 34.5% | ||||||||||||
EQUITY - 34.5% | ||||||||||||
4,200 | Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF | $ | 727,566 | |||||||||
13,500 | Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF | 1,008,720 | ||||||||||
2,900 | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | 1,490,339 | ||||||||||
3,226,625 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $3,249,224) | 3,226,625 | |||||||||||
OPEN-END FUNDS — 54.1% | ||||||||||||
ALTERNATIVE - 54.1% | ||||||||||||
251,206 | AQR Equity Market Neutral Fund, Class R6 | 2,773,309 | ||||||||||
129,975 | AQR Long-Short Equity Fund, Class R6 | 2,287,568 | ||||||||||
5,060,877 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL OPEN-END FUNDS (Cost $5,020,050) | 5,060,877 | |||||||||||
Principal | Coupon Rate | |||||||||||
Amount ($) | (%) | Maturity | ||||||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 3.7% | ||||||||||||
U.S. TREASURY BILL — 3.7% | ||||||||||||
350,000 | United States Treasury Bill(a) | 4.2200 | 06/05/25 | 347,347 | ||||||||
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES (Cost $347,384) | 347,347 | |||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 7.3% | ||||||||||||
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 7.3% | ||||||||||||
341,411 | Fidelity Government Portfolio, Class I, 4.20%(b) | 341,411 | ||||||||||
341,411 | First American Government Obligations Fund, Class Z, 4.21%(b) | 341,411 | ||||||||||
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $682,822) | 682,822 | |||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $682,822) | 682,822 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
3
SPECTRUM ACTIVE ADVANTAGE FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
Fair Value | ||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 99.6% (Cost $9,299,480) | $ | 9,317,671 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES- 0.4% | 35,826 | |||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | $ | 9,353,497 |
OPEN FUTURES CONTRACTS | ||||||||||||
Number of | ||||||||||||
Contracts | Open Long Futures Contracts | Expiration | Notional Amount | Unrealized (Depreciation) | ||||||||
2 | CME E-Mini Standard & Poors 500 Index Futures | 06/23/2025 | $ | 565,325 | $ | (7,820 | ) | |||||
TOTAL FUTURES CONTRACTS |
ETF | - Exchange-Traded Fund |
(a) | Zero coupon bond; rate disclosed is the effective yield as of March 31, 2025. |
(b) | Rate disclosed is the seven-day effective yield as of March 31, 2025. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
SPECTRUM UNCONSTRAINED FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2025 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||||||
OPEN-END FUNDS — 59.5% | ||||||||||||
ALTERNATIVE - 10.1% | ||||||||||||
56,221 | AQR Equity Market Neutral Fund, Class R6 | $ | 620,682 | |||||||||
FIXED INCOME - 49.4% | ||||||||||||
136,860 | Holbrook Structured Income Fund, Class I | 1,345,337 | ||||||||||
101,235 | PIMCO Income Fund, Institutional Class | 1,088,779 | ||||||||||
63,874 | Pioneer Securitized Income Fund, Class Y | 609,361 | ||||||||||
3,043,477 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL OPEN-END FUNDS (Cost $3,648,681) | 3,664,159 | |||||||||||
Principal | Coupon Rate | |||||||||||
Amount ($) | (%) | Maturity | ||||||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 18.0% | ||||||||||||
U.S. TREASURY BILL — 18.0% | ||||||||||||
1,118,000 | United States Treasury Bill(a) | 4.2200 | 06/05/25 | 1,109,525 | ||||||||
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES (Cost $1,109,546) | 1,109,525 | |||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 16.3% | ||||||||||||
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 16.3% | ||||||||||||
503,793 | Fidelity Government Portfolio Institutional Class, Class I, 4.20%(b) | 503,793 | ||||||||||
503,792 | First American Government Obligations Fund, Class Z, 4.21%(b) | 503,792 | ||||||||||
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $1,007,585) | 1,007,585 | |||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,007,585) | 1,007,585 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 93.8% (Cost $5,765,812) | $ | 5,781,269 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES- 6.2% | 381,691 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | $ | 6,162,960 |
(a) | Zero coupon bond; rate disclosed is the effective yield as of March 31, 2025. |
(b) | Rate disclosed is the seven-day effective yield as of March 31, 2025. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
SPECTRUM UNCONSTRAINED FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
TOTAL RETURN SWAPS | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||
Number of | Notional Amount at | Termination | Appreciation | |||||||||||||
Shares | Reference Entity | March 31, 2025 | Interest Rate Payable (1) | Date | Counterparty | (Depreciation) | ||||||||||
Long Position: | ||||||||||||||||
69,962 | AQR Equity Market Neutral Fund Class I | $ | 768,180 | USD SOFR plus 165 bp | 2/18/2026 | NGFP | $ | 43,705 | ||||||||
109,687 | Eaton Vance Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund, Class I* | 880,784 | USD SOFR plus 165 bp | 9/13/2027 | BRC | — | ||||||||||
$ | 43,705 |
BRC - Barclays Capital
NGFP - Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc.
SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(1) | Interest rate is based upon predetermined notional amounts, which may be a multiple of the number of shares plus a specified spread. |
* | Swap contract reset at March 31, 2025. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
Spectrum Funds |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2025 |
Spectrum Low | Spectrum Active | Spectrum | ||||||||||
Volatility Fund | Advantage Fund | Unconstrained Fund | ||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Investment securities: | ||||||||||||
At cost | $ | 217,960,294 | $ | 9,299,480 | $ | 5,765,812 | ||||||
At value | $ | 218,124,898 | $ | 9,317,671 | $ | 5,781,269 | ||||||
Segregated cash - collateral for swaps | 11,473,225 | — | 340,000 | |||||||||
Receivable for swaps | 81,885 | — | 17,550 | |||||||||
Unrealized appreciation on swaps | 624,524 | — | 43,705 | |||||||||
Dividend and interest receivable | 499,305 | 5,040 | 13,273 | |||||||||
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 54,267 | — | — | |||||||||
Deposit with broker for futures | — | 49,116 | — | |||||||||
Receivable for securities sold | — | 4,990 | — | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 14,040 | — | — | |||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | 230,872,144 | 9,376,817 | 6,195,797 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
Investment advisory fees payable | 340,231 | 11,798 | 11,428 | |||||||||
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 135,676 | 2,565 | — | |||||||||
Shareholder servicing fees payable | 7,275 | 1,137 | — | |||||||||
Payable for swaps | — | — | 18,625 | |||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on futures | — | 7,820 | — | |||||||||
Payable to related party | — | — | 2,784 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 38,883,192 | 23,320 | 32,837 | |||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 191,988,952 | $ | 9,353,497 | $ | 6,162,960 | ||||||
NET ASSET VALUE | ||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 191,988,952 | $ | 9,353,497 | $ | 6,162,960 | ||||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 8,071,952 | 529,097 | 326,969 | |||||||||
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding) | $ | 23.78 | $ | 17.68 | $ | 18.85 | ||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||||||
Paid in capital ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized) | $ | 193,996,246 | $ | 14,459,220 | $ | 6,813,099 | ||||||
Accumulated deficits | (2,007,294 | ) | (5,105,723 | ) | (650,139 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 191,988,952 | $ | 9,353,497 | $ | 6,162,960 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
Spectrum Funds |
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2025 |
Spectrum Low | Spectrum Active | Spectrum | ||||||||||
Volatility Fund | Advantage Fund | Unconstrained Fund | ||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 3,817,770 | $ | 33,200 | $ | 101,808 | ||||||
Interest | 1,528,301 | 97,372 | 65,687 | |||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | 5,346,071 | 130,572 | 167,495 | |||||||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
Investment advisory fees | 2,268,810 | 72,531 | 77,743 | |||||||||
Administration expenses (Note 6) | 236,920 | 12,171 | 10,517 | |||||||||
Shareholder servicing fees | 42,208 | 1,451 | 1,085 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous expenses | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,500 | |||||||||
TOTAL EXPENSES | 2,552,438 | 90,653 | 93,845 | |||||||||
Less: Expenses waived by the Advisor | — | (4,500 | ) | (4,500 | ) | |||||||
NET EXPENSES | 2,552,438 | 86,153 | 89,345 | |||||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 2,793,633 | 44,419 | 78,150 | |||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
Investments | 1,932,738 | (265,551 | ) | 47,660 | ||||||||
Swaps | (3,063,327 | ) | (16,504 | ) | (27,660 | ) | ||||||
Futures | (331,108 | ) | 111,274 | (11,504 | ) | |||||||
TOTAL NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | (1,461,697 | ) | (170,781 | ) | 8,496 | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||||||||||||
Investments | (3,300,098 | ) | (125,773 | ) | (105,320 | ) | ||||||
Swaps | 335,190 | — | (54,778 | ) | ||||||||
Futures | 54,193 | (138,120 | ) | 1,860 | ||||||||
TOTAL NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION | (2,910,715 | ) | (263,893 | ) | (158,238 | ) | ||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS | (4,372,412 | ) | (434,674 | ) | (149,742 | ) | ||||||
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (1,578,779 | ) | $ | (390,255 | ) | $ | (71,592 | ) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the | For the | |||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 2,793,633 | $ | 6,407,683 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) from investments, swaps, and futures contracts | (1,461,697 | ) | 18,351,145 | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, swaps and futures contracts | (2,910,715 | ) | 2,155,933 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (1,578,779 | ) | 26,914,761 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Total distributions | (15,416,603 | ) | (9,751,779 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders | (15,416,603 | ) | (9,751,779 | ) | ||||
FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 16,931,802 | 62,662,559 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 14,324,543 | 8,677,253 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (57,259,317 | ) | (89,669,262 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | (26,002,972 | ) | (18,329,450 | ) | ||||
TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS | (42,998,354 | ) | (1,166,468 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Beginning of Period | 234,987,306 | 236,153,774 | ||||||
End of Period | $ | 191,988,952 | $ | 234,987,306 | ||||
SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 706,258 | 2,527,215 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 595,770 | 360,504 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (2,386,947 | ) | (3,664,104 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | (1,084,919 | ) | (776,385 | ) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the | For the | |||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
Net investment income income | $ | 44,419 | $ | 168,327 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) from investments and futures contracts | (170,781 | ) | 817,382 | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, swaps and futures contracts | (263,893 | ) | 376,888 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (390,255 | ) | 1,362,597 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Total distributions | (19,769 | ) | (148,598 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders | (19,769 | ) | (148,598 | ) | ||||
FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 2,845,075 | 2,029,664 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 19,759 | 148,508 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (1,923,162 | ) | (1,591,766 | ) | ||||
Net increase in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | 941,672 | 586,406 | ||||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 531,648 | 1,800,405 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Beginning of Period | 8,821,849 | 7,021,444 | ||||||
End of Period | $ | 9,353,497 | $ | 8,821,849 | ||||
SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 156,236 | 114,837 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 1,079 | 8,669 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (106,586 | ) | (92,681 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 50,729 | 30,825 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the | For the | |||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 78,150 | $ | 254,020 | ||||
Net realized gain from investments, futures and swaps contracts | 8,496 | 459,911 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and swaps contracts | (158,238 | ) | 207,696 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (71,592 | ) | 921,627 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Total distributions | (167,787 | ) | (265,613 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders | (167,787 | ) | (265,613 | ) | ||||
FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 17,127 | 158,496 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | 167,700 | 265,260 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (1,714,929 | ) | (645,135 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | (1,530,102 | ) | (221,379 | ) | ||||
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | (1,769,481 | ) | 434,635 | |||||
NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Beginning of Period | 7,932,441 | 7,497,806 | ||||||
End of Period | $ | 6,162,960 | $ | 7,932,441 | ||||
SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 904 | 8,348 | ||||||
Shares Reinvested | 8,843 | 14,149 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (90,561 | ) | (34,631 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | (80,814 | ) | (12,134 | ) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund |
Financial Highlights |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year/Period Presented
For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | |||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year/period | $ | 25.66 | $ | 23.77 | $ | 23.48 | $ | 26.00 | $ | 24.79 | $ | 21.72 | ||||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) | 0.32 | 0.72 | 0.65 | (0.27 | ) | 0.08 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, swaps and futures contracts | (0.49 | ) | 2.26 | (0.11 | ) | (1.06 | ) | 2.53 | 3.89 | |||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (0.17 | ) | 2.98 | 0.54 | (1.33 | ) | 2.61 | 3.92 | ||||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | (1.51 | ) | (1.09 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (1.15 | ) | (0.45 | ) | (0.52 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.20 | ) | — | — | (0.04 | ) | (0.95 | ) | (0.33 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (1.71 | ) | (1.09 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (1.19 | ) | (1.40 | ) | (0.85 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year/period | $ | 23.78 | $ | 25.66 | $ | 23.77 | $ | 23.48 | $ | 26.00 | $ | 24.79 | ||||||||||||
Total return (2) | (0.61 | )% (5) | 12.91 | % | 2.29 | % | (5.38 | )% | 10.82 | % | 18.76 | % | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year/period (000s) | $ | 191,989 | $ | 234,987 | $ | 236,154 | $ | 303,631 | $ | 444,160 | $ | 239,393 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (3) | 2.42 | % (6) | 2.39 | % | 2.34 | % | 2.34 | % | 2.37 | % | 2.51 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (3,4) | 2.65 | % (6) | 2.89 | % | 2.75 | % | (1.09 | )% | 0.30 | % | 0.14 | % | ||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 292 | % (5) | 372 | % | 711 | % | 321 | % | 131 | % | 389 | % |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. |
(2) | Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions if any. |
(3) | The ratios of expenses to average net assets and net investment income (loss) to average net assets do not reflect the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Not annualized. |
(6) | Annualized. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund |
Financial Highlights |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year/Period Presented
For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | |||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year/period | $ | 18.44 | $ | 15.69 | $ | 16.45 | $ | 30.81 | $ | 27.33 | $ | 23.64 | ||||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) | 0.08 | 0.39 | 0.38 | (0.27 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, swaps and futures contracts | (0.80 | ) | 2.72 | (0.99 | ) | (5.63 | ) | 8.46 | 3.95 | |||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (0.72 | ) | 3.11 | (0.61 | ) | (5.90 | ) | 8.34 | 3.86 | |||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | (0.04 | ) | (0.36 | ) | — | (0.14 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.17 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net realized gains | — | — | — | (8.32 | ) | (4.61 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Return of capital | — | — | (0.15 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.04 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (8.46 | ) | (4.86 | ) | (0.17 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year/period | $ | 17.68 | $ | 18.44 | $ | 15.69 | $ | 16.45 | $ | 30.81 | $ | 27.33 | ||||||||||||
Total return (2) | (3.91 | )% (5) | 20.00 | % | (3.68 | )% | (28.87 | )% | 33.91 | % | 16.46 | % | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year/period (000s) | $ | 9,353 | $ | 8,822 | $ | 7,021 | $ | 8,576 | $ | 18,301 | $ | 13,338 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (3) | 1.87 | % (6) | 1.87 | % | 1.81 | % | 1.69 | % | 1.77 | % | 1.89 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (3) | 1.78 | % (6) | 1.75 | % | 1.69 | % | 1.69 | % | 1.77 | % | 1.89 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (3,4) | 0.92 | % (6) | 2.25 | % | 2.35 | % | (1.23 | )% | (0.40 | )% | (0.36 | )% | ||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 707 | % (5) | 1756 | % | 1614 | % | 2258 | % | 1294 | % | 831 | % |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. |
(2) | Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions if any. |
(3) | The ratios of expenses to average net assets and net investment income (loss) to average net assets do not reflect the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Not annualized. |
(6) | Annualized. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund |
Financial Highlights |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year/Period Presented
For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | ||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2025 | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2021 (a) | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year/period | $ | 19.45 | $ | 17.86 | $ | 18.08 | $ | 20.69 | $ | 20.00 | ||||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) | 0.20 | 0.60 | 0.43 | (0.22 | ) | (0.11 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, futures and swaps | (0.38 | ) | 1.62 | (0.46 | ) | (0.93 | ) | 1.01 | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (0.18 | ) | 2.22 | (0.03 | ) | (1.15 | ) | 0.90 | ||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | (0.42 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (0.21 | ) | ||||||||||
Return of capital | — | — | — | (0.26 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.42 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (1.46 | ) | (0.21 | ) | ||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year/period | $ | 18.85 | $ | 19.45 | $ | 17.86 | $ | 18.08 | $ | 20.69 | ||||||||||
Total return (2) | (0.91 | )% (5) | 12.63 | % | (0.19 | )% | (6.03 | )% | 4.50 | % (5) | ||||||||||
Net assets, end of year/period (000s) | $ | 6,163 | $ | 7,932 | $ | 7,498 | $ | 7,216 | $ | 10,743 | ||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (3) | 2.60 | % (6) | 2.52 | % | 2.49 | % | 2.43 | % | 2.33 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (3) | 2.47 | % (6) | 2.41 | % | 2.37 | % | 2.43 | % | 2.33 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets (3,4) | 2.16 | % (6) | 3.21 | % | 2.36 | % | (1.17 | )% | (1.21 | )% (6) | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 194 | % (5) | 137 | % | 1418 | % | 395 | % | 75 | % (5) |
(a) | The Fund commenced operations on April 16, 2021. |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. |
(2) | Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions if any. |
(3) | The ratios of expenses to average net assets and net investment income (loss) to average net assets do not reflect the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Not annualized. |
(6) | Annualized. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2025 |
1. | ORGANIZATION |
The Spectrum Low Volatility Fund (the Low Volatility Fund), Spectrum Active Advantage Fund (the Active Advantage Fund)) and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund (the Unconstrained Fund) (collectively, the Funds) are each a diversified series of Advisors Preferred Trust (the Trust), a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 15, 2012 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company. The Low Volatility Funds investment objective is total return with lower downside volatility and risk compared to major stock market indices while the Active Advantage Fund seeks long term capital appreciation. The Unconstrained Funds investment objective is total return. Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, Investor Class shares, which is offered at net asset value. The Low Volatility Fund also offers Advisor Class shares, but as of the date of this report none have been issued. The Low Volatility Fund commenced operations on December 16, 2013, the Active Advantage Fund commenced operations on June 1, 2015 and the Unconstrained Fund commenced operations on April 16, 2021. The Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the Trusts Board of Trustees (Board) to authorize and issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The investment adviser to each Fund is Advisors Preferred LLC (the Adviser). The investment sub-adviser to each Fund is Spectrum Financial, Inc. (the Sub-Adviser). The Funds are fund of funds, in that these Funds will generally invest in other investment companies.
2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Funds are each an investment company and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
Operating Segments – The Funds have adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07). Adoption of the standard impacted financial statement disclosures only and did not affect each Funds financial position or the results of its operations. An operating segment is defined in Topic 280 as a component of a public entity that engages in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, has operating results that are regularly reviewed by the public entitys chief operating decision maker (CODM) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and has discrete financial information available. The CODM is comprised of the lead portfolio manager and Principal Financial Officer of the Funds. Each Fund operates as a single operating segment. Each Funds income, expenses, assets, changes in net assets resulting from operations and performance are regularly monitored and assessed as a whole by the CODM responsible for oversight functions of each Fund, using the information presented in the financial statements and financial highlights.
Securities Valuation – Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last bid on the day of valuation. Financial futures, which are traded on an exchange, are valued at the last quoted sales price determined by the exchange. Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Total return swaps on exchange-listed securities shall be valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices. Exchange listed swaps shall be valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices. Credit default swaps are valued by a pricing agent covering the specific type of swap. Certain credit default swaps (CDS) and credit indices are valued independently by Markit; or if no valuation is available from a pricing agent, at the price received from the broker-dealer/counterparty that
15
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
issued the swap. Investments valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. Short-term debt obligations, excluding U.S. Treasury Bills, having 60 days or less remaining until maturity, at time of purchase, may be valued at amortized cost.
The Funds may hold securities, such as private placements, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued using the fair value procedures approved by the Board. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) advisor and/or sub-advisor. The committee may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.
Fair Valuation Process – As noted above, the fair value committee is composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a significant event) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to a Funds calculation of its net asset value. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private investments or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the Adviser or Sub-Adviser based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If the Adviser or Sub-Adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value committee shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of a Funds holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.
Valuation of Investment in Funds – The Funds may invest in open-end or closed-end investment companies (the Underlying Funds). The Underlying Funds value securities in their funds for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value to the methods established by the board of directors of the Underlying Funds.
Open-end investment companies are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies. The shares of many closed-end investment companies, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is different than the net asset value per share. The difference represents a market premium or market discount of such shares. There can be no assurances that the market discount or market premium on shares of any closed-end investment company purchased by the Funds will not change.
The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of all of their investments on a recurring basis.
16
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Funds own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the inputs used as of March 31, 2025 for each Funds investments measured at fair value:
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Assets * | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Open-End Funds | $ | 116,682,839 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 116,682,839 | ||||||||
U.S. Government & Agencies | — | 72,443,419 | — | 72,443,419 | ||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments | 28,998,640 | — | — | 28,998,640 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | — | 624,524 | — | 624,524 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 145,681,479 | $ | 73,067,943 | $ | — | $ | 218,749,422 | ||||||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Assets * | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Exchage-Traded Funds | $ | 3,226,625 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,226,625 | ||||||||
Open-End Funds | 5,060,877 | — | — | 5,060,877 | ||||||||||||
U. S. Government & Agencies | — | 347,347 | — | 347,347 | ||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments | 682,822 | — | — | 682,822 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 8,970,324 | $ | 347,347 | $ | — | $ | 9,317,671 | ||||||||
Liabilities* | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Futures Contracts** | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (7,820 | ) | ||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (7,820 | ) |
17
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Assets * | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Open-End Funds | $ | 3,664,159 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,664,159 | ||||||||
U.S. Government & Agencies | — | 1,109,525 | — | 1,109,525 | ||||||||||||
Short-term Investments | 1,007,585 | — | — | 1,007,585 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps** | — | 43,705 | — | 43,705 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 4,671,744 | $ | 1,153,230 | $ | — | $ | 5,824,974 |
* | Refer to the Portfolios of Investments for sector classifications. |
** | Futures contracts and swaps are measured at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of the instruments. |
The Funds did not hold any Level 3 securities during the current period.
Exchange Traded Funds – The Funds may invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs). ETFs are typically a type of fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and represents a portfolio of securities that may be designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities they are designed to track, although the lack of liquidity on an ETF could result in it being more volatile. Additionally, ETFs have fees and expenses which reduce their value.
Futures Contracts – The Funds are subject to interest rate risk, equity risk and forward currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing their respective investment objectives. The Funds have purchased or sold futures contracts to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in the value of equities and interest rates. Initial margin deposits required upon entering into futures contracts are satisfied by the segregation of specific securities or cash as collateral for the account of the broker (the Funds agent in acquiring the futures position). During the period the futures contracts are open, changes in the value of the contracts are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking to market on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the contracts at the end of each days trading. Variation margin payments are received or made depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the contracts are closed, the Funds recognize a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from, or cost of, the closing transaction and the Funds basis in the contract. If the Funds were unable to liquidate a futures contract and/or enter into an offsetting closing transaction, the Funds would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the value of the contracts and continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts. The Funds segregate cash having a value at least equal to the amount of the current obligation under any open futures contract. Risks may exceed amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. With futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Funds since futures are exchange traded and the exchanges clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
Swap Contracts – Each Fund is subject to equity price, credit risk, and interest rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Funds have entered into various swap transactions for investment purposes or to manage interest rate, equity, or credit risk. These would typically be two-party contracts entered into primarily to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of returns) typically earned or realized on particular pre-determined investments or instruments.
Standard equity swap contracts are between two parties that agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross amount to be exchanged is calculated with respect to a notional amount (i.e. the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a basket of securities representing a particular index or industry sector). Most equity swap agreements entered into by a Fund calculate the obligations of the parties on a net basis. Consequently, a Funds current obligations under a swap agreement generally will be equal to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative value of the positions held by each party. A Funds obligations are accrued daily (offset by any amounts owed to a Fund).
The Funds may enter into swap contracts that provide the opposite return of the particular benchmark or security (short the index or security). The operations are similar to that of the swaps disclosed above except that the counterparty pays interest to the Fund on the notional amount outstanding and the dividends on the underlying
18
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
securities reduce the return of the swap. However, in certain instances, market factors such as the interest rate environment and the demand to borrow the securities underlying the swap agreement can cause a scenario in which a Fund pays the counterparty interest. These amounts are netted with any unrealized appreciation or depreciation to determine the value of the swap. The Funds will typically enter into equity swap agreements in instances where the Adviser or Sub-Adviser believes that it may be more cost effective or practical than buying a security or the securities represented by a particular index.
The Funds may enter into credit default swaps (CDS). CDS are typically two-party (bilateral) financial contracts that transfer credit exposure between the two parties. One party to a CDS (referred to as the credit protection buyer) receives credit protection or sheds credit risk, whereas the other party to a CDS (referred to as the credit protection seller) is selling credit protection or taking on credit risk. The seller typically receives pre-determined periodic payments from the other party. These payments are in consideration for agreeing to make compensating specific payments to the buyer should a negative credit event occur, such as (1) bankruptcy or (2) failure to pay interest or principal on a reference debt instrument, with respect to a specified issuer or one of the reference issuers in a CDS portfolio. In general, CDS may be used by the Funds to obtain credit risk exposure similar to that of a direct investment in high yield bonds. Higher swap spreads generally imply a higher risk of default.
The amounts to be exchanged or swapped between parties are calculated with respect to the notional amount. Changes in the value of swap agreements are recognized as unrealized gains or losses in the Statements of Operations by marking to market on a daily basis to reflect the value of the swap agreement at the end of each trading day. Payments received or paid at the beginning of the agreement are reflected as such on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and may be referred to as upfront payments. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap agreement is recorded as a realized gain or loss on the Statements of Operations. The maximum pay-outs for these contracts are limited to the notional amount of each swap. CDS may involve greater risks than if the Funds had invested in the referenced obligation directly and are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk.
By contrast, certain swap transactions are subject to mandatory central clearing. These swaps are executed through a derivatives clearing member (DCM), acting in an agency capacity, and submitted to a central counterparty (CCP) (centrally cleared swaps), in which case all payments are settled with the CCP through the DCM. Swaps are marked-to-market daily using pricing vendor quotations, counterparty or clearinghouse prices or model prices, and the change in value, if any, is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. Upon entering into a swap contract, a Fund is required to satisfy an initial margin requirement by delivering cash or securities to the counterparty (or in some cases, segregated in a triparty account on behalf of the counterparty), which can be adjusted by any mark-to-market gains or losses pursuant to bilateral or centrally cleared arrangements. For centrally cleared swaps the daily change in valuation, if any, is recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin.
The Funds collateralize swap agreements with cash and certain securities as indicated on the Portfolios of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities of the Funds, respectively. Such collateral is held for the benefit of the counterparty in a segregated account at the Custodian to protect the counterparty against non-payment by the Funds. The Funds do not net collateral. In the event of a default by the counterparty, the Funds will seek release of this collateral and may incur certain costs exercising their rights with respect to the collateral. Amounts expected to be owed by the Funds are regularly collateralized either directly with the Funds or in a segregated account at the Custodian.
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 to the extent that posted collateral, if any, is insufficient. The Funds will enter into swap agreements only with large, well-capitalized and established financial institutions. The creditworthiness of each of the firms that is counterparty to a swap agreement is monitored by the Adviser. The financial statements of these counterparties may be available by accessing the SECs website, at www.sec.gov.
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (ISDA Master Agreements) govern OTC financial derivative transactions entered into by the Funds and those counterparties. The ISDA Master
19
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
Agreements maintain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreements. Any election to early terminate could be material to the financial statements.
During the normal course of business, the Funds purchase and sell various financial instruments, which may result in market, credit and liquidity risks, the amount of which is not apparent from the financial statements.
Security Transactions and Related Income – Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized on securities purchased over the lives of the respective securities using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains or losses from sales of securities are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds. Foreign withholding tax is recorded as incurred or known, in accordance with the Funds understanding of the applicable countrys tax rules and rates.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly for the Low Volatility Fund and the Unconstrained Fund; and annually for the Active Advantage Fund. Distributable net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and distributed annually in December. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains are recorded on ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are considered either temporary (i.e., deferred losses, capital loss carryforwards) or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets, results from operations or net asset value per share of the Funds.
Federal Income Tax – It is each Funds policy to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed each Funds tax positions and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for the open tax years 2022 – 2024 or expected to be taken in all the Funds 2025 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments; however, the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.
The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.
Expenses – Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific Fund are charged to that Fund. Expenses which are not readily identifiable to a specific fund are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the funds in the Trust.
Indemnification – The Trust indemnifies its officers and trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. Each Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities appears to be remote.
20
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
3. | INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS |
For the six months ended March 31, 2025, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term investments and derivatives amounted to $326,400,060 and $367,424,696 for the Low Volatility Fund, $43,382,450 and $40,832,439 for the Active Advantage Fund and $6,470,030 and $8,501,640 for the Unconstrained Fund.
4. | OFFSETTING OF FINANCIAL AND DERIVATIVE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
The Funds policy is to recognize a gross asset or liability equal to the unrealized gain/(loss) for futures and swap contracts. During the six months ended March 31, 2025 the Funds were subject to a master netting arrangement for the swap and futures contracts. The following table shows additional information regarding the offsetting of assets and liabilities at March 31, 2025.
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Not Offset in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
the Statements of Assets & | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amount | Gross Amounts | Net Amounts of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized in the | Offset in the | Assets Presented | Cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of | Statements of | in the Statements of | Financial | Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Description | Assets & Liabilities | Assets & Liabilities | Assets & Liabilities | Instruments | Received | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||
Swaps Contracts - OTC | $ | 624,524 | $ | — | $ | 624,524 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 624,524 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 624,524 | $ | — | $ | 624,524 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 624,524 | ||||||||||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Assets & Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts | Net Amounts of | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts | Offset in the | Liabilities Presented in | ||||||||||||||||||||||
of Recognized | Statements of | the Statements of | Financial | Cash Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Description | Liabilities | Assets & Liabilities | Assets & Liabilities | Instruments | Pledged | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||
Futures Contracts | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | — | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | — | $ | 7,820 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Total | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | — | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | — | $ | 7,820 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Assets & | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amount | Gross Amounts | Net Amounts of Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized in the | Offset in the | Presented in the | Cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of | Statements of | Statements of Assets & | Financial | Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
Description | Assets & Liabilities | Assets & Liabilities | Liabilities | Instruments | Received | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||
Swaps Contracts - OTC | $ | 43,705 | $ | — | $ | 43,705 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 43,705 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 43,705 | $ | — | $ | 43,705 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 43,705 |
21
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
Impact of Derivatives on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Operations
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2025:
Derivative Investment Type | Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
Swap Contracts | Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swaps |
Futures Contracts | Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures |
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Funds derivative contracts as of March 31, 2025:
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | ||||||||
Asset (Liability) Derivatives Investment Value | ||||||||
Total as of | ||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Equity Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Total Return Swaps | $ | 624,524 | $ | 624,524 | ||||
Total | $ | 624,524 | $ | 624,524 | ||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | ||||||||
Asset (Liability) Derivatives Investment Value | ||||||||
Total as of | ||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Equity Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Futures Contracts * | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | (7,820 | ) | ||
Total | $ | (7,820 | ) | $ | (7,820 | ) | ||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | ||||||||
Asset (Liability) Derivatives Investment Value | ||||||||
Total as of | ||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Equity Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Swaps | $ | 43,705 | $ | 43,705 | ||||
Total | $ | 43,705 | $ | 43,705 |
* | Represents cumulative appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds Statements of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2025:
Derivative Investment Type | Location of Gain/Loss on Derivative | |
Swaps/Futures | Net realized gain (loss) from Swaps | |
Net realized gain (loss) from Futures | ||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Swaps | ||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Futures |
22
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
The following is a summary of the Funds realized gain/(loss) on derivative investments recognized in the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the six months ended March 31, 2025:
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | ||||||||
Realized loss on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations | ||||||||
Interest Rate | Total for the Six Months Ended | |||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Swaps | $ | (3,063,327 | ) | $ | (3,063,327 | ) | ||
Futures | (331,108 | ) | (331,108 | ) | ||||
Total | $ | (3,394,435 | ) | $ | (3,394,435 | ) | ||
Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations | ||||||||
Interest Rate | Total for the Six Months Ended | |||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Swaps | $ | 335,190 | $ | 335,190 | ||||
Futures | 54,193 | 54,193 | ||||||
Total | $ | 389,383 | $ | 389,383 | ||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | ||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations | ||||||||
Total for the Six Months Ended | ||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Equity Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Swaps | $ | (16,504 | ) | $ | (16,504 | ) | ||
Futures | 111,274 | 111,274 | ||||||
Total | $ | 94,770 | $ | 94,770 | ||||
Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations | ||||||||
Total for the Six Months Ended | ||||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Equity Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Futures | $ | (138,120 | ) | $ | (138,120 | ) | ||
Total | $ | (138,120 | ) | $ | (138,120 | ) | ||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | ||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations | ||||||||
Interest Rate | Total for the Six Months Ended | |||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Swaps | $ | (27,660 | ) | $ | (27,660 | ) | ||
Futures | (11,504 | ) | (11,504 | ) | ||||
Total | $ | (39,164 | ) | $ | (39,164 | ) | ||
Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations | ||||||||
Interest Rate | Total for the Six Months Ended | |||||||
Derivative Investment Type | Risk | March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Swaps | $ | (54,778 | ) | $ | (54,778 | ) | ||
Futures | 1,860 | 1,860 | ||||||
Total | $ | (52,918 | ) | $ | (52,918 | ) |
The notional value of the derivative instruments outstanding as of March 31, 2025 as disclosed in the Portfolios of Investments and the amounts realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments during the period as disclosed above and within the Statements of Operations serve as indicators of the volume of derivative activity for the Funds.
23
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
5. | RISKS |
Market Risk: Market risk is the risk that changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates or equity prices will affect the positions held by the Funds. The Funds are exposed to market risk on financial instruments that are valued at market prices as disclosed in the Portfolios of Investments. The prices of derivative instruments, including swaps and futures prices, can be highly volatile. Price movements of derivative contracts in which the Funds assets may be invested are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies. The Funds are exposed to market risk on derivative contracts in that the Funds may not be able to readily dispose of its holdings when they choose and also that the price obtained on disposal is below that at which the investment is included in Funds financial statements. All financial instruments are recognized at fair value, and all changes in market conditions directly affect net income. A Funds investments in derivative instruments are exposed to market risk and are disclosed in the portfolio of investments.
Counterparty Risk: The Funds may invest in derivative instruments (the Product) issued for the Funds including by Barclays Capital, Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. (collectively, Counterparties). If Counterparties become insolvent, each may not be able to make any payments under the Product and a Fund may lose their capital invested in the Product. A decline in Counterparties financial standing is likely to reduce the market value of the Product and therefore the price a Fund may receive for the Product if sold it in the market.
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk is the risk that a Fund will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments. Liquidity risk may result in an inability to sell investments quickly at close to fair value. As a result, the Funds may not be able to quickly liquidate their investments in these instruments at an amount close to their fair value in order to meet its liquidity requirements. The Funds do not anticipate any material losses as a result of liquidity risk.
6. | INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES |
The business activities of the Funds are overseen by the Board, which is responsible for the overall management of the Funds. Advisors Preferred, LLC, serves as investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser has engaged Spectrum Financial, Inc. to serve as the sub-adviser to the Funds. The sub-adviser fees are the responsibility of the Adviser.
Pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Funds, the Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, directs the daily operations of the Funds and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. As compensation for its services and the related expenses borne by the Adviser, the Funds pay the Adviser an advisory fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 2.15% of the average daily net assets for both Spectrum Low Volatility Fund and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund and 1.50% of the average daily net assets for the Spectrum Active Advantage Fund. The Adviser, not the Fund, pays the Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Advisor earned $2,268,810, $72,531, and $77,743 for Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund, respectively, in advisory fees for the six months ended March 31, 2025.
Pursuant to a liquidity program administrator agreement with the Funds, the Adviser, provides a liquidity program administrator who, directs the operations of the Funds liquidity risk management program. As compensation for its services and the related expenses borne by the Adviser, the Funds pay the Adviser out of pocket expenses and an annual fee of $9,000 per Fund. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive the liquidity program administration fee for the Active Advantage Fund and the Unconstrained Fund. Pursuant to the liquidity program administrator agreement, the Adviser earned (net of voluntary waivers) $4,500, $0 and $0 for Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund, respectively, in fees for the six months ended March 31, 2025.
24
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (UFS), provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agent services to the Trust. Pursuant to a separate servicing agreement with UFS, the Funds pay UFS customary fees for providing administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Funds. Under the terms of the Funds agreement with UFS, UFS pays for certain operating expenses of the Funds. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of UFS and are not paid any fees directly by the Funds for serving in such capacities.
In addition, certain affiliates of UFS provide ancillary services to the Funds as follows:
Blu Giant, LLC (Blu Giant) Blu Giant, an affiliate of UFS, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Funds on an ad-hoc basis. These expenses are the responsibility of UFS.
The Funds pay Ceros Financial Services Inc. (the Distributor) to provide compensation for ongoing servicing related activities or services and/or maintenance of the Investor Class accounts, not otherwise required to be provided by the Adviser. For the six months ended March 31, 2025, the Funds paid $42,208, $1,451 and $1,085 for Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund, respectively, which was paid out to brokers and dealers.
During the six months ended March 31, 2025, Ceros Financial Services, Inc. (Ceros), a registered broker/dealer and an affiliate of the Adviser, executed trades on behalf of the Funds. Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund paid trade commissions of $150, $6,746, and $40 to Ceros, respectively. Any 12b-1 fees received by Ceros related to a Funds investment in another Fund are returned to the respective Fund.
Each Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust or Advisor is compensated at a rate of $72,000 per year plus $2,500 minimum per meeting for certain special meetings, which varies based on the matters submitted, as well as for reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred attending the meetings, paid quarterly. These fees are borne by the Adviser. The interested persons who serve as Trustees of the Trust receive no compensation for their services as Trustees. None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust. Interested trustees of the Trust are also officers or employees of the Advisor and its affiliates.
7. | AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION – TAX BASIS |
The identified cost of investments in securities owned by each Fund for federal income tax purposes including futures and swaps, and its respective gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation at March 31, 2025, were as follows:
Gross | Net Unrealized | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized | Gross Unrealized | Appreciation | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Tax Cost | Appreciation | (Depreciation) | (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | $ | 218,249,628 | $ | 98,941 | $ | (223,671 | ) | $ | (124,730 | ) | ||||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | 9,312,726 | 65,018 | (60,073 | ) | 4,945 | |||||||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | 5,765,812 | 16,117 | (660 | ) | 15,457 |
25
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
8. | DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL |
The tax character of fund distributions paid for the years ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023 were as follows:
For the year ended September 30, 2024: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | Return | Tax-exempt | |||||||||||||||||
Portfolio | Income | Capital Gains | of Capital | Income | Total | |||||||||||||||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | $ | 9,574,095 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 177,684 | $ | 9,751,779 | ||||||||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | 148,598 | — | — | — | 148,598 | |||||||||||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | 265,613 | — | — | — | 265,613 | |||||||||||||||
For the period ended September 30, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | Return | Tax-exempt | |||||||||||||||||
Portfolio | Income | Capital Gains | of Capital | Income | Total | |||||||||||||||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | $ | 3,033,973 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,033,973 | ||||||||||
Spectrum Advisors Preferred Fund | — | — | 72,303 | — | 72,303 | |||||||||||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | 76,767 | — | — | — | 76,767 |
As of September 30, 2024, the components of distributable earnings/ (accumulated deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed | Undistributed | Post October Loss | Capital Loss | Other | Unrealized | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | and | Carry | Book/Tax | Appreciation/ | Distributable Earning/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio | Income | Capital Gains | Late Year Loss | Forwards | Differences | (Depreciation) | (Accumulated Deficit) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | $ | 11,523,386 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | 3,464,702 | $ | 14,988,088 | |||||||||||||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | 19,729 | — | — | (4,846,146 | ) | — | 130,718 | (4,695,699 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | 107,978 | — | — | (703,163 | ) | — | 184,425 | (410,760 | ) |
The difference between book basis and tax basis undistributed net investment income/(loss), accumulated net realized gain/(loss), and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, and mark-to-market on open futures.
On September 30, 2024, the Funds had capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes available to offset future capital gains as follows:
Portfolio | Short-Term | Long-Term | Total | CLCF Utilized | ||||||||||||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,662,394 | ||||||||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | 3,410,682 | 1,435,464 | 4,846,146 | 533,149 | ||||||||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | 690,658 | 12,505 | 703,163 | 178,174 |
During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2024, certain of the Funds utilized tax equalization which is the use of earnings and profits distributions to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to use of tax equalization credits, resulted in reclassifications for the year ended September 30, 2024, as follows:
Paid In | Accumulated | |||||||
Portfolio | Capital | Earnings (Losses) | ||||||
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund | $ | 734,781 | $ | (734,781 | ) | |||
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund | — | — | ||||||
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund | — | — |
26
Spectrum Funds |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
9. | CONTROL OWNERSHIP |
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates presumption of control of the fund pursuant to Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of March 31, 2025, National Financial Services LLC held approximately 58%, 92% and 99% of the Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund, respectively, and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. held approximately 33% of the Spectrum Low Volatility Fund. The Funds have no knowledge as to whether any beneficial owner included in these nominee accounts holds more than 25% of the voting shares of the Funds.
10. | UNDERLYING INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANY |
The Active Advantage Fund currently invests greater than 25% of its net assets in the corresponding investment below. The Fund may redeem its investment from the investment at any time if the Advisor or Sub-Advisor determines that it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to do so. The performance of the Active Advantage Fund will be directly affected by the performance of the investment. The financial statements of the investment, including the schedule of investments, can be found at the Securities and Exchange Commissions website www.sec.gov and should be read in conjunction with the Funds financial statements. At March 31, 2025, the Fund was invested in the following:
Investment | Percentage of Net Assets |
AQR Equity Market Neutral Fund, Class R6 | 29.6% |
11. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.
27
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies will be available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-862-9686 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) website at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, within sixty days after the end of the period. Form N-PORT reports are available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The information on Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-862-9686.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR |
Advisors Preferred LLC |
1445 Research Blvd., Suite 530 |
Rockville, Maryland 20850 |
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISOR |
Spectrum Financial, Inc. |
272 Bendix Road Suite 600 |
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 |
ADMINISTRATOR |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 |
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 |
Spectrum Funds |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
March 31, 2025 |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.
Proxy Disclosures
Not applicable.
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers and Others
Refer to the financial statements included herein.
Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
Approval of Renewal of the Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund, and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund
At an in-person meeting held on May 23, 2024 (the Meeting) the Board of Trustees (the Board), of Advisors Preferred Trust (the Trust), including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons (the Independent Trustees), as such term is defined under Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) between Advisors Preferred, LLC (the Adviser) and the Trust, on behalf of Spectrum Low Volatility Fund, Spectrum Active Advantage Fund, and Spectrum Unconstrained Fund (together the Spectrum Funds); and the renewal of the sub-advisory agreement (the Sub-Advisory Agreement) between the Adviser and Spectrum Financial, Inc. (Spectrum Financial) (the Sub-Adviser).
The Board then reviewed and discussed the written materials that were provided by Advisors Preferred, LLC and Spectrum Financial in advance of the Meeting and deliberated on the renewal of the Advisory Agreements with respect to Spectrum Funds. The Board members relied upon the advice of independent legal counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements with respect to Spectrum Funds. The Board conducted some of their deliberations on a joint basis for the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser given the close working relationship of the Adviser and Sub-Adviser.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services provided, the Board reviewed the Advisers Form ADV, and the Sub-Advisers Form ADV, a description of the manner in which investment decisions, including asset allocation, sector selection, and trade execution are made for each Spectrum Fund by the Sub-Adviser, a description of the services provided by the Adviser and those services provided by the Sub-Adviser and those executed by the Adviser. The Board reviewed the experience of professional personnel from both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser performing services for the Spectrum Funds, including the team of individuals that primarily monitor and execute the investment and administration process, and the respective portfolio managers. Further the Board reviewed a certification from each of the Adviser and Sub-Adviser certifying that each has adopted a Code of Ethics containing provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons, as that term is defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, from engaging in conduct prohibited by Rule 17j-1(b) and noted that each of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers
Spectrum Funds |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)(Continued) |
March 31, 2025 |
have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating such Code of Ethics.
Advisors Preferred: The Board reviewed the balance sheet of the Adviser as of March 31, 2024, and the profit and loss statement for January through March 31, 2024. The Board also reviewed the audited financials of the Adviser as of December 31, 2023. The Adviser reported $1.7 billion in total assets under management in active mutual funds and Ms. Ayers-Rigsby noted the commitment from Adviser to grow assets and fees as discussed earlier.
The Board discussed the Advisers compliance program with the CCO of the Trust. The Board considered that the CCO of the Trust also serves as CCO of the Adviser and acknowledged they are confident in her abilities with respect to both positions. The Trustees were comfortable that if a conflict of interest were to arise, counsel would be called upon for a solution. The Board noted that the Adviser continues to have in place procedures which are currently working to prevent violations of applicable securities laws. The CCO confirmed that she has the support and resources to ensure the compliance procedures of the Trust are updated in accordance with current SEC rules. The Board considered that the cybersecurity risk of the Adviser is managed by Sikich LLP with no data breaches reported. The Board discussed the overall technology of the Adviser with the CCO. The Adviser confirmed adequate Professional Liability Insurance is in place, including $2 million for the Independent Directors. Mr. Bridgeport noted the Board had previously reviewed the business continuity plan for the Adviser. The Board concluded that the Adviser has qualified professionals, resources, and compliance policies essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreements. The Board reviewed financial statements of the Adviser and concluded it has sufficient financial resources to fulfill it Trust-related obligations, based in part on a representation that the Adviser has access to additional capital, as needed.
Spectrum Financial: The Board reviewed the income statement of Spectrum Financial for the four months ended April 30, 2024 and the balance sheet as of April 30, 2024 and found the Sub-Adviser financially adequate to continue to service the three Spectrum Funds. The Board concluded that Spectrum Financial is sufficiently financially sound to continue to serve as sub-adviser to the Spectrum Funds.
The Board confirmed with the Advisers CCO that she works with the CCO of Spectrum Financial, and she had reviewed the policies and procedures manual of Spectrum Financial, including their latest revisions and business continuity plans. The Board confirmed the cybersecurity risk management is the responsibility of the compliance and IT teams of Spectrum Financial, and that there were no reported breaches. The Board noted that Spectrum Financial does have Directors & Officers Errors & Omissions Liability insurance
The Board determined that Spectrum Financial has a compliance program in place that is reasonably designed to prevents violation of the applicable federal securities laws. The Board noted they are familiar with the portfolio managers of the Sub-Adviser and their qualifications in managing the Spectrum Funds.
Performance. The Board considered that the Adviser delegates day-to-day investment decisions to the Sub-Adviser and, therefore, does not directly control the performance of the Spectrum Funds. The Board considered the Advisers other responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, including with respect to trade oversight, reviewing daily positions and balance reports for the Spectrum Funds, obtaining derivative agreements for the Spectrum Funds and reporting to the Board. The Trustees concluded that
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March 31, 2025 |
the Adviser appears to be properly and reasonably monitoring the Sub-Advisers adherence to each Spectrum Funds investment objectives and appears to be carrying out its functions appropriately.
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund: The Board considered the Funds performance as compared to a benchmark index and the Funds Morningstar category, Nontraditional Bond. The Board reviewed one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods ended March 31, 2024. They noted the Fund outperformed the Morningstar Nontraditional Bond category for the one-, three- five- and ten-year periods. The Board recognized the Fund seeks risk adjusted returns, and therefore lagged the S&P 500 Index for the same periods. The Board concluded that performance was satisfactory, and that with Adviser oversight, Spectrum Financial was expected to continue to obtain an acceptable level of investment returns for shareholders over the long term.
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund: The Board recognized the Funds performance has been below expectations and trailed both the Morningstar Tactical Allocation category and the S&P 500 Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods and since inception ended March 31, 2024 for the S&P 500 Index. The Board discussed the Funds signal-driven short-term and intermediate term strategies focusing on various equity sectors. The sub-adviser discussed how the Fund invests through stock index futures and swaps on sectors represented in ETFs and beta stock baskets. The Board concluded that the Active Advantages performance was disappointing and agreed with the sub-advisers decision to revisit the Funds performance at year end December 31, 2024 and evaluate the future for the Fund under the current investment strategy with refinements. In spite of lagging performance, the Trustees concluded it was nonetheless acceptable to re-evaluate the Funds performance at calendar year end.
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund: The Board considered the Funds performance as compared to Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index and the Funds Morningstar category, Nontraditional Bond for the one-year, and since inception periods ended March 31, 2024. Discussion followed with respect to the Fund outperforming its benchmark for both periods and slightly lagging its Morningstar category for the one-year period. The Fund has a short performance history, and the sub-adviser believes in its proven techniques for the concept of highly leveraged positions, and that in the right economic environment, the Fund will quicky move to positive above peer group returns. The Board decided to continue to monitor the Funds performance in the long term but concluded it was acceptable.
Fees and Expenses: As to the costs of the services provided to each Spectrum Fund by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, respectively, the Board reviewed and discussed the advisory fee and total operating expenses of each Spectrum Fund compared to its peer group and Morningstar category as presented in the Meeting Materials. The Board acknowledged that the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser directly consistent with agreements in effect.
Spectrum Low Volatility Fund: The Board noted that the Funds investment strategy did not lend itself to a single Morningstar category and the advisory fee of 2.15% for Low Volatility was above the above range for the Morningstar Nontraditional Bond, Tactical Allocation, and Macro Trading Categories. The Board also compared the advisory fee to Morningstar Systematic Trend category and found it well below the maximum advisory fees in the category. The Board noted that the Fund does not easily fit within a single category because of its wide-ranging strategy. The Trustees considered that of the 2.15% advisory fee, the sub-adviser receives 1.80%, lower than the fees it charges separately managed accounts. The Trustees
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discussed net expenses of 2.62% for Investor Class shares and found it was slightly above the maximum net expense for the Morningstar Nontraditional Bond and Macro Trading same class categories. With respect to the Morningstar Tactical Allocation and Systematic Trend categories, the Funds net expenses were found by the Board to be below the reasonable maximum net expense. With regards to Advisor Class shares, the Board noted the net expense ratio of 2.87% was below the reasonable maximum net fees for Morningstar Tactical Allocation and Systematic Trend A Class categories, yet above the range for Morningstar Nontraditional Bond Tactical Allocation, and Macro Trading A Class categories.
Spectrum Active Advantage Fund: The Board noted that the Funds investment strategy did not lend itself to a single Morningstar category and the advisory fee of 1.50% for Active Advantage was within the reasonable range of fees for the Morningstar Macro Trading, Tactical Allocation, Nontraditional Bond and Systematic Trend Category. The Trustees noted that the Fund does not easily fit within a single category because of its specific strategy. The Board acknowledged that of the 1.50% advisory fee, the Sub-Adviser is paid 1.15% directly from the adviser. The Board discussed net expenses of 1.83% for Investor Class shares and found them within the reasonable range for the Morningstar Tactical Allocation, Macro Trading, Nontraditional Bond and Systematic Trend Institutional Class categories.
Spectrum Unconstrained Fund: The Board noted that the Funds investment strategy did not lend itself to a single Morningstar category and the advisory fee of 2.15% for Unconstrained Fund was above range for the Morningstar Nontraditional Bond, Tactical Allocation, and Macro Trading categories. The Board found the advisory fee within range and below the reasonable maximum advisory fee for the Morningstar Systematic Trend category. The Trustees noted that the Fund does not easily fit within a single category because of its wide-ranging strategy. The Board acknowledge the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser directly 1.80% from the advisory fee it receives. The Trustees discussed net expenses of 2.75% for Investor Class shares and found it was above range for the Morningstar Nontraditional Bond and Macro Trading Institutional class category. However, the Board discussed that the net expenses were within the reasonable range, and below the maximum in the Tactical Allocation and Systematic Trend Morningstar Institutional class categories.
Profitability of Adviser. The Board reviewed the levels of profits to Spectrum Financial for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 from each Spectrum Fund with respect to advisory fees and from the total relationship with each Fund. They considered whether profits from each Spectrum Fund were reasonable in light of services provided, including the assets levels and payments to the sub-adviser. The Board considered the split with Spectrum Financial to be reasonable for the services provided. The Board concluded the Adviser having excess profits from advising the Spectrum Funds is not a concern.
Spectrum Low Volatility, Active Advantage and Unconstrained Funds: In discussion and review of the profitability statement from the Adviser with respect to the Spectrum Funds, the Board considered the split between the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. The Board noted that the Adviser was slightly profitable from Low Volatility (4%), modestly profitability from Active Advantage (17%) and Unconstrained (10%) in Advisory Fees earned. The Board acknowledged that when taking into consideration the Advisers total relationship with the Funds, the profitability was 4%, 16%, and 10% respectively from Low Volatility, Active Advantage and Unconstrained. The Trustees discussed the commission earned on Fund portfolio transactions by the Advisers affiliate as part of the total relationship. The Board concluded that the
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Adviser realized relatively low profits from its services to the Funds and therefore, excessive profits are not of concern at this time.
Profitability of Sub-Adviser: The Board reviewed the Levels of profit to Spectrum Financial for the year ended September 30, 2023. The Board reviewed the profitability reports submitted by Spectrum Financial, and sub-advisory fees received of 1.80%, 1.15%, and 1.80% of average net assets, respectively from Low Volatility, Active Advantage and Unconstrained. The Board noted that Spectrum Financial made a 62% profit from Low Volatility, a 63% profit from Active Advantage, and a 68% profit from Unconstrained for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The Board concluded that Spectrum Financials profits were reasonable entrepreneurial profits for services provided to the Funds. The Board discussed a joint revenue sharing agreement in place between the Adviser and Spectrum Financial allowing for payments to individuals for raising assets for the Funds. Ms. Ayers-Rigsby noted the agreement has been updated to accommodate the current market conditions for distributing the Funds shares. She also noted the agreement includes Hundredfold Select. The Board concluded that excess profits for the Sub-Adviser with respect to each of Low Volatility, Active Advantage and Unconstrained is currently not a concern, but profit margins are near the upper end of court reviewed profit margins, and they will monitor profits from each Fund as assets continue to grow.
The Board, in consultation with counsel noted that current court rulings with respect to profitability suggest up to or even over a 70% profit margin for any adviser or sub-adviser could be acceptable and not considered excessive.
Economies of Scale. As to the extent to which the Spectrum Funds will realize economies of scale, the Adviser reported an estimate of $500 million per Fund to be the minimum asset level required to reach such economies of scale and that some Funds may not achieve economies of scale as they may face capacity issues under certain investment strategies. The Board discussed the Advisers expectations for the growth in net assets of each Spectrum Fund and concluded that any material economies of scale were not a concern at present assets levels. The Trustees noted economies of scale is an advisory agreement concern and is not a consideration for approval of any sub-advisory agreements. The Board agreed to revisit economies of scale as assets of the Funds continue to grow.
Conclusion. Counsel assisted the Board throughout the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement review process. The Board members relied upon the advice of counsel, and their own business judgment, in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement. In considering the approval, the Board noted that each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in reaching his conclusions with respect to the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies Not applicable
Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. Included under Item 7
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. Included under Item 7
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None
Item 16. Controls and Procedures
(a) The registrants Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-(2) under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of this report on Form N-CSR.
(b) There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
Item 19. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable
(a)(2) Not applicable
(a)(3) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)): Attached hereto.
(a)(4) Not applicable
(b) Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)): Attached hereto
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) Advisors Preferred Trust
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Catherine Ayers-Rigsby |
Catherine Ayers-Rigsby, Principal Executive Officer/President |
Date | 6/2/25 |
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/ Catherine Ayers-Rigsby |
Catherine Ayers-Rigsby, Principal Executive Officer/President |
Date | 6/2/25 |
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Christine Casares |
Christine Casares, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer |
Date | 6/2/25 |