N-CSRS 1 easterlyfunds_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

 

 

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 811-23611

 

James Alpha Funds Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

515 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Emile R. Molineaux

80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 888-814-8180

 

 

Date of fiscal year end: 8/31

 

Date of reporting period: 2/29/2024

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

(LOGO) 

 

JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST d/b/a EASTERLY FUNDS TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS A, C, I AND R6 SHARES

 

 

 

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THIS REPORT IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION ONLY TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TO OTHERS WHO
HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE PROSPECTUS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easterly Global Real Estate Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

The Fund’s performance figures* for the six months ended February 29, 2024, as compared to its benchmark:

 

      Annualized Annualized Annualized Annualized Annualized Annualized
  Six Months One Year Five Year Ten Year Since Inception (a) Since Inception (b) Since Inception (c) Since Inception (d)
Class A 1.97% (0.86)% 1.71% 4.27% 6.82% n/a n/a n/a
Class A With Load (3.89)% (6.54)% 0.51% 3.66% 6.38% n/a n/a n/a
Class C 1.59% (1.65)% 0.94% 3.53% n/a 5.79% n/a n/a
Class I 2.15% (0.55)% 2.10% 4.73% n/a n/a 5.89% n/a
Class R6 2.19% (0.40)% 2.25% n/a n/a n/a n/a 3.37%
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Net Index (e) 3.80% 1.54% 0.75% 3.64% 5.99% 5.81% 4.59% 2.05%

 

Performance data quoted above is historical. Past performance does not guarantee future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that shares when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For more performance numbers current to the most recent month-end please call (833) 999-2636. The total operating expense ratio as stated in the fee table to the Fund’s prospectus dated December 31, 2023, is 1.42%, 2.17%, 1.17% and 1.17% for the A, C, I and R6 Classes, respectively.

 

(a)Inception date for Class A is October 26, 2009.

 

(b)Inception date for Class C is January 5, 2012.

 

(c)Inception date for Class I is August 1, 2011.

 

(d)Inception date for Class R6 is August 17, 2017.

 

(e)The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Net Index is designed to represent general trends in eligible real estate equities worldwide. Relevant real estate activities are defined as the ownership, disposure and development of income-producing real estate.

 

Top 10 Holdings by Country  % of Net Assets 
United States   46.4%
United Kingdom   14.0%
Hong Kong   7.6%
Cayman Islands   4.5%
Germany   4.4%
Japan   3.9%
Spain   2.9%
Bermuda   2.6%
Guernsey   2.0%
Singapore   1.8%
Other/Cash & Equivalents   9.9%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for a more detailed breakdown of the Fund’s assets.

1

 

Easterly Hedged Equity Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

The Fund’s performance figures* for the six months ended February 29, 2024, as compared to its benchmark:

 

      Annualized Annualized Annualized
  Six Months One Year Five Year Since Inception (a) Since Inception (b)
Class A 8.06% 15.45% 7.69% 5.92% n/a
Class A With Load 5.89% 13.10% 6.42% 5.19% n/a
Class C 7.59% 14.57% 6.80% 5.10% n/a
Class I 8.10% 15.70% 7.93% 6.25% n/a
Class R6 8.22% 15.92% 8.31% n/a 8.14%
S&P 500 Total Return Index (c) 13.93% 30.45% 14.76% 12.93% 13.98%

 

Performance data quoted above is historical. Past performance does not guarantee future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that shares when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For more performance numbers current to the most recent month-end please call (833) 999-2636. The total operating expense ratio as stated in the fee table to the Fund’s prospectus dated December 31, 2023, is 2.03%, 2.78%, 1.78% and 1.78% for the A, C, I and R6 Classes, respectively.

 

(a)Inception date for Class A, C and I is July 31, 2015.

 

(b)Inception date for Class R6 is August 17, 2017.

 

(c)The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged free-float capitalization-weighted index which measures the performance of 500 large-cap common stocks actively traded in the United States. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Investors may not invest in the Index directly. Unlike the Fund’s returns, the Index does not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

Top 10 Holdings by Security Type  % of Net Assets 
Exchange Traded Funds   89.4%
Put Options Purchased   1.0%
Put Options Written   (0.3)%
Call Options Written   (0.4)%
Other/Cash & Equivalents   10.3%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for a more detailed breakdown of the Fund’s assets.

2

 

EASTERLY GLOBAL REAL ESTATE FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 91.8%     
     Bermuda - 2.6%     
 3,335,447   Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.  $11,273,811 
           
     Canada - 0.3%     
 23,544   Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust   1,318,943 
           
     Cayman Islands - 4.5%     
 2,957,755   CK Asset Holdings Ltd.   13,605,757 
 4,003,464   ESR Group Ltd.   5,334,444 
 89,488   GDS Holdings Ltd. - ADR(a)   611,203 
         19,551,404 
     France - 1.4%     
 228,705   Klepierre S.A.   5,810,118 
           
     Germany - 4.4%     
 249,994   Deutsche Wohnen S.E.   5,160,904 
 1,371,793   Instone Real Estate Group S.E.   11,638,725 
 193,431   TAG Immobilien A.G.(a)   2,364,919 
         19,164,548 
     Guernsey - 2.0%     
 204,920   Shurgard Self Storage Ltd.   8,807,665 
           
     Hong Kong - 7.6%     
 5,453,225   Link REIT   27,040,443 
 587,614   Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.   5,912,743 
         32,953,186 
     Japan – 3.9%     
 891   Invincible Investment Corporation   365,853 
 20,261   Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation   9,822,911 
 2,367   Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park, Inc.   6,709,327 
         16,898,091 
     Singapore - 1.8%     
 3,873,317   Keppel DC REIT   4,898,991 
 2,609,628   Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust   2,622,017 
         7,521,008 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3

 

EASTERLY GLOBAL REAL ESTATE FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
February 29, 2024

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 91.8% (Continued)     
     Spain - 2.9%     
 351,053   Cellnex Telecom S.A.  $12,692,719 
           
     United Kingdom - 14.0%     
 15,931,344   Assura PLC   8,377,184 
 4,867,784   Empiric Student Property PLC   5,583,508 
 3,091,404   Grainger PLC   9,741,413 
 411,379   Great Portland Estates PLC   1,880,454 
 1,935,956   LondonMetric Property PLC   4,430,071 
 577,751   Segro PLC   6,179,606 
 7,035,000   Tritax Big Box REIT PLC   13,048,749 
 911,848   UNITE Group PLC (The)   11,072,770 
         60,313,755 
     United States - 46.4%     
 944,661   Acadia Realty Trust   15,482,994 
 73,100   Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.(b)   9,117,763 
 369,429   American Homes 4 Rent   13,672,567 
 30,921   American Tower Corporation   6,148,950 
 398,066   Brixmor Property Group, Inc.   9,000,272 
 125,954   Easterly Government Properties, Inc.   1,486,257 
 1,975,137   Ellington Financial, Inc.   22,378,302 
 83,581   Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.   5,626,673 
 21,986   Essex Property Trust, Inc.   5,087,560 
 842,606   Independence Realty Trust, Inc.   12,335,752 
 514,222   Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.   4,514,869 
 213,704   Kilroy Realty Corporation   8,097,245 
 12,271   Lamar Advertising Company   1,356,559 
 103,265   Prologis, Inc. (b)   13,762,127 
 692,494   Retail Opportunity Investments Corporation   8,953,947 
 57,000   Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   2,900,160 
 8,316   SBA Communications Corporation   1,739,957 
 128,229   Sun Communities, Inc.   17,151,911 
 560,566   UDR, Inc.   19,900,093 
 59,149   Ventas, Inc.   2,501,411 
 108,515   Veris Residential, Inc.   1,584,319 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4

 

EASTERLY GLOBAL REAL ESTATE FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
February 29, 2024

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 91.8% (Continued)     
     United States - 46.4% (Continued)     
 175,506   VICI Properties, Inc.  $5,252,895 
 154,684   Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   11,841,060 
         199,893,643 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $589,759,320)   396,198,891 
           
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 91.8% (Cost $589,759,320)  $396,198,891 
     CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN – (0.0)% (Premiums received - $86,271)   (130,290)
     OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 8.2%   35,292,757 
     NET ASSETS - 100.0%  $431,361,358 

 

Contracts(c)      Counterparty  Expiration Date  Exercise Price   Notional Value     
     WRITTEN EQUITY OPTIONS – (0.0)% (d)                     
     CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN – (0.0)%(d)                     
 731   Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.  RBC  03/15/2024  $130   $9,117,763   $109,650 
 516   Prologis, Inc.  RBC  03/15/2024   140    6,876,732    20,640 
     TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN (Premiums received - $86,271)         130,290 

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt
   
Ltd. - Limited Company
   
PLC - Public Limited Company
   
REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust
   
A.G. - Aktiengesellschaft
   
S.A. - Société Anonyme
   
S.E. - Societas Europeae
   
RBC - Royal Bank Of Canada

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)All or a portion of this security is held as collateral for written options.

 

(c)Each option contract allows the holder of the option to purchase or sell 100 shares of the underlying security.

 

(d)Percentage rounds to greater than (0.1%).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

5

 

EASTERLY GLOBAL REAL ESTATE FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
February 29, 2024

 

Forward Currency Contracts 
Units to
Receive/Deliver
      In Exchange For      US Dollar
Value
   Counterparty  Settlement
Date
  Unrealized
Appreciation/(Depreciation)
 
To Buy:                            
$1,108,101   EUR  $1,201,104   USD  $1,197,688   Brown Brothers Harriman  3/1/2024  $(3,416)
 5,069,906   GBP   6,420,124   USD   6,400,023   Brown Brothers Harriman  3/1/2024   (20,101)
                            (23,517)
To Sell:                            
$(7,773)  CAD  $(5,724)  USD  $(5,727)  Brown Brothers Harriman  3/1/2024  $(3)
 (205,818)  CAD   (151,580)  USD   (151,651)  Brown Brothers Harriman  3/4/2024   (71)
 (79,191,287)  HKD   (10,116,621)  USD   (10,114,489)  Brown Brothers Harriman  3/1/2024   2,132 
 (43,769,600)  JPY   (290,481)  USD   (291,963)  Brown Brothers Harriman  3/1/2024   (1,482)
                            576 
                              
                        Total:  $(22,941)

 

Currency Abbreviations:
 
CAD - Canadian Dollar
 
EUR - Euro
 
GBP - Great British Pound
 
HKD - Hong Kong Dollar
 
JPY - Japanes Yen
 
USD - U.S. Dollar

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

6

 

EASTERLY HEDGED EQUITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 89.4%     
     EQUITY - 89.4%     
 245,000   SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(a)  $124,479,600 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $96,093,814)     

 

Contracts(b)      Counterparty  Expiration Date  Exercise Price   Notional Value     
     INDEX OPTIONS PURCHASED - 1.0%            
     PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED - 1.0%         
 545   S&P 500 Index  PER  03/28/2024  $5,000   $277,746,715    1,441,525 
     TOTAL PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED (Cost - $1,873,698)       
                           
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 90.4% (Cost $97,967,512)    $125,921,125 
     CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN - (0.4)% (Premiums received - $809,751)     (585,000)
     PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN - (0.3)% (Premiums received - $532,151)     (354,250)
     OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES – 10.3%     14,295,991 
     NET ASSETS - 100.0%    $139,277,866 
             
Contracts(b)      Counterparty  Expiration Date  Exercise Price   Notional Value   Fair Value 
     WRITTEN INDEX OPTIONS - (0.3)%  
     PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN - (0.3)%       
 545   S&P 500 Index  PER  03/28/2024  $4,750   $277,746,715   $354,250 
     TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (Premiums received - $532,151)       
                           
     WRITTEN EQUITY OPTIONS - (0.4)%       
     CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN- (0.4)%       
 300   SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  PER  03/01/2024   505    15,242,400    109,500 
 750   SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  PER  03/01/2024   508    38,106,000    111,000 
 800   SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  PER  03/15/2024   515    40,646,400    160,000 
 500   SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  PER  03/28/2024   520    25,404,000    101,000 
 250   SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  PER  04/05/2024   517    12,702,000    103,500 
     TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN (Premiums received - $809,751)     585,000 
                           
     TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN (Premiums received - $1,341,902)    $939,250 

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund
   
SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt
   
PER - Pershing

 

(a)A portion of this security is held as collateral for written options.

 

(b)Each option contract allows the holder of the option to purchase or sell 100 shares of the underlying security.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

7

 

EASTERLY HEDGED EQUITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
February 29, 2024

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAP 
                                     
                               Upfront   Unrealized 
   Payment                 Number Of  Maturity  Notional   Payments/   Appreciation/ 
Description   Frequency   Long/Short   Currency   Index   Spread   Counterparty   Contracts   Date   Amount    Receipts    (Depreciation) 
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  Monthly  Long  USD  Federal Funds Rate  0.55%  Goldman Sachs  10,000  5/20/2024  $4,125,191   $   $798,876 
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  Monthly  Long  USD  Federal Funds Rate  0.55%  Goldman Sachs  67,500  8/21/2024   30,522,150        2,915,573 
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  Monthly  Long  USD  Federal Funds Rate  0.55%  Goldman Sachs  30,000  11/4/2024   12,752,682        2,237,418 
                                     $5,951,867 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

8

 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

   Easterly   Easterly 
   Global Real Estate   Hedged Equity 
   Fund   Fund 
Assets:          
Total Investments, at cost  $589,759,320   $97,967,512 
Total Investments, at value   396,198,891    125,921,125 
Cash   17,192,317    9,553,355 
Foreign Cash (Cost $441,614, $0)   442,315     
Unrealized appreciation on swaps       5,951,867 
Interest and dividends receivable   2,200,981    12,377 
Receivable for securities sold   26,594,989    96,897 
Receivable for fund shares sold   1,063,839    344,514 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   56,792    45,895 
Total Assets   443,750,124    141,926,030 
           
Liabilities:          
Due to Broker       1,378,616 
Options Written (premiums received $86,271, $1,341,902)   130,290    939,250 
Payable for securities purchased   10,941,338    103,654 
Payable to manager   264,282    95,322 
Payable for distribution (12b-1) fees   65,541    3,018 
Payable for fund shares redeemed   698,346    58,217 
Administration fees payable   89,223    40,308 
Trustee fees payable   1,151    1,426 
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts   22,941     
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   175,654    28,353 
Total Liabilities   12,388,766    2,648,164 
           
Net Assets  $431,361,358   $139,277,866 
           
Net Assets:          
Paid in capital   828,618,350    120,758,646 
Accumulated earnings (loss)   (397,256,992)   18,519,220 
Net Assets  $431,361,358   $139,277,866 
           
Net Asset Value Per Share          
Class A          
Net Assets  $48,366,822   $3,381,658 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding [$0 par value, unlimited shares authorized]   3,699,066    291,448 
Net asset value, redemption price per share  $13.08   $11.60 
Offering price per share (maximum sales charge of 5.75% and 5.75%, respectively)  $13.88   $12.31 
           
Class C          
Net Assets  $27,476,033   $1,089,210 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding [$0 par value, unlimited shares authorized]   2,092,687    96,556 
Net asset value, offering price per share (a)  $13.13   $11.28 
           
Class I          
Net Assets  $324,776,537   $133,916,999 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding [$0 par value, unlimited shares authorized]   23,460,728    11,329,755 
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share  $13.84   $11.82 
           
Class R6          
Net Assets  $30,741,966   $889,999 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding [$0 par value, unlimited shares authorized]   2,183,368    72,987 
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share  $14.08   $12.19 

 

(a)Redemption price per C share varies based on length of time shares are held.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

9

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024

 

   Easterly   Easterly 
   Global Real Estate   Hedged Equity 
   Fund   Fund 
Investment Income:          
Dividend income  $7,985,288   $808,429 
Interest income   430,032    66,879 
Less: Foreign withholding taxes   (162,284)    
Total Investment Income   8,253,036    875,308 
           
Operating Expenses:          
Management fees   2,023,466    778,955 
Distribution (12b-1) fees          
Class A Shares   64,035    4,179 
Class C Shares   151,216    3,387 
Shareholder servicing fees   255,672    51,745 
Administration fees   169,140    71,654 
Registration fees   37,444    24,779 
Custodian fees   35,189    11,106 
Printing and postage expense   31,179    5,984 
Legal fees   28,108    27,058 
Audit fees   20,902    9,514 
Trustees’ fees   9,113    9,058 
Insurance expense   8,057    2,033 
Compliance officer fees   3,989    3,989 
Interest Expense       51,692 
Miscellaneous expenses   6,714    2,803 
Total Operating Expenses   2,844,224    1,057,936 
Less: Expenses waived and/or reimbursed   (255,197)   (188,013)
Net Operating Expenses   2,589,027    869,923 
           
Net Investment Income   5,664,009    5,385 
           
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:          
Net realized gain (loss) from:          
Investments and Foreign currency transactions   (184,456,952)   4,750,741 
Options purchased       (12,264,920)
Options written   (3,761,391)   (267,948)
Swaps       198,430 
Net realized loss:   (188,218,343)   (7,583,697)
           
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:          
Investments and Foreign currency transactions   188,745,390    10,988,062 
Options purchased       1,226,369 
Options written   (44,019)   635,973 
Swaps       5,400,447 
Net change in unrealized appreciation   188,701,371    18,250,851 
           
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on investments   483,028    10,667,154 
           
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $6,147,037   $10,672,539 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

10

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Easterly   Easterly 
   Global Real Estate Fund   Hedged Equity Fund 
                 
   Six Months Ended   Year Ended   Six Months Ended   Year Ended 
   February 29, 2024   August 31, 2023   February 29, 2024   August 31, 2023 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Operations:                    
Net investment income  $5,664,009   $10,670,516   $5,385   $160,979 
Net realized loss on investments, options, swaps and foreign currency transactions   (188,218,343)   (19,429,146)   (7,583,697)   (490,313)
Net change in unrealized appreciation depreciation on investments, options, swaps and foreign currency transactions   188,701,371    (47,189,949)   18,250,851    10,764,470 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   6,147,037    (55,948,579)   10,672,539    10,435,136 
                     
Distributions to Shareholders:                    
Total Distributions Paid:                    
Class A   (547,742)   (2,994,528)   (6,841)   (52,730)
Class C   (182,058)   (1,532,971)   (1,457)   (9,205)
Class I   (3,891,773)   (18,980,290)   (302,056)   (1,701,742)
Class R6   (346,214)   (1,722,951)   (2,104)   (233,071)
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders   (4,967,787)   (25,230,740)   (312,458)   (1,996,748)
                     
Share Transactions of Beneficial Interest:                    
Beneficial Interest:                    
Net proceeds from shares sold                    
Class A   2,475,951    4,782,117    3,711,449    2,116,408 
Class C   134,934    1,088,594    592,631    158,993 
Class I   29,801,691    79,179,790    31,438,747    70,237,091 
Class R6   4,569,562    11,825,628    7,260    245,626 
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions                    
Class A   496,336    2,715,520    6,599    50,354 
Class C   168,642    1,412,599    1,457    9,204 
Class I   2,851,525    13,897,461    288,210    1,596,104 
Class R6   286,120    1,171,675    1,513    181,506 
Cost of shares redeemed                    
Class A   (11,454,108)   (37,528,473)   (3,925,045)   (583,456)
Class C   (7,157,078)   (15,121,168)   (21,976)   (99,271)
Class I   (85,327,155)   (228,192,330)   (21,077,914)   (28,314,246)
Class R6   (6,594,941)   (25,860,842)   (941,553)   (10,375,514)
                     
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions of beneficial interest   (69,748,521)   (190,629,429)   10,081,378    35,222,799 
                     
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (68,569,271)   (271,808,748)   20,441,459    43,661,187 
                     
Net Assets:                    
Beginning of period   499,930,629    771,739,377    118,836,407    75,175,220 
End of period  $431,361,358   $499,930,629   $139,277,866   $118,836,407 
                     
Share Activity                    
Shares sold                    
Class A   204,850    365,902    330,487    208,051 
Class C   10,812    81,935    54,811    15,453 
Class I   2,179,546    5,679,009    2,830,854    6,768,998 
Class R6   331,987    840,457    649    23,538 
Shares Reinvested                    
Class A   38,272    214,237    602    5,045 
Class C   12,726    110,770    137    940 
Class I   208,513    1,038,822    25,848    157,562 
Class R6   20,546    86,167    132    17,419 
Shares Redeemed                    
Class A   (904,062)   (2,924,600)   (350,324)   (56,444)
Class C   (564,995)   (1,137,526)   (2,113)   (9,940)
Class I   (6,441,238)   (16,475,176)   (1,860,646)   (2,711,746)
Class R6   (482,845)   (1,830,175)   (84,129)   (969,938)
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest   (5,385,888)   (13,950,178)   946,308    3,448,938 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

11

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a share outstanding throughout each year/period)
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund

 

   CLASS A 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $12.96   $14.56   $18.94   $15.56   $17.81   $18.73 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income (1)   0.14    0.20    0.14    0.11    0.19    0.09 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.11    (1.25)   (2.93)   4.85    (0.51)   0.65 
Total from investment operations   0.25    (1.05)   (2.79)   4.96    (0.32)   0.74 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income   (0.13)   (0.19)   (0.41)   (0.28)   (0.28)   (0.64)
Distributions from realized gains       (0.36)   (1.18)   (1.30)   (1.65)   (1.02)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.13)   (0.55)   (1.59)   (1.58)   (1.93)   (1.66)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $13.08   $12.96   $14.56   $18.94   $15.56   $17.81 
Total Return*   1.97%   (7.06)%   (16.03)%   33.47%   (1.93)%   4.67%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $48,367   $56,487   $97,639   $118,587   $88,222   $104,815 
Ratio of gross operating expenses to average net assets   1.42% (2)   1.42%   1.36%   1.51%   1.60%   1.60%
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets   1.42% (2)   1.42%   1.36%   1.51%   1.60%   1.60%
Ratio of net investment income after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   2.26% (2)   1.53%   0.80%   0.64%   1.16%   0.52%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   62% (3)   12%   116%   160%   187%   172%
                               
   CLASS C 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $13.00   $14.63   $19.06   $15.68   $17.95   $18.89 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income (loss) (1)   0.10    0.10    0.01    (0.02)   0.07    (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.11    (1.26)   (2.94)   4.89    (0.51)   0.65 
Total from investment operations   0.21    (1.16)   (2.93)   4.87    (0.44)   0.61 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income   (0.08)   (0.11)   (0.32)   (0.19)   (0.18)   (0.53)
Distributions from realized gains       (0.36)   (1.18)   (1.30)   (1.65)   (1.02)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.08)   (0.47)   (1.50)   (1.49)   (1.83)   (1.55)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $13.13   $13.00   $14.63   $19.06   $15.68   $17.95 
Total Return*   1.59%   (7.80)%   (16.64)%   32.51%   (2.62)%   3.87%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $27,476   $34,243   $52,362   $75,701   $65,907   $80,048 
Ratio of gross operating expenses to average net assets   2.17% (2)   2.17%   2.11%   2.26%   2.35%   2.37%
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets   2.17% (2)   2.17%   2.11%   2.26%   2.35%   2.37%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   1.51% (2)   0.79%   0.05%   (0.11)%   0.42%   (0.25)%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   62% (3)   12%   116%   160%   187%   172%

 

(1)Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(2)Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(3)Not annualized.

 

*Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and does not assume the effects of any sales charges. Aggregate (not annualized) total return is shown for any period shorter than one year. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or on the redemption of shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

12

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a share outstanding throughout each year/period)
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund

 

   CLASS I 
     
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $13.70   $15.34   $19.84   $16.19   $18.42   $19.29 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income (1)   0.18    0.27    0.20    0.18    0.28    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.11    (1.34)   (3.07)   5.08    (0.54)   0.66 
Total from investment operations   0.29    (1.07)   (2.87)   5.26    (0.26)   0.83 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income   (0.15)   (0.21)   (0.45)   (0.31)   (0.32)   (0.68)
Distributions from realized gains       (0.36)   (1.18)   (1.30)   (1.65)   (1.02)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.15)   (0.57)   (1.63)   (1.61)   (1.97)   (1.70)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $13.84   $13.70   $15.34   $19.84   $16.19   $18.42 
Total Return*   2.15%   (6.78)%   (15.74)%   34.06%   (1.51)%   5.06%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $324,777   $376,980   $571,664   $678,440   $544,432   $643,866 
Ratio of gross operating expenses to average net assets   1.17% (2)   1.17%   1.11%   1.26%   1.35%   1.33%
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets   1.04% (2)   1.04%   1.04%   1.12%   1.19%   1.19%
Ratio of net investment income after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   2.63% (2)   1.92%   1.12%   1.02%   1.68%   0.93%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   62% (3)   12%   116%   160%   187%   172%
                               
   CLASS R6 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $13.93   $15.56   $20.09   $16.35   $18.55   $19.35 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income (1)   0.19    0.29    0.23    0.22    0.31    0.22 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.11    (1.35)   (3.13)   5.13    (0.54)   0.69 
Total from investment operations   0.30    (1.06)   (2.90)   5.35    (0.23)   0.91 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income   (0.15)   (0.21)   (0.45)   (0.31)   (0.32)   (0.69)
Distributions from realized gains       (0.36)   (1.18)   (1.30)   (1.65)   (1.02)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.15)   (0.57)   (1.63)   (1.61)   (1.97)   (1.71)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $14.08   $13.93   $15.56   $20.09   $16.35   $18.55 
Total Return*   2.19%   (6.61)%   (15.69)%   34.29%   (1.32)%   5.44%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $30,742   $32,221   $50,074   $32,039   $31,355   $12,238 
Ratio of gross operating expenses to average net assets   1.17% (2)   1.17%   1.11%   1.26%   1.36%   1.33%
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets   0.94% (2)   0.94%   0.94%   0.97%   1.00%   0.88%
Ratio of net investment income after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   2.73% (2)   2.02%   1.30%   1.18%   1.86%   1.20%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   62% (3)   12%   116%   160%   187%   172%

 

(1)Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(2)Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(3)Not annualized.

 

*Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and does not assume the effects of any sales charges. Aggregate (not annualized) total return is shown for any period shorter than one year. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or on the redemption of shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

13

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a share outstanding throughout each year/period)
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund

 

   CLASS A 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $10.77   $9.99   $11.18   $10.83   $10.42   $10.80 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment loss (1)   (0.02)   (0.01)   (0.03)   (0.08)   (0.05)   (0.13)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.88    1.03    (0.06)   1.17    0.72    0.75 
Total from investment operations   0.86    1.02    (0.09)   1.09    0.67    0.62 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income           (1.10)   (0.74)       (0.31)
Distributions from realized gains   (0.03)   (0.24)           (0.26)   (0.69)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.03)   (0.24)   (1.10)   (0.74)   (0.26)   (1.00)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $11.60   $10.77   $9.99   $11.18   $10.83   $10.42 
Total Return*   7.96%+   10.45%   (1.17)%   10.67%   6.56%   6.26%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $3,382   $3,348   $1,538   $1,899   $1,537   $519 
Ratio of gross operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (2)   1.87% (6)   1.95%   2.02%   2.04%   2.07%   2.22%
Ratio of net operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (3)   1.58% (6)   1.61%   1.54%   2.04%   2.01%   2.20%
Ratio of net investment loss (including dividend and interest expense) after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   (0.29)% (6)   (0.14)%   (0.33)%   (0.73)%   (0.44)%   (1.28)%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   25% (7)   12%   23%   44%   173%   245%
                               
   CLASS C 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $10.51   $9.82   $10.90   $10.57   $10.28   $10.66 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment loss (1)   (0.06)   (0.08)   (0.10)   (0.14)   (0.14)   (0.18)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.86    1.01    (0.08)   1.12    0.69    0.72 
Total from investment operations   0.80    0.93    (0.18)   0.98    0.55    0.54 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income           (0.90)   (0.65)       (0.23)
Distributions from realized gains   (0.03)   (0.24)           (0.26)   (0.69)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.03)   (0.24)   (0.90)   (0.65)   (0.26)   (0.92)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $11.28   $10.51   $9.82   $10.90   $10.57   $10.28 
Total Return*   7.59%   9.70%   (1.95)%   9.77%   5.47% +   5.51% +
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $1,089   $460   $366   $746   $1,781   $524 
Ratio of gross operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (4)   2.62% (6)   2.70%   2.77%   2.68%   2.81%   2.96%
Ratio of net operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (5)   2.33% (6)   2.36%   2.29%   2.68%   2.94%   2.96%
Ratio of net investment loss (including dividend and interest expense) after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   (1.13)% (6)   (0.81)%   (1.02)%   (1.31)%   (1.36)%   (1.74)%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   25% (7)   12%   23%   44%   173%   245%

 

(1)Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(2)Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class A:

 

    1.79% (6)    1.84%   1.99%   1.99%   2.05%   2.19%

 

(3)Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class A:

 

    1.50% (6)   1.50%   1.51%   1.99%   1.99%   2.17%

 

(4)Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class C:

 

    2.54% (6)   2.59%   2.74%   2.63%   2.79%   2.93%

 

(5)Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class C:

 

    2.25% (6)   2.25%   2.26%   2.63%   2.92%   2.93%

 

(6)Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(7)Not annualized.

 

+Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions.

 

*Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and does not assume the effects of any sales charges. Aggregate (not annualized) total return is shown for any period shorter than one year. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or on the redemption of shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

14

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a share outstanding throughout each year/period)
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund

 

   CLASS I 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $10.96   $10.13   $11.33   $10.96   $10.53   $10.90 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income (loss) (1)       0.01    (0.01)   (0.06)   (0.03)   (0.10)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.89    1.06    (0.07)   1.19    0.72    0.76 
Total from investment operations   0.89    1.07    (0.08)   1.13    0.69    0.66 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income           (1.12)   (0.76)       (0.34)
Distributions from realized gains   (0.03)   (0.24)           (0.26)   (0.69)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.03)   (0.24)   (1.12)   (0.76)   (0.26)   (1.03)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $11.82   $10.96   $10.13   $11.33   $10.96   $10.53 
Total Return*   8.10%   10.80%   (0.98)%   10.91%   6.69%   6.68%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $133,917   $113,264   $61,982   $33,478   $41,145   $19,673 
Ratio of gross operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (2)   1.62% (6)   1.70%   1.77%   1.84%   1.82%   1.99%
Ratio of net operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (3)   1.33% (6)   1.36%   1.29%   1.84%   1.81%   1.86%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (including dividend and interest expense) after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   0.02% (6)   0.14%   (0.13)%   (0.51)%   (0.29)%   (0.93)%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   25% (7)   12%   23%   44%   173%   245%
                               
   CLASS R6 
                         
   Six Months Ended                     
   February 29,   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period  $11.29   $10.40   $11.58   $11.13   $10.64   $10.95 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income (loss) (1)   0.03    0.07    0.02    (0.02)   0.02     
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.90    1.06    (0.08)   1.23    0.73    0.72 
Total from investment operations   0.93    1.13    (0.06)   1.21    0.75    0.72 
Dividends and Distributions:                              
Dividends from net investment income           (1.12)   (0.76)       (0.34)
Distributions from realized gains   (0.03)   (0.24)           (0.26)   (0.69)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.03)   (0.24)   (1.12)   (0.76)   (0.26)   (1.03)
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period  $12.19   $11.29   $10.40   $11.58   $11.13   $10.64 
Total Return*   8.22%   11.10%   (0.77)%   11.49%   7.19%   7.23%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year/period (000s)  $890   $1,766   $11,289   $17,970   $9,702   $13,365 
Ratio of gross operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (4)   1.62% (6)   1.70%   1.77%   1.84%   1.81%   1.94%
Ratio of net operating expenses (including dividend and interest expense) to average net assets (5)   1.07% (6)   1.10%   1.03%   1.38%   1.36%   1.33%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (including dividend and interest expense) after expense reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets   0.57% (6)   0.64%   0.20%   (0.20)%   0.16%   (0.03)%
Portfolio Turnover Rate   25% (7)   12%   23%   44%   173%   245%

 

(1)Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(2)Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class I:

 

    1.54% (6)   1.59%   1.74%   1.79%   1.79%   1.95%

 

(3)Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class I:

 

    1.25% (6)   1.25%   1.26%   1.79%   1.79%   1.82%

 

(4)Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class R6:

 

    1.54% (6)   1.59%   1.74%   1.79%   1.78%   1.90%

 

(5)Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets (excluding dividend and interest expenses) for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class R6:

 

    0.99% (6)   0.99%   1.00%   1.33%   1.34%   1.30%

 

(6)Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(7)Not annualized

 

*Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and does not assume the effects of any sales charges. Aggregate (not annualized) total return is shown for any period shorter than one year. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or on the redemption of shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

15

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

James Alpha Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized in 2020, as a Delaware Statutory Trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust currently consists of five series. Easterly Funds LLC serves as the Funds’ advisor. These financial statements include the following two series:

 

Fund Sub-Advisor
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund Ranger Global Real Estate Advisors, LLC
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund EAB Investment Group, LLC

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”), serves the Trust as administrator, custody administrator, transfer agent and fund accounting agent.

 

The Easterly Global Real Estate Fund and the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund are diversified Funds.

 

Fund Primary Objective
Easterly Global Real Estate Total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation
Easterly Hedged Equity Capital appreciation

 

Easterly Hedged Equity is a “fund of funds”, in that the Fund will generally invest in other investment companies. Currently, each Fund offers Class A, Class C, Class I and Class R6 shares. Class A shares of each fund are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales load of 5.75%. Class C shares are offered subject to a CDSC of 1.00%. Class I and Class R6 shares are offered at net asset value. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the applicable Fund, and the classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures, ongoing service and distribution charges. Class R6 shares are only available to certain qualified investors and the minimum initial investment will vary depending on the type of qualified investor. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. Fund level income and expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets within each Fund. Class specific expenses are allocated to that share class.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of 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. Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies” including FASB Accounting Standard Update ASU 2013-08.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

Investment securities listed on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sale price on the valuation date. NASDAQ traded securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP). If there are no such reported sales, the securities are valued at the mean between current bid and ask. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued each day by an independent pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees using methods which include current market quotations from a major market maker in the securities and trader-reviewed “matrix” prices. Short-term debt securities having a remaining maturity of sixty days or less may be valued at amortized cost or amortized value, which approximates market value. U.S. Government Money Market values all of its securities on the basis of amortized cost, which approximates market value. Options listed on a securities exchange or board of trade for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the last bid and ask price. Options not listed on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available shall be valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices. Futures are valued based on their daily settlement value. Swap transactions are valued through an independent pricing service or at fair value based on daily price reporting from the swap counterparty issuing the swap. Total return swaps on securities listed on an exchange 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. Any securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). There is no single standard for determining the fair value of such securities. Rather, in determining the fair value of a security, the board- appointed Valuation Designee shall take into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances, a few of which may include: (i) the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; (ii) whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; and (iii) possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of a security. The Easterly Global Real Estate Fund uses fair value prices as provided by an independent pricing vendor on a daily basis for those securities traded on a foreign exchange. Foreign currency and Forward currency exchange contracts are valued daily at the London close each day. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic or political developments in a specific state, industry or region. Investments in foreign countries may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with domestic investments, including, but not limited to, the possibility of future political and economic developments and the level of government supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets.

 

Valuation of Underlying Funds – The Funds may invest in portfolios of open-end or closed-end investment companies (the “underlying funds”). Underlying open-end investment companies are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies. The underlying funds value securities in their portfolios 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 by the methods established by the boards of the underlying funds. 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.

16

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of most of its investments on a recurring basis. 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 tables summarize the inputs used as of February 29, 2024, for the Funds’ assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

Easterly Global Real Estate Fund
 
Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stock  $213,097,600   $183,101,291   $   $396,198,891 
Total    $213,097,600   $183,101,291   $   $396,198,891 
Derivatives                    
Forward Currency Contracts  $   $(22,941)  $   $(22,941)
Call Options Written   (130,290)           (130,290)
Total    $(130,290)  $(22,941)  $   $(153,231)
                 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund
 
Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange Traded Funds  $124,479,600   $   $   $124,479,600 
Put Options Purchased       1,441,525        1,441,525 
Total    $124,479,600   $1,441,525   $   $125,921,125 
Derivatives* - Assets                    
Total Return Swaps  $   $5,951,867   $   $5,951,867 
Total    $   $5,951,867   $   $5,951,867 
Derivatives* - Liabilities                    
Call Options Written  $(585,000)  $   $   $(585,000)
Put Options Written       (354,250)       (354,250)
Total    $(585,000)  $(354,250)  $   $(939,250)

 

It is the Funds’ policy to recognize transfers into and out of Levels at the end of the reporting period.

 

The Funds did not hold any Level 3 securities during the period.

 

*Refer to the Schedules of Investments for industry or category classifications.

 

(b) Federal Income Tax

 

It is each Fund’s policy to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions 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.

 

Capital loss carry forwards, as of each Fund’s most recent tax year-ended August 31, 2023 (for the tax year ended December 31, 2022 for the Easterly Global Real Estate Fund), available to offset future capital gains, utilized capital gains, if any, are as follows:

 

           Capital Loss Carry Forward     
   Short-Term   Long-Term   Utilized   Total 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $   $   $   $ 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund           1,748,567     

 

The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has reviewed the tax positions taken on its 2021-2023 returns and expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2024 returns and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions. The Funds identify its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, Arizona and

17

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

(c) Security Transactions and Other Income

 

Security transactions are reflected for financial reporting purposes as of the trade date. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis including premium amortized and discount accreted. All paydown gains and losses are classified as interest income in the accompanying Statements of Operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted and amortized, over the lives of the respective securities with a corresponding increase/decrease in the cost basis of that security using the yield to maturity method, or where applicable, the first call date of the security. 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. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Trust’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

(d) Dividends and Distributions

 

The following table summarizes each Fund’s intended dividend and capital gain declaration policy:

 

Fund   Income Dividends   Capital Gains
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund   Quarterly   Quarterly
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   Annually   Annually

 

Each Fund records dividends and distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book-tax” differences are either permanent or temporary in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the net asset accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. To the extent dividends and distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of paid-in-surplus or tax return of capital. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets, results from operations or net asset value per share of each Fund.

 

(e) Allocation of Expenses

 

Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific Fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual Funds on an equal basis or another reasonable basis.

 

(f) Repurchase Agreements

 

In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Trust’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the seller defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral by the Trust may be delayed or limited.

 

(g) 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. The 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.

 

(h) Other

 

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign currency. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Trust does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the company’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”). The Easterly Global Real Estate Fund recharacterizes distributions received from REIT investments based on information provided by the REIT into the following categories: ordinary income, long-term capital gains, and return of capital. If information is not available on a timely basis from the REIT, the recharacterization will be estimated based on available information which may include the previous year’s allocation. If new or additional information becomes available from the REIT at a later date, a recharacterization will be made in the following year.

18

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Market Disruptions Risk. The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Funds to lose value.

 

2. MANAGEMENT FEE, ADMINISTRATION FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

(a) Easterly Funds, LLC acts as investment manager for the Funds pursuant to the terms of a Management Agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (the “Management Agreement”). Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager manages the investment operations of the Funds in accordance with each Fund’s respective investment policies and restrictions. Each investment sub-advisor is responsible for the day-to-day management of its Fund’s portfolios. Easterly Funds, LLC serves the Funds in a supervision capacity with responsibility to monitor the performance of the Funds’ outside service providers, assist in the review of financial statements and other regulatory filings and board meeting materials related to each Fund. The management fees are payable to Easterly Funds, LLC monthly by each Fund and are computed daily as shown in the table below. The Funds’ subadvisors are paid by the manager, not the Funds.

 

(b) Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between Easterly Funds, LLC and the Funds, Easterly Funds, LLC has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or pay expenses of the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding front-end and contingent deferred sales loads, leverage, interest and tax expenses, dividends and interest on short positions, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger, reorganization or liquidation, extraordinary or non-routine expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) do not exceed the expense limitation shown in the table below, and is based on the Funds’ average daily net assets. This operating expense limitation agreement cannot be terminated during its term. Easterly Funds, LLC is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for management fees waived and Fund expenses it paid within three (3) years of the end of the fiscal year in which such management fees were waived or expenses paid, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s operating expenses to exceed (i) the expense cap in place at the time the fees were waived or the expenses were incurred; or (ii) the current expense cap, whichever is less. The expense limitation agreement will be in effect through December 31, 2024.

 

                     Managament 
                     Fee Waived/ 
   Management  Expense Limitation     Expenses Reimbursed 
Fund  Agreement  Cl A  Cl C  Cl I  CL R6  Expires  YTD 2/29/2024 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  0.90%  1.69%  2.37%  1.04%  0.94%  12/31/2024  $255,197 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund  1.20%  1.50%  2.25%  1.25%  0.99%  12/31/2024   188,013 

 

The following table shows the available waived expenses and expiration date for each Fund subject to potential recovery.

 

Fund    8/31/2024   8/31/2025   8/31/2026 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $951,023   $498,797   $664,778 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   44,773    320,557    355,145 

 

(c) Effective October 2, 2023, Easterly Securities LLC (the “Distributor”) is the Trust’s Distributor and is an affiliate of the Advisor. The Trust with respect to the Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) with respect to the sale and distribution of Class A and C shares of the Fund. The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor and other entities, including a broker-dealer affiliate of the Adviser, are paid pursuant to the Plans provided and the expenses borne by the distributor and others in the distribution of Fund shares a fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A shares and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of each of the Fund’s Class C shares. Prior to October 2, 20023 Ultimus Fund Distributers, LLC (“UFD”) was the Funds distributor. For the six months ended, February 29, 2024, sales charges on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares were as follows:

 

   Sales Charges Class A 
Fund  Easterly Securities, LLC   Ultimus Fund Distributers, LLC 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $5,342   $121 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   6,026    8 

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024 CDSC fees were as follows.

 

   CDSC Fees 
Fund  Class C 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $41 

 

(d) Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“UFS”), an affiliate of UFD provides administrative, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Funds pursuant to agreements with the Trust, for which it receives from each Fund: (i) a minimum annual fee or basis points in decreasing amounts as assets reach certain breakpoints; and (ii) any related out-of-pocket expenses.

19

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

In addition, certain affiliates of the Distributor provide services to the Trust as follows:

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) - NLCS, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives customary fees from the Funds.

 

Blu Giant, LLC (“Blu Giant”) – Blu Giant, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Trust on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, Blu Giant receives customary fees from the Funds.

 

Certain employees of UFS and NLCS are also officers of the Trust, and are not paid any fees directly by the Trust for serving in such capacity.

 

3. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

(a) For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term securities, for the Funds were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $266,952,747   $363,656,814 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   29,775,519    30,244,606 

 

(b) Certain Funds may enter into options contracts. An option contract is a contract in which the writer of the option grants the buyer of the option the right to purchase from (call option), or sell to (put option), the writer a designated instrument at a specified price within a specified period of time. Certain options, including options on indices, will require cash settlement by the Fund if the option is exercised.

 

Premiums paid when put or call options are purchased by the Fund, represent investments, which are marked-to-market daily. When a purchase option expires, the Fund will realize a loss in the amount of the premium paid. When the Fund enters into a closing sales transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sales transaction are greater or less than the premium paid for the option. When the Fund exercises a put option, it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security, which the Fund purchases upon exercise, will be increased by the premium originally paid.

 

Certain Funds may write covered call options. This means that the Fund will own the security subject to the option or an option to purchase the same underlying security, having an exercise price equal to or less than the exercise price of the covered option, or will establish and maintain with its custodian for the term of the option, an account consisting of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities having a value equal to the fluctuating market value of the securities on which the Fund holds a covered call position.

 

When a Fund writes a call option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability, the value of which is marked- to-market daily. When a written option expires, the Fund realizes a gain equal to the amount of the premium received. When the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund realizes a gain or loss depending upon whether the cost of the closing transaction is greater or less than the premium originally received, without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and the liability related to such option is eliminated. When a written call option is exercised the proceeds of the security sold will be increased by the premium originally received.

 

The liability representing a Fund’s obligation under an exchange traded written option or investment in a purchased option is valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the last available bid price.

 

The Funds may enter into options for hedging purposes. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid. The risk in writing a covered call option is that the Fund gives up the opportunity to participate in any increase in the price of the underlying security beyond the exercise price.

 

(c) Certain Funds may enter into futures contracts. The Funds are subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing their investment objective. To manage equity price risk, the Funds may enter into futures contracts. Upon entering into a futures contract with a broker, the Funds are required to deposit in a segregated account a specified amount of cash or U.S. government securities. Futures contracts are valued daily and unrealized gains or losses are recorded in a “variation margin” account. Periodically, the Funds receive from or pays to the broker a specified amount of cash based upon changes in the variation margin account. When a contract is closed, the Funds recognize a realized gain or loss. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. With futures contracts, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Funds since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default. Futures contracts outstanding at period end are listed after the Funds’ portfolio of investments.

 

(d) Certain Funds may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts. Because various Funds may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, they may seek to hedge foreign currency risks by engaging in foreign currency exchange transactions. These may include buying or selling foreign currencies on a spot basis, entering into foreign currency forward contracts, and buying and selling foreign currency options, foreign currency futures, and options on foreign currency futures. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods and can be subject to unpredictable change based on such factors as political developments and currency controls by foreign governments.

 

(e) Swap Agreements – Certain funds are subject to equity price risk and/or interest rate risk in the normal course of pursuing their respective investment objectives. The Funds may enter into various swap transactions for investment purposes or to manage interest rate, equity, foreign exchange (currency), commodity or credit risk. These would be two-party contracts entered into primarily to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of returns) earned or realized on particular pre-determined investments or instruments.

20

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index or market segment. 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. The Funds amortize upfront payments and/or accrue for the fixed payment stream on swap agreements on a daily basis with the net amount recorded as a component of unrealized gain or loss on the Statements of Operations. 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 Funds segregate liquid securities having a value at least equal to the amount of their current obligation under any swap transaction. Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, lack of liquidity and elements of credit, market, and counterparty risk in excess of amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Funds’ maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that that amount is positive.

 

(f) Short Sales – Certain funds may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.

 

When the Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.

 

If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.

 

To the extent the Fund sells securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales “against the box”) will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities with its custodian in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling broker (not including the proceeds of the short sale). A short sale is “against the box” to the extent the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.

 

(g) Other Investment Companies or Exchange Traded Funds – Certain Funds may invest up to 100% of their net assets in shares of affiliated and unaffiliated investment companies, including money market mutual funds, other mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). An ETF generally is an open-end investment company, unit investment trust or a portfolio of securities deposited with a depository in exchange for depository receipts. ETFs provide investors the opportunity to buy or sell throughout the day an entire portfolio of securities in a single security. Although index mutual funds are similar to index-based ETFs, they are generally sold and redeemed only once per day at market close. The ETFs in which a Fund invests may be subject to liquidity risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the sale of the security at an advantageous time or price. To the extent that the ETFs in which a Fund invests hold securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations or securities with substantial market risk, they will have a greater exposure to liquidity risk. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds that can be found in “Exchange-Traded Funds” below: (1) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to their net asset value; (2) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or (3) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. Additionally, ETFs have management fees, which increase their cost. In addition to the advisory and operational fees a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund also bears its pro rata portion of the advisory and operational expenses incurred indirectly through investments in other investment companies.

 

The derivatives are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP. The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at February 29, 2024, were as follows:

 

         Location of derivatives on Statements  Fair value of asset/liability 
Fund  Derivative  Risk Type  of Assets and Liabilities  derivatives 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  
   Call options written  Equity  Options written  $(130,290)
   Forward Exchange Contracts  Foreign Exchange  Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   (22,941)
         Total    $(153,231)
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund  
   Put options purchased  Equity  Investments, at value  $1,441,525 
   Call options written  Equity  Options written   (585,000)
   Put options written  Equity  Options written   (354,250)
   Swap Contracts  Equity  Unrealized appreciation on swaps   5,951,867 
         Total    $6,454,142 

21

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the six months ended February 29, 2024, were as follows:

 

Fund  Derivative  Location of gain (loss) on derivatives  Risk Type  Realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on derivatives
 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  
   Forward Currency Contracts     
      Net realized loss on Investments and foreign currency translations        
         Foreign Exchange  $(122,816)
      Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions        
         Foreign Exchange   (37,645)
         Total    $(160,461)
   Options     
               
      Net realized loss on options written        
         Equity  $(3,761,391)
         Total     $(3,761,391)
               
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund  
               
   Options     
      Net realized loss on options purchased        
         Equity  $(12,264,920)
      Net realized loss on options written        
         Equity   (267,948)
         Total     $(12,532,868)
               
      Net change in unrealized appreciation on options purchased        
         Equity  $1,226,369 
      Net change in unrealized appreciation on options written        
         Equity   635,973 
         Total    $1,862,342 
   Swaps     
      Net realized gain on swaps        
         Equity  $198,430 
      Net change in unrealized appreciation on swaps        
         Equity  $5,400,447 
         Total    $5,598,877 

 

The average notional value of the derivative instruments for the Funds during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was as follows:

 

Easterly Global Real Estate Fund

 

Options Written 
$31,203,963 

 

Easterly Hedged Equity Fund

 

Options Purchased   Options Written   Total Return Swaps 
$269,055,658   $399,914,858   $47,400,023 

 

During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds were not subject to any master netting arrangements. The following table shows additional information regarding the offsetting of assets and liabilities at February 29, 2024 for the Funds.

 

Easterly Global Real Estate Fund        
              Net Amounts   Financial   Cash   Net 
      Gross Amounts of   Gross Amounts of   Presented in the   Instruments   Collateral   Amount 
Description  Counterparty  Recognized Assets   Recognized Liabilities   Statement of Assets & Liabilities   Pledged   Pledged   of Assets & Liabilities 
Options Writen  Royal Bank of Canada  $   $(130,290) (1)  $(130,290)  $130,290 (2)  $   $ 
                                  
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund        
              Net Amounts   Financial   Cash   Net 
      Gross Amounts of   Gross Amounts of   Presented in the   Instruments   Collateral   Amount 
Description  Counterparty  Recognized Assets   Recognized Liabilities   Statement of Assets & Liabilities   Pledged   Pledged   of Assets & Liabilities 
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps  Goldman Sachs  $5,951,867 (1)  $   $5,951,867   $   $   $ 
                                  
Options Purchased  Pershing   1,441,525 (1)       1,441,525             
                                  
Options Writen  Pershing       (939,250) (1)   (939,250)   939,250 (2)        
      $7,393,392   $(939,250)  $6,454,142   $939,250   $   $ 

 

(1)Value as presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

(2)The amount is limited to the derivative liability balance and does not include excess collateral pledged to the counterparty. Total collateral amounts are presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

22

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

4. AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION – TAX BASIS

 

The identified cost of investments in securities owned by each Fund for federal income tax purposes, and its respective gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation at February 29, 2024, were as follows:

 

       Gross   Gross   Net Unrealized 
   Tax   Unrealized   Unrealized   Appreciation/ 
   Cost   Appreciation   Depreciation   (Depreciation) 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $590,935,242   $7,183,561   $(202,073,143)  $(194,889,582)
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   95,547,614    35,824,903    (438,775)   35,386,128 

 

5. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL

 

The tax character of dividends paid during the periods ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 (for the period ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 for the Easterly Global Real Estate Fund) was as follows:

 

For fiscal year ended  Ordinary   Long-Term   Return of     
8/31/2023  Income   Capital Gains   Capital   Total 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $35,573,869   $1,374,452   $   $36,948,321 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund       1,996,748        1,996,748 
                 
For fiscal year ended  Ordinary   Long-Term   Return of     
8/31/2022  Income   Capital Gains   Capital   Total 
Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $87,769,047   $2,303,721   $   $90,072,768 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   5,284,200            5,284,200 

 

As of the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund’s tax year-ended August 31, 2023 (for the Easterly Global Real Estate Fund in which its December 31, 2022 components of distributable earnings have been adjusted for August 31, 2023 activity), the components of distributable earnings 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/   Accumulated 
   Income   Capital Gains   Late Year Loss   Forwards   Differences   (Depreciation)   Earnings/(Deficits) 
 Easterly Global Real Estate Fund  $789,287   $   $   $(15,543,127)  $   $(383,682,402)  $(398,436,242)
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund           (8,927,110)       (49,028)   17,135,277    8,159,139 

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation), undistributed net investment income (loss) and accumulated net realized gain (loss) from security transactions are primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, and mark-to-market on option and swap contracts and passive foreign investment companies. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the table above includes unrealized foreign currency losses of $(76,745) for the Easterly Global Real Estate Fund. In addition, the amount listed under other book/tax differences for the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund are primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on straddles.

 

Late year losses incurred after December 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Easterly Hedged Equity Fund incurred and elected to defer such late year losses of $118,813.

 

Capital losses incurred after October 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Easterly Hedged Equity Fund incurred and elected to defer such capital losses of $8,808,297.

 

Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the book/tax basis treatment of net operating losses and distributions in excess, resulted in reclassifications for the Funds for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 as follows:

 

Paid     
In   Accumulated 
Capital   Earnings (Losses) 
$(921,573)  $921,573 
 (1,275,159)   1,275,159 

 

6. UNDERLYING INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Each underlying fund, including each exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the underlying fund. These risks could include liquidity risk, sector risk, foreign and related currency risk, as well as risks associated with real estate investments and commodities. Investors in the Fund will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses.

 

The performance of the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund will be directly affected by the performance of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust. The Trust seeks to provide investment results that, before expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Index. The financial statements of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, including the schedule of investments, can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website www.sec.gov and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s financial statements. As of February 29, 2024, the percentage of net assets invested in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust was 89.4%.

23

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

7. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (Unaudited)

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund creates a presumption of control of the Fund under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 29, 2024, the below entities held more than 25% of the voting securities for each of the Funds listed.

 

   Charles 
   Schwab & 
   Co., Inc. * 
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund   25.21%

 

*Comprised of multiple investors and accounts

 

8. RECENT REGULATORY UPDATES

 

On January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will not appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

9. 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.

24

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

Shareholders of funds will pay ongoing expenses, such as advisory fees, distribution and services fees (12b-1 fees), and other fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help the shareholder understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Please note, the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs) on redemptions.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the six-month period from September 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses: The first table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The shareholder may use the information in this line, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses that would be paid over the period. Simply divide account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid” to estimate the expenses paid on the account during the period.

 

   Beginning Account   Ending Account   Expense Paid   Expense Ratio 
   Value - 9/1/2023   Value - 2/29/2024   9/1/2023-2/29/2024*   [Annualized] 
Actual Expenses:                
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class A  $1,000.00   $1,019.70   $7.13    1.42%
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class C  $1,000.00   $1,015.90   $10.88    2.17%
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class I  $1,000.00   $1,021.50   $5.23    1.04%
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class R6  $1,000.00   $1,021.90   $4.73    0.94%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class A  $1,000.00   $1,080.60   $7.76    1.50%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class C  $1,000.00   $1,075.90   $11.61    2.25%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class I  $1,000.00   $1,081.00   $6.47    1.25%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class R6  $1,000.00   $1,082.20   $5.13    0.99%

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes: The second table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid for the period. This information may be used to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other mutual funds. To do so, a shareholder would compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other mutual funds.

 

   Beginning Account   Ending Account   Expense Paid   Expense Ratio 
Hypothetical  Value - 9/1/2023   Value - 2/29/2024   9/1/2023-2/29/2024*   [Annualized] 
[5% Return Before Expenses]                    
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class A  $1,000.00   $1,017.80   $7.13    1.42%
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class C  $1,000.00   $1,014.07   $10.87    2.17%
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class I  $1,000.00   $1,019.69   $5.22    1.04%
Easterly Global Real Estate Investments Fund - Class R6  $1,000.00   $1,020.19   $4.72    0.94%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class A  $1,000.00   $1,017.40   $7.52    1.50%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class C  $1,000.00   $1,013.67   $11.26    2.25%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class I  $1,000.00   $1,018.65   $6.27    1.25%
Easterly Hedged Equity Fund - Class R6  $1,000.00   $1,019.94   $4.97    0.99%

 

*Expenses are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the days in reporting period).

25

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

On July 25, 2023, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of James Alpha Funds Trust dba Easterly Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, met to consider, among other things, (i) the approval of the investment management agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the Easterly Global Real Estate Fund (“Real Estate Fund”) and Easterly Hedged Equity Fund (“Hedged Equity Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), and Easterly Investment Partners, LLC (“EIP”) (the “Investment Management Agreements”) and (ii) the approval of the sub-advisory agreements between EIP and each Fund’s respective sub-adviser (the “Sub-Advisers”) (the “Sub-Advisory Agreements,” and together with the Investment Management Agreements, the “Advisory Agreements”). The Board was asked to consider such approvals in connection with the combination of the operations of EIP and Easterly Funds LLC, the Funds’ existing investment adviser, with EIP as the surviving entity (the “Restructuring”).

 

In the course of consideration of the approval of the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Trustees received materials discussing the legal standards applicable to their consideration of the Advisory Agreements. Prior to voting, the Independent Trustees met with and asked questions of representatives of EIP.

 

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreements and reaching their conclusion with respect to the Advisory Agreements, the Board took note of relevant judicial precedent that set forth factors to be considered by a board when evaluating investment advisory agreements. These include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided to the Funds; (ii) information comparing the investment performance, advisory fees and operating expense ratio of each Fund to other funds; (iii) information about profits to be realized by EIP and its affiliates from the relationship with the Funds; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as each Fund grows; and (v) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Funds’ investors.

 

As part of the contract approval process, the Board reviewed and considered information provided in response to a detailed request for information submitted to management by the Independent Trustees and received a presentation from EIP. The Independent Trustees met separately in advance of the meeting to discuss the materials provided to them in connection with the approval of the Advisory Agreements, including comparative performance and expenses. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered a variety of factors, including those described below. The Board also considered other factors and did not treat any single factor as determinative, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to different factors. The Independent Trustees also had an opportunity to discuss the materials presented and any issues raised by EIP’s presentations. After evaluating the factors discussed below, among others, the Board approved the Funds’ Advisory Agreements and determined that the compensation payable thereunder by each Fund to EIP and by EIP to each respective Sub-Adviser is fair and reasonable.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. In considering the approval of the Investment Management Agreements, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of services that EIP would provide to the Real Estate Fund and Hedged Equity Fund, including EIP’s personnel and resources and EIP’s criteria for reviewing a Sub-Adviser’s performance. The Board reviewed the services EIP would provide in serving as investment adviser, including the backgrounds of the personnel providing the investment management services and compliance staff. The Board also reviewed information provided regarding the structure of portfolio manager compensation, trading and brokerage practices, soft dollar usage, risk management and compliance matters.

 

The Board noted the responsibilities that EIP has as the Funds’ investment manager, including (i) overseeing the investment decisions of each of the Sub-Advisers and conduct ongoing performance reviews; (ii) reviewing and monitoring the portfolio trading by the Sub-Advisers, including without limitation, trade allocation policies and procedures, best execution and the use of soft-dollars; (iii) overseeing the Sub-Advisers’ compliance with prospectus limitations and other relevant investment restrictions; (iv) coordinating communications with any Sub-Advisers; and (v) if deemed necessary, recommending to the Board changing one or more Sub-Advisers. The Board concluded that the services EIP would provide are satisfactory.

 

In considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreements, and each Fund’s respective Sub-Adviser, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of services the Sub- Advisers would provide under the Sub- Advisory Agreements. The Board reviewed the services the Sub-Advisers would provide, the background of the investment professionals servicing the respective Fund, and each Sub-Adviser’s reputation, resources and investment approach. The Board also reviewed information provided regarding the structure of portfolio manager compensation, trading and brokerage practices, soft dollar usage, risk management and compliance matters. The Board concluded that the services each Sub-Adviser would provide are satisfactory.

 

Performance. The Board reviewed performance information that EIP provided for the Real Estate Fund and Hedged Equity Fund compared to the performance of: (a) funds in a peer universe (the “Peer Group”) (which is comprised of the funds in a Fund’s Morningstar category); and (b) a benchmark index (the “Benchmark Index”) for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year and since inception periods ended May 31, 2023, as applicable. The Board also received information on the construction of each Fund’s Peer Group.

 

Real Estate Fund: The Board reviewed the Fund’s total returns compared to the total returns of its Peer Group and its Benchmark Index (FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Net Index). The Board considered the performance of the Fund against its Peer Group and its Benchmark Index for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year and since inception periods. In considering the Fund’s performance, the Board considered Ranger’s explanation that the portfolio can underperform versus its Benchmark Index during periods when external factors impact investor sentiment. The Board concluded that the performance of the Fund was satisfactory.

 

Hedged Equity Fund: The Board reviewed the Fund’s total returns compared to the total returns of its Peer Group and its Benchmark Index (S&P 500 Index). The Board considered the performance of the Fund against its Peer Group and its Benchmark Index for the one-, three-, five-year and since inception periods. The Board concluded that the performance of the Fund was satisfactory.

26

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)
February 29, 2024

 

Advisory and Sub-Advisory Fees and Fund Expenses. The Board reviewed each Fund’s contractual advisory fee and expense ratio taking into account each Fund’s net asset size, and reviewed information comparing the advisory fee and expense ratio to those of each Fund’s respective Peer Group. The Board noted that each Fund’s advisory fee will remain the same after the Restructuring and EIP will enter into an Operating Expense Limitation Agreement (“OELA”) to waive fees and/or limit expenses of the Funds in an amount necessary to limit total annual operating expenses to a specified percentage of average daily net assets for each share class of the Funds. The Board also considered the extent to which EIP had agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburses expenses for a Fund and its share classes, including the basis for the adviser’s determination that any such waivers and/or reimbursements do not and will not result in cross-subsidization by one share class of another share class of a Fund. The Board discussed the level of work involved in management and oversight of the Funds, including with respect to oversight of the Sub-Advisers.

 

The Board considered each Fund’s sub-advisory fee schedule. The Board noted that the fee schedule was negotiated at arm’s length between EIP and each Sub-Adviser, an unaffiliated third party. The Board also noted in particular that each Fund’s sub-advisory fee schedule will remain the same after the Restructuring. The Board also evaluated the reasonableness of the fee split between EIP and each Sub-Adviser. The Board considered the nature and scope of the services to be provided by EIP, including (i) monitoring of performance, (ii) supervision of outside service providers, (iii) responding to questions from brokers and sub-advisers, and (iv) research of sub-advisors and potential replacement sub-advisors to present to the Board for their consideration. The Board also considered that with respect to the more complex Funds, these services are expected to be more resource intensive for EIP. The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees are paid by EIP to each Sub-Adviser and are not additional fees borne by the Funds. In light of the nature, quality and extent of services EIP and the Sub-Advisers provided, the Board concluded that each Fund’s advisory fee and sub-advisory fee was fair and reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the extent to which there may be economies of scale in the provision of advisory services to the Funds, and the extent to which such economies of scale are shared with the Funds. The Board noted that EIP had indicated its willingness to discuss the matter of breakpoints with the Board as each Fund increased its assets. The Board noted that the Funds may also benefit from economies of scale through initial fee setting and fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The Board agreed that in light of the OELA, which effectively protected shareholders from high expenses despite lower asset levels, and EIP’s willingness to consider breakpoints as each Fund reached higher asset levels, the absence of breakpoints was acceptable.

 

Profitability. The Board reviewed the estimated profitability of EIP with respect to each Fund on an individual fund-by-fund basis and in the aggregate. The Board considered the methodology for calculating profitability. Using such methodology, the Board noted that EIP would earn an estimated reasonable profit from each Fund, in each case without considering marketing-related costs. The Board concluded that the estimated profitability of EIP in connection with the management of each Fund was not excessive given the nature, extent and quality of the services provided.

 

Fallout Benefits. Because of its relationship with the Funds, EIP, the Sub-Advisers, and their affiliates may derive ancillary benefits from Fund operations, including those derived from the allocation of Fund brokerage and the use of commission dollars to pay for research and other similar services (as applicable). The Board reviewed information provided by EIP and the Sub-Advisers as to any such benefits.

 

Conclusion. Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board determined that the compensation to be paid under the Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable, and that the Advisory Agreements be approved.

27

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
February 29, 2024

 

SHAREHOLDER VOTING RESULTS

 

On December 19, 2023 a Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund and Easterly Global Real Estate Fund was held and adjourned until February 15, 2024. At the meeting on February 15, 2024 shareholders of record of the Easterly Hedged Equity Fund at the close of business on October 20, 2023, voted to approve the following proposals:

 

To approve a new investment advisory agreement with Easterly Investment Partners LLC.

 

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
5,415,846.10 Shares 56,619.00 Shares 561,696.00 Shares

 

To approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement between Easterly Investment Partners LLC and EAB Investment Group, LLC.

 

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
5,402,383.10 Shares 70,884.00 Shares 560,895.00 Shares

 

The Special Meeting of Shareholders was adjourned until March 14, 2024 with respect to the Easterly Global Real Estate Fund.

28

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST

 

March 2021

 

FACTS WHAT DOES JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
   
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some, but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
   
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depends on the product or service that you have with us. This information can include:

 

●    Social Security number and wire transfer instructions   

 

●    account transactions and transaction history   

 

●    investment experience and purchase history

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

   
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons James Alpha Funds Trust chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
   
Reasons we can share your personal
information:
Does James Alpha Funds Trust
share information?
Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes -

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus.

YES NO

For our marketing purposes -

to offer our products and services to you.

YES YES
For joint marketing with other financial companies. NO We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes -

information about your transactions and records.

NO We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes -

information about your credit worthiness.

NO We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you NO We don’t share
     
QUESTIONS? Call (888) 814-8180    

29

 

What we do:
How does James Alpha Funds Trust
protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.

How does James Alpha Funds Trust
collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

●    open an account or deposit money

 

●    direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities

 

●    seek advice about your investments

 

We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

●    sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness.

 

●    affiliates from using your information to market to you.

 

●    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you.

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 
Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   James Alpha Funds Trust does not share with our affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   James Alpha Funds Trust does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

   James Alpha Funds Trust doesn’t jointly market.

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Obtain Proxy Voting Information

 

Information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Portfolios use to determine how to vote proxies is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-833-999-2636 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

How to Obtain 1st and 3rd Fiscal Quarter Portfolio Holdings

 

Funds file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (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 at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Easterly Funds-SAR24

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. See Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to

open-end investment companies.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)       Based on an evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of filing date of this Form N-CSR, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Registrant are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the filing date, including that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b)       There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-Ended Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) Certification(s) required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(a)(2) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b) Certification(s) required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(b) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant) James Alpha Funds Trust

 

By (Signature and Title)

* /s/ Darrell Crate

Darrell Crate, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date 5/3/24

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)

* /s/ Michael Montague Michael Montague, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

 

Date 5/3/24

 

By (Signature and Title)

* /s/ Darrell Crate

Darrell Crate, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date 5/3/24

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.