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: 811-21980

 

 

 

Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC

2500 Westchester Avenue, Suite 215

Purchase, New York, 10577

 

 

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)

 

  (Name and Address of Agent for Service)   Copy to:  
         
  Samuel A. Lieber
Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC
2500 Westchester Avenue, Suite 215
Purchase, New York, 10577
(914) 251-0880
  Rose DiMartino
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, LLP
1875 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006-1238
 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 251-0880

 

Date of fiscal year end: October 31

 

Date of reporting period: November 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017

 

Item 1: Shareholder Report

 

 

TABLE of CONTENTS

 

Alpine View 1
   
Manager Commentary 3
   
Schedule of Portfolio Investments 10
   
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 13
   
Statement of Operations 14
   
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 15
   
Financial Highlights 16
   
Notes to Financial Statements 17
   
Additional Information 25

 

 
Alpine View
  April 30, 2017

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

We are pleased to present the semi-annual reports for the Alpine Mutual Funds. The past six months have seen a significant market impact from the election of Donald J. Trump as President. During the ten weeks following the election, the combined agenda of the President and the Republican Congress gave market participants hope that the economy would receive significant fiscal stimulus with a focus on improving corporate earnings. However, at this juncture, roughly six months past the election, no notable legislation has been passed and the prospect of additional economic stimulus seems questionable.

 

Nevertheless, capital markets continued to trade at strong levels. The overall economic trajectory continues on its slow but steady course of improvement. In fact, corporate profits of many companies have been improving over the past year, following the aftermath of the commodity cycle collapse in 2015. It’s worth noting that over the long term, jobless claims have declined from their nadir of 665,000 new claimants for unemployment per month in March of 2009 to 232,000 in April 2017. This is the lowest number since March of 1973, and well below the 50 year average of 358,000 jobs lost. While business layoffs have declined, stronger hiring patterns represented by job openings across all industries are essential. Job openings have been holding at an average annualized level of 5,655,000 since the beginning of 2016, which is the highest level since December of 2000 when the Bureau of Labor Statistics survey commenced. Notably, the economy has added 16 million jobs since the cycle low point at the end of 2009, growing 1.67% per year to 146 million non-farm jobs. This is even faster than the prior economic expansion from late 2003 through 2007 when the U.S. added 1.43% new jobs per year. However, if we go back almost 17 years to the end of the DotCom bubble in 2000 when non-farm payrolls registered 133 million jobs, the economy has only grown employment by 0.59% per year over. That is a far cry from the previous extended period from 1982, when interest rates started coming down, through December of 2000 as the economy added over 43 million jobs. For that period, non-farm jobs grew at approximately 2.25% per year over an 18 year stretch (Source: Bloomberg). Thus, it is understandable why many Americans believe, that our economy has stagnated, and are hoping for the return to growth reminiscent of their younger days.

 

Even, the often mentioned underemployment level, which also includes part-time and marginally employed people, has only recently fallen below the 10% level down to 8.6% from the high of 17.1% in early 2010. Notably, this current level is about the same as the average from the decade between 1997 and 2007 before the economic and financial collapse in 2008. Although auto sales have come off historically strong levels, new home sales continue its steady recovery. For all these reasons, we believe the United States is poised to generate continued overall strength in its economy despite the ongoing headwinds from globalization and excess productive capacity abroad. Nonetheless, we have yet to overcome those factors which have contributed to a delayed capital expenditures (capex) cycle outside of regions and industries dominated by technological hubs or major trans shipments such as

ports for goods and commodities. Thus, Alpine believes that the prospect for a return to wage growth is improving, which may become meaningful over the next year or so. This could lead to higher prices and perhaps rising interest rates.

 

Early in the year, Alpine presented a podcast in which several portfolio managers raised the question “Trump Change or Chump Change?” in assessing the direction of the market. We think that the President’s rhetoric focused many investors on the prospect of rising interest rates and corporate capex in response to a strengthening economy. However, his administration’s agenda for tax reductions, regulatory reform and infrastructure spending (which we believed could have been a significant catalyst for growth) has since floundered. The administration’s ineffectiveness in working with an aligned Congress and the inability to staff many government appointments during the first few months of the Trump Presidency has put into question whether much, if anything, will be accomplished before the prospect of mid-term elections absorbs the House of Representatives. For now, we expect minimal change unless somehow Republicans and Democrats can find common ground on long term economic programs such as infrastructure regeneration. Thus, the United States appears to be back in a state of governmental gridlock, much like the prior eight years, where low rates dominated the financial markets and business cycles. The Federal Reserve (Fed) will likely continue to seek opportunities to normalize interest rates, boosting 25 basis points at a time as the economy and markets permit, over the next 12-18 months. However, the Fed’s so called “dot plot” graph, projecting future interest rates, may shift lower and slower yet again.

 

Even with moderating prospects, the United States is still leading the world economically, albeit at a slow pace. That said, we see some positive fundamental changes in Japan after nearly two decades of stagnation, and China remains a major industrial force even though it is growing more slowly and must work through its internal financial restructurings over the next number of years. While Europe still appears to be some three or four years behind the United States in terms of job growth and strengthening its banking systems, Germany is leading the Eurozone forward.

 

It is notable that President Trump’s international policies, specifically, rejecting the Trans-Pacific Partnership and not confirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – to defend members under attack – may weaken the economic and international prominence of our country. Unless new policy initiatives or alignments could be established, China and Germany, and possibly Japan and even Russia may fill leadership, trade and economic voids that we abandon.

 

We believe that the equity markets and bond markets should gradually move towards higher interest rates, albeit, the risk of an inflationary shock to both seems much more remote now than it has anytime over the last few years. Nevertheless, we expect the markets to climb the ‘wall of worry’ between the risk of slowing down a little too much or speeding up a little too much. This could enable a significantly longer economic cycle than we have experienced in quite


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 1
 
Alpine View (Continued)
April 30, 2017  

 

a while. So, the current seven year expansion could last easily for another two to three years and, possibly, longer. This suggests that investors using fixed-income and equity income strategies might still be able to achieve reasonable total returns even if interest rates rise at a modest annual pace. Meanwhile, equity investors will likely still seek growth in companies that are able to expand market share or apply innovative technology to traditional industries. For example, we highlight autonomous cars, drones, power generation, as well as new fields of endeavor, such as “Big Data” and the ever evolving field of bio-pharma research. Ultimately, those companies or entrepreneurs who can affect fundamental change to transform the way we work, play, learn, feed, entertain and protect ourselves, will likely continue to see great opportunities. Our job at Alpine is to find those companies which can capitalize on such growth, as well as invest in underappreciated businesses which can excel in more traditional or mundane segments of the economy which may offer ongoing value and growth opportunities for investors.

 

Even though we have enjoyed solid performance by many of our Funds over the past fiscal period, we will continue to explore new ways to add value and attempt to reward your support for our endeavors. We appreciate your interest and look forward to reporting to you at the end of the next fiscal period. Meanwhile, feel free to visit our website for periodic updates on our thinking.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Samuel A. Lieber
President

 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The specific market, sector or investment conditions that contribute to a Fund’s performance may not be replicated in future periods.

 

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Please refer to individual letters for risks specific to that Fund.

 

This letter and the letter that follows represent the opinions of the Funds’ management and are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. The information provided is not intended to be, and is not, a forecast of future events, a guarantee of results, or investment advice.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC provides filing administration for Alpine’s closed-end funds. The Funds are not bought or sold through Quasar Distributors; the Alpine closed-end funds are bought and sold through non-affiliated broker/dealers and trade on nationally recognized stock exchanges.

 

This is a closed-end fund and does not continuously offer shares.

 

Basis Point is a value equaling one one-hundredth of a percent (1/100 of 1%).


 

2  
 
Manager Commentary
  April 30, 2017

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

In the six month period ended April 30, 2017, the Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (“AOD”) generated a total return of 14.83% on its NAV and a 22.08% return on the market price of AOD versus the MSCI All Country World Index, which had a total return of 11.76%. All returns include reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund distributed $0.35 per share during the period.

 

Economic Analysis

 

Stock markets across the world continued their relentless rally in the six month period ended April 30, 2017, fueled by a synchronized global recovery in corporate earnings and tailwinds from continued accommodative monetary policy across most major regions. A significant portion of this performance was realized in the weeks following the U.S. presidential election. The so-called “Trump trade” was evident in the strong performance of financial stocks, with the S&P 500® Financials Index returning 20.30% in the six month period. Industrial stocks also benefited from Trump’s pledge to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure during his campaign. The consequent rise in interest rates, illustrated by the U.S. 10 year Treasury Rate’s spike from 1.83% to 2.28% during the period, cooled investor interest for “bond proxies,” with the S&P 500® Telecommunication Services Index returning just 4.02% in the period.

 

Over in Europe the euphoria was palpable, with the MSCI Europe Index outpacing the S&P 500® Index, gaining 15.00% in U.S. Dollars, versus the latter’s 13.32%, as the Markit Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) reported an 8th consecutive monthly increase, ending at 56.7 in April 2017. Investors grew sanguine over the prospect that pro-business candidate Emmanuel Macron would prevail in the May 2017 French presidential election.

 

Emerging markets (EM) were more of a mixed bag, on the other hand. The Ibovespa Brasil Sao Paulo Stock Exchange Index was up just 0.68% in U.S. Dollars, consolidating its impressive gains from the previous year. The Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index posted a -0.02% return in U.S. dollars as the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) began to shift away from easy monetary policy to rein in asset prices and inflation. All was not gloomy in EM markets, however; for instance, the Russian MICEX Index returned 13.81% in U.S. Dollars, fueled by hopes that relations between Russia and the United States would improve.

 

Portfolio Analysis

 

For the six month period ended April 30, 2017, the financials, information technology and consumer discretionary sectors had the greatest positive effect on the Fund’s absolute total return. The telecom services, energy and utilities sectors had the greatest negative contribution to the Fund’s absolute total return. On a relative basis, the financials sector generated the largest outperformance versus the MSCI All Country World Index, followed by information technology and real estate. Health care, consumer staples and utilities were the worst relative performers.

The top five contributors to the Fund’s performance for the six month period ended April 30, 2017 based on contribution to total return were Bank of America, Citizens Financial Group, GEO Group, Apple, and Western Digital Corp.

 

Bank of America and Citizens Financial Group are, in our view, two of the more asset sensitive banks based on their disclosed interest rate sensitivity analyses and rallied in the aftermath of the U.S. Presidential election alongside the surge in bond yields and the Federal Reserve’s two rate hikes. In addition, both banks reported solid quarterly results during the semi-annual period, leading analysts to revise their earnings estimates higher.
   
GEO Group is a private corrections facility operator in the United States. GEO underperformed ahead of the U.S. Presidential election in November as investors feared a new administration would deemphasize, or phase out, private corrections facilities. The stock rebounded post-election as the incoming administration was not expected to take a hard stance on the issue.
   
Iconic consumer electronics innovator Apple reported better than expected results in late January, and the market remains positive on the potential for its latest iPhone launch this coming Fall. The company could also be a significant beneficiary of any potential tax repatriation holiday, given the vast majority of its cash hoard is overseas.
   
Global data storage supplier Western Digital also reported very strong results in January, aided by a favorable hard disk drive (HDD) and NAND pricing environment, as well as solid execution on cost savings initiatives. Investors looked forward to a potentially accretive acquisition of Toshiba’s NAND business by Western Digital.

 

The following companies had the largest adverse impact on the performance of the Fund based on contribution to total return for the six month period ended April 30, 2017: BRF SA, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, BT Group, Fortescue Metals Group, and Tribune Media Company.

 

Brazilian food company BRF SA underperformed due to its ill-advised and poorly executed strategy to gain market share by cutting prices; margin pressure was exacerbated by stubbornly high corn prices. After the sudden and inexplicable departures of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President (VP) of Marketing, the Fund exited this position.
   
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is a multinational generic and specialty pharmaceutical company. The stock underperformed due to pricing pressure in the generic drug business, fears over potential launches of competing generic versions of multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone, and the turnover in senior management at the firm. The Fund has exited the position.
   
BT Group is a global telecommunications provider based in the U.K. The company underperformed during the 6 month period after issuing a profit warning in January. Management stated that its Public Sector business seemed to have slowed down partially


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 3
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
April 30, 2017  

 

  due to Brexit. In addition, accounting irregularities at its Italian business BT Italia were worse than initially expected.
   
Fortescue Metals Group is an Australian iron ore producer. The stock underperformed as the global supply/demand balance for iron ore deteriorated, leading to declining prices and reduced cash flow for the company. The Fund has exited the position.
   
Tribune Media Company owns a portfolio of television and digital properties. The company paid a special dividend of $5.77 per share during this period with proceeds from the sale of its Digital and Data business. The Fund sold the stock subsequent to receiving the special dividend.

 

We have hedged a portion of our currency exposure to the Euro. We have also used leverage at times in the execution of the strategy of the Fund.

 

Summary

 

As we look towards the balance of 2017, we see reasons for cautious optimism. One by one we are seeing purchasing managers’ indices (PMI) across most major regions inflect positively. Some of the more notable improvements have been seen in France, where the PMI has improved from 48.0 in April 2016 to 55.1 in April 2017, in Japan where the PMI has surged from 47.7 to 52.7, and in Brazil where the PMI has moved from 41.6 to 50.1. While these indicators may prove to be overheated, based more on optimism over future prospects than on current macroeconomic conditions, we believe the positive tone in the global stock market is well supported by fundamentals.

 

That said, there are still plenty of reasons for caution; despite Republican control of both houses of Congress, President Trump has so far been unable to succeed on his, and the party’s longtime promise to repeal Obamacare, leading some to question the ability of this administration to push forward federal tax reform and infrastructure stimulus. The U.S. stock market’s strong move since the election is arguably at least partly driven by expectations that these stimuli will be implemented successfully.

 

In Europe, with multiple hotly contested elections, uncertainty is still fairly high, but we like the combination of an improving macroeconomic backdrop and an arguably discounted valuation relative to the U.S. market.

 

The Asia-Pacific region is more of a mixed bag. In China, interest rates are now rising, as evidenced by the rising 3-month interbank interest rates (SHIBOR), suggesting a tightening credit environment. The Japanese economy remains one of the weaker parts of the region, with demographic headwinds and stubbornly low inflation and wage growth leaving the outlook there a bit more muted. However there are some green shoots, particularly the recent strengthening of Japan’s PMI index.

Beyond the macroeconomic environment, the Fund continues to emphasize its companies with a willingness to reward shareholders with dividends.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brian Hennessey
Joshua E. Duitz

Portfolio Managers

 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Please refer to the Schedule of Portfolio Investments for fund holdings information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

 

Current and future holdings are subject to risk.

 

This letter represents the opinions of the Fund’s management and is subject to change, is not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.

 

The information provided is not intended to be, and is not, a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or investment advice. Views expressed may vary from those of the firm as a whole.

 

Favorable tax treatment of Fund distributions may be adversely affected, changed or repealed by future changes in tax laws. Alpine may not be able to anticipate the level of dividends that companies may pay in any given timeframe.

 

The Fund’s monthly distributions may consist of net investment income, net realized capital gains and/or a return of capital. If a distribution includes anything other than net investment income, the Fund will provide a notice of the best estimate of its distribution sources when distributed, which will be posted on the Fund’s website; www.alpinefunds.com, or can be obtained by calling 1-800-617-7616. For fiscal semi-annual period ended April 30, 2017 it is estimated that the Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund did not pay any distributions through a return of capital. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” Final determination of the federal income tax characteristics of distributions paid during the calendar year will be provided on U.S. Form 1099-DIV, which will be mailed to shareholders. Please consult your tax advisor for further information.

 

The Fund may invest in equity-linked securities and various other derivative instruments, which may be illiquid, and which may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

 

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is subject to risks, including the following in alphabetical order:


 

4  
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
  April 30, 2017

 

Credit Risk – Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.

 

Currency Risk – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation.

 

Cybersecurity Risk – Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or cause the Fund, the Adviser and/or its service providers (including, but not limited to, Fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or lose operational functionality.

 

Dividend Strategy Risk – The Fund’s strategy of investing in dividend-paying stocks involves the risk that such stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the market. Companies that issue dividend paying-stocks are not required to continue to pay dividends on such stocks. Therefore, there is the possibility that such companies could reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends in the future. The Fund may hold securities for short periods of time related to the dividend payment periods and may experience loss during these periods.

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk – The risks of foreign investments are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less fully developed and are less stable than those of more developed countries. They are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility.

 

Equity Securities Risk – The stock or other security of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer than expected earnings or certain management decisions) or to the industry in which the company is engaged (such as a reduction in the demand for products or services in a particular industry).

 

Foreign Currency Transactions Risk – Foreign securities are often denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, the value of the Fund’s shares is affected by changes in exchange rates. The Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions to try to manage this risk. The Fund’s ability to use foreign currency transactions successfully depends on a number of factors, including the foreign currency transactions being available at prices that are not too costly, the

availability of liquid markets and the ability of the Adviser to accurately predict the direction of changes in currency exchange rates. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against possible losses on foreign investments resulting from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Although this method attempts to protect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency, it does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities and while such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.

 

Foreign Securities Risk – The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. Foreign countries in which the Fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when investing in issuers of emerging market countries.

 

Growth Stock Risk – Growth stocks are stocks of companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in revenue and earnings. Growth stocks typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth stocks typically fall. Growth stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on undervalued stocks.

 

Initial Public Offerings and Secondary Offerings Risk – The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in shares of IPOs or secondary offerings of an issuer. IPOs and secondary offerings may have a magnified impact on the performance of a Fund with a small asset base. The impact of IPOs and secondary offerings on a Fund’s performance likely will decrease as the Fund’s asset size increases, which could reduce a Fund’s returns. IPOs and secondary offerings may not be consistently available to the Fund for investing. IPO and secondary offering shares frequently are volatile in price due to the absence of a prior public market, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. Therefore, the Fund may hold IPO and secondary offering shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund and may lead to increased expenses for the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, IPO and secondary offering shares can experience an immediate drop in value if the demand for the securities does not continue to support the offering price.

 

Leverage Risk – The Fund may use leverage to purchase securities. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be magnified when the Fund uses leverage.


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 5
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
April 30, 2017  

 

Management Risk – The Adviser’s judgment about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or sector, or about interest rates generally, may be incorrect. The Adviser’s security selections and other investment decisions might produce losses or cause the Fund to underperform when compared to other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.

 

Market Risk – The price of a security held by the Fund may fall due to changing market, economic or political conditions.

 

Micro-Capitalization Company Risk – Stock prices of micro-capitalization companies are significantly more volatile, and more vulnerable to adverse business and economic developments than those of larger companies. Micro-capitalization companies often have narrower markets for their goods and/or services and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, including small- or medium-capitalization companies.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk – High portfolio turnover necessarily results in greater transaction costs which may reduce Fund performance.

 

Qualified Dividend Tax Risk – Favorable U.S. Federal tax treatment of Fund distributions may be adversely affected, changed or repealed by future changes in tax laws.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Company Risk – Securities of small or medium capitalization companies are more likely to experience sharper swings in market values, less liquid markets, in which it may be more difficult for the Adviser to sell at times and at prices that the Adviser believes appropriate and generally are more volatile than those of larger companies.

 

Swaps Risk – Swap agreements are derivative instruments that can be individually negotiated and structured to address exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. The Fund also may enter into swaptions, which are options to enter into a swap agreement. Since these transactions generally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements and swaptions generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. There is also a risk of a default by the other party to a swap agreement or swaption, in which case the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive.

 

Undervalued Stock Risk – The Fund may pursue strategies that may include investing in securities, which, in the opinion of the Adviser, are undervalued. The identification of investment opportunities in undervalued securities is a difficult task and there is no assurance that such opportunities will be successfully recognized or acquired. While investments in undervalued securities offer opportunities for above-average capital appreciation, these investments involve a high degree of financial risk and can result in substantial losses.

The following are definitions of some of the terms used in this report:

 

Cash Flow measures the cash generating capability of a company by adding non-cash charges (e.g. depreciation) and interest expense to pretax income.

 

Ibovespa Index is a total return index weighted by traded volume and is comprised of the most liquid stocks traded on the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange.

 

Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – is a measure of the activity level of purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector in Japan.

 

Markit Eurozone Manufacturing PMI measures the performance of the manufacturing sector and is derived from a survey of 600 industrial companies.

 

MSCI All Country World Index is a total return, free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index that captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Developed and 21 Emerging Markets countries. With 2,483 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.

 

MSCI Europe Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe.

 

Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI.

 

Russian MICEX Index is cap-weighted composite index calculated based on prices of the 50 most liquid Russian stocks of the largest and dynamically developing Russian issuers presented on the Moscow Exchange. MICEX Index was launched on September 22, 1997 at base value 100. The MICEX Index is calculated in real time and denominated by Moscow Exchange in Russian rubles.

 

S&P 500® Index is a total return, float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent U.S. equity performance. Total return indexes include reinvestments of all dividends.

 

S&P 500® Financials Index is an index comprised of those companies included in the S&P 500 that are classified as members of the GICS® financials sector.


 

6  
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
  April 30, 2017

 

S&P 500® Telecommunication Services Index is comprised of those companies included in the S&P 500® that are classified as members of the GICS telecommunications services sector.

 

The S&P 500® Index, S&P 500® Telecommunications Services Index, and S&P 500® Utilities Index (the “Indices”) are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use by Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC. Copyright © 2017 by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproductions in whole or in part are prohibited without written the permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, its affiliates, and third party licensors make no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the Index and none of such parties shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions in the Index or the data included therein.

 

Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index is an index comprised of all stocks that are traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

 

An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

This is a closed-end fund and does not continuously offer shares.


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 7
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
April 30, 2017  

 

PERFORMANCE(1) As of April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)            
   Ending Value                  Since
   as of 4/30/17  6 Months(2)  1 Year  3 Years  5 Years  10 Years  Inception(3)
Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund | NAV(4)(5)  $9.56    14.83%   16.15%   7.34%   8.82%   -1.35%   -0.47%
Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund | Market Price(5)  $8.62    22.08%   24.38%   9.25%   8.20%   -2.89%   -1.93%
MSCI All Country World Index        11.76%   15.14%   5.29%   8.96%   3.71%   4.22%
S&P 500® Index        13.32%   17.92%   10.47%   13.68%   7.15%   7.44%

 

(1) Performance information calculated assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions including returns of capital, if any.
(2) Not annualized.
(2) Commenced operations on January 26, 2007. IPO split adjusted price of $40 used in calculating performance information for the market price.
(3) Performance at NAV includes fees and expenses.
(4) On January 21, 2014, the Fund implemented a 1 for 2 reverse stock split. Shareholders received 1 share for every 2 shares owned and net asset value and market price per share increased correspondingly.

 

To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) and/or Secondary Offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated in future periods or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO/Secondary Offerings in the future.

 

All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value of the Fund will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance quoted. Call 1(800)617.7616 or visit www.alpinefunds.com for current month-end performance.

 

MSCI All Country World Index is a total return, free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index that captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 developed and 21 emerging markets countries. With 2,483 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. (Source: MSCI.) MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. MSCI provides no warranties, has not prepared or approved this report, and has no liability hereunder.

 

S&P 500® Index is a total return, float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent U.S. equity performance. Total return indexes include reinvestments of all dividends.

 

PORTFOLIO DISTRIBUTIONS* (Unaudited)

 

TOP 10 HOLDINGS* (unaudited)    
Apple, Inc.   2.08%   United States
Ferrovial SA   1.61%   United Kingdom
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.   1.44%   United States
Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA-B Shares   1.42%   Sweden
Broadcom, Ltd.   1.34%   Singapore
Bank of America Corp.   1.32%   United States
Bouygues SA   1.32%   France
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   1.29%   United States
Nestle SA   1.24%   Switzerland
CVS Health Corp.   1.22%   United States
Top 10 Holdings   14.28%    
 
TOP 5 COUNTRIES* (unaudited)    
United States   59.4%    
United Kingdom   7.7%    
Finland   5.0%    
Switzerland   4.2%    
Japan   3.7%    


 

* Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments. The Top 10 Holdings and Top 5 Countries do not include short-term investments and percentages are based on total net assets. Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 04/30/17 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities.

 

8  
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
  April 30, 2017

 

REGIONAL ALLOCATION** As of April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

** As a percentage of total investments, excluding any short-term investments.

 

NAV AND MARKET PRICE As of April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 9
 
Schedule of Portfolio Investments
April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)  

 

Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
         
Common Stocks-101.6%
Aerospace & Defense-1.0% 
 66,300   Raytheon Co. (a)  $10,290,423 
Air Freight & Logistics-1.2%    
 65,900   FedEx Corp. (a)   12,501,230 
Airlines-1.4%    
 146,000   Delta Air Lines, Inc. (a)   6,634,240 
 249,500   Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.   7,878,358 
         14,512,598 
Auto Components-2.1%    
 134,000   Delphi Automotive PLC (a)   10,773,600 
 2,322,000   GKN PLC   10,793,747 
         21,567,347 
Banks-11.7%    
 1,467,685   Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA   11,749,207 
 583,000   Bank of America Corp. (a)   13,607,220 
 78,500   BNP Paribas SA   5,539,340 
 205,000   Citigroup, Inc. (a)   12,119,600 
 404,000   Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (a)   14,830,840 
 143,700   Hana Financial Group, Inc.   4,950,382 
 2,900,000   Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   8,447,084 
 1,179,000   Mediobanca SpA   11,333,809 
 1,117,000   Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.   7,106,314 
 655,000   Regions Financial Corp. (a)   9,006,250 
 99,200   The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (a)   11,879,200 
 187,500   Wells Fargo & Co. (a)   10,095,000 
         120,664,246 
Beverages-0.6%    
 54,900   Anheuser-Busch InBev NV-SP ADR (a)   6,216,876 
Biotechnology-0.9%    
 50,900   Shire PLC-ADR (a)   9,007,264 
Building Products-0.6%    
 90,500   Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.   5,768,470 
Capital Markets-3.8%    
 582,000   Ares Capital Corp. (a)   10,243,200 
 283,500   Azimut Holding SpA   5,533,991 
 88,500   Deutsche Boerse AG   8,661,812 
 92,600   Evercore Partners, Inc.-Class A (a)   6,829,250 
 249,000   The Blackstone Group LP (a)   7,679,160 
         38,947,413 
Chemicals-1.7%    
 398,000   Clariant AG (b)   8,060,000 
 136,000   Symrise AG   9,521,264 
         17,581,264 
Commercial Services & Supplies-0.5%    
 128,000   ISS A/S   5,308,769 
Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Communications Equipment-1.4%
 167,200   Cisco Systems, Inc. (a)  $5,696,504 
 1,524,000   Nokia OYJ   8,715,487 
         14,411,991 
Construction & Engineering-3.7%
 321,885   Bouygues SA   13,532,535 
 5,467,500   China Railway Construction Corp., Ltd.-Class H   7,647,689 
 780,000   Ferrovial SA   16,597,986 
         37,778,210 
Consumer Finance-1.2%
 105,000   Discover Financial Services (a)   6,571,950 
 216,000   Synchrony Financial (a)   6,004,800 
         12,576,750 
Diversified Telecommunication Services-2.0%
 427,500   BT Group PLC-SP ADR (a)   8,511,525 
 682,500   Cellnex Telecom SAU (c)   12,062,428 
         20,573,953 
Electric Utilities-1.6%
 172,100   FirstEnergy Corp.   5,152,674 
 83,000   NextEra Energy, Inc. (a)   11,085,480 
         16,238,154 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments
& Components-1.2%
 160,000   TE Connectivity, Ltd. (a)   12,379,200 
Equity Real Estate Investment-5.9%
 68,000   American Tower Corp. (a)   8,563,920 
 518,500   Colony NorthStar, Inc.-Class A (a)   6,776,795 
 149,500   Colony Starwood Homes   5,168,215 
 109,500   CyrusOne, Inc.   5,983,080 
 73,000   Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (a)   8,383,320 
 780   Nippon Building Fund, Inc.   4,149,271 
 394,000   Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (a)   10,113,980 
 192,000   The Geo Group, Inc. (a)   6,397,440 
 674,738   Westfield Corp.   4,587,614 
         60,123,635 
Food & Staples Retailing-2.1%
 152,700   CVS Health Corp. (a)   12,588,588 
 292,500   The Kroger Co. (a)   8,672,625 
         21,261,213 
Food Products-2.9%
 269,000   Mondelez International, Inc.-Class A (a)   12,113,070 
 165,000   Nestle SA   12,710,804 
 53,000   The Kraft Heinz Co.   4,790,670 
         29,614,544 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies-1.8%
 118,900   Medtronic PLC (a)   9,879,401 
 75,500   Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (a)   9,033,575 
         18,912,976 


 

10

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (Continued)
   
  April 30, 2017

 

Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Health Care Providers & Services-3.2%    
 39,600   Aetna, Inc.  $5,348,772 
 64,500   McKesson Corp. (a)   8,919,705 
 40,200   UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (a)   7,030,176 
 99,700   Universal Health Services, Inc.-Class B (a)   12,039,772 
         33,338,425 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure-2.0%    
 552,000   Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.-ADR (a)   12,116,400 
 281,000   MGM Resorts International (a)   8,629,510 
         20,745,910 
Household Durables-3.1%
 224,500   Lennar Corp.-Class A (a)   11,337,250 
 216,000   Newell Brands, Inc. (a)   10,311,840 
 57,000   Whirlpool Corp. (a)   10,583,760 
         32,232,850 
Household Products-1.4%    
 441,000   Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA-B Shares   14,608,222 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers-1.1%    
 300,000   NRG Yield, Inc.-Class C (a)   5,310,000 
 249,600   Pattern Energy Group, Inc.   5,496,192 
         10,806,192 
Insurance-2.1%    
 55,800   Allianz SE   10,624,855 
 386,885   ING Life Insurance Korea, Ltd. (b)   11,219,971 
         21,844,826 
Internet Software & Services-0.6%    
 6,900   Alphabet, Inc.-Class C (b)   6,251,124 
IT Services-1.5%    
 247,500   CSRA, Inc. (a)   7,197,300 
 151,500   Leidos Holdings, Inc. (a)   7,977,990 
         15,175,290 
Life Sciences Tools & Services-1.0%    
 63,200   Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (a)   10,448,856 
Machinery-1.5%    
 5,209,950   CRRC Corp., Ltd.-Class H   5,083,793 
 61,500   Snap-on, Inc. (a)   10,303,095 
         15,386,888 
Media-1.4%    
 233,000   Comcast Corp.-Class A (a)   9,131,270 
 180,500   Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.-Class A   5,512,470 
         14,643,740 
Metals & Mining-2.1%    
 864,000   ArcelorMittal-NY Registered (a)(b)   6,739,200 
 690,091   Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd.   2,743,890 
 235,000   Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp.   5,292,375 
 78,600   Randgold Resources, Ltd.-ADR (a)   6,916,014 
         21,691,479 
Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Multi-Utilities-1.8%    
 146,500   CMS Energy Corp. (a)  $6,651,100 
 594,500   Veolia Environnement SA   11,293,946 
         17,945,046 
Multiline Retail-0.9%    
 129,500   Dollar General Corp. (a)   9,415,945 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels-6.2%    
 170,000   Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (a)   9,693,400 
 133,000   Apache Corp.   6,469,120 
 71,300   Chevron Corp. (a)   7,607,710 
 231,000   Enbridge, Inc. (a)   9,574,950 
 55,300   EOG Resources, Inc.   5,115,250 
 642,500   Kinder Morgan, Inc. (a)   13,254,775 
 55,000   Marathon Petroleum Corp.   2,801,700 
 118,000   Tesoro Corp.   9,405,780 
         63,922,685 
Paper & Forest Products-1.9%    
 811,000   Stora Enso OYJ-R Shares   9,646,969 
 358,000   UPM-Kymmene OYJ   9,448,956 
         19,095,925 
Personal Products-0.8%    
 151,000   Unilever NV   7,919,094 
Pharmaceuticals-1.7%    
 133,500   Novartis AG-SP ADR (a)   10,283,505 
 196,000   Pfizer, Inc. (a)   6,648,320 
         16,931,825 
Real Estate Management & Development-1.6%    
 4,210,000   Global Logistic Properties, Ltd.   8,678,238 
 357,000   Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.   7,844,552 
         16,522,790 
Road & Rail-2.5%   
 63,500   Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd. (a)   9,731,375 
 76,500   Norfolk Southern Corp. (a)   8,987,985 
 2,568,500   Rumo SA (b)   7,064,478 
         25,783,838 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment-4.4%      
 268,000   Applied Materials, Inc. (a)   10,883,480 
 62,200   Broadcom, Ltd. (a)   13,734,382 
 331,000   Intel Corp. (a)   11,965,650 
 182,500   SK Hynix, Inc.   8,660,691 
         45,244,203 
Software-1.0%    
 61,470   Dell Technologies, Inc.- VMware, Inc.-Class V (b)   4,125,252 
 94,000   Microsoft Corp. (a)   6,435,240 
         10,560,492 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 11

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (Continued)
April 30, 2017  

 

Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Specialty Retail-2.3%    
 99,000   Foot Locker, Inc. (a)  $7,656,660 
 40,500   Shimamura Co., Ltd.   5,544,113 
 36,600   The Home Depot, Inc.   5,713,260 
 64,600   TJX Cos., Inc. (a)   5,080,144 
         23,994,177 
Technology Hardware, Storage &
Peripherals-3.2%
   
 149,000   Apple, Inc. (a)   21,403,850 
 3,150   Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   6,175,982 
 64,500   Western Digital Corp. (a)   5,745,015 
         33,324,847 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods-1.5%    
 90,500   Carter’s, Inc. (a)   8,329,620 
 773,923   Samsonite International SA   2,984,912 
 83,000   VF Corp.   4,534,290 
         15,848,822 
Transportation Infrastructure-0.5%    
 878,318   CCR SA   4,897,916 
Wireless Telecommunication Services-1.0%    
 3,800,000   Vodafone Group PLC   9,796,757 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $889,809,835)
 1,044,614,690 
           
EQUITY-LINKED STRUCTURED NOTES-4.4% 
Household Durables-0.2%    
 72,132   Persimmon PLC-Merrill Lynch   2,182,266 
Insurance-2.3%    
 3,551,573   Legal + General Group PLC-Merrill Lynch   11,356,830 
 256,618   Sampo OYJ-A Shares-Morgan Stanley BV   12,296,697 
         23,653,527 
Media-0.9%    
 3,272,492   ITV PLC-Merrill Lynch   8,900,911 
Paper & Forest Products-0.3%    
 312,088   Stora Enso OYJ-R Shares-Morgan Stanley BV   3,712,334 
Utilities-0.7%    
 488,872   Fortum OYJ-Morgan Stanley BV   7,114,576 
           
TOTAL EQUITY-LINKED STRUCTURED NOTES
(Cost $47,692,159)
 45,563,614 
Exchange-Traded Funds-0.5%    
 75,000   SPDR S&P Biotech ETF   5,358,000 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $4,870,148)
 5,358,000 
Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost $942,372,142) (d)—106.5%
$1,095,536,304 
     
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(6.5)%  (66,758,479)
     
TOTAL NET ASSETS 100.0% $1,028,777,825 
           

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security has been designated as collateral for the line of credit.
   
(b) Non-income producing security.
   
(c) Restricted under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Liquid securities restricted under Rule 144A comprised 1.2% of the Fund’s net assets.
   
(d) See Note 6 for the cost of investments for federal tax purposes.

 

Common Abbreviations

AB-Aktiebolag is the Swedish equivalent of a corporation.

ADR-American Depositary Receipt

AG-Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by shareholders.

A/S-Aktieselskab is the Danish term for a stock-based corporation.

NV-Naamloze Vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public limited liability corporation.

OYJ-Osakeyhtio is the Finnish equivalent of a limited company.

PLC-Public Limited Company

SA-Generally designates corporations in various countries, mostly those employing the civil law.

SCA-Societe en Commandite par actions is the French equivalent of a limited partnership.

SP ADR-Sponsored American Depositary Receipt

SpA-Societa’ Per Azioni is an Italian shared company.


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
  April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
     
Investments, at value(1)  $1,095,536,304 
Foreign currencies, at value(2)  3,381,239 
Receivable from investment securities sold  30,953,166 
Dividends receivable  12,488,974 
Tax reclaim receivable  5,722,309 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  41,207 
Total assets  1,148,123,199 
     
LIABILITIES:    
     
Loan payable (Note 7)  99,357,002 
Interest on loan payable  20,694 
Payable for investment securities purchased  15,461,107 
Payable to custodian  2,962,201 
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts  301,506 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities:    
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)  922,660 
Trustee fees (Note 4)  19,128 
Administration fees  36,186 
Compliance fees (Note 4)  19,916 
Other  244,974 
Total liabilities  119,345,374 
Net Assets  $1,028,777,825 
     
NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY:    
     
Paid-in-capital  $2,309,899,786 
Undistributed net investment income  1,828,306 
Accumulated net realized loss from investments and foreign currency transactions  (1,434,960,548)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations  152,010,281 
Net Assets  $1,028,777,825 
Net asset value    
Net assets  $1,028,777,825 
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding  107,593,339 
Net asset value per share  $9.56 
(1) Total cost of investments  $942,372,142 
(2) Cost of foreign currencies  $3,381,239 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 13

 

Statement of Operations

For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME: 
 
Dividend income  $45,504,377 
Less: Foreign taxes withheld  (811,186)
Interest and other income  344,204 
Total investment income  45,037,395 
     
EXPENSES:    
     
Investment advisory fee (Note 4)  5,093,287 
Interest on loan (Note 7)  257,089 
Administration fee (Note 4)  110,918 
NYSE fees  72,926 
Printing and mailing fees  69,786 
Legal fees  52,413 
Audit and tax fees  51,353 
Accounting and custody fees  49,142 
Trustee fees  44,754 
Insurance fees  22,701 
Compliance fees  19,916 
Other fees  122,971 
Total expenses  5,967,256 
Net investment income  39,070,139 
     
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY:
     
Net realized gain/(loss) from:    
Investments  (5,730,562)
Foreign currency transactions  485,515 
Net realized loss from investments and foreign currency  (5,245,047)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:    
Investments  98,005,161 
Foreign currency translations  (513,013)
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency  97,492,148 
Net gain on investments and foreign currency  92,247,101 
Increase in net assets from operations  $131,317,240 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

14

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months 
   Ended  For the  
   April 30, 2017  Year Ended  
 (Unaudited)  October 31, 2016  
OPERATIONS:   
      
Net investment income    $39,070,139     $70,008,463 
Net realized gain (loss) from:            
Investments    (5,730,562)    (64,121,990)
Foreign currency transactions    485,515     3,023,022 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:            
Investments    98,005,161     (26,230,473)
Foreign currency translations    (513,013)    (2,083,836)
Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations    131,317,240     (19,404,814)
             
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (NOTE 5):
             
From net investment income    (37,119,702)    (71,314,210)
From tax return of capital         (2,925,194)
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders    (37,119,702)    (74,239,404)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets    94,197,538     (93,644,218)
Net Assets:            
Beginning of period    934,580,287     1,028,224,505 
End of period*    $1,028,777,825     $934,580,287 
             
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:            
             
Common shares outstanding – beginning of period    107,593,339     107,593,339 
Common shares outstanding – end of period    107,593,339     107,593,339 
             
* Including undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income of:    $1,828,306     $(122,131)
             

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 15
 

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   Six Months
Ended
         
   April 30, 2017  Years Ended October 31,
  (Unaudited)  2016   2015  2014  2013†(a)  2012†(a)
PER COMMON SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value per share, beginning of period  $8.69   $9.56   $9.92   $9.82(a)  $9.22   $10.26 
Income from investment operations:                        
Net investment income  0.36   0.65   0.69   0.64   0.68   1.36 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)  0.86   (0.83)  (0.38)  0.13   0.74   (1.08)
Total from investment operations  1.22   (0.18)  0.31   0.77   1.42   0.28 
                         
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
                         
From net investment income  (0.35)  (0.66)  (0.68)  (0.67)  (0.82)  (1.32)
Tax return of capital     (0.03)  (0.00)(b)         
Total distributions  (0.35)  (0.69)  (0.68)  (0.67)  (0.82)  (1.32)
Anti-Dilutive effect of share repurchase program        0.01          
Net asset value per share, end of period  $9.56   $8.69   $9.56   $9.92   $9.82   $9.22 
Per share market value, end of period  $8.62   $7.37   $8.01   $8.67   $8.34   $8.44 
                         
Total return based on:                        
Net Asset Value(c)  14.83%(d)   (0.40)%   4.39%   9.26%   17.60%   4.01% 
Market Value(c)  22.08%(d)   0.81%   0.07%   12.44%   9.11%   (0.32)% 
                         
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
                         
Net Assets at end of period (000)  $1,028,778   $934,580   $1,028,225   $1,077,053   $1,067,171   $1,019,133 
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets(e)  1.22%(f)   1.15%   1.16%   1.14%   1.19%   1.27% 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets  7.97%(f)   7.31%   6.74%   6.47%   7.24%   14.14% 
Portfolio turnover  51%(d)   98%   127%   99%   192%   310% 
                         
Borrowing at End of period                        
Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)  $99,357   N/A   N/A   $8,301   $5,897   $51,500 
Asset Coverage Per $1,000 (000)  $11,354   N/A   N/A   $130,757   $181,979   $20,789 

 

Beginning with the year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund was audited by Ernst & Young LLP. The previous years were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm.
(a) On January 21, 2014, the Fund implemented a 1 for 2 reverse stock split. Net asset value and per share information through January 20, 2014 have been updated to reflect the effect of the split. Shareholders received 1 share for every 2 shares owned and net asset value per share increased correspondingly.
(b) The amount is less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common share at the opening on the first day and a sale at closing on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment returns do not reflect brokerage commissions paid directly by the Fund’s common shareholders. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Ratio of total expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense was 1.17% for the six months ended April 30, 2017, and 1.15%, 1.15%, 1.13%, 1.18% and 1.23% for the years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(f) Annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

16

 
Notes to Financial Statements
  April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

1. Organization:

 

Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 27, 2006, and had no operating history prior to January 26, 2007. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) authorized an unlimited number of shares with no par value. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek high current dividend income. The Fund also focuses on long-term growth of capital as a secondary investment objective.

 

The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies:

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported herein. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.

 

A. Valuation of Securities:

 

The net asset value (“NAV”) of shares of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s net assets by the number of outstanding shares. NAV is determined each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open as of the close of regular trading (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). In computing NAV, portfolio securities of the Fund are valued at their current fair values determined on the basis of market quotations or if market quotations are not readily available or determined to be unreliable, through procedures and/or guidelines established by the Board. In computing the Fund’s NAV, equity securities that are traded on a securities exchange in the United States, except for those listed on NASDAQ Global Market, NASDAQ Global Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market exchanges (collectively, “NASDAQ”) and option securities are valued at the last reported sale price as of the time of valuation. Securities traded on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Prices (“NOCP”). If, on a particular day, an exchange traded or NASDAQ security does not trade, then the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked prices will be used. For equity investments traded on more than one exchange, the last reported sale price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded is used. Equity-linked structured notes are valued by referencing the last reported sale or settlement price of the

underlying security on the day of valuation. Foreign exchange adjustments are applied to the last reported price to convert the underlying security’s trading currency to the equity-linked structured note’s settlement currency. Each option security traded on a securities exchange in the United States is valued at the last current reported sales price as of the time of valuation if the last current reported sales price falls within the consolidated bid/ask quote. If the last current reported sale price does not fall within the consolidated bid/ask quote, the security is valued at the mid-point of the consolidated bid/ask quote for the option security. Forward currency contracts are valued based on third-party vendor quotations. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System is valued at the NOCP, as determined by NASDAQ, or lacking an NOCP, the last current reported sale price as of the time of valuation by NASDAQ, or lacking any current reported sale on NASDAQ at the time of valuation, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations. Each over-the-counter option that is not traded through the Options Clearing Corporation is valued by the counterparty of the option, or if the counterparty’s price is not readily available, then by using the Black-Scholes method. Debt and short-term securities are valued based on an evaluated bid price as furnished by pricing services approved by the Board, which may be based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities received from recognized dealers in those securities. Each other security traded over-the-counter is valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations.

 

Securities that are principally traded in a foreign market are valued at the last current sale price at the time of valuation or lacking any current or reported sale, at the time of valuation, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations as of the close of the appropriate exchange or other designated time. Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets is normally completed at various times before the close of business on each day on which the NYSE is open. Trading of these securities may not take place on every NYSE business day. In addition, trading may take place in various foreign markets on Saturdays or on other days when the NYSE is not open and on which the Fund’s NAV is not calculated.

 

When market quotations are not readily available or when the valuation methods mentioned above are not reflective of a fair value of the security, the security is valued at fair value following procedures and/or guidelines approved by the Board. The Fund may also use fair value pricing, if the value of a security it holds is, pursuant to the Board guidelines, materially affected by events occurring before the Fund’s NAV is calculated but after the close of the primary market or market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 17
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)  

 

recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities received from recognized dealers in those securities. The Board has approved the use of a third-party pricing vendor’s proprietary fair value pricing model to assist in determining current valuation for foreign equities and over-the-counter derivatives traded in markets that close prior to the NYSE. When fair value pricing is employed, the value of the portfolio security used to calculate the Fund’s NAV may differ from quoted or official closing prices. The Fund may also fair value a security if the Fund or Adviser believes that the market price is stale. Other types of securities that the Fund may hold for which fair value pricing might be required include illiquid securities including restricted securities and private placements for which there is no public market.

 

For securities valued by the Fund, valuation techniques are used to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.

 

The Board of Trustees adopted procedures which utilize fair value procedures when any assets for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the Fund’s pricing service does not provide a valuation or provides a valuation that in the judgment of the Adviser does not represent fair value. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee which is responsible for: (1) monitoring the valuation of Fund securities and other investments; and (2) as required, when the Board of Trustees is not in session, reviewing and approving the fair value of illiquid and other holdings after consideration of all relevant factors, which determinations are reported to the Board of Trustees.

 

Fair Value Measurement:

 

In accordance with FASB ASC, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the value that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in a timely transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. ASC 820 uses a three-tier hierarchy to establish

classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entities’ own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Level 1 -  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
   
Level 2 - Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates, etc.).
   
Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

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, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the reporting period end. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under ASC 820.


 

18 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
  April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of April 30, 2017:

 

   Valuation Inputs     
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Value 
Common Stocks                    
Aerospace & Defense  $10,290,423   $   $   $10,290,423 
Air Freight & Logistics   12,501,230            12,501,230 
Airlines   14,512,598            14,512,598 
Auto Components   21,567,347            21,567,347 
Banks   120,664,246            120,664,246 
Beverages   6,216,876            6,216,876 
Biotechnology   9,007,264            9,007,264 
Building Products   5,768,470            5,768,470 
Capital Markets   38,947,413            38,947,413 
Chemicals   17,581,264            17,581,264 
Commercial Services & Supplies   5,308,769            5,308,769 
Communications Equipment   14,411,991            14,411,991 
Construction & Engineering   37,778,210            37,778,210 
Consumer Finance   12,576,750            12,576,750 
Diversified Telecommunication Services   20,573,953            20,573,953 
Electric Utilities   16,238,154            16,238,154 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components   12,379,200            12,379,200 
Equity Real Estate Investment   60,123,635            60,123,635 
Food & Staples Retailing   21,261,213            21,261,213 
Food Products   29,614,544            29,614,544 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies   18,912,976            18,912,976 
Health Care Providers & Services   33,338,425            33,338,425 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   20,745,910            20,745,910 
Household Durables   32,232,850            32,232,850 
Household Products   14,608,222            14,608,222 
IT Services   15,175,290            15,175,290 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers   10,806,192            10,806,192 
Insurance   10,624,855    11,219,971        21,844,826 
Internet Software & Services   6,251,124            6,251,124 
Life Sciences Tools & Services   10,448,856            10,448,856 
Machinery   15,386,888            15,386,888 
Media   14,643,740            14,643,740 
Metals & Mining   21,691,479            21,691,479 
Multi-Utilities   17,945,046            17,945,046 
Multiline Retail   9,415,945            9,415,945 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels   63,922,685            63,922,685 
Paper & Forest Products   19,095,925            19,095,925 
Personal Products   7,919,094            7,919,094 
Pharmaceuticals   16,931,825            16,931,825 
Real Estate Management & Development   16,522,790            16,522,790 
Road & Rail   25,783,838            25,783,838 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment   45,244,203            45,244,203 
Software   10,560,492            10,560,492 
Specialty Retail   23,994,177            23,994,177 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals   33,324,847            33,324,847 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods   15,848,822            15,848,822 

 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 19
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)  

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Valuation Inputs     
(Continued)  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Value 
Transportation Infrastructure  $4,897,916   $   $   $4,897,916 
Wireless Telecommunication Services   9,796,757            9,796,757 
Equity-Linked Structured Notes       45,563,614        45,563,614 
Exchange-Traded Funds   5,358,000            5,358,000 
Total  $1,038,752,719   $56,783,585   $   $1,095,536,304 

 

   Valuation Inputs     
Other Financial Instruments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Value 
Liabilities                    
Forward Currency Contracts       (301,506)       (301,506)
Total  $   $(301,506)  $   $(301,506)

 

* For detailed industry descriptions, see accompanying Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

For the period ended April 30, 2017, there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The Fund recognizes transfers as of the beginning of the period.

 

B. Security Transactions and Investment Income:

 

Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are computed on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or in the case of some foreign securities, on the date thereafter when the Fund is made aware of the dividend. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, where applicable. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.

 

C. Federal and Other Income Taxes:

 

It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to timely distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains to shareholders in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. Capital gains realized on some foreign securities are subject to foreign taxes. Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 30%. Such capital gains and withholding taxes, which are accrued as applicable, may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties, and the Fund intends to undertake procedural steps to claim the benefits of such treaties. Where available, the Fund will file refund claims for foreign taxes withheld.

FASB ASC 740-10 “Income Taxes” - Overall sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of April 30, 2017, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s Federal and state income and Federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue. As of April 30, 2017, open Federal and New York tax years include the tax years ended October 31, 2013 through 2016. Also, the Fund has recognized no interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits. The Fund is also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

 

Foreign taxes withheld, if any, represent amounts withheld by foreign tax authorities, net of refunds recoverable. Foreign capital gains on certain foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. As of April 30, 2017, there were no outstanding balances of accrued capital gains taxes for the Fund.

 

D. Distributions to Shareholders:

 

The Fund intends to make a level distribution each month to its shareholders of the net investment income of the Fund after payment of Fund operating expenses. The level distribution rate may be modified or eliminated by the Board from time to time. If a monthly distribution exceeds the Fund’s monthly estimated investment company taxable income (which may include net short-term capital gain) and net tax-exempt income, the excess could result in a tax-free return of capital distribution from the Fund’s assets. The determination of a tax-free return of capital is made on an annual basis as further described below. The Fund’s final


 

20 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
  April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

distribution for each calendar year will include any remaining investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the year, as well as all net capital gains, if any, realized during the year. If the total distributions made in any fiscal year exceed annual investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of the accumulated investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets). Distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

E. Foreign Currency Translation Transactions:

 

The Fund may invest in foreign securities. In the event that the Fund executes a foreign security transaction, the Fund will generally enter into a forward foreign currency contract to settle the foreign security transaction. The Fund does not isolate the portion of each portfolio invested in foreign securities of its net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates from the impact arising from changes in market process. Such fluctuations are included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Net realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the differences between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign currency translations gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Non-U.S. dollar-denominated amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows, with the resultant translations gains and losses recorded in the Statement of Operations:

 

i) fair value of investment securities and other assets and liabilities at the exchange rate on the valuation date.
   
ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective date of such transactions.

 

F. Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies:

 

Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign

governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is a possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Fund’s investments denominated in that currency will lose value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

 

Certain countries may also impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available to the Fund or result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.

 

G. Equity-Linked Structured Notes:

 

The Fund may invest in equity-linked structured notes. Equity-linked structured notes are securities which are specially designed to combine the characteristics of one or more underlying securities and their equity derivatives in a single note form. The return and/or yield or income component may be based on the performance of the underlying equity securities, and equity index, and/or option positions. Equity-linked structured notes are typically offered in limited transactions by financial institutions in either registered or non-registered form. An investment in equity-linked structured notes creates exposure to the credit risk of the issuing financial institution, as well as to the market risk of the underlying securities. There is no guaranteed return of principal with these securities and the appreciation potential of these securities may be limited by a maximum payment or call right. In certain cases, equity-linked structured notes may be more volatile and less liquid than complex securities or other types of fixed-income securities. Such securities may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with other fixed-income securities. The Fund held six equity-linked structured notes as of April 30, 2017.

 

H. Options:

 

The Fund may engage in option transactions and in doing so achieve similar objectives to what they would achieve through the sale or purchase of individual securities. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security, index or other instrument at the exercise price. A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the seller the obligation to buy, the underlying security, index, or other instrument at the exercise price.

 

To seek to offset some of the risk of a potential decline in value of certain long positions, the Fund may also purchase put options on


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 21
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)  

 

individual securities. The Fund may also seek to generate income from option premiums by writing (selling) options on a portion of the equity securities in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

When a Fund purchases an option, it pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an asset. When a Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as a liability. The asset or liability is adjusted daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is recorded as an adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost basis of the purchase. The difference between the premium and the amount received or paid on a closing purchase or sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid. Gain or loss on written options and purchased options is presented separately as net realized gain or loss on written options and net realized gain or loss on purchased options, respectively. There were no options contracts held as of April 30, 2017.

I. Forward Currency Contracts:

 

The Fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may use forward currency contracts to gain exposure to or economically hedge against changes in the value of foreign currencies. A forward currency contract (“forward”) is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price on a future date. The market value of the forward contract fluctuates with changes in forward currency exchange rates. The forward contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the forward contract is closed, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the fluctuation in value during the period the forward contract was open. A Fund could be exposed to risk if a counterparty is unable to meet the terms of a forward or if the value of the currency changes unfavorably. The Fund’s forward contracts are not subject to a master netting agreement or similar agreement. During the period ended April 30, 2017, the Fund entered into two forward contracts. The average monthly principal amount for forward contracts held by the Fund throughout the period was $26,831,095. This is based on amounts held as of each month-end throughout the period.


 

The following forward currency contracts were held as of April 30, 2017:

 

      Settlement     Settlement  Current  Unrealized
Description  Counterparty  Date  Currency  Value  Value  Depreciation
Contracts Sold:                  
Euro  State Street Bank and Trust Company  06/07/17  26,800,000  EUR  $28,941,052    $29,242,558  $(301,506)
                 $29,242,558  $(301,506)

 

J. Derivative Instruments:

 

The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations as of and for the period ended April 30, 2017. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on derivatives at the end of the period. The second table provides additional information about the amounts and sources of net realized gain/(loss) and the change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) resulting from the Fund’s derivatives during the period.

 

The effect of derivative instruments in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2017:

 

   Statement of Assets  Unrealized 
Derivatives  and Liabilities Location  Depreciation 
Forward Currency Contracts     
Foreign exchange risk  Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts   (301,506)
Total      $(301,506)

The effect of derivative instruments in the Statement of Operations for the period ended April 30, 2017:

 

   Statement of  Net   Change in 
   Operations  Realized   Net Unrealized 
Derivatives  Location  Gain   Depreciation 
Forward Currency Contracts          
Foreign exchange risk  Net realized gain/(loss) from foreign currency transactions  $1,890,421      
Foreign exchange risk  Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on foreign currency translations        $(924,901)

 

3. Purchases and Sales of Securities:

 

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the period ended April 30, 2017 are as follows:

 

Purchases Sales
$566,678,453 $506,184,933


 

22 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
  April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund did not have purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the period ended April 30, 2017.

 

4. Investment Advisory Agreement, Administration Agreement and Other Affiliated Transactions:

 

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC (“Alpine Woods”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund. As compensation for its services to the Fund, Alpine Woods receives an annual investment advisory fee of 1.00% based on the Fund’s average daily total assets, computed daily and payable monthly.

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSBT”) serves as the fund accounting agent and custodian. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the assets of the Fund and the fund accounting agent is responsible for calculating the Fund’s NAV. SSBT, as the Fund’s custodian and fund accounting agent, is paid on the basis of net assets and transaction costs of the Fund. SSBT also serves as the administrator for the Fund. SSBT, as the Fund’s administrator, is paid on the basis of net assets of the Fund.

 

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) serves as the transfer agent to the Fund. BFDS is paid on the basis of net assets, per account fees and certain transaction costs.

 

Certain officers and trustees of the Funds are also officers and/or trustees of the Adviser. No interested trustee, who is deemed an interested person due to current or former service with the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, receives compensation from the Funds.

 

5. Capital Transactions:

 

On February 27, 2013, the Board announced a new Share Repurchase Plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Fund may purchase, in the open market, the Fund’s then outstanding common shares, with the amount and timing of repurchases at the discretion of the Fund’s investment adviser, Alpine Woods, and subject to market conditions and investment considerations. During the year ended October 31, 2016 and the period ended April 30, 2017, there were no shares repurchased under the Repurchase Plan.

 

6. Income Tax Information:

 

GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share of the Fund.

 

Classification of Distributions:

 

Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of

distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid by the Fund during the year ended October 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:     
Ordinary income  $71,314,210 
Return of capital   2,925,194 
Total  $74,239,404 

 

Tax components of distributable earnings are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from the composition of net assets reported under GAAP. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial reporting and tax reporting. The permanent differences are primarily due to differing treatment of gains (losses) related to foreign currency transactions, expired capital loss carryforward, tax treatment of spin-offs, and taxable overdistributions. Accordingly, for the year ended October 31, 2016, the effect of certain differences were reclassified. The Fund increased accumulated net investment income by $1,183,616, decreased accumulated net realized loss by $1,575,882,190 and decreased paid in capital by $1,577,065,806. These differences were primarily due to the differing tax treatment of foreign currency and certain other investments. Net assets of the Fund were unaffected by the reclassifications.

 

As of October 31, 2016, the Fund had available for tax purposes unused capital loss carryovers of $896,144,160, expiring on October 31, 2017, unused capital loss carryovers of $342,916,726, expiring on October 31, 2018 and unused capital loss carryovers of $24,530,686, expiring on October 31, 2019. During the year ended October 31, 2016, the Fund expired $1,575,094,244 of capital loss carryovers.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) Modernization Act of 2010, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years, which carry an expiration date. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryovers may be more likely to expire unused.

 

Capital loss carryovers as of October 31, 2016, with no expiration are as follows:

 

Short-Term Long-Term
$160,982,806 $—


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 23
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)  

 

As of October 31, 2016, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital loss  $(1,424,574,378)
Unrealized appreciation   49,254,880 
Total  $(1,375,319,498)

 

As of April 30, 2017 net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments, excluding foreign currency, based on Federal tax costs was as follows:

 

  Gross Gross  
Cost of unrealized unrealized Net unrealized
investments appreciation depreciation appreciation
$942,372,142 $182,527,746 $(29,363,584) $153,164,162

 

7. Line of Credit:

 

On December 1, 2010, the Fund executed a Prime Brokerage Agreement with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd. (“BNPP PB”). On October 1, 2015 the Fund amended its Credit Facility Agreement which allows the Fund to borrow on a secured and committed basis. The maximum commitment amount is $300,000,000 however, the Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets on an uncommitted basis. The terms of the lending

agreement indicate the rate to be the Federal Funds rate plus 0.95% per annum on amounts borrowed. The BNPP PB facility provides a secured, committed line of credit for the Fund where certain Fund assets are pledged against advances made to the Fund. The Fund has granted a security interest in all pledged assets used as collateral to the BNPP PB facility. The maximum amount of the line of credit available is the lesser of 33.33% of the total assets of the Fund or the amounts disclosed above, including the amount borrowed. During the period ended April 30, 2017, the average borrowing by the Fund was $24,474,267 with an average rate on borrowings of 2.09%. During the period ended April 30, 2017, the maximum borrowing by the Fund was $125,583,431. Interest expense related to the line of credit for the period ended April 30, 2017 was $257,089. As of April 30, 2017, the outstanding loan for the Fund was $99,357,002.

 

8. Subsequent Events:

 

Distributions: The Fund paid a distribution of $6,186,617 or $0.06 per common share on May 31, 2017 to common shareholders of record on May 23, 2017.

 

The Fund will also pay a distribution of $6,186,617 or $0.06 per common share payable on June 30, 2017 to common shareholders of record on June 23, 2017.


 

24 
 
Additional Information
  April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Unless the registered owner of common shares elects to receive cash by contacting Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (the “Plan Administrator”), all dividends or other distributions (together, “Dividends” and each, a “Dividend”) declared on common shares will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator for shareholders in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), in additional common shares of the Fund. Shareholders who are not permitted to participate through their broker or nominee or who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all Dividends in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the common shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by the Plan Administrator, as dividend disbursing agent. You may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all Dividends in cash by contacting the Plan Administrator, as dividend disbursing agent, at the address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Administrator prior to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared Dividend. If you hold your shares through a broker, and you wish for all Dividends declared on your common shares to be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan, please contact your broker.

 

The Plan Administrator will open an account for each shareholder under the Plan in the same name in which such shareholder’s common shares are registered. Whenever the Fund declares a Dividend payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in common shares. The common shares will be acquired by the Plan Administrator for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized common shares from the Fund (“Newly Issued common shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common shares on the open market (“Open-Market Purchases”) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per share is equal to or greater than the NAV per share, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued common shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued common shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the NAV per share on the payment date; provided that, if the NAV is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market value on the payment date, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per share on the payment date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the NAV per share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in

common shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases.

 

In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any Dividend, the Plan Administrator will have until the last business day before the next date on which the common shares trade on an “ex-dividend” basis or 30 days after the payment date for such Dividend, whichever is sooner (the “Last Purchase Date”), to invest the Dividend amount in common shares acquired in Open-Market Purchases. If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market Purchases, the market price per share exceeds the NAV per share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the NAV of the common shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer common shares than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued common shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Administrator is unable to invest the full Dividend amount in Open-Market Purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Administrator may cease making Open-Market Purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the Dividend amount in Newly Issued common shares at the NAV per share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date provided that, if the NAV is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per share, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date for purposes of determining the number of shares issuable under the Plan.

 

The Plan Administrator maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Common shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Administrator on behalf of the Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.

 

In the case of the Fund’s shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Administrator will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of common shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.

 

There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection with Open-Market Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any U.S. Federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld)


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2017 25
 
Additional Information (Continued)
April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)  

 

on such Dividends. See “Federal and Other Income Taxes.” Participants that request a sale of common shares through the Plan Administrator are subject to brokerage commissions.

 

Shareholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not available to shareholders not participating in the Plan. If the market price plus commissions of the Fund’s shares is higher than the NAV, participants in the Plan will receive shares of the Fund for less than they could otherwise purchase them and will have shares with a cash value greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have received on their shares. If the market price plus commissions is below the net asset value, participants receive distributions of shares with a NAV greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have received on their shares. However, there may be insufficient shares available in the market to make distributions in shares at prices below the NAV. Also, because the Fund does not redeem its shares, the price on resale may be more or less than the NAV.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.

 

All correspondence or question concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Administrator, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., c/o Alpine Closed-End Funds, PO Box 8128, Boston, MA 02266-8128 or by calling toll-free 1 (800) 617.7616.

 

Availability of Proxy Voting Information

 

The policies and procedures used in determining how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1(800) 617.7616 and on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1(800) 617.7616 and on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Fund’s Forms N-Q are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1(800) 617.7616 and on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy Form N-Q at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For more information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, please call the SEC at 1 (800) SEC.0330.

Designation Requirements

 

Of the distributions paid by the Fund from ordinary income for the year ended October 31, 2016, the following percentages met the requirements to be treated as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction and qualified dividend income, respectively.

 

Dividends Received Deduction 19.93 %
Qualified Dividend Income 39.00 %

 

Shareholder Meeting

 

On May 9, 2017, the Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) for the purpose of voting on a proposal to re-elect two Trustees to the Board and to conduct other business. The results of the proposals below reflect the percentage of shares voted at the meeting and are as follows:

 

Proposal 1: To elect Ms. Eleanor T.M. Hoagland as a Trustee to the Board for a term of three years to expire at the 2020 Annual Meeting or until her successor has been duly elected and qualified.

 

    Eleanor T. M. Hoagland
For     94,574,651  
Withheld     1,871,089  

 

Proposal 2: To elect Mr. Jeffrey E. Wacksman as a Trustee to the Board for a term of three years to expire at the 2020 Annual Meeting or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.

 

    Jeffrey E. Wacksman
For     94,212,944  
Withheld     2,232,796  

 

Proposal 3: To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

For   16,370,011 
Against   32,412,190 
Abstain   832,125 

 

Samuel A. Lieber and H. Guy Leibler continued to serve as Trustees of the Trust following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Notice

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase at market prices from time to time its common shares in the open market.


 

26 
 

 

       
Investor     1(800) 617.7616
Information     www.alpinefunds.com
       

 

 

Trustees

Samuel A. Lieber
Eleanor T.M. Hoagland
H. Guy Leibler
Jeffrey E. Wacksman

 

Investment Adviser

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC
2500 Westchester Ave., Suite 215
Purchase, NY 10577

 

Administrator &
Custodian

State Street Bank & Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111

 

Transfer Agent

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
2000 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, MA 02169

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10019

 

Fund Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10019

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER | INVESTOR INFORMATION

 

1(800) 617.7616
www.alpinefunds.com

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

(a)Schedule of Investments is included as part of Item 1 of the Form N-CSR.

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a) Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

No such purchases were made by or on behalf of the Registrant during the period covered by the report.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date.

 

(b) There was no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits

 

  (a)(1)Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

(a)(2)The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Ex99.Cert.

 

(a)(3)No such written solicitations were sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the Registrant.

 

(b)The certifications by the Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Ex99.906Cert.

 

(c)Notices to shareholders regarding the Fund’s distributions.
 

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.

 

Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

By: /s/ Samuel A. Lieber  
  Samuel A. Lieber
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date: July 7, 2017

 

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: /s/ Samuel A. Lieber  
  Samuel A. Lieber
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
     
By: /s/ Ronald G. Palmer, Jr.  
  Ronald G. Palmer, Jr.
  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
     
Date: July 7, 2017