Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
The Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF, an exchange-traded fund (the “Fund”), is a non-diversified series of the Amplify ETF Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust was established as a Massachusetts business trust on January
6, 2015 and is authorized to issue an unlimited amount of shares in one or more series of funds. The Trust is an open-end management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The Trust consists of ten series, one of which is covered in this report.
The Fund commenced operations on July 22, 2019. The investment objective of the Fund is to provide investors capital appreciation by investing in the equity securities of companies engaged in
cannabis and hemp-related activities selected by the Fund’s Advisor, Amplify Investments LLC (the “Advisor”). The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities of companies that derive 50%
or more of their revenue from cannabis and hemp ecosystem.
The Trust will issue and redeem shares at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) only in a large specified number of shares called a “Creation Unit” or multiples thereof. A Creation Unit consists of 50,000 shares. Creation Unit
transactions are typically conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of in-kind securities and/or cash. As a practical matter, only authorized participants may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation
Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. The prices at which creations and redemptions occur are based on the next calculation of NAV after an order is received in proper form by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. (the
“Distributor”). Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on NYSE Arca under the trading symbol CNBS, and because shares will trade
at market prices rather than NAV, shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV.
A creation unit will generally not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Fund of the deposit securities and the payment of any cash amounts have been completed. To the extent contemplated by the
applicable participant agreement, Creation Units of the Fund will be issued to such authorized participant notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Fund deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking
of the authorized participant to deliver the missing deposit securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such authorized participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S.
dollars immediately available funds having a value (marked to market daily) at least equal to 105% of the value of the missing deposit securities.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(“GAAP”). The Fund follows the accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”
Investment Valuation
The Fund’s investments in securities are carried at value. Securities listed on an exchange or quoted on a national market system are valued at the last sales price as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Securities
traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Other securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the
most recent bid price. Securities and assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available (e.g., if the exchange on which the security is principally traded closes early or if trading of the particular security is halted
during the day and does not resume prior to the Fund’s net asset value calculation) or which cannot be accurately valued using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under policies approved by
the Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”). A security’s “fair value” price may differ from the price next available for that security using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures. Instruments with maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
Fair Value Measurement
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund has the ability to access.
Level 2: other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities and identical securities in inactive markets, interest
rates, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3: significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining 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 in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following table summarizes the inputs as of October 31, 2019
for the Fund’s assets measured at fair value:
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in Securities (a)
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stocks (b)
|
$
|
5,373,155
|
$
|
5,373,155
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|
Real Estate Investment Trust
|
|
162,260
|
|
162,260
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Total Assets
|
$
|
5,535,415
|
$
|
5,535,415
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
The Fund did not hold any Level 3 securities during the initial period ended October 31, 2019.
|
|
(b)
|
Refer to the Schedule of Investments for a breakdown by sector.
|
Investment Transactions and Investment Income
Investment transactions are accounted for as of the date purchased or sold (trade date). Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and
includes accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums using the effective interest method. Gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for Federal income tax purposes. Withholding taxes on
foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
Expenses
The Fund bears expenses incurred specifically on its behalf as well as a portion of general expenses, which are allocated according to methods reviewed annually by the Trustees.
Distributions
The Fund generally declares and distributes dividends from net investment income and capital gains, if any, annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on ex-date.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in the net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
Federal Income Taxes
No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies.
Share Valuation
The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the
total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the NYSE is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share for the Fund is equal to the
Fund’s NAV.
Foreign Currency Translation
The books and records of the Fund is maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars on the date of valuation.
Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund does not isolate that portion of realized or
unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions from fluctuations arising from changes in
the market prices of the securities. These gains and losses are included in net realized and unrealized gains (loss) on investments on the Statements of Operations. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions
represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between trade and settlement dates on foreign currency transactions and the difference
between the amount of the investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid.
Organizational and Offering Costs
All organizational and offering costs incurred to establish the Fund were paid by the Advisor and are not subject to reimbursement.
2. Transactions with Related Parties and Service Providers
Advisor
The Fund pays a monthly fee to Amplify Investments LLC, calculated at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the initial period ended October 31, 2019, the Fund incurred $8,570
in advisory fees, of which $5,512 were waived by the Advisor.
The Advisor has engaged Penserra Capital Management LLC as the sub-advisor of the Fund (the “Sub-Advisor”) to provide day to day portfolio management of the Fund. The Advisor pays a monthly fee to the
Sub-Advisor based on an annual percentage rate of the average daily net assets of the Fund or minimum fee as follows: a fee that is equal to the greater of (i) $20,000 per annum or (2) 0.05% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Fund
on the first $500 million; 0.04% on the next $500 million; and 0.03% on assets over $1 billion, calculated daily and paid monthly. The Sub-Advisor is paid directly by the Advisor out of the advisory fees disclosed above.
The Advisor has entered into a contractual agreement (the “Expense Reimbursement and Fee Waiver Agreement”) with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, under which the Advisor has agreed to waive or reduce its fees
and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in amounts that limit the Fund’s total operating expenses (exclusive of any Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, expenses paid with securities
lending offset credits, expenses incurred in connection with any merger, reorganization, or proxy solicitation, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) to not more than 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The current term
of the Expense Limitation Agreement is through July 23, 2020. While there can be no assurance that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue after that date, it is expected to continue from year-to-year thereafter. The Advisor is
entitled to recoup any fees that it waived and/or Fund expenses that it paid for a period of three years following such fee waivers and/or expense payments per the Expense Reimbursement and Fee Waiver Agreement as outlined in the schedule
below:
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
|
Recoupment Expiration
|
Amount of Recoupment
|
|
October 31, 2022
|
$5,512
|
Administrator
The Fund pays a monthly fee to the Fund’s administrator, The Nottingham Company (the “Administrator”), based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund and calculated at the annual rates as shown in the schedule below, which is subject to
a minimum of $45,000 per annum.
A breakdown of these fees is provided in the following table:
|
Net Assets
|
Annual Fee
|
|
On the first $250 million
|
0.055%
|
|
On the next $250 million
|
0.045%
|
|
On the next $500 million
|
0.035%
|
|
On assets over $1 billion
|
0.025%
|
The Fund incurred $12,329 in administration fees for the initial period from July 22, 2019 (Commencement of Operations) through October 31, 2019.
Compliance Services
Ed Keiley of Amplify Investments LLC provided services as the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”). He is entitled to receive customary fees from the Fund for his services pursuant to the Compliance
Services arrangement with the Fund.
Principal Financial Services
Brad Bailey of Amplify Investments LLC provided services as the Trust’s Principal Financial Officer (the “PFO”). He is entitled to receive customary fees from the Fund for his services pursuant to the Principal
Financial Services arrangement with the Fund.
Transfer Agent
Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC (“Transfer Agent”) serves as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund. For its services, the Transfer Agent is entitled to receive compensation
from the Fund pursuant to the Transfer Agent’s fee arrangements with the Fund.
Fund Accounting
The Administrator serves as the Fund Accountant for the Fund. For its services, the Fund Accountant is entitled to receive compensation from the Fund pursuant to the Fund Accounting fee arrangements with the
Fund.
Custodian
Cowen Execution Services, LLC (“Custodian”) serves as the Custodian for the Fund. For its services, the Custodian is entitled to receive compensation from the Fund pursuant to the Custody fee arrangements with
the Fund.
All officers and two Trustees of the Trust are also officers or employees of the Advisor or its affiliates. For their services, the Chief Compliance Officer and the Principal Financial Officer are entitled to
receive compensation from the Fund pursuant to their fee arrangements with the Fund.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
3. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities
For the initial period ended October 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions) were as follows:
|
Purchases of Securities
|
Proceeds from Sales of Securities
|
|
$1,195,628
|
$1,108,945
|
|
In-Kind Purchases
|
In-Kind Redemptions
|
|
$7,848,983
|
$ -
|
There were no long-term purchases or sales of U.S Government Obligations during the initial period ended October 31, 2019.
4. Securities Lending
The Fund may lend up to 33 1/3% of the value of the securities in its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions (but not individuals) under terms of participation in a securities lending program
administered by the Fund’s Custodian (the “Securities Lending Agent”). The securities lending agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times in an amount equal to at least 102% of the value of any domestic loaned securities at
the time of the loan, plus accrued interest. The use of loans of foreign securities, which are denominated and payable in U.S. dollars, shall be collateralized in an amount equal to 105% of the value of any loaned securities at the time of the
loan plus accrued interest. Collateral is maintained with The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY”) under a Collateral Account Control Agreement between the Fund, BNY, and the Securities Lending Agent.
The Fund receives compensation in the form of fees and may earn interest on the reinvestment of cash collateral. The amount of fees depends on a number of factors including the type of security and length of the
loan. The Funds continue to receive interest payments or dividends on the securities loaned during the borrowing period. Gain or loss in the value of securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the
Fund. The Fund has the right under the terms of the securities lending agreement to recall the securities from the borrower on demand.
As of October 31, 2019, the Fund had loaned securities and received cash collateral for the loans. The cash collateral may be invested by the Securities Lending Agent in accordance with approved investment
guidelines. Those guidelines require the cash collateral to be invested in readily marketable, high quality, short-term obligations; however, such investments are subject to risk of payment delays or default on the part of the issuer or
counterparty or otherwise may not generate sufficient interest to support the costs associated with securities lending. The Fund could also experience delays in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower
fails to return the borrowed securities, although the Fund is indemnified from this risk by contract with the Securities Lending Agent.
As of October 31, 2019, the values of the securities on loan and payable for collateral due to brokers were as follows:
|
Value of Securities on Loan
|
|
Payable for Collateral Received
|
|
$1,599,960
|
|
$1,624,623
|
Fees and interest income earned on collateral investments and recognized by the Fund under the securities lending program is reflected in the Fund’s Statement of Operations as securities lending income and
securities lending credit. The Fund earned $71,628 of securities lending income during the initial period ended October 31, 2019, of which $66,278 was used to offset allowable expenses and is presented as securities lending credit on the
Statement of Operations.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
5. Federal Income Tax
Distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which differ from GAAP, and, therefore, may differ significantly in amount or character from net investment income and realized
gains for financial reporting purposes. The general ledger is adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character but is not adjusted for temporary differences.
Management has reviewed the Fund’s tax positions to be taken on the federal income tax returns and, for the initial period ended October 31, 2019 and determined that the Fund does not have a liability for
uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the initial period ended October 31, 2019, the Fund did not incur
any interest or penalties.
There were no distributions during the initial period from July 22, 2019 (Commencement of Operations) through October 31, 2019.
There were no reclassifications for permanent book/tax differences during the initial period ended October 31, 2019.
At October 31, 2019, the tax-basis cost of investments and components of distributable earnings were as follows:
|
Cost of Investments
|
$
|
7,811,155
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
|
$
|
1,213
|
|
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
|
|
(2,276,953)
|
|
Net Unrealized Depreciation
|
|
(2,275,740)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed Ordinary Income
|
|
-
|
|
Accumulated Capital and Other Losses
|
|
(125,901)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
$
|
(2,401,641)
|
|
|
|
|
The difference between book and tax-basis cost is attributable to the deferral on wash sales. For tax purposes, the current late year losses of $1,390 were incurred for the period since inception on July 22, 2019
through October 31, 2019. These losses will be recognized as of the first day of the Fund’s next fiscal year on November 1, 2019. The Fund has a capital loss carryforward of $124,511, all of which is short-term in nature. The capital loss
carryforward has no expiration date.
6. New Accounting Pronouncement
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure
Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments eliminate certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements for all entities, requires public entities to disclose certain new information, and modifies some disclosure
requirements. The new guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity is permitted to early adopt either the entire standard or portions of
the standard. The changes have been applied to the Fund’s financial statements as of the initial period ended October 31, 2019.
7. Principal Risks
You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
There can be no
assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
Cannabis Industry Risk. Companies involved in the cannabis industry face competition, may have limited access to the services of
banks, may have substantial burdens on company resources due to litigation, complaints or enforcement actions, and are heavily dependent on receiving necessary permits and authorizations to engage in medical cannabis research or to otherwise
cultivate, possess or distribute cannabis. Since the use of cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law, federally regulated banking institutions may be unwilling to make financial services available to growers and sellers of cannabis.
(Continued)
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2019
Health Care Companies Risk. Health care companies are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be
significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines, and an increased emphasis on the
delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Health care companies are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the
profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies,
or other market developments. Many new products in the health care field require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product
will come to market.
Biotechnology Company Risk. A biotechnology company’s valuation can often be based largely on the potential or actual performance of a limited number of products and can
accordingly be greatly affected if one of its products proves, among other things, unsafe, ineffective or unprofitable. Biotechnology companies are subject to regulation by, and the restrictions of, the FDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, state and local governments, and non-U.S. regulatory authorities.
Pharmaceutical Company Risk. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly affected by, among other things, government approval of products and services,
government regulation and reimbursement rates, product liability claims, patent expirations and protection of intense competition.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, in the normal course of
business, the Trust enters into contracts with its service providers, on behalf of the Fund, and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future
claims that may be made against the Fund. The Fund expects risk of loss to be remote.
9. Subsequent Events
In accordance with GAAP, management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial statements. This evaluation did not
result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of Amplify ETF Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (the “Fund”), a series of Amplify ETF Trust, as of October 31, 2019,
and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period July 22, 2019 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2019, including the related
notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2019, the results of its operations,
changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period July 22, 2019 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2019, by correspondence with the
custodian. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by Amplify Investments, LLC since 2015.
COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
December 30, 2019
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. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. You may also obtain copies without
charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 800-773-3863.
We are required to advise you within 60 days of the Fund’s fiscal year-end regarding federal tax status of certain distributions received by shareholders during each fiscal year. The following information is
provided for the Fund’s initial period from July 22, 2019 (Commencement of Operations) through October 31, 2019.
During the initial period, the Fund paid no income distributions and no long-term capital gain distributions.
Dividend and distributions received by retirement plans such as IRAs, Keogh-type plans, and 403(b) plans need not be reported as taxable income. However, many retirement plans may need this information for their
annual information meeting.
4. Schedule of Shareholder Expenses
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund
and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire initial period from July 22, 2019 through October 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses – The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line,
together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (e.g., an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the
first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes – The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on
the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or
expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the
shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or
exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your
costs would have been higher.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Additional Information (Unaudited)
As of October 31, 2019
|
|
Beginning
Account Value
July 22, 2019
|
Ending
Account Value
October 31, 2019
|
Expenses Paid
During Period*
|
|
Actual
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
$ 624.40
|
$1.70
|
|
$1,000.00
|
$1,011.87
|
$2.11
|
*Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.75%, for the initial period, multiplied by 102/365 (to reflect the initial period).
5. Distribution of Premiums and Discounts
NAV is the price per share at which the Fund issues and redeems shares. It is calculated in accordance with the standard
formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The “Market Price” of the Fund generally is determined using the composite closing price each day. The Fund’s Market Price may be at, above or below its NAV. The NAV of the
Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The Market Price of the Fund will fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as market supply and demand.
Premiums or discounts are the differences (expressed as a percentage) between the NAV and Market Price of the Fund on a given day, generally at the time NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that the Fund is
trading above the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount that the Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV.
6. Approval of the Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Pursuant to Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), at a meeting held on March 12, 2019, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Amplify ETF Trust (the “Trust”) considered the
approval of the following agreements (collectively, the “Agreements”): 1) an Investment Management Agreement between Amplify Investments LLC (the “Advisor”) and the Trust, on behalf of the Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (the “Fund”) and 2) an
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Advisor and Penserra Capital Markets, LLC (the “Sub-Advisor”).
After their initial two-year terms, the Agreements must be approved: (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not
parties to the Agreements or “interested persons” of any party thereto, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each year after the initial two-year
term, the Board will call and hold a meeting to decide whether to renew the Agreements for an additional one-year term. In preparation for such meetings, the Board requests and reviews a wide variety of information from the Advisor and the
Sub-Advisor. Prior to the meeting held on March 12, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed written materials from the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor regarding, among other things: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the
services to be provided to fund shareholders by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor; (ii) the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor’s costs and profits expected to be realized in providing their services, including any fall-out benefits expected to be
enjoyed by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor; and (iii) the existence, or anticipated existence, of economies of scale.
Prior to and at the meeting held on March 12, 2019, representatives from the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor, along with other service providers of the Fund, presented additional oral and written information to help
the Board evaluate the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor’s fees and other aspects of the Agreements. Among other things, representatives from the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor provided overviews of their advisory businesses, including investment
personnel and investment processes. The representatives also discussed the rationale for launching the Fund, the Fund’s fees and fee structures of comparable investment companies. The Board then discussed the written materials that it received
before the meeting and the Advisor and Sub-Advisor’s oral presentations and any other information that the Board received at the meeting and deliberated on the approval of the Agreements in light of this information. In its deliberations, the
Board did not identify any single piece of information discussed below that was all-important, controlling or determinative of its decision.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Additional Information (Unaudited)
As of October 31, 2019
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. In evaluating the nature, extent and quality of the Advisor’s services, the Trustees considered information concerning the
functions to be performed by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor and the personnel and
resources of the Advisor and Sub-Advisor, including the investment management team that will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and the portfolio manager responsible for investing the
portfolio of the Fund. The Trustees also considered statements by the Advisor and Sub-Advisor regarding their respective financial conditions, that each was financially stable and could support its performance of the services under its
Agreement. The Trustees also considered the services to be provided by the Advisor in its oversight of the Fund’s service providers.
Based on their review, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Advisor and Sub-Advisor to the Fund under the respective Agreement were expected to be
appropriate and reasonable.
Fees, Expenses and Profitability. The Trustees discussed the information provided by the Advisor on the Fund’s proposed an initial investment management fee of
0.75%, as compared to information provided by the Advisor on other similar products. The Trustees also considered that the Advisor and Sub-Advisor did not manage any similar accounts. The Trustees noted that the Advisor has agreed to pay all
expenses of the Fund exceeding the Fee Waiver amount, including fees payable to the Sub-Advisor, except brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, expenses paid with securities lending
offset credits, taxes, interest, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses. The Board concluded that the investment management fee to be charged to the Fund is reasonable and appropriate
in light of the services expected to be provided by the Advisor and Sub-Advisor. In conjunction with their review of the investment management fee, the Trustees considered information provided by the Advisor on its costs to be incurred in
connection with the proposed Agreement and its estimated profitability, and noted the Advisor’s statement that it would not likely be profitable in its first year of operating the Fund and that any profitability would not be excessive. The
Trustees concluded that the estimated profits to be realized by the Advisor with respect to the Fund appeared to be reasonable.
Economies of Scale and Whether the Fee Level Reflects These Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the information provided by the Advisor as to the extent to
which economies of scale may be realized as the Fund grows and whether the fee level reflects economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders. The Trustees considered whether the proposed advisory fee rate for the Fund is reasonable in
relation to the projected asset size of the Fund. The Trustees noted the Advisor’s views on its expectations for growth, noting that, initially, the Adviser did not anticipate any material economies of scale. The Trustees concluded that the
investment management fee was reasonable and appropriate. The Trustees noted that the Advisor and Sub-Advisor had not identified any further benefits that it would derive from its relationship with the Fund, and had noted that it will not,
initially, have any soft dollar arrangements.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined to approve the Agreement for the Fund.
|
7.
|
Information about Trustees and Officers
|
The business and affairs of the Fund and the Trust are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Information concerning the Trustees and officers of the Trust and Fund is set forth
below. Generally, each Trustee and officer serves an indefinite term or until certain circumstances such as their resignation, death, or otherwise as specified in the Trust’s organizational documents. Any Trustee may be removed at a meeting of
shareholders by a vote meeting the requirements of the Trust’s organizational documents. The Statement of Additional Information of the Fund includes additional information about the Trustees and officers and is available, without charge, upon
request by calling the Fund toll-free at 800-773-3863. The address of each Trustee and officer, unless otherwise indicated below, is 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804. The Independent Trustees each received
aggregate compensation of $3,288 during the initial period ended October 31, 2019 from the Fund for their services to the Fund and Trust.
Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF
Additional Information (Unaudited)
As of October 31, 2019
|
Name, Age
and Address
|
Position
held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of Time
Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
Michael DiSanto
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1979
|
Trustee
|
Since Inception
|
Attorney, City of Naperville, Illinois
(2007 - present); Member, Elder
Board of the Compass Church,
(2013 - present); Adjunct Professor,
Aurora (2012)
|
9
|
None.
|
|
Rick Powers
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1957
|
Trustee
|
Since Inception
|
Deputy Commissioner, Transportation, State of Indiana (2014 - present); Director, Code Enforcement, City of Indianapolis,
Indiana (2001 - 2014)
|
9
|
None.
|
|
Mark Tucker
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1963
|
Trustee
|
Since Inception
|
Sole member, Aspen Equity Partners, LLC (2009 - present);
New Liberty Popcorn, LLC (2015
- present)
|
9
|
None.
|
|
Interested Trustees
|
|
Christian Magoon
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1974
|
Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Chief Executive Officer and President
|
Since Inception
|
Chief Executive Officer, Magoon
Capital (2010 - present); Chief
Executive Officer, YieldShares, LLC
(2013 - present); Chief Executive
Officer, President Amplify Investments (2015 – present)
|
9
|
None.
|
|
John Phillips
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1958
|
Secretary
|
Since Inception
|
Chief Operating Officer and Head of
Product Development, Amplify Investments (2015 - present);
Managing Director, White, Weld & Co. (2007 - 2015)
|
9
|
N/A
|
|
Other Officers
|
|
Ed Keiley
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1965
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
Since Inception
|
Chief Compliance Officer, Amplify
Investments (2016 - present); Trader
Compliance, Inc. (2003 - present)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Brad H. Bailey
c/o
Amplify Investments LLC
310 South Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Year of Birth: 1967
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
Since 2016
|
Chief Financial Officer, Amplify
Investments (2016 - present); Chief
Financial Officer, Copia Capital LLC (2014 - 2016); Chief Financial Officer, Central Square Management LLC (2011 - 2014)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|