SEC Form N-CSR filed by Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-22572

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

443 N Willson Avenue

Bozeman, MT 59715

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Robert A. Watson

C/O Destra Capital Advisors LLC

443 N Willson Avenue

Bozeman, MT 59715

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 843-6161

 

Date of fiscal year end: March 31

 

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2024

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report

March 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Shareholder Letter (Unaudited)		3
Risk Disclosure (Unaudited)		4
Manager’s Commentary (Unaudited)		5
Performance and Graphical Illustration (Unaudited)		10
Schedule of Investments		11
Statement of Assets and Liabilities		16
Statement of Operations		17
Statements of Changes in Net Assets		18
Statement of Cash Flows		19
Financial Highlights		20
Notes to Financial Statements		21
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		33
Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (Unaudited)		34
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)		47
Additional Information (Unaudited)		49
Approval of Investment Management Agreements (Unaudited)		51
Trustees and Officers Information (Unaudited)		55
Fund Information (Unaudited)		57

 

 

Dear Shareholders,

 

We are pleased to present you with your 2024 Annual Report (the “Report”) for the Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund”) (NYSE: DMA). This Report covers the period between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024 (the “Fiscal Year”).

 

During the Fiscal Year, the Fund’s performance was up 7.29% on a net asset value basis (“NAV”). Alternatives (US Fund Multistrategy Morningstar Category) were up 10.45%, stocks (S&P 500 Index) were up 29.88% and bonds (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) were up 1.70%. The common shares of the Fund, as measured by the market price, experienced a dramatic rebound, up 33.61%.

 

Despite the rebound in market price, as of the date of this Report, there remains a meaningful disconnect between the Fund’s NAV and its market price. This disconnect has led to a large discount between the market price of DMA and its NAV. As a reminder to shareholders, listed closed-end funds like DMA have two prices: 1) the NAV of the portfolio on a per share basis, and 2) the quoted market price at which the common shares of the Fund are traded in the secondary market on the NYSE. The value of these two “prices” frequently diverges, and sometimes meaningfully so, as is the case with DMA currently. Closed-end funds frequently trade at discounts to their NAVs, though some have occasionally traded at premiums to their NAVs.

 

During the Fiscal Year, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved the implementation of a term for the Fund that provides that the Fund will dissolve at the close of business on March 31, 2027 (concurrent with the end of its 2026-27 fiscal year), unless certain targets are met. For more details on the parameters of the term and the new structure described above, including a description of the conditions under which the term may be extended, please see the Declaration of Trust filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2023.

 

Destra Capital Advisors LLC (“Destra”), the Fund’s adviser, engages frequently with the closed-end fund institutional community, the broad marketplace, and with investors who might be interested in utilizing a multi-alternative strategy with access to unique, non-correlated investments through a listed closed-end fund with intra-day liquidity. In the last year, we have been heartened by the overall acceptance the marketplace has shown to the Fund, which we believe can bring some of the most compelling aspects of alternative investing to the broad marketplace in a liquid format as a listed closed-end fund.

 

We believe that the Fund may present a particularly attractive opportunity in today’s volatile economic and geopolitical market environments. The Fund is a core alternative solution that seeks returns from capital appreciation and income with an emphasis on income generation. The Fund’s sub-adviser, Validus Growth Investors, LLC (“Validus”), invests in companies and investment opportunities experiencing important points of growth inflection, in their view. As a growth equity manager focused on delivering total returns, Validus has created a proprietary security research and selection process that it uses to select both public and private alternative investments for the portfolio. As recent years have shown, there might be time periods in which traditional stocks and bonds struggle simultaneously. Because of this, many investors have looked to alternatives over the last several years to help provide diversification and seek low or no correlation to their more traditional investment positions. As the broader market comes to better understand Validus’ investment process and the role that an investment in the Fund might play in a diversified portfolio, we believe there is an opportunity for increased investor interest and demand in the Fund.

 

On the subsequent pages, you will find commentary from Validus discussing the factors that most affected the Fund’s performance during the Fiscal Year, as well as specific details regarding investment results and portfolio holdings. We encourage you to read this Report to learn more about how the Fund performed during the Fiscal Year.

 

We appreciate the continued confidence you have placed in Destra and our investment partners. Please read this Report carefully and be sure to contact your Financial Advisor or Destra if you have any additional questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert A. Watson, CFP^®

President

 

Jake Schultz, CFA^®

Secretary

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

 

Destra Capital Advisors LLC

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Risk Disclosure

As of March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

This document may contain forward-looking statements representing Destra Capital Advisors LLC’s (“Destra”), the portfolio managers’ or sub-adviser’s beliefs concerning future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Because these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond Destra’s, the portfolio managers’ or sub-adviser’s control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different. There is no guarantee that such forward-looking statements will come to pass.

 

Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and ongoing expenses of an investment carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information relevant to an investment in the Fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. You may obtain a prospectus through the broker dealer, where you hold your shares or by visiting the Fund’s webpage at www.destracapital.com/DMA or by calling Destra at 877-855-3434 or the Fund’s Transfer Agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC at 800-591-8238.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Manager’s Commentary (unaudited)

 

Manager Discussion & Analysis

 

Investment Environment

 

Over the last fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (the “Fiscal Year”), most asset classes showed impressive strength in the face of an uncertain outlook. Surprising many, traditional equities led the charge shaking off concerns about stubborn inflation and the deferral of Federal Reserve (“Fed”) rate cuts. Investors transitioned to a “higher for longer” narrative with barely a hiccup and without any major dislocations – the US economy proved more resilient than most economists could have imagined with no recession materializing (or even on the current horizon). In part, it seems that last year’s brief challenge to the financial system that started with Silicon Valley Bank and led to a dramatic and forceful response by the Fed was a blessing in disguise, flooding the financial markets with liquidity, and thereby creating “looser” conditions, which overwhelmed the traditional monetary policies of rapidly rising rates and quantitative tightening.

 

Until recently (into the second quarter of 2024), volatility remained muted and manageable. This despite heightened tensions, geopolitical concerns, deglobalization and a host of other worries. It is notable that for significant portions of the Fiscal Year, traditional fixed income markets were as volatile as equity markets. This proved challenging for traditional asset allocation. Lured by higher short-term rates, many investors simply sat on the sidelines in low-risk cash equivalents, reasoning that 4-5% returns were sufficient in an uncertain world. Others sought refuge in the world of private credit, which provides debt to corporate borrowers outside of the traditional banking system. Private credit exploded in popularity – according to the International Monetary Fund, private credit totaled $2.1 trillion globally at the end of 2023 – by promising higher returns and lower volatility, and so far, it has delivered on both. However, some cautioned about infrequent valuations and techniques such as loan reworks or covenant-light structures that potentially misrepresent underlying distress relative to traditional lender portfolios. With the Fed on hold since the summer of 2023, we found ourselves carefully watching economic data in real time to intuit next moves and possible outcomes. And as the data has unfolded, it has revealed a story that is contradictory, essentially fueling both the bull and bear narratives at the same time.

 

●

Inflation. The last mile has definitely been a rougher road than the first seven. For three consecutive months (January, February, and March 2024), inflation has headed in the wrong direction, whether it is the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) (up 3.1%, 3.2% and 3.5%) or the Fed’s preferred measure, Personal Consumption Expenditures(ex food and energy) (up 2.5%, 2.5% and 2.7%). Some items seemingly continue to defy logic – the shelter component, for instance, which makes up 30% of the CPI calculation. Even though other, more reliable data points have indicated rents have peaked and are declining across most markets, “shelter” has remained resilient and stubbornly immovable. Maybe it’s not that surprising given that this is mostly a made-up number based upon surveys of homeowners asked to provide the current market rate for renting their home (that they are not renting). There have been similar curiosities in used car prices, insurance rates, and transportation services.

 

●

Employment. For most economists, against the backdrop of tighter monetary policy, slowing inflation without a commensurate decline in employment would have seemed too good to be true. Yet, that’s exactly what has happened. US unemployment has remained at very low levels and increased very slowly – from 3.8% as of the date of this report vs. 3.5% a year ago. However, as the Fiscal Year progressed and as companies, especially in the technology sector, began to focus on operating efficiencies after digesting the excesses of a post-COVID frenzy, staff reductions and layoffs became more common. Where has all the job growth come from? Turns out, mostly from the public sector – three cheers for bigger government! Like many other statistics, we think some of the supposed strength is misleading.

 

●

GDP Growth. US gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth came in at 1.6% for Q1 2024, a step-down from the GDP growth of 4.9% in Q3 2023 and 3.4% in Q4 2023. Despite the deceleration, we believe that this is still encouraging, pointing to a resilient economy that has not been torpedoed by Fed actions to date. Although recently, consumer spending, an important driver of economic activity seems to be moderating (at a minimum) with more data points and company-specific commentary suggesting that sustained higher inflation levels are beginning to impinge on consumer activity and sentiment at all income levels.

 

Given all that we have discussed, we would be remiss in not addressing the Fed more specifically. The Fed paused rate increases after its 50 basis point hike in July 2023 and has held the Fed Funds Rate steady at 5.25%-5.50% ever since. However, at the same time, the Fed has been engaged in quantitative tightening – allowing $60 billion in US treasuries and $35 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities per month to mature, reducing the Fed’s balance

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Manager’s Commentary (unaudited) (continued)

 

sheet from $8.7 trillion a year ago to $7.4 trillion today. So far, it appears that the Fed has navigated a very difficult set of challenges – some of which it created itself – in a laudable manner, essentially “sticking the landing” at a very high degree of difficulty. Yet, the debate continues to rage as to whether the Fed should cut rates, stay the course at current levels, or even raise rates from here (a viewpoint which has seemingly picked up steam with the last few months’ inflation data). With the real 10-year interest rate – the nominal 10-year rate minus the inflation rate – significantly positive at roughly 2% (according to the St. Louis Fed) and holding steady over the Fiscal Year even in the face of disinflation, it seems that capital represents a real cost to borrowers and a meaningful return for savers. Maybe monetary policy is “just right” for now.

 

Is it time to ditch the inverted yield curve as the harbinger of recession? Perhaps. According to a March 21, 2024 Reuter’s article, the current 2-10 year yield curve inversion is now the longest on record. Even still, while the economy is showing signs of stress in certain areas, it appears far from breaching the event horizon that would put us on the path to unavoidable recession. Possible explanations for avoiding the unpleasant outcomes of such a seemingly negative signal lie in the large savings buffer that consumers enjoyed as they exited a COVID world and the increased liquidity delivered by the Fed in other forms to stave off a banking crisis early in 2023.

 

Market Performance

 

Traditional Asset Classes. As we shared above, equities performed extremely well over the Fiscal Year, with the S&P 500 Index up 29.9%. Many were offsides all year hiding in cash and waiting for the sustainable downturn that never came. On the other hand, fixed income lagged significantly with the Bloomberg US Aggregate Index up a paltry 1.7% for the Fiscal Year. With yields rising and the Fed’s window for cuts getting pushed further into the future, this “safer” asset class proved a disappointing diversifier.

 

For equities specifically, diversification also proved unrewarding. Larger cap tech stocks (as represented by the Magnificent Seven – Apple Inc. TKR: AAPL; Alphabet Inc. TKR: GOOG; Amazon.com Inc. TKR: AMZN; Meta Platforms Inc. TKR: META; Microsoft Corp. TKR: MSFT; Nvidia Corp. TKR: NVDA; Tesla Inc. TKR: TSLA) fueled by the boon of artificial intelligence provided the lion’s share of fundamental and stock performance, accounting for 18.7% of the return of S&P500 TR Index during the Fiscal Year. The other 493 constituents mustered only 11.2% of the return and barely grew their revenue and earnings during the Fiscal Year. Yet, many touted the eventual emergence of small cap equities as the Fed headed toward rate cuts, only to have their hopes dashed by “higher for longer” and the challenges this presented for less well-capitalized entities.

 

On the fixed income side, short duration outperformed during the Fiscal Year with higher investor demand for hiding out at the short end of the curve. Convertible bonds (iShares Convertible Bond ETF – TKR: ICTV), floating rate credit (VanEck Floating Rate ETF – TKR: FLTR), and US high yield (US Corporate High Yield index – TKR: LF98TRUU) outperformed, returning 12.1%, 11.2%, and 8.7%, respectively, for the Fiscal Year. Despite the challenges that high rates present, there has been surprisingly little credit distress so far, which has encouraged investors to reach for yield, seemingly without consequences.

 

Alternative Asset Classes. Alternative asset classes were largely positive during the Fiscal Year with two exceptions: commodities, as measured by the Bloomberg Commodity Index, and volatility, as represented by the CBOE Volatility Index (“VIX”), which were down -0.6% and -30.4%, respectively. Master limited partnerships, as represented by the Alerian MLP ETF, were the highest performing alternative at 38.2% for the Fiscal Year despite widespread uncertainty regarding global growth, most notably China’s stalled economic activity. However, for oil itself, supply side dynamics proved the greater influence as new geopolitical challenges in the Middle East conspired with peaking Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries production to sustain crude oil prices at higher levels for most of the Fiscal Year.

 

Other yielding alternative asset classes such as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), business development companies, and closed-end funds posted high single-digit to double-digit returns for the Fiscal Year. Most rose into the end of 2023 as it became clear that the Fed was done raising rates and possibly would begin cutting soon. Many lower quality and potentially troubled investments, having weathered the storm of higher rates through incremental adjustments (such as deferring maintenance and improvements at property level) breathed a sigh of relief as better days (lower rates) appeared on the horizon. As 2024 unfolded, many of these same investments pulled back substantially as the Fed remained resolute in holding rates at higher levels indefinitely. We believe that it is likely that a meaningful, but orderly reckoning awaits many of these distressed situations over the next 12-18 months.

 

With warnings of the increasing cost of financing, rising government deficits at higher rates and the pullback by certain strategic buyers of US government debt beginning to appear more realistic, alternative “currencies” like gold and Bitcoin flourished – up 12.1% and 148.9% during the Fiscal Year, respectively. Some argue more of a reversion to the

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Manager’s Commentary (unaudited) (continued)

 

mean as an explanation as Bitcoin was down -37.6% in the year earlier. Yet, good news specific to crypto regulation also helped, including the approval of multiple bitcoin exchange-traded funds by the US Securities & Exchange Commission in early 2024. For our part, we remain skeptical that this “asset class” deserves a place in a portfolio other than for pure speculation.

 

Fund Portfolio Performance

 

With respect to the underlying investment portfolio of the Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund”), the one-year performance through the Fiscal Year end, was 7.3% on a net asset value (“NAV”) basis. While the NAV underperformed some alternative asset classes, it outperformed bonds as measured by the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond TR USD Index, the US Dollar, commodities, and volatility, as shown in the chart below. This reflects both the investment objective of the Fund and the composition of the portfolio during the Fiscal Year, which has been designed to seek returns from capital appreciation and income through lower correlations to traditional markets, generating alternative income and providing upside exposure through a combination of public and private securities implemented with an eye towards limiting downside exposure. The results of the Fiscal Year masks some of the exciting performance delivered by liquid strategies, an overall approach that we call “Dynamic Alpha”, that leverages proprietary inflection research from Validus Growth Investors, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) in risk managed “wrappers.” The relatively small allocation to liquid strategies punched above its weight during the Fiscal Year to such an extent that we currently intend to continue to reposition illiquid assets into these categories, although past performance is no indication of how such asset classes will perform in the future.

 

Index		1-Year				3-Year				5-Year				Inception
Destra Multi-Alternative Fund – NAV			7.3	%			2.2	%			0.77	%			1.23	%
Destra Multi-Alternative Fund – Mkt.			33.6	%			n/a				n/a				n/a
US Fund Multistrategy			10.5	%			4.0	%			3.9	%			3.0	%
FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs			8.0	%			9.6	%			6.54	%			7.56	%
FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REITs			17.9	%			15.9	%			-0.44	%			3.95	%
S-Network Composite Closed-End Fund Index			14.8	%			11.0	%			5.25	%			6.36	%
VanEck BDC Income ETF			27.7	%			12.2	%			11.74	%			7.79	%
Alerian MLP			38.2	%			29.2	%			11.23	%			4.81	%
Bloomberg Equity Long/Short HF Index			11.7	%			2.3	%			5.88	%			4.40	%
Bloomberg Commodity Index			-0.6	%			9.1	%			6.38	%			-1.97	%
Bloomberg US Dollar Spot Index			1.2	%			2.6	%			0.77	%			1.98	%
Barclays US Aggregate Bond			1.7	%			-2.5	%			0.36	%			1.61	%
S&P 500 Index			29.9	%			11.5	%			15.04	%			13.74	%
Chicago Board Options Exchange SPX Volatility Index			-30.4	%			-12.5	%			-1.04	%			-0.88	%

 

Allocations to idiosyncratic cannabis real estate, equity collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), direct private equity, and proprietary liquid strategies were positive contributors to the ‘Fund’s portfolio during the Fiscal Year. We certainly were early in investing in real estate specifically purposed for cannabis operators and, in retrospect, the above-market yields received from asset-backed property investments did not compensate for the ultimate challenges faced by the industry. Like many, we endured some pain as the industry underwent a shake-out of operators related to incoherent regulatory regimes that have scared off capital providers at every level of the capital stack and hampered managing these businesses in the normal course. Managing through this difficult environment has strengthened the focus and efficiency of portfolio real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), such as NewLake and Aventine, which we believe are well-positioned to flourish as the pall is lifted and a more rational environment unfolds. We began to see some of the positive impacts of this changing landscape during the Fiscal Year.

 

In contrast, the decision to favor CLOs for a significant portion of our alternative income allocation paid off in spades during the Fiscal Year, earning-high-teen double-digit internal rates of return since inception. Additionally, positions taken in early-stage direct private equity opportunities contributed positively to performance during the Fiscal Year by relying on fundamentals rather than multiple inflation and reducing the need for an open initial public offering (“IPO”) window that later stage capital providers depend on for exits. Lastly, liquid strategies that provide hedged exposure to public markets also delivered meaningfully during the Fiscal Year. We believe that the fundamental underpinnings of this approach may continue to add value in a more meaningful way as we increase allocations into the future.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Manager’s Commentary (unaudited) (continued)

 

Despite the challenges in the private equity world, originally brought on by the Silicon Valley Bank debacle in February 2023, we saw several of the Fund’s early-stage direct private equity investments mark up to higher valuations during the Fiscal Year through successful capital raises of equity or convertible debt. However, similar to what we have seen industry-wide, certain positions were forced to re-evaluate their business models, create greater efficiencies and even restructure in order to maximize their opportunity and minimize their cash burn. Overall, we believe our direct equity exposure is well-positioned and well-capitalized for future growth.

 

Not every real estate investment performed well during the Fiscal Year. Industrial real estate as implemented through Clarion Lion Industrial Trust hit a soft patch after years of consistent 15-20% total annual returns. Fundamentally, supply has finally caught up to demand after years of development fueled originally by the COVID crisis. Rents, while still growing, have slowed their advance. This oversupplied condition will take some time to normalize, creating a ceiling for cap rates. At the same time, the new normal for rates has meant that operating cash flows are valued using higher discount rates for appraisal purposes, impacting NAV performance. Coincidentally, as part of prudent portfolio management, we have been right sizing the position over the past 12 months after a great run. Higher rates have also impacted the appraisals for the Fund’s low-income multi-family position and the timing of property-specific value realizations. However, this asset class has proven very resilient, especially during recessionary periods, and remains a sought-after asset class due to its favorable tax characteristics. Lastly, given the challenges faced by cannabis operators and the hyper-competitive environment described above, one of the Fund’s private REIT positions has not been able to diversify quickly enough away from its single-tenant concentration risk and is in the process of repositioning portions of its portfolio, which has negatively impacted its carrying value.

 

The Fund’s publicly traded market price was up 33.6% over the Fiscal Year, outperforming the S&P 500 Index by +3.7%. During this period, the Fund had the 4^th highest total market return out of 49 closed end funds defined in the special equity peer group by Citadel Securities and the 2^nd highest market return of the DMA Exchange Listed Trading Group Trading activity improved during the Fiscal Year as well with volume improving from roughly 350,000 shares per month for the 12 months ended March 31, 2023 to roughly 950,000 per month for the Fiscal Year. As a result, the NAV discount narrowed meaningfully over the last year, from –44% in March 2023 to –29.4% in March 2024.

 

Portfolio Positioning

 

The Fund implements a multi-strategy approach to alternative investing, utilizing public and private investments to deliver non-correlated income and asymmetric growth opportunities. We believe the Fund’s unique combination of strategies represents the first of its kind in the closed-end fund world – a listed public/private “crossover” strategy with what we believe has significant yield potential.

 

Evaluating new illiquid, multi-year alternative investment opportunities in a changing and dynamic fiscal and monetary environment remains challenging. As we noted last year, for some time we have been skeptical that most illiquid alternatives offered illiquidity premiums that were attractive enough to adequately reward investors for the risk of locking up capital for long periods. Consistent with that, the last commitment made to such an illiquid investment was Canyon CLO Fund III. As of March 31, 2024, remaining capital commitments to fund-type architectures represented just 1.6% of the Fund, down from 8.1% as of March 31, 2023. Given the current term structure of the Fund, it is unlikely that another such structure will be implemented to access these illiquid alternatives.

 

Instead, we are focused on re-distributing capital to risk-reward opportunities where we can customize the time horizon and terms more directly to meet the Fund’s objectives in three main areas: proprietary liquid strategies, market-linked notes and direct private equity. In addition, largely for purposes of generating non-correlated income, the Fund will continue to maintain a healthy allocation to real estate and CLOs, consistent with its investment mandate. With respect to real estate specifically, we expect the focus to be on specialty asset classes with unique characteristics, like low-income housing, industrial/warehouse and cannabis. Overall, this asset-class specific approach has been rewarding in the past for the Fund despite some challenges with individual investments.

 

Perspective & Outlook

 

Importantly for financial markets, investors are balanced on a razor’s edge awaiting the next data point about the economic growth, inflation, jobs, and treasury auctions. In short, a data dependent world is a more volatile world. And even if one could predict certain economic statistics – and we think we have proven that no one really can – one would also have to predict how the market will react to that new information on any given trading day. The derivative nature of this equation has the potential for much wider outcomes. Since the end of Q1’24, we have seen volatility in traditional asset classes pick up substantially with the VIX and the ICE BofA MOVE Index (“MOVE”) up 20.3% and 24.4%, respectively through April 30, 2024.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Manager’s Commentary (unaudited) (continued)

 

With monetary policy continuing to be a headwind, capital has a meaningful cost. We believe marginal investments and strategies in certain asset classes based, in part, upon favorable monetary tailwinds will be susceptible to draw downs or underperformance. So far, investors in these asset classes have managed to tread water by deferring. Most importantly, the longer that the Fed stays “higher” with rates, the more likely the reckoning for certain sectors of real estate – including lower quality office, retail and hospitality properties – in magnitudes that may test the strength of the banking system. As we noted, the long-term nature of most leases, low borrowing costs, and the lagging nature of appraisals have continued to allow the sense of health and stability to persist. Without a single catalyst pushing closure, we expect the headwind to be a drawn out, low-intensity burn.

 

With traditional markets expected to be volatile as monetary, economic, and geopolitical issues play out, we believe alternative asset classes continue to represent opportunity, but only in the highest quality strategies implemented by experienced teams that have navigated multiple cycles and are confident enough to pivot quickly amid dynamic market conditions or direct access to opportunities.

 

Similar to last year, direct private equity opportunities continue to be attractive while traditional funding sources continue to show restraint due to: (1) the need to be seen as rational and prudent allocators of capital; (2) the prioritization of rationalizing portfolios and extending runways for existing investments, and (3) the belief that founders have yet to adapt their expectations on pricing and terms to new realities. Further, the effect of continuation funds has served to preserve the status quo and postpone a major market realignment, which eventually may be essential for reopening the IPO window.

 

We maintain that prioritizing liquidity and identifying quality assets and strategies that can perform across a range of volatility regimes will be critical to investors navigating uncomfortable levels of uncertainty. It is our belief that active management can add value by implementing time-tested processes, leveraging value-added relationships to boost investment-specific performance, enhancing fundamental research with augmented diligence, and most importantly, understanding and positioning the portfolio to maximize shareholder return regardless of environment.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Performance and Graphical Illustration

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

														Inception Date: July 2, 2014
Fund / Indexes		1 Year				3 year Average Annual				5 year Average Annual				Since Inception Average Annual
Destra Multi-Alternative Fund*			7.29	%			2.24	%			0.77	%			1.23	%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index			1.70	%			-2.46	%			0.36	%			1.43	%
S&P 500 Total Return Index			29.88	%			11.49	%			15.05	%			12.64	%

 

The performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemptions of Fund shares. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call Destra Capital at 877-855-3434.

 

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index which represents the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market (including government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities and asset-backed securities). Investors cannot invest directly in an index or benchmark.

 

The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index which is comprised of 500 of the largest U.S. domiciled companies and includes the reinvestment of all dividends. Investors cannot invest directly in an index or benchmark.

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

 

 

This graph illustrates the hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund*, Common shares, from July 2, 2014 to March 31, 2024. The Average Annual and Cumulative Total Return table and Growth of Assumed $10,000 Investment graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

 

*

The Fund’s shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on January 13, 2022 under NYSE ticker symbol “DMA.” To facilitate the listing of the Fund’s shares on the NYSE, the Fund redesignated its Class A, Class C and Class T shares as Class I shares and eliminated all share class designations. Consequently, the Fund’s shares are now referred to as shares of beneficial interest or common shares. Performance represents Class I from July 2, 2014 through January 12, 2022 and Common share performance thereafter.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2024

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

As of March 31, 2024

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

As of March 31, 2024

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

As of March 31, 2024

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

As of March 31, 2024

 

		Percent of
		Net Assets
Alternative Investment Funds			45.9	%
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Private Real Estate Investment Trusts			12.5	%
Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts			8.9	%
Non-Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts			7.3	%
Private Companies			16.6	%
Common Stocks
Investment Companies			2.5	%
Internet			2.0	%
Oil & Gas			1.2	%
Transportation			1.0	%
Semiconductors			0.7	%
Telecommunications			0.7	%
Banks			0.6	%
Media			0.5	%
Healthcare-Services			0.5	%
Electric			0.5	%
Agriculture			0.5	%
Retail			0.5	%
Miscellaneous Manufacturing			0.4	%
Mining			0.4	%
Diversified Financial Services			0.3	%
Auto Manufacturers			0.3	%
Machinery-Diversified			0.3	%
Computers			0.3	%
Insurance			0.3	%
Software			0.2	%
Pharmaceuticals			0.2	%
Financial Services			0.2	%
Food Service			0.2	%
Aerospace/Defense			0.1	%
Chemicals			0.1	%
Entertainment			0.1	%
Biotechnology			0.1	%
Contingent Value Rights
Real Estate			0.2	%
Pharmaceuticals			0.0	%
Purchased Options Contracts			0.4	%
Warrants			1.0	%
Medium Term Notes
Banks			1.5	%
Short-Term Investments			8.5	%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets			(17.5	)%
Net Assets			100.0	%
Written Options Contracts			(0.2	)%
Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short			(2.3	)%

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As of March 31, 2024

 

Assets:
Investments, at value (cost $113,980,326)		$	117,268,835
Purchased options contracts, at value (cost $546,594)			355,764
Cash			888
Receivables:
Interest			108,585
Dividends			466,570
Investments sold			1,544,121
Prepaid expenses			29,423
Other assets			628
Total assets			119,774,814
Liabilities:
Credit facility, net (see note 7)			14,975,863
Due to broker			1,793,624
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $802,222)			2,293,449
Written options contracts, at value (premium received $191,135)			244,869
Payables:
Professional fees			131,875
Management fee (see note 3)			93,609
Income tax payable			89,391
Accounting and administrative fees			33,319
Investments purchased			31,903
Transfer agent fees and expenses			6,711
Custody fees			4,846
Accrued other expenses			8,064
Total liabilities			19,707,523
Commitments and contingencies (see note 2)
Net assets		$	100,067,291
Net assets consist of:
Paid-in capital		$	98,100,278
Total distributable earnings			1,967,013
Net assets		$	100,067,291
Common shares outstanding			8,963,239
Net asset value per common share		$	11.16
Market price per common share		$	7.82
Market price (discount) to net asset value per common share			(29.93	)%

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Statement of Operations

For the year ended March 31, 2024

 

Investment income:
Dividend income		$	1,721,315
Distributions from alternative investment funds			1,341,369
Interest income			868,324
Total investment income			3,931,008
Expenses:
Interest expense			2,408,963
Management fee (see note 3)			1,528,607
Professional fees			318,871
Accounting and administrative fees			201,065
Service provider fees			113,391
Income tax expense			89,391
Chief financial officer fees (see note 10)			46,743
Trustee fees (see note 10)			37,708
Transfer agent fees and expenses			37,496
Registration fees			25,052
Dividends on securities sold short			22,497
Shareholder reporting fees			22,055
Chief compliance officer fees (see note 10)			21,078
Custody fees			18,551
Insurance expense			17,246
Other expenses			20,214
Total expenses			4,928,928
Service provider fees deferred and repaid by adviser (see note 3)			(113,391	)
Expenses waived by adviser (see note 3)			(256,325	)
Net expenses			4,559,212
Net investment (loss)			(628,204	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss):
Net realized gain on:
Investments			2,013,236
Purchased options contracts			1,253,398
Written options contracts			158,447
Total net realized gain			3,425,081
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investments			5,333,713
Purchased options contracts			(217,866	)
Written options contracts			(47,495	)
Securities sold short			(998,105	)
Total net change in unrealized appreciation			4,070,247
Net realized and unrealized gain			7,495,328
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations		$	6,867,124

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

		Year Ended				Year Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2024				2023
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:
Net investment income (loss)		$	(628,204	)		$	(263,030	)
Net realized gain			3,425,081				3,410,421
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)			4,070,247				(10,936,422	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			6,867,124				(7,789,031	)
Distributions to shareholders:
Common Shares			—				(1,260,053	)
Total distributions to shareholders			—				(1,260,053	)
Return of capital to shareholders:
Common shares			(1,429,636	)			(4,828,675	)
Total return of capital to shareholders			(1,429,636	)			(4,828,675	)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets			5,437,488				(13,877,759	)
Net assets:
Beginning of year			94,629,803				108,507,562
End of year		$	100,067,291			$	94,629,803

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended March 31, 2024

 

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net increase in net assets from operations		$	6,867,124
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Purchases of investments			(41,658,463	)
Proceeds from purchases of investments sold short			497,093
Proceeds from redemptions, sales, or other dispositions of investments			44,842,715
Sales of investments sold short			(227,947	)
Net realized (gain) loss on:
Investments			(2,013,236	)
Purchased options contracts			(1,253,398	)
Written options contracts			(158,447	)
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on:
Investments			(5,333,713	)
Purchased options contracts			217,866
Written options contracts			47,495
Securities sold short			998,105
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Assets:
Interest			(477	)
Dividends			51,876
Prepaid expenses			38,150
Liabilities:
Management fee			(97,617	)
Custody fees			1,932
Accounting and administration fees			880
Professional fees			38,604
Transfer agent fees and expenses			3,472
Income tax payable			89,391
Interest payable			(109,288	)
Accrued other expenses			(646	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			2,841,471
Cash flows from financing activities:
Due to broker			(1,422,450	)
Proceeds from credit facility			3,000,000
Repayments on credit facility			(3,000,000	)
Cash distributions paid, net of reinvestments			(1,429,636	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(2,852,086	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(10,615	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			11,503
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	888
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity:
Interest paid on borrowings		$	2,408,963
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
Reinvestments of dividends from underlying investments		$	283,027

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share of common stock outstanding throughout the periods indicated.**

 

		Net asset value, beginning of period				Net investment income (loss)(1)				Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)				Total from investment operations				Distributions to shareholders from net investment income				Distributions to shareholders from net realized gain				Distributions to shareholders from return of capital				Total distributions				Net asset value, end of period				Total return(2)				Market price, end of period				Market price, return(3)				Gross expenses(4),(5)				Net expenses(4),(5),(6)				Net investment income (loss)(5),(6),(7)				Net assets, end of period (in thousands)				Portfolio turnover rate
Period ended March 31,
2024		$	10.56			$	(0.07	)		$	0.83			$	0.76			$	—			$	—			$	(0.16	)		$	(0.16	)		$	11.16				7.29	%		$	7.82				33.61	%			5.12	%			4.74	%			(0.65	)%		$	100,067				23	%
2023			12.11				(0.03	)			(0.84	)			(0.87	)			(0.14	)			—				(0.54	)			(0.68	)			10.56				(7.37	)			6.02				(25.58	)			4.05				3.75				(0.26	)			96,350				12
2022*			11.77				0.02				0.38				0.40				(0.01	)			—				(0.05	)			(0.06	)			12.11				3.40				8.90				14.47				3.65	#			3.17	#			2.74	#			108,508				3
Period ended February 28,
2022			12.28				0.15				0.08				0.23				(0.09	)			—				(0.65	)			(0.74	)			11.77				1.79				7.83				(0.19	)^			3.38				2.74				1.24				105,522				28
2021			13.25				0.09				(0.34	)			(0.25	)			(0.07	)			—				(0.65	)			(0.72	)			12.28				(1.58	)			0				0				2.85				2.28				0.75				36,633				26
2020(8)			13.81				0.25				0.02				0.27				(0.08	)			—				(0.75	)			(0.83	)			13.25				1.90				0				0				2.98				2.57				1.78				35,208				42

 

	*	For the period March 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022.
	#	Annualized.
	^	For the period January 13, 2022 through February 28, 2022.
	(1)	Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
	(2)	Based on the net asset value as of period end. Assumes an investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period and reinvestment of all distributions during the period. The return would have been lower if certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the investment adviser.
	(3)	Market price return is computed based upon the Fund’s unrounded New York Stock Exchange market price per share and excludes the effects of brokerage commissions. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of these calculations, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.
	(4)	Percentages shown include interest expense and dividends on securities sold short. Gross and net expense ratios, respectively, excluding interest expense and dividends on securities sold short are as follows:

 

		Gross Expenses(5)				Net Expenses(5),(6)
Period ended March 31,
2024			2.50				2.12	%
2023			2.39				2.08
2022*			2.55	#			2.07	#
Period ended February 28,
2022			2.44				1.81
2021			2.27				1.70
2020(8)			2.11				1.70

 

	*	For the period March 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022.
	#	Annualized.
	(5)	Ratios do not include expenses of the underlying Alternative Investment Funds in which the Fund invests.
	(6)	The contractual fee and expense waiver is reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios (see Note 3).
	(7)	Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying Alternative Investment Funds in which the Fund invests. Ratios do not include net investment income of the Alternative Investment Funds in which the Fund Invests.
	(8)	Period ended February 29.

 

Credit Facility		For the year ended March 31, 2024				For the year ended March 31, 2023				For the period ended March 31, 2022*				For the year ended February 28, 2022				For the year ended February 28, 2021				For the year ended February 29, 2020
Senior securities, end of period (000’s)		$	15,000			$	15,000			$	15,000			$	15,000			$	14,300			$	29,300
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of senior security principal amount			7,671				7,309				8,234				8,035				9,080				5,433
Asset coverage ratio of senior securities			767	%			731	%			823	%			803	%			908	%			543	%

 

	*	For the period March 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022.
	**	The Fund’s shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on January 13, 2022 under NYSE ticker symbol “DMA.” To facilitate the listing of the Fund’s shares on the NYSE, the Fund redesignated its Class A, Class C and Class T shares as Class I shares and eliminated all share class designations. Consequently, the Fund’s shares are now referred to as shares of beneficial interest or common shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2024

 

1. Organization

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (“the Fund”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on June 3, 2011, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), and is a non-diversified, exchange-listed closed-end management investment company.

 

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to March 31, effective March 1, 2022. The Fund’s shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on January 13, 2022 under NYSE ticker symbol “DMA.” To facilitate the listing of the Fund’s shares on the NYSE, effective January 5, 2022, the Fund redesignated its Class A, Class C and Class T shares as Class I shares and eliminated all share class designations. Consequently, the Fund’s shares are now referred to as shares of beneficial interest or common shares (the “Common Shares”).

 

The Fund’s investment adviser is Destra Capital Advisors LLC (the “Adviser”), the Fund’s sub-adviser is Validus Growth Investors, LLC, doing business as Validus Investment Advisors, (“Validus” or the “Sub-Adviser” and together with the Adviser are referred to herein as the “Advisers”). See Note 3 for additional information regarding Validus, as the Fund’s Sub-Adviser.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek returns from capital appreciation and income with an emphasis on income generation. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in the income-producing securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and alternative investment funds, as well as common stocks and structured notes, notes, bonds and asset-backed securities.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services — Investment Companies”.

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash — Cash and cash equivalents include U.S. dollar deposits at bank accounts at amounts which may exceed insured limits. The Fund is subject to risk to the extent that the institutions may be unable to fulfill their obligations. As of March 31, 2024, the Fund had no restricted cash.

 

Distributions to Shareholders — Prior to July 1, 2023, distributions from investment income were declared and paid monthly. Beginning with the start of the Fund’s second fiscal quarter on July 1, 2023 distributions from investment income will only be paid annually. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually. The character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

Security Valuation — The Fund records investments at fair value. Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ, at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. In the absence of a sale, such securities shall be valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices on the day of valuation. Short-term investments that mature in 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, provided such valuations represent fair value.

 

When price quotations for certain securities are not readily available, or if the available quotations are not believed to be reflective of market value by the Adviser, those securities will be valued at “fair value” as determined in good faith by a Valuation Committee using the Valuation Procedures. There can be no assurance that the Fund could purchase or sell a portfolio security at the price used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”).

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (“the Board”) has approved valuation procedures for the Fund (the “Valuation Procedures”) which are used for determining the fair value of any Fund investments for which a market quotation is not readily available. The valuation of each of the Fund’s investments is performed in accordance with the principles found in Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and in conjunction with FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”).The Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee of the Fund. As valuation designee, the Adviser performs the fair value determination relating to any and all Fund investments, subject to the conditions and oversight requirements described in the Valuation Procedures. In furtherance of its duties as valuation designee, the Adviser has formed a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”), to perform fair value

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

determinations and oversee the day-to-day functions related to the fair valuation of the Fund’s investments. The Valuation Committee may consult with representatives from the Fund’s outside legal counsel or other third-party consultants in their discussions and deliberations.

 

Valuation Procedures may be used to value a substantial portion of the assets of the Fund. The Fund may use the fair value of a security to calculate its NAV when, for example, (1) a portfolio security is not traded in a public market or the principal market in which the security trades is closed, (2) trading in a portfolio security is suspended and not resumed prior to the normal market close, (3) a portfolio security is not traded in significant volume for a substantial period, or (4) the Adviser determines that the quotation or price for a portfolio security provided by a broker-dealer or independent pricing service is inaccurate. The “fair value” of securities may be difficult to determine and thus judgment plays a greater role in the valuation process. The fair valuation methodology may include or consider the following guidelines, as appropriate: (1) evaluation of all relevant factors, including but not limited to, pricing history, current market level, supply and demand of the respective security; (2) comparison to the values and current pricing of securities that have comparable characteristics; (3) knowledge of historical market information with respect to the security; (4) other factors relevant to the security which would include, but would not be limited to, duration, yield, fundamental analytical data, the Treasury yield curve, and credit quality. Calls with the management teams of these securities are completed to gain further insight that might not be as evident through the reading of published reports or filings.

 

Often, significant back-testing or historical data analysis is employed to gain increased, tangible perspective into ways to enhance the accuracy of either existing, or potentially new fair valuation approaches. This also ensures that recent enhancements or additional methodologies are leading to more accurate valuations.

 

Ongoing “logic checks” and evaluations of underlying portfolios are used to identify potential disconnects between current methodologies and expected results.

 

The values assigned to fair valued investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Changes in the fair valuation of portfolio securities may be less frequent and of greater magnitude than changes in the price of portfolio securities valued at their last sale price, by an independent pricing service, or based on market quotations. Imprecision in estimating fair value can also impact the amount of unrealized appreciation or depreciation recorded for a particular portfolio security and differences in the assumptions used could result in a different determination of fair value, and those differences could be material.

 

The Fund invests in some securities which are not traded and the Fair Valuation Committee has established a methodology for the fair valuation of each type of security. Non-listed REITs that are in the public offering period (or start-up phase) are valued at cost according to the Fair Valuation Committee’s fair valuation methodology unless the REIT issues an updated valuation. The Fund generally purchases REITs at NAV or without a commission. However, startup REITs amortize a significant portion of their start-up costs and therefore, potentially carry additional risks that may impact valuation should the REIT be unable to raise sufficient capital and execute their business plan. As such, start-up REITs pose a greater risk than seasoned REITs because if they encounter going concern issues, they may see significant deviation in value from the fair value, cost basis approach as represented. Non-listed REITs that are in their offering period are generally categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Once a REIT closes to new investors, Management values the security based on the movement of an appropriate market index or a similar security that is publicly traded until the REIT issues an updated market valuation. Non-listed REITs that have closed to new investors are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, due to the significance of the effect of the application of the movement of the market index on the overall fair valuation of the REIT. Other non-traded private investments are monitored for any independent audits of the investment or impairments reported on the potential value of the investment. Certain investments in preferred stocks or private companies are generally categorized as a Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Fund generally values investments in preferred stocks or private companies based on recent transactions and may initially value the investments at cost.

 

Valuation of Structured Notes — These instruments are notes where the principal and/or interest rate or value of the structured note is determined by reference to the performance of an underlying reference asset. The Fund primarily invests in structured notes that reference the performance of a basket of underlying equity securities. The interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured note may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the underlying reference asset. The performance results of structured notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the underlying reference asset that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Issuers of structured notes can vary and may include corporations, banks, broker-dealers and limited purpose trusts or other vehicles. Structured notes may be exchange traded or traded OTC and privately negotiated. Structured notes are valued at cost which approximates fair value and monitored for impairment.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

Valuation of Alternative Investment Funds — The Fund may invest in funds of open-end or closed-end investment companies (the “Alternative Investment Funds”). The Alternative Investment Funds value securities in their portfolios for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value using the methods established by the board of directors of the Alternative Investment Funds. Open-end funds are valued at their NAV and closed-end funds that trade on an exchange are valued as described under security valuation.

 

For Alternative Investment Funds, including private real estate investment trusts, non-traded partnership funds, non-listed business development companies and hedge funds, that are themselves treated as investment companies under GAAP, the Fund follows the guidance in GAAP that allows, as practical expedient, the Fund to value such investments at their reported NAV per share (or if not unitized, at an equivalent percentage of the capital of the investee entity). Such investments typically provide an updated NAV or its equivalent on a quarterly basis. The Fair Valuation Committee meets frequently to discuss the fair valuation methodology and will adjust the value of a security if there is a public update to such valuation.

 

Non-listed business development companies provide quarterly fair value pricing which is used as an indicator of the valuation for the Fund. If the value significantly fluctuates, the Adviser will provide an updated price. If a significant event occurs that causes a large change in price, the Fair Valuation Committee will call a meeting to evaluate the fair value.

 

Hedge funds provide monthly fair value pricing which is used as an indicator of the valuation for the Fund. The Fund values the security based on the movement of an appropriate market index or a similar security that is publicly traded until the hedge fund issues an updated market valuation.

 

ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly 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 820-10 establishes three different categories for valuations. Level 1 valuations are those based upon quoted prices in active markets that the Fund has the ability to access. Level 2 valuations are those based upon quoted prices in inactive markets or based upon significant observable inputs (e.g., yield curves; benchmark interest rates; indices). Level 3 valuations are those based upon unobservable inputs (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis; non-market based methods used to determine fair valuation).

 

The Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:

 

●

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

 

●

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

●

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The inputs used to measure fair value of a security may fall into different levels (Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3) of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level within which the fair value measurement falls, in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant in its entirety to the fair value measurement.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used as of March 31, 2024 for the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

Assets*

 

Investments:		Practical Expedient(1)				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Common Stocks		$	—			$	14,717,573			$	—			$	—			$	14,717,573
Medium Term Notes			—				—				—				1,500,000				1,500,000
Private Companies			—				—				—				16,598,306				16,598,306
Purchased Options Contracts			—				355,764				—				—				355,764
Contingent Value Rights			—				—				—				241,226				241,226
Warrants			—				—				—				991,088				991,088
Real Estate Investment Trusts			—				8,940,915				—				19,821,983				28,762,898
Alternative Investment Funds			45,985,729				—				—				—				45,985,729
Short-Term Investment			—				8,472,015				—				—				8,472,015
Total Investments		$	45,985,729			$	32,486,267			$	—			$	39,152,603			$	117,624,599

 

Liabilities*

 

Investments:		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Exchange-Traded Fund Sold Short		$	(2,293,449	)		$	—			$	—			$	(2,293,449	)
Written Options Contracts			(244,869	)			—				—				(244,869	)
Total Investments		$	(2,538,318	)		$	—			$	—			$	(2,538,318	)

 

	(1)	Alternative Investment Funds that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Schedule of Investments.
	*	Refer to the Schedule of Investments for industry classifications.

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant Level 3 unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value as of March 31, 2024:

 

Investments		Balance as of March 31, 2023				Purchase of Investments				Proceeds from Sale of Investments(1)				Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments				Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments				Balance as of March 31, 2024
Contingent Value Rights		$	560,132			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(318,906	)		$	241,226
Warrants			8,786				—				—				—				982,302				991,088
Private Companies			12,010,594				3,503,048				—				—				1,084,664				16,598,306
Non-Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts			7,459,320				283,027				—				—				(476,155	)			7,266,192
Private Real Estate Investment Trusts			11,926,200				—				—				—				629,591				12,555,791
Medium Term Notes			5,000,000				—				(3,500,000	)			—				—				1,500,000
Total Investments		$	36,965,032			$	3,786,075			$	(3,500,000	)		$	—			$	1,901,496			$	39,152,603

 

(1)

Includes return of capital and spin-offs related to corporate actions.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used for the Fund’s investments that are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2024:

 

Investments

Fair Value as of March 31, 2024

Valuation Techniques

Unobservable Inputs

Price/ Liquidity Discount(1)

Range of inputs (average)

Impact on Valuation from an Increase in Input

Contingent Value Rights

Hospitality Investors Trust, Inc.

$

241,226

Scenario Analysis

Liquidity Discount/Earnout

$

0.53

n/a

n/a

Ready Capital Corp.

—

Income approach and PWERM Model

Revaluation discount rate/discount rate

0.00

n/a

Decrease

Warrants

Nurture Life, Inc.

991,088

Options Pricing Model and Black-Scholes-Merton Model

Volatility/Risk Free Rate/Years to Exercise Price

n/a

71.8% | 4.0% | 3.0

n/a

Medium Term Notes

Credit Suisse AG London

1,500,000

Other

Transaction Price

100.00

n/a

Increase

Private Companies

Always AI, Inc., Preferred Stock

3,885,088

Comparable public company analysis

Revenue multiples

n/a

3.8x – 14.0x (9.0x)

Increase

Comparable acquisitions analysis

Revenue multiples

n/a

9.5x – 353.8x (140.3x)

Increase

Always AI, Inc., Convertible Debt

2,000,000

Other

Transaction Price

100.00

n/a

Increase

Clear Street Group Inc.

1,500,002

Other

Transaction Price

8.35

n/a

Increase

Eat Just, Inc.

472,660

Comparable public company analysis

Enterprise Value

n/a

-45.5% – 16.5% (-9.9%)

Increase

Comparable acquisitions analysis

Revenue multiples

n/a

0.4x – 8.0x (2.7x)

Increase

EBITDA multiples

n/a

4.6x – 31.6x (16.8x)

Increase

GOSITE, Inc., Preferred Stock

2,738,144

Comparable public company analysis

Revenue multiples

n/a

2.6x – 15.2x (8.6x)

Increase

EBITDA multiples

n/a

-131.6x – 246.7x (43.3x)

Increase

Comparable acquisitions analysis

Revenue multiples

n/a

0.1x – 7.4x (3.0x)

Increase

EBITDA multiples

n/a

4.3x – 271.7x (29.4x)

Increase

GOSITE, Inc., Convertible Debt

56,331

Other

Transaction Price

100.00

n/a

Increase

Iridia, Inc., Preferred Stock

1,249,538

Other

Transaction Price

2.51

n/a

Increase

Iridia, Inc., Convertible Debt

750,000

Other

Transaction Price

100.00

n/a

Increase

Nurture Life, Inc.

3,946,543

Other

Transaction Price

100.00

n/a

n/a

Non-Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts

Healthcare Trust, Inc.

4,448,161

Index Application(2)

Application of FTSE NAREIT US Health Care Index

228.42

n/a

Decrease

NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc.

2,818,031

Index Application(2)

Application of FTSE NAREIT US Health Care Index

228.42

n/a

Increase

 

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

Investments

Fair Value as of March 31, 2024

Valuation Techniques

Unobservable Inputs

Price/ Liquidity Discount(1)

Range of inputs (average)

Impact on Valuation from an Increase in Input

Private Real Estate Investment Trusts

Aventine Property Group, Inc.

7,030,098

Comparable public company analysis

BV Equity multiples

n/a

0.9x - 5.5x (1.8x)

Increase

Comparable acquisitions analysis

BV multiples

n/a

0.9x - 4.5x (2.3x)

Increase

Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

5,525,693

Comparable public company analysis

BV Equity multiples

n/a

0.9x - 5.5x (1.8x)

Increase

Comparable acquisitions analysis

BV Equity multiples

n/a

0.9x - 4.2x (2.3x)

Increase

Total Investments(3)

$

39,152,603

 

	(1)	As there was no range for each significant unobservable input, weighted average is not reported.
	(2)	The Fund utilizes the last publicly stated NAV as published by each Non-Listed REIT, and applies a factor adjustment of the daily publicly available price per each respective index to adjust the price accordingly.
	(3)	Certain Level 3 investments of the Fund, totaling fair value assets of $0, have been valued using third-party transactions, quotations, and/or historical information. These assets have been excluded from the preceding table as they are insignificant to the Fund.

BV – book value

 

The following is the fair value measurement of Alternative Investment Funds that are measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient:

 

Alternative Investment Fund

Investment Strategy

Value

Unfunded Commitments

Redemption Frequency

Redemption Notice Period

Arboretum Core Asset Fund LP

Debt investing in leased equipment and related financings

$

2,401,478

$

—

Annually(1)

30 Days(1)

Canyon CLO Fund II LP

Collateralized Loan Obligations

8,799,067

—

Subject to advisor approval

n/a

Canyon CLO Fund III (Cayman) Ltd.

Collateralized Loan Obligations

14,678,640

700,000

Subject to advisor approval

n/a

Clarion Lion Industrial Trust

Industrial Real Estate

13,248,190

—

Quarterly, subject to advisor discretion.

90 Days

Ovation Alternative Income Fund

Private Equity and Private Debt

476,153

—

Quarterly

180 Days

Preservation REIT 1, Inc.

Diversified Direct Real Estate

6,382,201

527,000

Subject to advisor approval

n/a

$

45,985,729

$

1,227,000

 

(1)

Redemptions suspended as of February 28, 2021.

 

Commitments and Contingencies — The Fund indemnifies the Fund’s officers and the Board for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide 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 that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Exchange Traded Funds — The Fund may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). Most ETFs are a type of index fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and represents a fixed (or managed) portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. The Fund may purchase an ETF to gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities it is designed to track, although the lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in it being more volatile. Additionally, ETFs have fees and expenses that reduce their value.

 

Restricted securities — Restricted securities are securities that may be resold only upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from such registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Board. The restricted securities may be valued at the price provided by dealers in the secondary market or, if no market prices are available, the fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board. The Alternative Investment Funds generally are restricted securities that are subject to substantial holding periods and are not traded in public markets, so that the Fund may not be able to resell some of its investments for extended periods, which may be several years.

 

Additional information on each restricted investment held by the Fund at March 31, 2024, is as follows:

 

		Acquisition											% of Net
Security Description		Date			Cost				Value				Assets
Always AI, Inc., Preferred Stock		1/5/2021			$	1,999,998			$	3,885,088				3.9	%
Always AI, Inc., Convertible Debt		10/2/2023				2,000,000				2,000,000				2.0
Always AI, Inc., Warrants		10/2/2023				—	(1)			—				—
Arboretum Core Asset Fund LP		8/2/2018				2,500,000				2,401,478				2.3
Aventine Property Group, Inc.		1/13/2021				5,141,850				7,030,098				7.0
Canyon CLO Fund II LP		2/25/2019				6,132,077				8,799,067				8.8
Canyon CLO Fund III (Cayman) Ltd.		3/1/2022				12,697,773				14,678,640				14.7
Clarion Lion Industrial Trust		6/29/2015				4,657,633				13,248,190				13.2
Clear Street Group, Inc.		5/11/2022				1,500,000				1,500,002				1.5
Credit Suisse AG London		9/13/2022				1,500,000				1,500,000				1.5
Eat Just, Inc.		6/11/2021				515,501				472,660				0.5
GOSITE, Inc., Preferred Stock		7/31/2020				2,099,998				2,738,144				2.7
GOSITE, Inc., Convertible Debt		11/30/2023				56,331				56,331				0.1
Healthcare Trust, Inc.		3/30/2012				5,151,254				4,448,161				4.5
Hospitality Investors Trust, Inc.		2/17/2015				9,236,371				241,226				0.2
Iridia, Inc., Preferred Stock		2/25/2021				750,000				1,249,538				1.3
Iridia, Inc., Convertible Debt		12/22/2023				750,000				750,000				0.7
NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc.		3/29/2012				6,706,530				2,818,031				2.8
Nurture Life, Inc., Preferred Stock		8/2/2022				3,246,717				3,946,543				3.9
Nurture Life, Inc., Warrants		12/23/2022				—				991,088				1.0
Ovation Alternative Income Fund		7/25/2014				419,943				476,153				0.5
Preservation REIT 1, Inc.		10/22/2019				3,377,166				6,382,201				6.4
Ready Capital Corp., Contingent Value Rights		7/6/2017				—	(1)			—				—
Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.		12/31/2018				8,792,962				5,525,693				5.5
Total					$	79,232,104			$	85,138,332				85.0	%

 

(1)

Transferred at no cost as a result of a corporate action.

 

Options — The Fund may purchase put and call options on currencies or securities. A put option gives the purchaser the right to compel the writer of the option to purchase from the option holder an underlying currency or security or its equivalent at a specified price at any time during the option period. In contrast, a call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying currency or security covered by the option or its equivalent from the writer of the option at the stated exercise price.

 

As a holder of a put option, the Fund will have the right to sell the currencies or securities underlying the option and as the holder of a call option, the Fund will have the right to purchase the currencies or securities underlying the option, in each case at their exercise price at any time prior to the option’s expiration date. The Fund may seek to terminate its option positions prior to their expiration by entering into closing transactions. The ability of the Fund to enter into a closing sale transaction depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. The Fund may close out a position when writing options by purchasing an option on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option that it has previously written on the security. In such a case, the Fund will realize a profit or loss if the amount paid to purchase an option is less or more than the amount received from the sale of the option.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities on which the option is based. Imperfect correlation between the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of attempted hedging. Options transactions may result in significantly higher transaction costs and portfolio turnover for the Fund.

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income — Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Cost is determined and gains and losses are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Purchase discounts and premiums on securities are accreted and amortized over the life of the respective securities.

 

Distributions received from investments in securities and private funds that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investment or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Fund’s investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Fund estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distribution information available.

 

Indemnification — The Fund indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Trust expects the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be remote.

 

3. Investment Management and Other Agreements

 

The Fund has entered into an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with the Adviser. Subject to the oversight of the Fund’s Board, the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing day-to-day administrative services to the Fund either directly or through others selected by it for the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement dated January 13, 2022, the Adviser is entitled to a management fee, calculated and payable monthly in arrears, at an annual rate of 1.35%, based upon the Fund’s managed assets as of month-end (the “Management Fee”). “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to money borrowed for investment purposes) minus the sum of the Fund’s accrued liabilities (other than money borrowed for investment purposes). Prior to January 13, 2022, under the Fund’s prior investment management agreement, the Adviser was entitled to a management fee, calculated and payable monthly in arrears, at an annual rate of 1.35% of the Fund’s average daily net assets during such period. For the year ended March 31, 2024, the Adviser earned a Management Fee of $1,528,607. As of the year ended March 31, 2024, the Adviser was owed $93,609 in Management Fees, included in payables for Management Fee on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The Fund and Adviser have entered into an investment sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) with the Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 13, 2022, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a monthly sub-advisory fee (net of any waivers, reimbursement payments, supermarket fees and alliance fees waived, reimbursed or paid by the Adviser in respect of the Fund) with respect to the assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advised Assets”) equal to 50% of the advisory fee paid to the Adviser for its services to the Fund with respect to the Sub-Advised Assets, equal to a percentage of the Sub-Advised Assets’ average daily managed assets. Prior to January 13, 2022, the Sub-Adviser received a sub-advisory fee at an annual rate equal to 50% of the net Management Fees received by the Adviser after any fee waivers and shared expenses between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, subject to a maximum of 0.675% of the Fund’s average daily net assets at month end.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

Effective January 13, 2022, the Adviser and the Fund have entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) under which the Adviser has agreed to reimburse and/or pay or absorb, on a quarterly basis, the “ordinary operating expenses” (as defined below) of the Fund to the extent that such expenses exceed 0.53% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). For the purposes of the Expense Limitation Agreement, “ordinary operating expenses” consist of all ordinary expenses of the Fund, including administration fees, transfer agent fees, organization and offering expenses, fees paid to the Fund’s trustees, administrative services expenses, and related costs associated with legal, regulatory compliance and investor relations, but excluding the following: (a) investment management fees, (b) portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage commissions, dealer and underwriter spreads, commitment fees on any leverage facilities, prime broker fees and expenses, and dividend expenses related to short sales), (c) interest expense and other financing costs, (d) taxes, (e) distribution fees and/or shareholder servicing fees, if any, (f) acquired fund fees and expenses and (g) extraordinary expenses. For the year ended March 31, 2024, the Adviser waived Management Fees of $256,325.

 

Further, shareholders previously approved, subject to the Fund listing on the NYSE or other national securities exchange, a Secondary Market Support Services Agreement with Destra, whereby the Fund pays Destra a separate 0.10% fee, calculated and paid on Managed Assets, to provide services designed to communicate the investment strategy and investment objective of the Fund to the broader market. Effective March 1, 2022, Destra has voluntarily waived this fee. This voluntary waiver may be revised or terminated at any time without notice. This fee waiver is not subject to recoupment.

 

Any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser under the Expense Limitation Agreement is subject to repayment by the Fund within three years from the date the Adviser waived any payment or reimbursed any expense, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of waiver or the current expense limitation and the repayment is approved by the Board. Unless terminated by the Board, the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue in effect until at least January 13, 2027. The Board may terminate this Expense Limitation Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser.

 

The following amounts are subject to recapture by the Adviser by the following dates:

 

2/28/2025				3/31/2025				3/31/2026				3/31/2027
$	611,339			$	33,783			$	193,549			$	256,325

 

4. Investment Transactions

 

The cost of purchases and proceeds from the sale of securities, other than short-term securities, for the year ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $24,913,422 and $26,823,826, respectively. The total securities sold short and covered amounted to $0 and $0, respectively.

 

5. Federal Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If so qualified, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent it distributes substantially all of its net investment income and capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts, on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, based on their Federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification and had no impact on the NAV of the Fund.

 

The Fund complies with FASB interpretation Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes which provides guidance for how uncertain tax provisions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes requires the affirmative evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not,” (i.e., greater than 50 percent) of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold may result in a tax benefit or expense in the current period.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes requires management of the Fund to analyze all open tax years, as defined by the statutes of limitations, for all major jurisdictions, which includes federal and certain states. Open tax years are those that are open for exam by the taxing authorities (i.e., the last three tax years and the interim tax period since then).

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

The Fund has no examination in progress during the tax year ended September 30, 2023. For all open tax years and all major taxing jurisdictions through the end of the reporting period, management of the Fund reviewed all tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the preparation of the Fund’s tax returns and concluded that Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes resulted in no effect on the Fund’s reported net assets or results of operations as of and during the year ended March 31, 2024. Management of the Fund also is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of recognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

 

At March 31, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments, based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Cost of investments		$	115,104,365
Gross unrealized appreciation			22,441,364
Gross unrealized depreciation			(22,459,448	)
Net unrealized appreciation(depreciation)		$	(18,084	)

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on wash sales, REIT, RIC and partnership investments. The cost includes the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share. These reclassifications are due primarily to the true-up of prior-year REIT distributions, return of capital distributions paid and nondeductible expenses.

 

For the tax year ended September 30, 2023, permanent differences in book and tax accounting have been reclassified to Paid-in Capital and distributable earnings(deficit) as follows:

 

Paid-in Capital				Distributable Earnings/(Deficit)
$	2,205,343			$	(2,205,343	)

 

As of September 30, 2023, the components of distributable earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income		$	—
Undistributed long-term capital gains			—
Accumulated capital and other losses			(587,402	)
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments			(3,287,757	)
Total distributable earnings		$	(3,875,159	)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the tax years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

		September 30,				September 30,
		2023				2022
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income		$	32,747			$	3,075,545
Return of Capital			3,800,190				160,628
Net long-term capital gains			568,910				3,102,655
Total distributions paid		$	4,401,847			$	6,338,828

 

At September 30, 2023, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.

 

To the extent that a fund may realize future net capital gains, those gains will be offset by any of its unused capital loss carryforward. Future capital loss carryforward utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations.

 

The Fund has $579,458 in Qualified late-year losses, which are deferred until the tax year ending September 30, 2024. Net late-year ordinary losses incurred after December 31 and within the taxable year and net late-year specified losses incurred after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

6. Credit Facility

 

On October 5, 2021, the Fund entered into a secured, revolving line of credit facility with Nexbank (the “Credit Facility”). Effective August 15, 2023, the Credit Agreement was extended for an additional year expiring on October 2, 2024. The Fund may borrow an amount up to the lesser of the Credit Facility maximum commitment financing of $22,000,000 or one-third of the value of its total assets less liabilities not represented by the payable to the Credit Facility. The interest rate on borrowings from the Credit Facility is equal to the 1-month U.S. Treasury rate plus 4.50% per annum, with a 4.75% floor. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the average principal balance and weighted average interest rate was approximately $17,016,393 and 9.72% per annum, respectively, and the maximum outstanding balance of the Credit Facility was $18,000,000. At March 31, 2024, the principal balance outstanding was $15,000,000 at an interest rate of 9.88% per annum. The Fund records loan origination and other expenses related to its debt obligations as debt issuance costs. These expenses are deferred and amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. Debt issuance costs are presented on the statement of assets and liabilities as a direct deduction from the debt liability. The Fund pays loan origination fees (aka: commitment fees) in connection with securing and renewing the Credit Facility. These fees are expensed over the corresponding term of the loan on a straight line basis and not inclusive of the expense limitation agreement. For the year ended March 31, 2024, the Fund expensed $94,538 in loan origination fees and has a liability amount of $24,137 outstanding which is scheduled to amortize through October 2, 2024, the expiration date of the current Credit Facility term.

 

Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Fund is permitted to issue senior securities, including debt securities and preferred stock, and borrow from banks or other financial institutions, provided that the Fund satisfies certain asset coverage requirements. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness, such as the Credit Facility, the Fund is required to have asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of the Fund’s total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, over the aggregate amount of the Fund’s outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. If the Fund’s asset coverage declines below 300%, the Fund would be prohibited under the 1940 Act from incurring additional debt or making certain distributions to its shareholders.

 

Please refer to the Fund’s Financial Highlights for summary of the Fund’s asset coverage with respect to senior securities.

 

7. Other Derivative Information

 

The effects of derivative instruments on the Fund’s financial positions and financial performance are reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, and are presented in the tables below. The values of derivative instruments as of March 31, 2024 by risk category are as follows:

 

Derivative Assets (Liabilities)		Risk Category Equity Risk
Purchased Options Contracts at value		$	355,764
Written Options Contracts at value			(244,869	)
Total		$	110,895

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss)		Risk Category Equity Risk
Purchased Options Contracts		$	1,253,398
Written Options Contracts			158,447
Total		$	1,411,845

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)		Risk Category Equity Risk
Purchased Options Contracts		$	(217,866	)
Written Options Contracts			(47,495	)
Total		$	(265,361	)

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2024

 

8. Trustees and Officers

 

The Destra Fund Complex (consisting of the Fund, the Destra Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred and Income Fund and Destra Granahan Small Cap Advantage Fund, both a series of the Destra Investment Trust, the BlueBay Destra International Event-Driven Credit Fund, and the Destra Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, of which there is currently no active series) pays each Independent Trustee a retainer of $39,000 per year, and the Chairman of the Board a retainer of $46,000 per year for their services in this capacity. Each fund in the Destra Fund Complex pays a portion of the retainer received by each Trustee, which is allocated annually across the Destra Fund Complex based on each fund’s respective net assets as of December 31 of the preceding year. Trustees are also reimbursed for travel-related and authorized business expenses. The Fund does not pay compensation to Trustees who also serve in an executive officer capacity for the Fund or the Advisers.

 

Employees of PINE Advisors, LLC (“PINE”) serve as officers of the fund. PINE receives an annual base fee for the services provided to the Fund. PINE is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses by the Fund. Service fees paid by the Fund for the year ended March 31, 2024 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has concluded that there is no impact requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund”) as of March 31, 2024, the related statements of operations and cash flows, the statements of changes in net assets, the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated below (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 March 31, 2024, the results of its operations and its cash flows, the changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Fund Name		Statements of Operations and Cash Flows		Statements of Changes in Net Assets		Financial Highlights
Destra Multi-Alternative Fund		For the year ended March 31, 2024		For the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023		For the years ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, the period March 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022, and for the years ended February 28, 2022, and 2021, and for the year ended February 29, 2020

 

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 audits. 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 audits 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 audits 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 March 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, private companies, underlying fund managers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures. Our audits 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the auditors of one or more investment companies advised by Destra Capital Advisors LLC since 2018.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.

Cleveland, Ohio

May 30, 2024

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

The following information in this annual report is a summary of certain information about the Fund and changes since the Fund’s annual report dated March 31, 2023 (the “prior disclosure date”). This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased the Fund.

 

Investment Objectives

 

There have been no changes in the Fund’s investment objectives since the prior disclosure date that have not been approved by shareholders.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek returns from capital appreciation and income with an emphasis on income generation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies and Policies

 

There have been no changes in the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies and Policies since the prior disclosure date, other than the removal of references to the Fund’s perpetual term since the Fund has implemented a fixed term expiring at the close of business on March 31, 2027, unless certain performance or trading targets are met.

 

General Investment Strategy. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in income-producing securities, including: (1) public and private real estate securities (including securities issued by real estate funds), (2) alternative investment funds (“AIFs”), which include business development companies (“BDCs”), funds commonly known as “hedge funds” and other private investment funds, which may also include funds that primarily hold real estate investments, (3) master limited partnerships, (4) common and preferred stocks, and (5) structured notes, notes, bonds and asset-backed securities. The Fund also executes investments in the preceding types of securities through index-linked or actively managed exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), mutual funds and closed-end funds (collectively “Underlying Funds”). The Fund defines AIFs as BDCs, real estate property funds, limited partnerships and limited liability companies that pursue investment strategies linked to real estate, small businesses or other investments that serve as alternatives to investments in traditional stocks and bonds (which could include any type of investment that is consistent with the investment strategy and not a traditional stock or bond). The Fund invests in securities of issuers without restriction as to market capitalization. The majority of the Fund’s investments are not traded on an exchange or in over-the-counter markets; consequently, the majority of the Fund’s investments are illiquid. The Fund’s investments may include investments in non-U.S. securities.

 

The Fund provides investors with access to an actively managed portfolio of liquid and illiquid alternative investments, many of which are unavailable to the typical individual investor due to high minimum investment and accredited/qualified investor requirements. Validus Growth Investors, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser” or “Validus”) employs a similar multi-asset approach to the Endowment Model (as defined below), while actively managing individual holdings and generating significant non-correlated income. The Endowment Model is a form of the strategic asset allocation model of portfolio construction that involves diversifying investments across strategies, asset classes and investment horizons, as opposed to the standard long-only stock and bond model. To that end, the Fund seeks to:

 

●

Deliver current income to investors with low correlation to traditional equity and fixed-income investments by pursuing securities in asset classes considered non-traditional in nature;

 

●

Seek illiquidity premiums;

 

●

Proactively manage security selection and asset class exposures through cutting-edge research capability, rigorous due diligence efforts, and a consistently applied investment process; and

 

●

Provide institutional access on favorable terms; as the Sub-Adviser has added to the depth of the portfolio management team, the Fund has benefited from enhanced security selection capabilities and industry relationships in sourcing institutional-quality investments.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests over 25% of its net assets in the real estate industry, which it defines to include interests, debt or equity of both publicly traded and private companies engaged in the real estate industry, including, but not limited to, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), mortgage-backed securities, interests in pooled investment entities, and other forms of securities relating to or involving real estate. This policy is fundamental and may not be changed without Shareholder approval. Real estate funds are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests.

 

Validus uses both a quantitative screening process and a qualitative selection process when selecting securities for investment by the Fund in connection with the Fund’s strategy. An optimized asset allocation model is used to quantify targeted exposure ranges for various alternative sectors. No assurance can be given that any or all investment strategies,

 

34

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

or the Fund’s investment program, will be successful. The Sub-Adviser utilizes a clearly defined philosophy, which provides a disciplined investment strategy. When determining an asset allocation, the Sub-Adviser typically reviews at least the last ten years (if available) of market data history, which the Sub-Adviser regards as the most relevant for market forecasting purposes. The Sub-Adviser may strategically rebalance its asset allocation according to the current market conditions, but will remain true to its fundamental analysis with respect to real estate asset class and sector risk over time. The Sub-Adviser manages investments over a long-term time horizon, while being mindful of the historical context of the markets. The Sub-Adviser employs a regimen of quantitative and qualitative criteria to arrive at a universe of investments which it considers to be “best-of-breed.” The Sub-Adviser primarily selects securities with the highest expected income from a sector peer group of issuers with similar market capitalization, credit quality and/or risk-adjusted metrics. Secondarily, the Sub-Adviser considers securities’ potential for capital appreciation. When constructing the Fund’s portfolio, the Sub-Adviser selects securities from sectors that it believes have relatively low volatility and will not be highly correlated to each other or to the equity or fixed income markets, generally. The Sub-Adviser considers low to moderate correlation or volatility strategies to be those which are expected to have 75% or less of the volatility of, or correlation to, the relevant market or index.

 

Unless otherwise stated herein or in the Fund’s Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, the Fund’s investment policies are non-fundamental policies and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees without prior approval of the Fund’s Shareholders.

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Real Estate Securities

 

There are three main vehicles used to execute the Fund’s real estate-related investments:

 

●

Private and/or Non-Listed Real Estate Securities: This investment vehicle will be used to generate current income, and/or capital appreciation that is generally less volatile than other types of real estate securities. Investment criteria will include evaluating the strength of the sponsor and management. From an operations perspective, the Sub-Adviser will focus on the attractiveness of the specific property type; stability of income; distribution yield and distribution coverage from operations. From a financing perspective, the Sub-Adviser will focus on availability of debt and equity financing and target leverage levels. Finally, the Sub-Adviser will focus on a value-add liquidity event following the close of the offering.

 

●

Listed (Traded) Real Estate Equities: Investment criteria on a macro level will include: relative attractiveness to the broader stock market, the impact of the debt capital markets on real estate securities, the supply and demand for commercial real estate overall, and the supply and demand for specific property types. On a micro level, the Sub-Adviser will focus on: the attractiveness of a specific property type, quality and historic success of management, relative value price-to-earnings, price-to-cash flow or funds-from-operations within a sector, whether the security is trading at a premium or discount to its NAV, and both internal (e.g., same store growth) and external (e.g., acquisitions and development) growth prospects to drive total earnings growth.

 

●

Real Estate Debt: In this investment vehicle, the Sub-Adviser will look at both current income opportunities and the ability to acquire debt or preferred stock (which the Fund defines to be a form of debt with respect to real estate) at a discount to face value. This vehicle could include, but is not limited to, secured property level debt, unsecured notes, unsecured notes and preferred equity convertible into common equity and preferred equity. Preferred equity historically trades at a higher yield and has a lower risk profile than its common equity, but also has lower capital gain potential unless it trades at a discount to par. This portion of the Sub-Adviser’s debt strategy will focus on quality of management, sustainability of the business model, coverage of the common dividend and liquidity of the instrument.

 

Alternative Investment Funds

 

AIFs selected by the Sub-Adviser include BDCs, funds that invest in private debt securities, hedge funds and other issuers of private placement securities each of which may pay performance-based fees to their managers. A BDC is a form of investment company that is required to invest at least 70% of its total assets in securities (typically debt) of private companies, thinly traded U.S. public companies, or short-term high-quality debt securities. Private or non-traded BDCs are illiquid and it may not be possible for the Fund to redeem shares or to do so without paying a substantial penalty.

 

35

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Publicly-traded BDCs usually trade at a discount to their NAV because they invest in unlisted securities and have limited access to capital markets. Additionally, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities of issuers commonly known as “hedge funds,” which are typically privately placed with investors without registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), employ leverage and hedging strategies as well as pay their managers performance fees on gains. These performance fees may create an incentive for the manager of a hedge fund to enter into investments that are riskier or more speculative than would otherwise be the case. The Sub-Adviser generally seeks to invest in AIFs whose expected risk-adjusted returns are determined to be attractive and likely to have low correlations among each other or with the broad equity and fixed-income markets. The Sub-Adviser uses both a quantitative screening process and a qualitative selection process when selecting AIF securities for investment by the Fund in conjunction with its AIF strategy. To analyze AIFs, the Sub-Adviser relies on both proprietary research and research provided by third parties. The Sub-Adviser reviews each AIF’s management team, operations staff, past performance, philosophy, current holdings and investment process. Specific market opportunities, competitive advantages, relative strengths and weaknesses, and other important factors are also analyzed. Once an investment is made, the new AIF is re-evaluated and tracked on a monthly or quarterly basis. An AIF may be liquidated based on manager drift in style, underperformance, change in management team, deviation from risk management discipline and change in the AIF’s investment opportunity set or strategy, or any other factor that the Sub-Adviser feels will impact future performance. Depending on the terms of the Fund’s investment in an AIF, the Sub-Adviser may or may not be able to liquidate a certain AIF when it desires to do so. When using Underlying Funds to execute the Fund’s AIF strategy, the Sub-Adviser will consider each Underlying Fund’s expenses and quality of management in addition to analyzing the AIF securities held by the Underlying Fund.

 

Master Limited Partnerships

 

A master limited partnership (“MLP”) is a publicly traded or privately offered limited partnership or limited liability company. MLPs are typically engaged in one or more aspects of the exploration, production, processing, transmission, marketing, storage or delivery of energy-related commodities such as natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, crude oil or refined petroleum products. An investment in MLP units differ from an investment in the securities of a corporation. An investment in MLP units involves certain risks which differ from an investment in the securities of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control and voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including those arising from incentive distribution payments. As a partnership, an MLP has no tax liability at the entity level. If, as a result of a change in current law or a change in an MLP’s business, an MLP were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, such an MLP would be obligated to pay federal income tax on its income at the corporate tax rate. If an MLP were classified as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP would be reduced and distributions received by investors would be taxed under federal income tax laws applicable to corporate dividends (as dividend income, return of capital, or capital gain). Therefore, treatment of an MLP as a corporation for federal income tax purposes would result in a reduction in the after-tax return to investors, as compared to an MLP that is not taxed as a corporation, likely causing a reduction in the value of Fund shares. In constructing the model, the Sub-Adviser considers a variety of factors, including but not limited to, market capitalization, liquidity, growth, credit rating, source of qualifying income, business focus, and structure of the MLPs. The Sub-Adviser may also further evaluate MLP investments on potential tax liabilities, trading costs, cash requirements and other factors, including the relative valuation of related MLP or other competing investments.

 

Common and Preferred Stocks

 

Stocks are selected by the Sub-Adviser using a proprietary stock selection model that ranks all dividend-payers using specific fundamental characteristics that the Sub-Adviser believes are predictive of strong future total returns, dividend sustainability and dividend growth. These characteristics include the ability-to-pay ratio, dividend payout ratio, dividend yield, historical sales and dividend growth, cash flow conversion ratio, earnings momentum and return on capital. In addition, the Sub-Adviser eliminates stocks that violate specific ability-to-pay, payout ratio, and dividend yield thresholds that vary by sector. The Sub-Adviser may also engage in opportunistic trading strategies with securities that may not pay a dividend but have been identified as having potential short-term pricing inefficiencies.

 

Structured Notes

 

Structured notes are selected by the Sub-Adviser to generate interest income and as an economic substitute for the reference index, currency or commodity to which the structured note payments are linked. The Sub-Adviser also may use structured notes to meet specific investment or risk management goals that cannot be met from the standardized financial instruments available in the markets. Structured products can be used as an alternative to a direct investment, as part of the asset allocation process to reduce risk exposure of the Fund’s portfolio or to capitalize on a current market trend. The Sub-Adviser selects structured notes of any maturity issued by an entity that the Sub-Adviser considers creditworthy.

 

36

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Debt Securities

 

Other debt securities are selected by the Sub-Adviser to generate interest income and diversify the Fund’s portfolio returns against equity market risks. The Fund invests without limit in fixed rate or floating rate debt instruments of any maturity that the Sub-Adviser believes are creditworthy or have acceptable recovery value in the event of default (through restructuring in or outside of bankruptcy) regardless of rating, including lower-quality debt securities commonly known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds. The Sub-Adviser employs measurers consisting of debt-to-assets, debt service coverage ratio and asset liquidation values and other metrics to assess credit quality. The Sub-Adviser selects asset-backed securities when it believes these securities offer higher yield or better prospects for capital preservation or appreciation than competing investments in traditional debt instruments.

 

Underlying Funds

 

The Sub-Adviser will invest in Underlying Funds when it wishes the Fund to have representation in a certain sector or security type, but cannot find sufficient or suitable individual securities that meet its investment criteria. The Sub-Adviser ranks Underlying Funds on relative expenses, past performance and strategy fit for the Fund. In general, the Sub-Adviser selects Underlying Funds that it believes offer more efficient execution of the Fund’s strategy, such as when ample individual investments are not readily available or the available investments do not meet the selection criteria of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser may seek to invest in an Underlying Fund in order to gain indirect exposure to a particular sector or class of securities.

 

Other Information Regarding the Investment Strategy

 

The Fund may, from time to time, take defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such times, the Sub-Adviser may determine that the Fund should invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, including money market instruments, prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements, Treasury bills and other short-term obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. In these and in other cases, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. The Sub-Adviser may invest the Fund’s cash balances in any investments it deems appropriate. The Sub-Adviser expects that such investments will be made, without limitation and as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), in money market funds, repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities, municipal bonds and bank accounts. Any income earned from such investments is ordinarily reinvested by the Fund in accordance with its investment program. Many of the considerations entering into recommendations and decisions of the Sub-Adviser and the Fund’s portfolio managers are subjective.

 

The frequency and amount of portfolio purchases and sales (known as the “portfolio turnover rate”) will vary from year to year. The portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed 100% for the current fiscal year but may vary greatly from year to year and will not be a limiting factor when the Sub-Adviser deems portfolio changes appropriate. Although the Fund generally does not intend to trade for short-term profits, the Fund may engage in short-term trading strategies, and securities may be sold without regard to the length of time held when, in the opinion of the Sub-Adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. These policies may have the effect of increasing the annual rate of portfolio turnover of the Fund. Higher rates of portfolio turnover would likely result in higher brokerage commissions and may generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income. If securities are not held for the applicable holding periods, dividends paid on them will not qualify for the advantageous federal tax rates.

 

There is no assurance what portion, if any, of the Fund’s investments will qualify for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividends under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a result, there can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be designated as qualified dividend income.

 

Other Characteristics

 

Real Estate Securities

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts. The Fund will invest in public and private REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs may or may not be publicly-traded and the Fund may invest, without limitation, in REITs which are not publicly-traded. The market value of REIT shares and the ability of REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including rising interest rates, changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions, perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties, the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance costs, the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, increasing competition and compliance with environmental laws, changes in real estate taxes and other operating

 

37

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

expenses, adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies, adverse changes in zoning laws, and other factors beyond the control of the issuers. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital.

 

Distributions paid by REITs will generally not qualify for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income under the Code. Such dividends, however, may qualify as Section 199A dividends.

 

Real Estate LPs, LLCs, Private Funds. The Fund may invest in public and private real estate LPs, LLCs, and other private funds. These public and private funds are often pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. The funds may or may not be publicly-traded and the Fund may invest, without limitation, in funds which are not publicly-traded. The market value of the private fund shares and their ability to distribute income may be affected by numerous factors, including rising interest rates, changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions, perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties, the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance costs, the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, increasing competition and compliance with environmental laws, changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses, adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies, adverse changes in zoning laws, and other factors beyond the control of the issuers. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from these funds may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital.

 

Preferred Stocks. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks of real estate companies. Preferred stocks are securities that pay dividends at a specified rate and have a preference over common stocks in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. This means that an issuer must pay dividends on its preferred stock prior to paying dividends on its common stock. In addition, in the event a company is liquidated, preferred shareholders must be fully repaid on their investments before common shareholders can receive any money from the company. Preferred shareholders, however, usually have no right to vote for a company’s directors or on other corporate matters. Preferred stocks pay a fixed stream of income to investors, and this income stream is a primary source of the long-term investment return on preferred stocks. As a result, the market value of preferred stocks is generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than the market value of common stocks. In this respect, preferred stocks share many investment characteristics with debt securities.

 

Convertible Securities

 

Convertible bonds and convertible preferred stocks are generally obligations of a company that can be converted into a predetermined number of shares of common stock of the company issuing the security. Convertible securities generally offer both defensive characteristics (i.e., provide income during periods when the market price of the underlying common stock declines) and upside potential (i.e., may provide capital appreciation when the market price of the underlying common stock rises).

 

The Fund may invest in securities that have been privately placed but are eligible for purchase and sale by certain qualified institutional buyers such as the Fund under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Alternative Investment Funds

 

The managers of AIFs employ a variety of “alternative” investment strategies to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns (i.e., returns adjusted to take into account the volatility of those returns) with low correlation (expected to be less than 75%) to the broad equity and fixed-income markets. “Alternative” investment strategies, unlike pure “relative return strategies,” are generally managed without reference to the performance of equity, debt and other markets. AIFs selected by the Sub-Adviser include BDCs, funds that invest in private debt and or equity securities, hedge funds and other issuers of private placement securities, each of which may pay performance-based fees to their managers.

 

With respect to BDCs, federal securities laws impose certain restraints upon the organization and operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or in thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt instruments that mature in one year or less. BDCs may have performance-based incentive fees and frequently trade at a discount.

 

The Sub-Adviser expects to invest in other forms of AIFs that employ non-traditional strategies such as investing in defaulted debt securities or in the securities of companies undergoing a merger, business spin-off or other form of restructuring.

 

38

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Additionally, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities of certain AIFs commonly known as “hedge funds,” which are typically privately placed with investors without registration with the SEC, employ leverage and hedging strategies as well as pay their managers performance fees on gains. These fees may create an incentive for the manager of a hedge fund to enter into investments that are riskier or more speculative than would otherwise be the case. The Sub-Adviser intends to allocate the Fund’s assets among AIFs that, in the view of the Sub-Adviser, represent attractive investment opportunities. In selecting AIFs, the Sub-Adviser (with the aid of research services employed by the Sub-Adviser), assesses the likely risks and returns of the different alternative investment strategies utilized by the AIFs, and evaluates the potential correlation among the investment strategies under consideration. The Sub-Adviser generally seeks to invest in AIFs whose expected risk-adjusted returns are determined to be attractive and likely to have low correlations among each other or with the broad equity and fixed-income markets.

 

Leverage

 

The Fund intends to use leverage to pursue its investment objective, including by borrowing funds from banks or other financial institutions, investing in derivative instruments with leverage embedded in them, and/or issuing debt securities. The Fund may borrow money or issue debt securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (50% of its net assets). The Fund intends to use leverage opportunistically and may choose to increase or decrease its leverage, or use different types or combinations of leveraging instruments, at any time based on the Fund’s assessment of market conditions and the investment environment. The Fund may also use leverage to fund distributions.

 

The use of leverage can create risks. Changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio, including securities bought with the proceeds of leverage, will be borne entirely by the Shareholders. If there is a net decrease or increase in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, leverage will decrease or increase, as the case may be, the net asset value (“NAV”) per Share to a greater extent than if the Fund did not utilize leverage. A reduction in the Fund’s NAV may cause a reduction in the market price of the Shares. The Fund’s leverage strategy may not be successful.

 

Certain types of leverage utilized by the Fund may result in the Fund being subject to covenants relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. The Fund may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by one or more lenders or by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for any short-term debt securities issued by the Fund. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Destra Capital Advisors LLC (the “Adviser”) does not believe that these covenants or guidelines will impede it from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment objective and policies if the Fund were to use leverage.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue senior securities if, immediately after the issuance of such senior securities, the Fund would have an asset coverage ratio (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 300% with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., for every dollar of indebtedness outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least three dollars of assets). The 1940 Act also provides that the Fund may not declare distributions, or purchase its stock (including through share repurchases), if immediately after doing so it will have an asset coverage ratio of less than 300%. Under the 1940 Act, certain short-term borrowings (such as for cash management purposes) are not subject to these limitations if (i) repaid within 60 days, (ii) not extended or renewed and (iii) not in excess of 5% of the total assets of the Fund.

 

The Fund may leverage its portfolio by entering into one or more credit facilities.

 

The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities.

 

Since the prior disclosure date, this “Leverage” section has been updated to reflect the Fund’s current use of leverage.

 

Derivatives Transactions. The Fund may use derivative strategies that have economic leverage embedded in them. Effective August 19, 2022, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act replaced the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with limitations on leverage imposed by the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 generally mandates that a fund either limit derivatives exposure to 10% or less of its net assets as a limited derivative user (“Limited Derivative User”), or in the alternative implement: (i) limits on leverage calculated based on value-at-risk; and (ii) a written derivatives risk management program administered by a derivatives risk manager appointed by the fund’s board, including a majority of the independent trustees, that is periodically reviewed by the board. The Fund currently operates as a Limited Derivative User under Rule 18f-4.

 

Rule 18f-4 permits the Fund to enter into reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, notwithstanding limitations on the issuance of senior securities under Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that the Fund either (i) treats these transactions as Derivatives Transactions under Rule 18f-4, or (ii) ensures that the 300% asset coverage ratio

 

39

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

discussed above is met with respect to such transactions and any other borrowings in the aggregate. Under Rule 18f-4, reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether the Fund satisfies the Limited Derivative User exception noted above.

 

Illustration. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in the Fund’s shares, assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below. The calculation assumes (i) $114 million in average total assets, (ii) a weighted average cost of funds of 9.72%, (iii) $18 million in borrowings outstanding (i.e. assumes the Fund borrows funds equal to 19% of its average net assets during such period) and (iv) $96 million in average net assets. In order to compute the corresponding return to shareholders, the “Assumed Return on the Fund’s Portfolio (net of expenses)” is multiplied by the assumed average total assets to obtain an assumed return to the Fund. From this amount, the interest expense is calculated by multiplying the assumed weighted average cost of funds by the assumed borrowings outstanding, and the product is subtracted from the assumed return to the Fund in order to determine the return available to shareholders. The return available to shareholders is then divided by shareholders’ equity to determine the corresponding return to shareholders. Actual interest payments may be different.

 

Assumed Return on the Fund’s Portfolio (net of expenses)		-10%				-5%				0%				5%				10%
Corresponding return to Shareholders			-13.81	%			-7.81	%			-1.82	%			4.17	%			10.17	%

 

Similarly, the Fund’s assets would need to yield an annual return (net of expenses) of approximately 1.82% in order to cover the annual interest payments on the Fund’s outstanding borrowings.

 

Temporary Investments

 

The Fund may, from time to time, take defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategy in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such times, the Sub-Adviser may determine that the Fund should invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, including money market instruments, prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements, Treasury bills and other short-term obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. In these and in other cases, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. The Sub-Adviser may invest the Fund’s cash balances in any investments it deems appropriate. The Sub-Adviser expects that such investments will be made, without limitation and as permitted under the 1940 Act, in money market funds, repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities, municipal bonds and bank accounts. Any income earned from such investments is ordinarily reinvested by the Fund in accordance with its investment program. Many of the considerations entering into recommendations and decisions of the Sub-Adviser and the Fund’s portfolio managers are subjective.

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund is actively managed, and accordingly, it is possible that the portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100% in any fiscal year. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the particular fiscal year. Portfolio turnover may have certain adverse tax consequences for Shareholders.

 

Risk Factors

 

Investing in the Fund involves certain risks relating to its structure and investment objective. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this report, before deciding whether to make an investment in the Fund. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors, and an investment in the common shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program.

 

The risks set forth below are not the only risks of the Fund, and the Fund may face other risks that have not yet been identified, which are not currently deemed material or which are not yet predictable. If any of the following risks occur, the Fund’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the Fund’s NAV and the trading price of its securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Various risk factors below have been updated since the prior disclosure date to reflect certain updates. Additionally, Pandemic Risk has been removed as a principal risk of the Fund and has been replaced with Market Developments Risk since the prior disclosure date. Additionally, Equity Risk has been added as a principal risk since the prior disclosure date.

 

40

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Principal Risks Relating to Investment Strategies and Fund Investments

 

Market Developments Risk. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors. The occurrence of events similar to those in recent years, such as the aftermath of the war in Iraq, instability in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Libya, Syria and other parts of the Middle East, international war or conflict (including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war), the outbreak of infectious diseases (including epidemics and pandemics) or other public health issues, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world, social and political discord, debt crises (such as the recent Greek crisis), sovereign debt downgrades, or the exits or potential exits of one or more countries from the EU or various trade pacts, among others, may result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties in the U.S. and worldwide. The Fund does not know how long the securities markets may be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these and similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. The Fund may be adversely affected by abrogation of international agreements and national laws which have created the market instruments in which the Fund may invest, failure of the designated national and international authorities to enforce compliance with the same laws and agreements, failure of local, national and international organizations to carry out the duties prescribed to them under the relevant agreements, revisions of these laws and agreements which dilute their effectiveness or conflicting interpretation of provisions of the same laws and agreements. The Fund may be adversely affected by uncertainties such as terrorism, international political developments, and changes in government policies, taxation, restrictions on foreign investment and currency repatriation, currency fluctuations and other developments in the laws and regulations of the countries in which it is invested. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted. Further, due to closures of certain markets and restrictions on trading certain securities, the value of certain securities held by the Fund could be significantly impacted.

 

In early 2020, an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged globally. The outbreak of COVID-19 and its variants resulted in closing international borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general public concern and uncertainty. This outbreak negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial health of individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization declared the end of the global emergency status for COVID-19. The United States subsequently ended the federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration effective May 11, 2023. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are more widely available, it is unknown how long certain circumstances related to the pandemic will persist, whether they will reoccur in the future, and what additional implications may follow from the pandemic. The impact of these events and other epidemics or pandemics in the future could adversely affect Fund performance.

 

Additionally, U.S. and global markets recently have experienced increased volatility, including the recent failures of certain U.S. and non-U.S. banks, which could be harmful to the Fund and issuers in which it invests. Conditions in the banking sector are evolving, and the scope of any potential impacts to the Fund and issuers, both from market conditions and also potential legislative or regulatory responses, are uncertain. Continued market volatility and uncertainty and/or a downturn in market and economic and financial conditions, as a result of developments in the banking industry or otherwise (including as a result of delayed access to cash or credit facilities), could have an adverse impact on the Fund and issuers in which it invests.

 

BDC Risk. BDCs have little or no operating history and may carry risks similar to those of a private equity or venture capital fund. To the extent a BDC focuses its investments in a specific sector, the BDC will be susceptible to adverse conditions and economic or regulatory occurrences affecting the specific sector or industry group, which tends to increase volatility and result in higher risk. Private and public non-traded BDCs are illiquid and it may not be possible to redeem shares or to do so without paying a substantial penalty. Publicly-traded BDCs usually trade at a discount to their NAV because they generally invest in unlisted securities and typically have limited access to capital markets. A significant portion of a BDC’s investments are recorded at fair value as determined by its board of directors which may create uncertainty as to the value of the BDC’s investments.

 

Investment and Market Risk. An investment in the Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in the Shares represents an indirect investment in the portfolio of securities and investments owned by the Fund, and the value of these securities and loans may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. At any point in time, an investment in the Shares may be worth less than the original amount invested, even after taking into account distributions paid by the Fund, if any, and the ability of Shareholders to reinvest dividends. The Fund anticipates using leverage, which will magnify the Fund’s risks and, in turn, the risks to the Shareholders.

 

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Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and principal payments when due and the related risk that the value of a security may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability or willingness to make such payments. Credit risk may be heightened for the Fund because it and Underlying Funds may invest in below investment grade securities, which are commonly referred to as “junk” and “high yield” securities; such securities, while generally offering the potential for higher yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of dividend or interest deferral, default or bankruptcy, and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay dividends or interest and repay principal. Some investments are not readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. When a secondary market exists, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. Further, the lack of an established secondary market for illiquid investments may make it more difficult to value such securities, which may negatively affect the price the Fund would receive upon disposition of such securities. The Adviser’s judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process.

 

Interest Rate Risk. If interest rates increase, the value of the Fund’s investments generally will decline. Securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, but are more sensitive to changes in interest rates and are subject to greater fluctuations in value. The risks associated with changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments.

 

Below Investment Grade Rating Risk. Debt instruments that are rated below investment grade are often referred to as “high yield” securities or “junk bonds.” Junk bonds and similar instruments often are considered to be speculative with respect to the capacity of the borrower to timely repay principal and pay interest or dividends in accordance with the terms of the obligation and may have more credit risk than higher rated securities. These instruments may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns.

 

Distribution Policy Risk. The Fund’s distribution policy is expected to result in distributions that equal a fixed percentage of the Fund’s current NAV per share. Shareholders receiving periodic payments from the Fund may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits. However, all or a portion of a distribution may consist of a return of capital. Return of capital is the portion of a distribution that is a return of your original investment dollars in the Fund. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. Shareholders should note that return of capital will reduce the tax basis of their shares and potentially increase the taxable gain, if any, upon disposition of their shares.

 

Inflation/Deflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain assets or income from the Fund’s investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of investments and distributions can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to the Shareholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of borrowers and may make borrower defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Structured Products Risk. The Fund may invest in structured products, including, without limitation, structured notes. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk.

 

The Fund may have the right to receive payments only from the structured product and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized. While certain structured products enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same assets, investors in structured products generally pay their share of the structured product’s administrative and other expenses. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of indices and securities underlying structured products will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of structured products) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. If the issuer of a structured product uses shorter-term financing to purchase longer-term securities, the issuer may be forced to sell its securities at below market prices if it experiences difficulty in obtaining short-term financing, which may adversely affect the value of the structured products owned by the Fund. Investments in structured products involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market.

 

The Fund may invest in structured products collateralized by below investment grade or distressed loans or securities. Investments in such structured products are subject to the risks associated with below investment grade securities, described above under “— Below Investment Grade Rating Risk.”

 

42

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Structured Notes Risk. Investments in structured notes involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Where the Fund’s investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero, and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in certain non-U.S. securities involve factors not typically associated with investing in the United States or other developed countries, including risks relating to: (i) differences between U.S. and non-U.S. securities markets, including potential price volatility in and relative illiquidity of some non-U.S. securities markets; the absence of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices, and disclosure requirements; and less government supervision and regulation; (ii) other differences in law and regulation, including fewer investor protections, less stringent fiduciary duties, less developed bankruptcy laws and difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations; (iii) certain economic and political risks, including potential economic, political or social instability; exchange control regulations; restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of capital, possibly requiring government approval; expropriation or confiscatory taxation; other government restrictions by the United States or other governments; higher rates of inflation; higher transaction costs; and reliance on a more limited number of commodity inputs, service providers, and/or distribution mechanisms; and (iv) the possible imposition of local taxes on income and gains recognized with respect to securities and assets.

 

Other potential foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing legal judgments in foreign courts and political and social instability. Diplomatic and political developments, including rapid and adverse political changes, social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war, could affect the economies, industries and securities and currency markets, and the value of the Fund’s investments, in non-U.S. countries. These factors are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to predict and take into account with respect to the Fund’s investments.

 

A number of countries have authorized the formation of closed-end investment companies to facilitate indirect foreign investment in their capital markets. Shares of certain closed-end investment companies may at times be acquired only at market prices representing premiums to their NAVs. If the Fund acquires shares in closed-end investment companies, Shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses (including investment advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such closed-end investment companies. The Fund also may seek, at its own cost, to create its own investment entities under the laws of certain countries.

 

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments made by the Fund, and the income received by the Fund with respect to such investments, may be denominated in various non-U.S. currencies. However, the books of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, changes in currency values may adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of portfolio investments, interest and other revenue streams received by the Fund, gains and losses realized on the sale of portfolio investments, and the amount of distributions, if any, made by the Fund. In addition, the Fund may incur substantial costs in converting investment proceeds from one currency to another. The Fund may enter into derivative transactions designed to reduce such currency risks. Furthermore, the portfolio companies in which the Fund invests may be subject to risks relating to changes in currency values. If a portfolio company suffers adverse consequences as a result of such changes, the Fund may also be adversely affected as a result.

 

Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest without limitation in investments that, at the time of investment, are illiquid, as determined by using the SEC’s standard applicable to registered investment companies (i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of by the Fund within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities). The Fund may also invest in restricted securities. Investments in restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid investments if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these securities.

 

Illiquid investments and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid investments and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid investments, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. Illiquid investments and restricted securities may also be more difficult to value, especially in challenging markets. The Adviser’s judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments and restricted securities may restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered, thereby enabling the Fund to sell it.

 

43

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

To the extent that the traditional dealer counterparties that engage in debt trading do not maintain inventories of corporate bonds (which provide an important indication of their ability to “make markets”) that keep pace with the growth of the bond markets over time, relatively low levels of dealer inventories could lead to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the debt markets. Additionally, market participants other than the Fund may attempt to sell debt holdings at the same time as the Fund, which could cause downward pricing pressure and contribute to illiquidity.

 

Equity Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, rights and warrants, it will be exposed to equity risk. Equity markets may experience volatility and the value of equity securities may move in opposite directions from each other and from other equity markets generally. Preferred stocks often behave more like fixed income securities. If interest rates rise, the value of preferred stocks having a fixed dividend rate tends to fall. The value of convertible securities fluctuates with the value of the underlying stock or the issuer’s credit rating. Rights and warrants do not necessarily move in parallel with the price of the underlying stock and the market for rights and warrants may be limited.

 

Management Risk. The NAV of the Fund changes daily based on the performance of the securities in which it invests. The Sub-Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of a particular asset class sector and securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

 

MLP Risk. Investments in MLPs involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between the MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right. MLPs, typically, do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Instead, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments.

 

Real Estate Industry Concentration Risk. The Fund concentrates its investments in the real estate industry and its portfolio may be significantly impacted by the performance of the real estate market and may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than a more diversified portfolio. The value of the Fund’s shares is affected by factors affecting the value of real estate and the earnings of companies engaged in the real estate industry. These factors include, among others: (i) changes in general economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in the value of real estate properties; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in property taxes and operating expenses; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi) casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; (viii) the availability of financing, and (ix) changes in interest rates. Many real estate companies utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a company’s operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates. The value of securities of companies in the real estate industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and over-performance in comparison to equity securities markets in general. To the extent that the Fund invests in real estate securities designated as REITs, if a court were to disregard the limited liability legal structure of a REIT, the Fund could be liable for a portion of claims in excess of that REITs assets, such as claims arising from environmental problems. Failure to qualify as a REIT under the Code would increase the REIT’s tax liability thereby reducing the REIT’s net income available for investment or distribution; additionally, certain preferred tax treatment of distributions would no longer be passed through to investors.

 

REIT Tax Risks. Qualification as a REIT under the Code in any particular year is a complex analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT would be subject to a corporate level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and would not pass through to its shareholders the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure could significantly reduce the Fund’s yield on that investment.

 

Distributions paid by REITs generally will not qualify for the reduced U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividends under the Code. Such dividends, however, may qualify as Section 199A dividends. Some or all of a REIT’s annual distributions to its investors may constitute a non-taxable return of capital. Any such return of capital will generally reduce the Fund’s basis in the REIT investment, but not below zero. To the extent the distributions from a particular REIT exceed the Fund’s basis in such REIT, the Fund will generally recognize gain. In part because REIT distributions often include a nontaxable return of capital, Fund distributions to shareholders may also include a nontaxable return of capital. Shareholders that receive such a distribution will also reduce their tax basis in their shares of the Fund, but not below zero. To the extent the distribution exceeds a shareholder’s basis in the Fund’s shares, such shareholder will generally recognize a capital gain. The Fund does not have any investment restrictions with respect to investments in REITs.

 

44

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Underlying Funds/AIFs Risk. As a result of the Fund’s investments in Underlying Funds, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. You will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the Underlying Funds in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Additional risks of investing in Underlying Funds are described below:

 

●

Strategies Risk: Each Underlying Fund and AIF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the Underlying Fund/AIF. Inverse ETFs will limit the Fund’s participation in market gains.

 

●

ETF Tracking Risk: Investment in the Fund should be made with the understanding that the index-linked ETFs in which the Fund invests will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, the ETFs in which the Fund invests will incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising the indices tracked by the ETFs may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede the ETFs’ ability to track their applicable indices.

 

●

Risk Related to NAV and Market Price: The market value of ETF and closed-end fund shares may differ from their NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for fund shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when shares trade at a premium or discount to NAV. In addition, certain ETFs and closed-end funds traded on exchanges may be thinly traded and experience large spreads between the “ask” price quoted by a seller and the “bid” price offered by a buyer.

 

●

Additional Risks: The strategy of investing in Underlying Funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to you and therefore may increase the amount of taxes you pay. In addition, certain prohibitions on the acquisition of mutual fund shares by the Fund may prevent the Fund from allocating investments in the manner the Sub-Adviser considers optimal. Under Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may hold securities of an Underlying Fund in amounts which (i) do not exceed 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the Underlying Fund, (ii) do not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and (iii) when added to all other Underlying Fund securities held by the Fund, do not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. Under Section 12(d)(1)(C) of the 1940 Act, the Fund, together with any other investment companies for which the Adviser acts as an investment adviser, may not, in the aggregate, own more than 10% of the total outstanding voting stock of a registered closed-end investment company. Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act provides that the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) described above shall not apply to securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund if (i) immediately after such purchase or acquisition not more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such Underlying Fund is owned by the Fund and all affiliated persons of the Fund, and (ii) certain requirements are met with respect to sales charges. In addition, Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 12d1-4”) permits the Fund to invest in Underlying Funds beyond the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) described above, subject to various conditions, including that the Fund enter into an investment agreement with the Underlying Fund (which agreements may impose additional conditions on the Fund).

 

Structural Risks:

 

Stockholder Activism. The Fund may in the future become the target of stockholder activism. Stockholder activism could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and the Board’s attention and resources from its business. Also, the Fund may be required to incur significant legal and other expenses related to any activist stockholder matters. Further, the Fund’s stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any stockholder activism.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions. Delaware law and the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and Bylaws include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund, including the adoption of a staggered Board of Trustees and the supermajority voting requirements. These provisions could deprive the common shareholders of opportunities to sell their common shares at a premium over the then current market price of the common shares or at NAV.

 

Risks Associated with Additional Offerings. There are risks associated with offerings of additional common or preferred shares of the Fund. The voting power of current shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current shareholders do not purchase shares in any future offerings of shares or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their percentage interest. In addition, the sale of shares in an offering may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for

 

45

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Summary of Updated Information Regarding the Fund (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

the Fund’s shares by increasing the number of shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price of the Fund’s Shares. These sales also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional equity securities in the future at a time and price the Fund deems appropriate.

 

In the event any series of fixed rate preferred shares are issued and such shares are intended to be listed on an exchange, prior application will have been made to list such shares. During an initial period, which is not expected to exceed 30 days after the date of its initial issuance, such shares may not be listed on any securities exchange. During such period, the underwriters may make a market in such shares, although they will have no obligation to do so. Consequently, an investment in such shares may be illiquid during such period. Fixed rate preferred shares may trade at a premium to or discount from liquidation value.

 

There are risks associated with an offering of Rights (in addition to the risks discussed herein related to the offering of shares and preferred shares). Shareholders who do not exercise their rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in NAV per share if the subscription price per share is below the NAV per share on the expiration date. In addition to the economic dilution described above, if a shareholder does not exercise all of its Rights, the shareholder will incur voting dilution as a result of the Rights offering. This voting dilution will occur because the shareholder will own a smaller proportionate interest in the Fund after the rights offering than prior to the Rights offering.

 

There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying common shares or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of Rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the Rights. If investors exercise only a portion of the rights, the number of shares issued may be reduced, and the shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities. Rights issued by the Fund may be transferable or non-transferable rights.

 

Secondary Market for the Common Shares. The issuance of shares of the Fund through the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan (“Plan”) may have an adverse effect on the secondary market for the Fund’s shares. The increase in the number of outstanding shares resulting from the issuances pursuant to the Plan and the discount to the market price at which such shares may be issued, may put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares. When the shares are trading at a premium, the Fund may also issue shares that may be sold through private transactions effected on the NYSE or through broker-dealers.

 

Portfolio Manager Information

 

There have been no changes in the Fund’s portfolio managers or background since the prior disclosure date.

 

Fund Organizational Structure

 

On November 15, 2023, the Board of Trustees of the Fund approved an Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust to include a forum selection clause. Since the prior disclosure date, there have been no other changes in the Fund’s Declaration of Trust or by-laws that could delay or prevent a change of control of the Fund that have not been approved by shareholders.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

The Fund has a dividend reinvestment plan commonly referred to as an “opt-out” plan. Unless the registered owner of the Fund’s common stock (the “Common Shares”) elects otherwise by contacting American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the “Plan Administrator”), all dividends declared on Common Shares will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares by the Plan Administrator through the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and other distributions 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. 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 or other distribution (together, a “Dividend”). Such notice will be effective with respect to a particular Dividend. Some brokers may automatically elect to receive cash on behalf of Common Shareholders and may re-invest that cash in additional Common Shares.

 

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 New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per Common Share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per Common Share, the Plan Administrator will normally 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 Fund’s net asset value per Common Share on the payment date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions (i.e., the Fund’s Common Shares are trading at a discount), the Plan Administrator will normally invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases. There may be circumstances, in the judgment of the Fund’s officers to instruct the Plan Administrator to either pay the Dividend in Newly Issued Common Shares or with Open Market Purchases other than as described above.

 

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 thirty (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. It is contemplated that the Fund will pay monthly income Dividends. If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market Purchases, the market price per Common Share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the net asset value 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 net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date.

 

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.

 

Beneficial owners of Common Shares who hold their Common Shares in the name of a broker or nominee should contact the broker or nominee to determine whether and how they may participate in the Plan. In the case of Common Shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that 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 federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends. Participants that request a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Administrator are subject to brokerage commissions and service charges.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

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 questions concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Administrator at American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC — Plan Administration Department, P.O. Box 922 Wall Street Station, New York NY 10269-0560.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Additional Information

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

This report is sent to shareholders of the Fund for their information. It is not a Prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of Common Shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.

 

Proxy Voting — A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling 1-877-855-3434 or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies for portfolio securities is available without charge and upon request by calling 877-855-3434, or visiting Destra Capital Investments LLC’s website at www.destracapital.com or by accessing the Fund’s Form N-PX on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Disclosure of 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-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or by visiting Destra Capital Investments LLC’s website at www.destracapital.com.

 

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction

 

For the tax year ended September 30, 2023, 100% of the dividends to be paid from net investment income, including short-term capital gains qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders of the Fund.

 

Qualified Dividend Income

 

Pursuant to Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Fund designates income dividends of 100% as qualified dividend income paid during the tax year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Distributable Cash Flow

 

The table below has been included to provide additional insight in regards to distribution coverage metrics for the Fund, particularly in regards to how to differentiate between the tax components of distributions and the actual non-GAAP cash flows received from the Fund’s underlying investments. One of the advantages that the Fund is able to provide to investors is the tax characterizations of distributions received. For example, a portion of distributions received from REITs and certain partnerships are often treated as a non-taxable return of capital as an inherent structural advantage of the underlying investments. This allows for the deferral of tax consequences on certain distributions. As such, from a tax characterization, these are considered a “return of capital” but are, in actuality, still a cash inflow source received from the underlying investments. The table is specifically designed to better inform investors of the distributable cash flows received, and the distribution coverage they represent. For example, as can be seen below, for the year ended March 31, 2024, only 275% of distributions were represented by gross income as defined by the Fund’s Statement of Operations (tax-basis), but when factoring in the tax adjustments attributable to underlying investments, these total distributions, dividends and interest represented 314% of gross distributions made by the Fund. The table also includes additional lines for coverage when factoring in total net fees and expenses, as well as net realized gains and losses. This information is supplemental, unaudited, and is not inclusive of required financial disclosures (such as total expense ratio), and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s full financial statements.

 

		For the Year Ended March 31, 2024				For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Gross Income Per Statement of Operations:		$	3,931,008			$	3,519,171
Tax Adjustments Attributable to Underlying Investments(1):			554,010				686,176
Total Distributions, Dividends and Interest from Underlying Investments:			4,485,018				4,205,347
Distributions to Shareholders:		$	(1,429,636	)		$	(6,088,728	)
Gross Distribution Coverage Ratio:			314	%			69	%
Total Net Fees and Expenses (breakdown)
Total Fees & Expenses:		$	4,928,928			$	4,091,772
Fees and Expenses Waived (added back):			(369,716	)			(309,571	)
Total Net Fees & Expenses:			4,559,212				3,782,201
Net Distributable Income/(Accumulated Loss):		$	(74,194	)		$	423,146
Distribution Coverage Ratio Excluding Net Realized Gain/(Loss):			(5	)%			7	%
Net Realized Gain/(Loss):		$	3,425,081			$	3,410,421
Distribution Coverage Ratio including Net Realized Gain/(Loss):			234	%			63	%

 

(1)

Tax adjustments attributable to REITs and other investments are adjustments to reflect the tax character of distributions received from underlying investments. Specifically, a portion of distributions received from REITs are often treated as non-taxable return of capital for book and tax purposes and distributions received from investments structured as partnerships are also treated as return of capital to the extent the distributions received exceed the income reported to the Fund on the Form K-1’s received from the underlying investments.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Additional Information (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Results of Shareholder Meeting

 

On December 19, 2023, the Fund held a meeting of shareholders to consider the proposals set forth below. The following votes were recorded:

 

Election of Jeffery S. Murphy as a Trustee of the Fund to a three-year term to expire at the Fund’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

		Shares Voted				% of Shares Voted
For			6,675,690				87.2	%
Withheld			980,039				12.8	%
Total			7,665,729				100.0	%

 

Election of Paul Kazarian as a Trustee of the Fund to a three-year term to expire at the Fund’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

		Shares Voted				% of Shares Voted
For			7,446,237				97.3	%
Withheld			209,491				2.7	%
Total			7,655,728				100.0	%

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Approval of Investment Management Agreements

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Consideration and Approval of Renewal of Advisory Agreement on November 10, 2023

 

At a meeting held on November 10, 2023, the Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Independent Trustees, of the Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between Destra Capital Advisors LLC (“Destra”) and the Fund.

 

The Board reviewed and discussed the written materials that were provided in advance of the meeting and deliberated on the renewal of the Advisory Agreement. The Board relied upon the advice of independent legal counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the Advisory Agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor. The conclusions reached by the Board were based on a comprehensive evaluation of all of the information provided and were not the result of any one factor. Moreover, each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in reaching his conclusions with respect to the Advisory Agreement. During the review process, the Board noted certain instances where clarification or follow-up was appropriate and others where the Board determined that further clarification or follow-up was not necessary. In those instances where clarification or follow-up was requested, the Board determined that in each case either information responsive to its requests had been provided, or where any request was outstanding in whole or in part, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to renew and approve the Advisory Agreement.

 

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement, the Board reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Service

 

In evaluating whether to renew the Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the nature and scope of services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Destra’s experience in providing similar management services to other registered investment companies. The Board also considered Destra’s ability to provide administrative, operational and other non-advisory services to the Fund and the financial condition of Destra, including its financial capacity to perform the services required under the Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board considered matters related to Destra’s compliance programs, its compliance history and its dealings with regulators.

 

In light of the Fund’s investment strategy and the illiquid nature of certain investments, the also Board also considered the fair valuation policies and procedures applied and to be applied to the Fund’s portfolio. The Board concluded that Destra had the capabilities and resources to oversee the operations of the Fund. Based on its review, the Board concluded that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund were satisfactory.

 

Performance

 

The Board evaluated Fund performance during the past one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods ended September 30, 2023, as compared to a peer group of funds with similar investment strategies. The Board considered various performance measures and characteristics of Fund performance relative to a peer group, and noted that the Fund had performance group median equal to the median for the one-year period, and underperformed the peer group median over each other period. The Board also considered information related to the manner in which the peer group was selected.

 

In evaluating Destra’s contribution to Fund performance, the Board took into account the fact that a sub-advisor has been responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund. Based on its review, the Board concluded that Fund performance was acceptable for purposes of considering approval of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Fees and Expenses and Comparable Accounts

 

The Board reviewed and considered the contractual advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to Destra for services under the Advisory Agreement. The Board also reviewed and considered information regarding the Fund’s total net expense ratio as compared to a peer group comprised of other funds with similar investment strategies and portfolios. The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee was higher than the peer group median, and the Fund’s total net expense ratio was lower than the peer group median. The Board also considered the Adviser’s commitment to cap the total operating expenses for the Fund by waiving and/or reimbursing certain expenses. The Board noted that Destra does not charge a lower fee for any client with comparable investment objective to that of the Fund. After discussion, the Board concluded that the advisory fee and expense structure were reasonable for purposes of considering approval of the Advisory Agreement.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Approval of Investment Management Agreements (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board received and evaluated information regarding Destra’s potential to realize economies of scale with respect to management of the Fund and whether the Fund and its shareholders would appropriately benefit from any economies of scale. The Board noted that meaningful economies of scale will be realized only if there is significant growth in assets under management. The Board considered Destra’s expectations for growth in assets under management and the time frame in which such growth may occur. The Board concluded that economies of scale are currently not being realized and that it will consider the appropriateness of breakpoints in the advisory fee or other arrangements if Fund assets grow and Destra begins to realize economies of scale.

 

Cost of Services and Profitability

 

The Board considered a profitability analysis provided by Destra with respect to its management of the Fund. The analysis covered the years ending December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Based on its evaluation, the Board concluded that Destra’s estimated profitability in managing the Fund is reasonable and not excessive.

 

Other Benefits to Destra

 

The Board received and reviewed information regarding any expected “fall-out” or ancillary benefits to be received by Destra or its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund. The Board noted that Destra may accrue benefits from selling and servicing other open-end or closed-end funds in parallel with the Fund and Destra’s sales effort may enjoy cross-selling opportunities to its existing clients and certain efficiencies in marketing the Fund alongside Destra’s other product offerings. The Board concluded that the fall-out benefits that may be received by Destra and its affiliates are reasonable.

 

Conclusion

 

In considering the renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Board evaluated the factors and information described above, as well as information concerning Destra and the Fund that is provided to the Board throughout the year in connection with other Board meetings. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single item that was paramount or controlling, and individual Trustees may have attributed different weights to various factors.

 

Based on its deliberations and analysis of the information provided, the entire Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the renewal of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and that the compensation payable by the Fund is fair and reasonable in light of the services and expenses involved. On that basis, the entire Board, including all the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Consideration of and Approval of Renewal of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with Validus on November 10, 2023

 

At a meeting held on November 10, 2023, the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees of the Fund, unanimously approved the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Destra, Validus Growth Investors, LLC (“Validus”), and the Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”).

 

The Board reviewed and discussed written materials that were provided in advance of the Meeting and deliberated on the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board relied upon the advice of independent legal counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor. The conclusions reached by the Board were based on a comprehensive evaluation of all of the information provided and were not the result of any one factor. Moreover, each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in reaching his conclusions with respect to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. During the review process, the Board noted certain instances where clarification or follow-up was appropriate and others where the Board determined that further clarification or follow-up was not necessary. In those instances where clarification or follow-up was requested, the Board determined that in each case either information responsive to its requests had been provided, or where any request was outstanding in whole or in part, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to renew and approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Approval of Investment Management Agreements (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

In considering the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Service

 

The Board considered the nature, extent and quality scope of services provided by Validus under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board reviewed and analyzed materials and information concerning the background, experience and capabilities of Validus’ portfolio managers and its other investment and administrative personnel in light of the services provided by Validus pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board considered, among other factors, the capabilities and quality of Validus’ investment management, research and trade execution personnel and other resources that dedicated to managing the Fund’s portfolio. The Board also considered the ability of Validus, based on its resources, reputation and other attributes, to attract, compensate and retain qualified investment professionals. The Board also considered matters related to Validus’ compliance programs, its compliance history and its dealings with regulators. Based on its review, the Board concluded that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of services expected to be provided to the Fund by Validus were satisfactory.

 

Performance

 

The Board evaluated information provided by the Destra as the Fund’s Advisor regarding Fund performance during the past one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year and since inception periods ended September 30, 2023, as compared to a peer group of funds with similar investment strategies. The Board considered various performance measures and characteristics of Fund performance relative to a peer group, and noted that the Fund had performance group median equal to the median for the one-year period, and underperformed the peer group median over each other period. The Board also considered information related to the manner in which the peer group was selected. The Board also considered additional performance information provided by Validus. Based on its review, the Board concluded that Fund performance was acceptable for purposes of considering the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered information related to the manner in which the peer group was selected.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered the sub-advisory fee under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that the contractual amount was equal to a percentage of average daily managed assets and that the entire sub-advisory fee is payable by Destra rather than the Fund. As described above, in connection with its consideration of the Advisory Agreement, the Board also reviewed and considered information regarding the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate and its total expense ratio, including a comparison against a peer group.

 

Based on its review, the Board concluded that the sub-advisory fee was reasonable in light of the services performed by Validus for purposes of considering the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board received and evaluated information regarding the potential for Validus to realize economies of scale with respect to management of the Fund and whether the Fund and its shareholders would appropriately benefit from any economies of scale. Based on the level of Fund assets under management, the Board determined that Validus does not currently benefit from economies of scale. As a result, the Board will consider the appropriateness of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee or other arrangements if Fund assets grow and Validus begins to achieve economies of scale.

 

Cost of Services and Profitability

 

The Board considered an expense and profitability analysis provided by Validus with respect to its management of the Fund. The analysis covered the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2023. The Board evaluated Validus’ retrospective profitability in 2022 and 2023. Based on its evaluation, the Board concluded that Validus’ estimated profitability in managing the Fund is reasonable and not excessive.

 

Other Benefits to Validus

 

The Board received and reviewed information regarding any expected “fall-out” or ancillary benefits to be received by Validus and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that the fall-out benefits, if any, that may be received by Validus and its affiliates are reasonable.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Approval of Investment Management Agreements (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

Conclusion

 

In considering the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board evaluated the factors and information described above, as well as information concerning Validus and the Fund that is provided to the Board throughout the year in connection with other Board meetings. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single item that was paramount or controlling, and individual Trustees may have attributed different weights to various factors.

 

Based on its deliberations and analysis of the information provided, the entire Board, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that the Sub-Advisory Agreement are in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and that the compensation payable by the Fund is fair and reasonable in light of the services and expenses involved. On that basis, the entire Board, including all the Independent Trustees, approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Trustees and Officers Information

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the Investment Management Agreement, is the responsibility of the Board. The Board consists of four trustees who are not Interested Persons (as the term “Interested Person” is defined in the 1940 Act) (referred to herein as “Independent Trustees” or “Trustees”). The identity of the Trustees and the Fund’s executive officers and biographical information as of March 31, 2024 is set forth below. The address for each Trustee is c/o Destra Multi-Alternative Fund, 443 North Willson Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59715. A Trustee’s term of office shall continue until his or her death, resignation or removal.

 

Name and Birth Year		Trustee Since		Principal Occupation(s) During the past 5 years		Number of Registered Investment Companies in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee(1)		Other Directorships held by the Trustee during the past 5 years
Independent Trustees
John S. Emrich, CFA Birth Year: 1967		November 2018		Financial Advisor, self-employed, Red Earth Finance LLC (January 2018 to present), mortgage banker, The Mortgage Company, (January 2018 to present).		4		Meridian Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) (4 portfolios); ArrowMark Financial Corp. (closed-end management investment company)
Michael S. Erickson Birth Year: 1952		November 2018		Private Investor (August 2007 to present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Erickson Holding Corp. (a passive real estate holding company) (2003 to present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, McGee Island LLC (a real estate management company) (2015 to present).		4		Meridian Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) (4 portfolios)
Jeffrey S. Murphy Birth Year: 1966		November 2018		Retired (2014 to present).		4		None
Nicholas Dalmaso(2) Chairman Birth Year: 1965		November 2018		General Counsel of EquityBee, Inc. (2022 to present); Chair and CEO of Sound Capital Holdings LLC, Sound Capital Distributors LLC (a registered broker/dealer) and Sound Capital Solutions LLC (an investment advisor) (2020 to present); General Counsel (2014 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2014 – 2019) of M1 Holdings Inc.; General Counsel (2014 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2014 – 2019) of M1 Finance LLC (a registered broker/dealer); General Counsel (2014 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2014 – 2019) of M1 Advisory Services LLC (an investment adviser); Independent Director of Keno Kozie Associates (IT Consulting) (2016 to 2018).		4		None
Paul Kazarian Trustee Nominee Birth Year: 1984		N/A		Partner and Portfolio Manager, Saba Capital Management, L.P. (2013 – present).		1		Templeton Global Income Fund (closed-end management investment company); Miller/Howard High Income Equity Fund (closed-end management investment company).

 

	(1)	The Fund Complex consists of the Fund, BlueBay Destra International Event-Driven Credit Fund, Destra Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred and Income Fund and Destra Granahan Small Cap Advantage Fund, both a series of the Destra Investment Trust and the Destra Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, of which there is currently no active series.
	(2)	Prior to February 8, 2021, Mr. Dalmaso was considered an “interested person” of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 ACT) because of his former position with Destra. As of February 8, 2021, Mr. Dalmaso is no longer an “interested person.”

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Trustees and Officers Information (continued)

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

 

The following persons serve as the Trust’s executive officers in the following capacities:

 

Name and Birth Year		Position(s) Held with the Fund		Principal Occupation(s) during the past 5 years
Robert Watson Birth Year: 1965		President since 2018		Partner & Head of Investments (2021 to present); Senior Managing Director and Investment Product Strategist, Destra Capital Investments LLC (2011 to 2020).
Derek Mullins Birth Year: 1973		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2018		Managing Partner and Co-Founder, PINE Advisor Solutions (2018 to present).
Jake Schultz Birth Year: 1996		Secretary since 2021		Partner, Director, Portfolio Oversight & Analytics (2021 to present) Director, Product Management (2020 to 2021); Product Analyst (2018 – 2020), Destra Capital Management LLC, Destra Capital Investments LLC and Destra Capital Advisors LLC (2018 to present).
Peter Sattelmair Birth Year: 1977		Assistant Treasurer since 2022		Director of CFO Services, PINE Advisor Solutions (2021 to present); Director of Fund Administration and Operations, Transamerica Asset Management (2014 – 2021).
Ken Merritt Birth Year: 1961		Assistant Secretary since 2021		Partner & Director, Product Management & Development (2021 to present) and Senior Managing Director Product Management and Development (2019 – 2021), Destra Capital Management LLC, Destra Capital Advisors LLC, and Destra Capital Investments LLC; Senior Managing Director, Fund Operations, Priority Income Fund (2018 – 2019); Managing Director, External Wholesaler (2012 – 2018), Destra Capital Management LLC.
Randi Roessler Birth Year: 1981		Chief Compliance Officer since 2023		Director, PINE Advisor Solutions (March 2023 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., Davis Funds, Selected Funds, the Clipper Fund Trust, the Davis Fundamental ETF Trust, and Davis Distributors, LLC (2018 – 2023).

 

The address for each executive officer is c/o Destra Multi-Alternative Fund, 443 North Willson Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59715.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge and upon request by calling 877-855-3434, or visiting Destra Capital Investments LLC’s website at www.destracapital.com.

 

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

Fund Information

 

Board of Trustees		Officers		Investment Adviser
John S. Emrich		Robert Watson		Destra Capital Advisors LLC
Michael S. Erickson		President		Bozeman, MT
Jeffery S. Murphy
Nicholas Dalmaso		Derek Mullins		Sub-Adviser
Paul Kazarian		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer		Validus Growth Investors, LLC,
				d/b/a Validus Investment Advisors
		Randi Roessler		San Diego, California
		Chief Compliance Officer
				Transfer Agent
		Peter Sattelmair		Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
		Assistant Treasurer		Brooklyn, NY
		Jake Schultz		Administrator and Accounting Agent
		Secretary		UMB Fund Services Inc.
				Milwaukee, WI
		Ken Merritt
		Assistant Secretary		Custodian
				UMB Bank, n.a.
				Kansas City, MO
				Legal Counsel
				Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
				Philadelphia, PA
				Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
				Cohen & Company, Ltd
				Cleveland, OH

 

This report has been prepared for the general information of the shareholders. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. The Fund’s prospectus contains more complete information about the objectives, policies, expenses and risks of the Fund. The Fund is not a bank deposit, not FDIC insured and may lose value. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.

 

This report contains certain forward looking statements which are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward looking statements generally include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” and other words of similar import. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the Risk Factors noted in the Fund’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statement.

 

Privacy Principles of the Fund for Shareholders

 

The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about the shareholders to Destra Capital Advisors LLC employees with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.

 

Questions concerning your shares of the Fund?

 

●

If your shares are held in a Brokerage Account, contact your respective Broker.

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders Continued.

 

(b) not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

The Registrant has a code of ethics (the “Code”) that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. During the period covered by this report, there were no amendments to the provisions of the Code, nor were there any implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the Code. The Code is filed herewith.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the Registrant has one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee, whom is “independent” within the meaning of Form N-CSR: Mr. Jeff Murphy. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

The aggregate fees for professional services by Cohen & Company, Ltd. during the fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024 were as follows:

 

(a) Audit Fees for Registrant.

 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2024		$137,500
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2023		$87,500

 

(b) Audit-Related Fees for Registrant. These are fees by the Registrant’s independent auditors for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These fees include amounts related to Form N-17f-2 filings.

 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2024		None
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2023		$25,000

 

(c) Tax Fees for Registrant. These are fees for professional services rendered by the Registrant’s independent auditors for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. These fees include federal, excise and state tax reviews; performed by Cohen & Company, Ltd.

 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2024		$8,500
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2023		$8,500

 

 

(d) All Other Fees.

 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2024		None
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2023		None

 

(e) Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures.

 

(1) The Audit Committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the Registrant, including services provided to the Registrant’s investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant with respect to any engagement that directly relates to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant.

 

(2) None of the services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f) None.

 

(g) None.

 

(h) The registrant’s audit committee of the board of trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

(i) Not applicable.

 

(j) Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a) Included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

 

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

 

A closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR must, unless it invests exclusively in non-voting securities, describe the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the company uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of its shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the company’s investment adviser; principal underwriter; or any affiliated person (as defined in section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(3)) and the rules thereunder) of the company, its investment adviser, or its principal underwriter, on the other. Include any policies and procedures of the company’s investment adviser, or any other third party, that the company uses, or that are used on the company’s behalf, to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities.

 

These policies of the Adviser are included as Appendix A.

 

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

 

(a)(1) Identification of Portfolio Manager(s) and Description of Role of Portfolio Manager(s)

 

Mark C. Scalzo

 

Portfolio Manager — Mr. Scalzo, Chief Investment Officer of the Sub-Adviser, is the Fund’s Portfolio Manager. Mr. Scalzo has been employed by the Sub-Adviser since November 2012, has served the Fund as a Portfolio Manager since March 2015 and is responsible for portfolio management, investment strategy creation, and security-specific research. Mr. Scalzo founded Validus in 2012 and is the primary decision-maker for all of Validus’ investment strategies. From June 2014 to July 2020, Mr. Scalzo was also the Chief Investment Officer of Validus’ affiliated registered investment adviser, Pinhook. Prior to joining the Sub-Adviser, Mr. Scalzo was Executive Vice President, Co-Portfolio Manager and Director of Research, from November 2008 to October 2012, for Aletheia Research & Management. Prior to that, he served as Group Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, for Fisher Asset Management, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Mr. Scalzo graduated cum laude from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics. Mr. Scalzo is Series 65 licensed.

 

Zach Leeds

 

Assistant Portfolio Manager — Mr. Leeds, VP of Research and Assistant Portfolio Manager at the Sub-Adviser, is the Fund’s Assistant Portfolio Manager. Mr. Leeds is responsible for helping to identify investment opportunities, primary due diligence on illiquid securities, maintaining proprietary scoring across Validus’ strategies, security-specific research, GIPS compliance and verification, and performance reporting while participating in various parts of the portfolio management process. Prior to joining Validus in 2016, Mr. Leeds was an equity analyst at Ford Equity Research, covering roughly 1,000 publicly traded companies. Prior to that, Mr. Leeds interned at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Mr. Leeds graduated with a B.A. from the University of California Santa Barbara. He holds a certificate in corporate finance from the University of California Los Angeles. He is a CFA Level II candidate and is Series 65 licensed.

 

(a)(2) Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Member and Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

 

As of March 31, 2024, Mark Scalzo was responsible for the management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Fund:

 

Other Accounts By Type	Total Number of Accounts by Account Type	Total Assets By Account Type	Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee	Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee
Registered Investment Companies	0	$0	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0	0	$0
Other Accounts	910	$127,035,096	1	$446,168

 

Because Mr. Scalzo manages assets for other accounts (including institutional clients and certain high net worth individuals) (collectively “Client Accounts”), or may be affiliated with such Client Accounts, there may be an incentive to favor one Client Account over another, resulting in conflicts of interest. For example, the Advisor may, directly or indirectly, receive fees from Client Accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Advisor to the Fund, or it may, directly or indirectly, receive a performance-based fee on a Client Account. In those instances, the portfolio manager may have an incentive to not favor the Fund over the Client Accounts. The Advisor has adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.

 

As of March 31, 2024, Zach Leeds was responsible for the management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Fund:

 

Other Accounts By Type	Total Number of Accounts by Account Type	Total Assets By Account Type	Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee	Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee
Registered Investment Companies	0	$0	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0	0	$0
Other Accounts	910	$127,035,096	1	$446,168

 

(a)(3) Compensation Structure of Portfolio Manager(s)

 

Mark Scalzo and Zach Leeds are compensated through a salary and incentive bonus.

 

(a)(4) Disclosure of Securities Ownership

 

As of March 31, 2024, the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of the Fund was as follows:

 

Portfolio Managers	Dollar Range of Shares Owned
Mark C. Scalzo	$0
Zach Leeds	$1 to $10,000

 

 

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

 

There were no purchases made by or on behalf of the registrant or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18(a)(3)), of shares or other units of any class of the registrant’s equity securities that is registered by the registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 781).

 

There were no purchases that do not satisfy the conditions of the safe harbor of Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18), made in the period covered by this report.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is (i) accumulated and communicated to the investment company’s management, including its certifying officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)		Code of ethics that is subject to Item 2 is attached hereto.
(a)(2)		Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a), Section 302 are attached hereto.
(a)(3)		Not applicable.
(a)(4)		Not applicable.
(b)		Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b), Section 906 are attached hereto.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant)

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund

 

By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Robert Watson
Robert Watson
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date	06/07/24

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Robert Watson
Robert Watson
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date	06/07/24

 

By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Derek Mullins
Derek Mullins, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date	06/07/24

 

 

Appendix A

 

Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

The Destra Multi-Alternative Fund has adopted the following Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures, as set forth below, in recognition of the fact that proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to advance the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

Shareholders of the Fund expect the Fund to vote proxies received from issuers whose voting securities are held by the Fund. The Fund exercises its voting responsibilities as a fiduciary, with the goals of maximizing the value of the Fund's investments, promoting accountability of a company's management and board of directors to its shareholders, aligning the interests of management with those of shareholders, and increasing transparency of a company's business and operations. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser will seek to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders except where the Fund may be required by law to vote proxies in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders (i.e., “echo vote”).

 

1.

Delegation of Proxy Voting to the Sub-Adviser

 

In general, the Board believes that the Sub-Adviser, which select the individual companies that are part of the Fund’s portfolios, are the most knowledgeable and best suited to make decisions about proxy votes. Therefore, the Board defers to and relies on the Sub-Adviser to make decisions on casting proxy votes. The Adviser oversees the proxy voting policies and procedures and works with the Sub-Adviser to implement the policy. The Sub-Adviser shall vote all proxies relating to securities held by the Fund and, in that connection subject to any further policies and procedures contained herein, shall use proxy voting policies and procedures (“Proxy Policy”) adopted by the Sub-Adviser in conformance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

2.

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and Annual Report to Shareholders

 

The Fund shall include in its annual report to shareholders on Form N-CSR, and in any SAI filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with a registration statement on Form N- 1A/N-2 (as applicable) a summary of the Proxy Policy. In lieu of including a summary of policy, the Fund may include the policy in full.

 

3.

Material Conflicts of Interest

 

If (i) the Sub-Adviser knows that a vote presents a material conflict between the interests of: (a) shareholders of the Fund, and (b) the Sub-Adviser or any of its affiliated persons; and (ii) the Sub-Adviser proposes to vote on the particular issue in the manner not prescribed by its Proxy Policy, then the Sub- Adviser will follow the material conflict of interest procedures set forth in the Sub-Adviser’s Proxy Policy when voting such proxies.

 

 

4.

Adviser, Sub-Adviser and Fund CCO Responsibilities

 

The Board has delegated proxy voting authority with respect to the Fund’s portfolio securities to the Sub- Adviser, as set forth above. Consistent with this delegation, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the following:

 

●

Implementing written policies and procedures, in compliance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act, reasonably designed to ensure that the Sub-Adviser votes portfolio securities in the best interest of shareholders of the Fund.

 

●

The Adviser CCO shall review the Sub-Adviser Proxy Policy at least annually to ensure compliance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act and confirm it appears reasonably designed to ensure that the Sub-Adviser votes portfolio securities in the best interest of shareholders of the Fund.

 

●

The Sub-Adviser (and Adviser, if applicable) shall provide a summary of any material changes made to its proxy policy to the Fund’s CCO.

 

On a quarterly basis, the Fund CCO shall request confirmation from the Adviser and Sub-Adviser that any proxy votes for the Fund were handled in compliance with the Proxy Policies.

 

5.

Review Responsibilities

 

The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may retain a proxy-voting service to coordinate, collect, and maintain all proxy-related information.

 

If the Adviser/Sub-Adviser retains a proxy-voting service, the Adviser/Sub-Adviser will review the Fund’s voting records maintained by the service provider, select a sample of proxy votes from those submitted, and examine them against the proxy voting service files for accuracy of the votes at least annually in regard to adhering to foregoing policy guidelines.

 

6.

Preparation and Filing of Proxy Voting Record on Form N-PX

 

The Fund will file complete proxy voting record with the SEC on Form N-PX annually by August 31 of each year.

 

The Fund’s Administrator will be responsible for the oversight and completion of the filing of Form N-PX with the SEC and will file Form N-PX for each twelve-month period ended June 30 on or before August 31 of that year.

 

7.

Recordkeeping

 

Documentation of all votes for the Fund will be maintained by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser and through a third-party proxy voting service, as applicable.