UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-CSRS

 

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-10325

 

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

666 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Van Eck Associates Corporation

VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

666 Third Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10017

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 293-2000

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: May 31, 2019

 
Item 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.

 

A copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1) is attached hereto.

 

  SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
May 31, 2019
(unaudited)

 

VANECK VECTORS ®

 

High Income MLP ETF YMLP ®
   
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF YMLI ®

 

   
800.826.2333 vaneck.com
 

 

 

President’s Letter 1
Explanation of Expenses 2
Schedules of Investments  
High Income MLP ETF 3
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF 4
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 5
Statements of Operations 6
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 7
Financial Highlights  
High Income MLP ETF 8
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF 9
Notes to Financial Statements 10

 

Certain information contained in this management discussion represents the opinion of the investment adviser which may change at any time. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings, the Funds’ performance, and the views of the investment adviser are as of May 31, 2019.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

We are pleased to present this semi-annual report.

 

Investment Outlook

 

As we write this letter in June 2019, West Texas crude oil is trading well below levels of a year ago, but also well above lows reached at the end of 2018 following the global equity market selloff through the fourth quarter of the year. Master limited partnerships (MLPs) have exhibited a similar pattern over the past year and the energy infrastructure segment is currently trading at attractive valuations relative to long-term averages, while the broad U.S. equity market is currently valued above its long-term average.

 

Getting to this current environment was a result of a lot of turbulence.

 

At the beginning of December last year, we were worried about the impact the European Central Bank’s (ECB’s) and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) continued tightening would have on the financial markets. Typically, central bank tightening is unfavorable for financial assets, and markets decelerated going into December. Then, suddenly the Fed signaled it would stop raising rates and reverse on quantitative tightening. This led to a rally in U.S. equities and other asset classes.

 

The ECB is also now delaying any tightening steps. In early March, the ECB pushed back its timing for increasing interest rates and is expected to stay on hold through the end of 2019. It also announced a program to stimulate bank lending which will provide banks in the euro zone with cheap rates.

 

Last but not least, China’s “drip stimulus” (as opposed to big infrastructure stimulus program similar to what was implemented after the financial crisis) has been felt in the real economy, with manufacturing Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) ticking positive after March 2019.

 

Doubtless there are risks to the global economy and financial markets. Concerns around the strength of global economic growth, a persistently strong U.S. dollar, certain country-specific factors, e.g., Iran and Venezuela, and the escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and China continue to hang over the market.

 

We encourage you to stay in touch with us through the videos, email subscriptions, and research blogs available on our website, www.vaneck.com. Should you have any questions regarding fund performance, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit our website.

 

We sincerely thank you for investing in VanEck’s investment strategies. On the following pages, you will financial statements for each of the funds for the six month period ended May 31, 2019. As always, we value your continued confidence in us and look forward to helping you meet your investment goals in the future.

 

 

Jan F. van Eck

Trustee and President

VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

 

June 18, 2019

 

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

1

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited)

 

Hypothetical $1,000 investment at beginning of period

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur operating expenses, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This disclosure is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This disclosure is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, December 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
December 1, 2018
  Ending
Account
Value
May 31, 2019
  Annualized
Expense
Ratios
During
Period (1)(2)
  Expenses
Paid During the
Period
 
High Income MLP ETF*                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,039.80   0.82% $4.17  
Hypothetical**   $1,000.00   $1,020.84   0.82% $4.13  
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF*                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,012.90   0.82% $4.12  
Hypothetical**   $1,000.00   $1,020.84   0.82% $4.13  

 

(1) Tax benefit/(expense) is not included in the ratio calculation.
(2) Franchise tax not included in expense ratio calculation.
* Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended May 31, 2019) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half year period).
** Assumes annual return of 5% before expenses.
2

VANECK VECTORS HIGH INCOME MLP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

May 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
             
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS: 98.8%      
Energy: 73.8%      
  159,324     Alliance Resource Partners LP   $ 2,741,966  
  113,265     Black Stone Minerals LP     1,849,618  
  67,038     CrossAmerica Partners LP     1,076,630  
  40,141     Enviva Partners LP     1,224,301  
  144,880     GasLog Partners LP     3,061,314  
  62,124     Global Partners LP     1,235,025  
  255,176     Golar LNG Partners LP     2,865,627  
  66,549     KNOT Offshore Partners LP     1,253,783  
  27,919     Natural Resource Partners LP     1,110,060  
  240,074     NGL Energy Partners LP     3,562,698  
  107,042     Sunoco LP     3,206,978  
  218,672     Teekay LNG Partners LP     2,871,163  
  201,797     USA Compression Partners LP     3,444,675  
              29,503,838  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
             
Materials: 7.0%      
  150,274     SunCoke Energy Partners LP   $ 1,579,380  
  53,862     Westlake Chemical Partners LP     1,215,126  
              2,794,506  
Utilities: 18.0%        
  113,697     AmeriGas Partners LP     3,857,739  
  145,882     Suburban Propane Partners LP     3,340,698  
              7,198,437  
Total Master Limited Partnerships
(Cost $34,989,089)
    39,496,781  
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities: 1.2%     479,242  
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 39,976,023  


 

 

LP—Limited Partner

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments   Value  
Energy     74.7 %   $ 29,503,838  
Materials     7.1 %     2,794,506  
Utilities     18.2 %     7,198,437  
            100.0 %   $ 39,496,781  

 

As of May 31, 2019, all of the Fund’s investments were considered Level 1, in accordance with the authoritative guidance under U.S. GAAP.

 

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

3

VANECK VECTORS HIGH INCOME INFRASTRUCTURE MLP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

May 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
             
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS: 87.3%      
Energy: 87.3%      
  20,508     Andeavor Logistics LP   $ 715,319  
  22,262     Buckeye Partners LP     907,399  
  16,931     Cheniere Energy Partners LP     706,700  
  48,179     CNX Midstream Partners LP     706,304  
  22,984     Crestwood Equity Partners LP     816,622  
  23,393     DCP Midstream LP     711,615  
  49,077     Enable Midstream Partners LP     637,510  
  49,045     Energy Transfer Equity LP     673,878  
  26,104     Enterprise Products Partners     728,041  
  18,184     EQT Midstream Partners LP     783,730  
  34,057     Genesis Energy LP     743,124  
  25,893     Holly Energy Partners LP     688,495  
  12,231     Magellan Midstream Partners     752,206  
  22,162     MPLX LP     677,714  
  20,094     Noble Midstream Partners LP     607,843  
  27,487     NuStar Energy LP     741,050  
  14,535     Phillips 66 Partners LP     697,389  
  30,732     Plains All American Pipeline LP     694,851  
  39,669     Shell Midstream Partners LP     834,239  
  70,493     Summit Midstream Partners LP     511,779  
  21,846     TC PipeLines LP     791,481  
  22,391     Western Midstream Partners LP     653,593  
Total Master Limited Partnerships
(Cost $16,496,231)
    15,780,882  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
             
COMMON STOCK: 11.9%      
Energy: 11.9%      
  58,979     Antero Midstream   $ 720,724  
  65,190     EnLink Midstream LLC     676,672  
  31,548     Tallgrass Energy GP LP, Cl A     750,527  
Total Common Stock
(Cost $2,355,508)
    2,147,923  
Total Investments: 99.2%
(Cost $18,851,739)
    17,928,805  
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities: 0.8%     146,540  
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 18,075,345  


 

 

Cl—Class

GP—General Partner

LLC—Limited Liability Company

LP—Limited Partner

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments   Value  
Energy           100.0 %   $ 17,928,805  

 

As of May 31, 2019, all of the Fund’s investments were considered Level 1, in accordance with the authoritative guidance under U.S. GAAP.

 

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

4

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

May 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    High Income
MLP ETF
  High Income
Infrastructure
MLP ETF
Assets:                
Investments at value (1)     $ 39,496,781       $ 17,928,805  
Income tax receivable       446,216         165,622  
Dividends receivable       60,260         42  
Receivable for franchise taxes       22,976         1,819  
Total assets       40,026,233         18,096,288  
                     
Liabilities:                    
Due to Adviser       28,826         12,992  
Borrowings for line of credit       21,285          
Line of credit fees       99          
Due to custodian               7,951  
Total liabilities       50,210         20,943  
NET ASSETS     $ 39,976,023       $ 18,075,345  
Shares outstanding       2,069,161         1,550,000  
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share     $ 19.32       $ 11.66  
                     
Net assets consist of:                    
Aggregate paid in capital     $ 255,378,025       $ 30,872,485  
Total distributable earnings (loss)       (215,402,002 )       (12,797,140 )
Net assets     $ 39,976,023       $ 18,075,345  
(1) Cost of investments     $ 34,989,089       $ 18,851,739  

 

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

5

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    High Income
MLP ETF
  High Income
Infrastructure
MLP ETF
Income:                
Dividends     $ 501,790       $ 86,788  
Distributions from master limited partnerships       1,647,386         754,466  
Less: Return of capital distributions       (2,014,647 )       (810,377 )
Total income       134,529         30,877  
                     
Expenses:                    
Management fees       171,253         77,228  
Interest expense       456         1,216  
Total expenses       171,709         78,444  
Net investment loss, before taxes       (37,180 )       (47,567 )
Income tax benefit/(expense), net of valuation allowance                
Net investment loss, net of taxes       (37,180 )       (47,567 )
                     
Net realized gain (loss) on:                    
Investments       (858,532 )       (427,981 )
Net realized loss on investments       (858,532 )       (427,981 )
                     
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                    
Investments       2,404,223         705,369  
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments       2,404,223         705,369  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     $ 1,508,511       $ 229,821  

 

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

6

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

    High Income
MLP ETF
  High Income
Infrastructure
MLP ETF
    For the
Six Months Ended
May 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2018
  For the
Six Months Ended
May 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2018
    (unaudited)       (unaudited)      
Operations:                          
Net investment income (loss), net of taxes     $ (37,180 )     $ 76,603       $ (47,567 )     $ (141,602 )
Net realized loss on investments       (858,532 )       (2,130,647 )       (427,981 )       (23,726 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments       2,404,223         (1,285,104 )       705,369         162,628  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations       1,508,511         (3,339,148 )       229,821         (2,700 )
                                         
Distributions                                        
Return of capital       (1,945,290 )       (4,890,172 )       (777,170 )       (1,590,500 )
                                         
Share transactions:**                                        
Proceeds from sale of shares               2,236,285         597,872         690,640  
Cost of shares redeemed       (4,677,841 )       (13,281,849 )       (1,765,300 )       (2,652,209 )
Decrease in net assets from share transactions       (4,677,841 )       (11,045,564 )       (1,167,428 )       (1,961,569 )
Total decrease in net assets       (5,114,620 )       (19,274,884 )       (1,714,777 )       (3,554,769 )
Net assets, beginning of period       45,090,643         64,365,527         19,790,122         23,344,891  
Net assets, end of period     $ 39,976,023       $ 45,090,643       $ 18,075,345       $ 19,790,122  
                                         
**Shares of common stock issued (no par value)                                        
Shares sold               100,000         50,000         50,000  
Shares redeemed       (250,000 )       (600,000 )       (150,000 )       (200,000 )
Net decrease       (250,000 )       (500,000 )       (100,000 )       (150,000 )

 

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

7

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    High Income MLP ETF
    For the Six
Months Ended
May 31,
2019
    For the Years Ended November 30,    
    (unaudited)     2018       2017       2016#       2015#       2014#    
Net asset value, beginning of period      $ 19.44        $ 22.83        $ 25.43        $ 31.30        $ 74.05        $ 89.95    
Income from investment operations:                                                              
Net investment income (loss)*       (0.02 )       0.03         0.14         (0.02 )       0.10         (0.20 )  
Return of capital*       0.93         1.95         1.88         0.75         5.75         7.20    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (0.12 )       (3.43 )       (2.63 )       (4.06 )       (41.90 )       (15.15 )  
Total from investment operations       0.79         (1.45 )       (0.61 )       (3.33 )       (36.05 )       (8.15 )  
Less distribution from:                                                              
Net investment income                                               (1.40 )  
Return of capital       (0.91 )       (1.94 )       (1.99 )       (2.54 )       (6.70 )       (6.35 )  
Total distributions       (0.91 )       (1.94 )       (1.99 )       (2.54 )       (6.70 )       (7.75 )  
Net asset value, end of period     $ 19.32       $ 19.44       $ 22.83       $ 25.43       $ 31.30       $ 74.05    
Total return (a)       3.98 %(b)       (7.16 )%       (2.67 )%       (8.40 )%       (51.42 )%       (10.17 )%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                              
Net assets, end of period (000’s)   $39,976     $45,091     $64,366     $94,563     $124,034     $285,134    
Ratio of expenses, excluding income tax benefit/(expense), to average net assets       0.82 %(c)       0.84 %(d)       0.82 %(d)       0.88 %(d)       0.85 %(d)       0.83 %(d)  
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets       0.82 %(c)       0.73 %       0.86 %       0.88 %       0.56 %       (1.34 )%  
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) excluding income tax benefit/(expense) to average net assets       (0.18 )%(c)       0.02 %       0.59 %       (0.34 )%       (0.10 )%       (0.23 )%  
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (e)       (0.18 )%(c)       0.13 %       0.55 %       (0.34 )%       0.19 %       (0.19 )%  
Portfolio turnover rate (f)       28 %(b)       34 %       40 %       46 %       62 %       44 %  

 

 

The financial highlights include the financial information of the Predecessor Funds through February 21, 2016 (See Note 1).

 

# On June 29, 2016, the Fund effected a 1 for 5 reverse share split (See Note 9). Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.
* Per share data calculated using average shares method.
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date (ex-date for periods prior to February 21, 2016) and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(b) Not Annualized
(c) Annualized
(d) Includes franchise tax expenses. Without franchise tax expenses, the net ratio would be 0.82%
(e) Income tax benefit/(expense) for the ratio calculation is derived from net investment income (loss) only.
(f) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.

 

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

8

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF
    For the Six
Months Ended
May 31,
2019
    For the Years Ended November 30,    
    (unaudited)     2018       2017       2016       2015       2014    
Net asset value, beginning of period      $ 11.99        $ 12.97        $ 14.92        $ 13.36        $ 21.75        $ 21.15    
Income from investment operations:                                                              
Net investment loss *       (0.03 )       (0.09 )       (0.12 )       (0.25 )       (0.10 )       (0.12 )  
Return of capital *       0.52         1.06         1.07         1.17         1.22         1.27    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (0.32 )       (0.99 )       (1.91 )       1.77         (8.31 )       1.01    
Total from investment operations       0.17         (0.02 )       (0.96 )       2.69         (7.19 )       2.16    
Less distribution from:                                                              
Net investment income                                               (0.72 )  
Return of Capital       (0.50 )       (0.96 )       (0.99 )       (1.13 )       (1.20 )       (0.84 )  
Total distributions       (0.50 )       (0.96 )       (0.99 )       (1.13 )       (1.20 )       (1.56 )  
Net asset value, end of period     $ 11.66       $ 11.99       $ 12.97       $ 14.92       $ 13.36       $ 21.75    
Total return (a)       1.29 %(b)       (0.53 )%       (6.91 )%       22.08 %       (34.18 )%       10.53 %  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                              
Net assets, end of period (000’s)   $18,075     $19,790     $23,345     $35,070     $34,056     $46,760    
Ratio of expenses, excluding income tax benefit/(expense), to average net assets       0.83 %(c)(g)       0.81 %(d)       0.83 %(d)       0.82 %       0.84 %(d)       0.84 %(d)  
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets       0.83 %(c)       0.82 %       0.87 %       0.71 %       (4.69 )%       5.91 %  
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) excluding income tax benefit/(expense) to average net assets       (0.51 )%(c)       (0.64 )%       (0.76 )%       (0.82 )%       (0.84 )%       (0.84 )%  
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (e)       (0.51 )%(c)       (0.65 )%       (0.80 )%       (1.85 )%       (0.54 )%       (0.54 )%  
Portfolio turnover rate (f)       50 %(b)       52 %       53 %       42 %       38 %       47 %  

 

 

The financial highlights include the financial information of the Predecessor Funds through February 21, 2016 (See Note 1).

 

* Per share data calculated using average shares method.
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date (ex-date for periods prior to February 21, 2016) and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(b) Not Annualized
(c) Annualized
(d) Includes franchise tax expenses. Without franchise tax expenses, the net ratio would be 0.82%
(e) Income tax benefit/(expense) for the ratio calculation is derived from net investment income (loss) only.
(f) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(g) Includes interest expense. Without interest expense, the net ratio would be 0.82%

 

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

9

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

May 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Note 1—Fund Organization— VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was incorporated in Delaware as a statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The Trust operates as a series fund and offers multiple investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following funds: the High Income MLP ETF and the High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF (each a “Fund”, and collectively the “Funds”). The High Income MLP ETF seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive High Income MLP Index (the “Index”). The High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive High Income Infrastructure MLP Index (the “Infrastructure Index”). Each Fund is classified as “non-diversified”. This means that the Funds may invest more of their assets in securities of a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser for the Funds.

 

On February 22, 2016, the shareholders of the Yorkville High Income MLP ETF and Yorkville High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF (the “Predecessor Funds”) approved a proposed agreement and plan of reorganization (the “Reorganization”) that provided for (a) the transfer of all the assets and assumption of certain of the liabilities of the Predecessor Funds, (b) the issuance of shares of the Funds to the shareholders of the Predecessor Funds; and (c) the liquidation and termination of the Predecessor Funds. The effective date of the Reorganization was February 22, 2016. The Predecessor Funds had substantially similar investment objectives, investment strategies, policies and restrictions as those of the Funds. The financial statements and financial highlights include the financial information of the Predecessor Funds through February 21, 2016.

 

Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies— The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The Funds are investment companies and are following accounting and reporting requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946 Financial Services - Investment Companies.

 

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Funds.

 

A. Return of Capital Estimates— Distributions received by the Funds generally are comprised of income and return of capital. Each Fund records investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on historical information available to the Funds and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from Master Limited Partnerships (“MLP”) after their tax reporting periods are concluded.
   
B. Master Limited Partnerships— Entities commonly referred to as “MLPs” are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies. The Funds intend to primarily invest in MLPs receiving partnership taxation treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), and whose interests or “units” are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. To be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an MLP whose units are traded on a securities exchange must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. Mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, processing, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. An MLP consists of a general partner and limited partners (or in the case of MLPs organized as limited liability companies, a managing member and members). The general partner or managing member typically controls the operations and management of the MLP and has an ownership stake in the partnership. The limited partners or members, through their ownership of limited partner or member interests, provide capital to the entity, are intended to have no role in the operation and management of the entity and receive cash distributions. The MLPs themselves generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes (although some states do impose a net income tax on partnerships). Thus, unlike investors in corporate securities, direct MLP investors are generally not subject to double taxation (i.e., corporate level tax and tax on corporate dividends).
    10  

 

 

C. Security Valuation— The Funds value their investments in securities and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Securities traded on national exchanges are valued at the last sales price as reported at the close of each business day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National Market System and listed securities for which no sale was reported are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. To the extent these securities are actively traded they are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (described below). Short-term obligations with sixty days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which with accrued interest approximates fair value. Money market fund investments are valued at net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Pricing Committee of the Adviser provides oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value. The Pricing Committee convenes regularly to review the fair value of financial instruments or other assets. If market quotations for a security or other asset is not readily available, or if the Adviser believes it does not otherwise reflect the fair value of a security or asset, the security or asset will be fair valued by the Pricing Committee in accordance with the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures. The Pricing Committee employs various methods for calibrating the valuation approaches utilized to determine fair value, including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, periodic comparisons to valuations provided by other independent pricing services, transactional back-testing and disposition analysis.
   
  Certain factors such as economic conditions, political events, market trends, the nature of and duration of any restrictions on disposition, trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers and other security specific information are used to determine the fair value of these securities. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these securities may be classified either as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The price which the Funds may realize upon sale of an investment may differ materially from the value presented in the Schedules of Investments.
   
  The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of most of its investments on a recurring basis which includes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assume the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs, the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, and transfers between levels are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.
   
D. Federal and Other Income Taxes— Each Fund intends to invest primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Funds do not intend to qualify, and will not qualify as a regulated investment company pursuant to Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code due to the Funds’ concentration in MLP securities and are taxed as regular C-corporations. As a regular C-corporation, each Fund is obligated to pay federal, state and local income tax on its taxable income. High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF is currently using an estimated 23.59% tax rate for federal, state and local tax which is composed of a 21% federal tax rate and an assumed 2.59% rate attributable to state taxes (net of federal benefit). High Income MLP ETF is currently using an estimated 24.30% tax rate for federal, state and local tax which is composed of a 21% federal tax rate and an assumed 3.30% state tax rate (net of federal benefit).
    11  

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited) (continued)

 

  As a consequence of being taxed as a C-corporation, the Funds will be obligated to pay applicable federal and state corporate income taxes on their taxable income as opposed to most other investment companies which are not so obligated. The Funds expect that a portion of the distributions they receive from MLPs will be treated as a tax deferred return of capital, thus reducing the Funds’ current tax liabilities and increasing the Funds’ deferred tax liabilities. However, the amount of taxes currently payable by the Funds will vary depending on the amount of income and gains derived from investments and/or sales of MLP interests and such taxes will reduce your return from an investment in the Funds.
   
  Cash distributions from MLPs to the Funds that exceed such Funds’ allocable share of such MLP’s net taxable income are considered a tax-deferred return of capital that will reduce the Funds’ adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP. These reductions in such Funds’ adjusted tax basis in the MLP equity securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) recognized by the Funds on a subsequent sale of the securities. The Funds will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax liabilities associated with (a) that portion of MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital as well as (b) capital appreciation on their investments. Upon the sale of an MLP security, the Funds will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which is not necessarily timely, or accurate, to estimate deferred tax liabilities for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining NAV of the Funds. From time to time, the Funds will modify the estimates or assumptions related to the Funds’ deferred tax liabilities as new information becomes available.
   
  Since the Funds will be subject to taxation on their taxable income, the NAV of the Funds’ shares will also be reduced by the accrual of any current or deferred tax liabilities. The Index and Infrastructure Index (the “Indices”) however are calculated without any adjustments for taxes. a result, the Funds’ after tax performance could differ significantly from the Indices even if the pretax performance of the Funds and the performance of the Indices are closely correlated.
   
  The tax expense or benefits attributable to certain components of income will be included in the Statements of Operations. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for federal income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated utilizing effective tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are realized or settled. A valuation allowance will be recognized if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realizable. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax asset. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability (which are highly dependent on cash distributions from the Funds’ MLP holdings), the duration of statutory carryforward periods and the associated risk that operating and capital loss carryforwards may expire unused. The Funds’ policy is to classify interest and penalties associated with underpayment of federal and state income taxes, if any, as income tax expense on their Statements of Operations.
   
E. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders— On a quarterly basis, each Fund distributes substantially all of its dividends and distributions received less Fund expenses. All distributions are recorded on ex-dividend date. The estimated characterization of the distributions paid will be either an ordinary income or return of capital distribution. The Funds anticipate that 100% of their current year distributions will be treated as return of capital. The actual tax characterization of the distributions made during the current year will not be determined until after the end of the fiscal year when the Funds can determine their earnings and profits and, therefore, may differ from the preliminary estimates. The Funds will inform shareholders of the final tax character of the distributions on IRS Form 1099-DIV in February 2020.
   
F. Other— Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.

In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.
    12  

 

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements— The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of 0.82% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Funds except for the advisory fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability and extraordinary expenses.

 

Van Eck Securities Corporation, an affiliate of the Adviser, acts as the Funds’ “Distributor”. Certain officers and a Trustee of the Trust are officers, directors or stockholders of the Adviser and Distributor.

 

Note 4—Investments— For the period ended May 31, 2019, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than U.S. Government obligations and short-term obligations (excluding in-kind transactions described in Note 6) were as follows:

 

    Purchases   Sales
High Income MLP ETF   $ 11,594,786     $ 18,420,533  
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF     9,121,555       11,716,950  

 

Note 5—Income Taxes— The High Income MLP ETF and High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF income tax expense/(benefit) for the six months ended May 31, 2019 consists of the following:

 

High Income MLP ETF   Current Expense/
(Benefit)
  Deferred Expense/
(Benefit)
  Total Expense/
(Benefit)
Federal     $       $ 333,285       $ 333,285  
State (net of Federal)               52,373         52,373  
Change in valuation allowance               (385,658 )       (385,658 )
Total     $       $       $  
                   
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF   Current Expense/
(Benefit)
  Deferred Expense/
(Benefit)
  Total Expense/
(Benefit)
Federal     $       $ 47,018       $ 47,018  
State (net of Federal)               5,799         5,799  
Change in valuation allowance               (52,817 )       (52,817 )
Total     $       $       $  

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes.

 

Total income tax expense/(benefit) (current and deferred) differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to net investment income/(loss) and realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments before taxes as follows:

 

    For the Six Months Ended
May 31, 2019
High Income MLP ETF   Amount   Rate
Income tax expense/(benefit)   $ 316,787       21.00 %
State income tax, net of Federal benefit     49,781       3.30  
Permanent differences, net     18,003       1.19  
Other     1,087       0.08  
Change in valuation allowance     (385,658 )     (25.57 )
Net income tax expense/(benefit)   $       0.00 %
    13  

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited) (continued)

 

    For the Six Months Ended
May 31, 2019
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF   Amount   Rate
Income tax expense/(benefit)   $ 48,263       21.00 %
State income tax, net of Federal benefit     5,952       2.59  
Permanent differences, net     (573 )     (0.25 )
Other     (825 )     (0.36 )
Change in valuation allowance     (52,817 )     (22.98 )
Net income tax expense/(benefit)   $       0.00 %

 

Components of each Fund’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

    For the Six Months Ended
May 31, 2019
 
    High Income
MLP ETF
  High Income
Infrastructure
MLP ETF
 
Deferred Tax Assets:                
Capital loss carryforward   $ 47,541,006         $ 2,222,070  
Net operating loss carryforward     277,667       408,384  
Other     60,246       3,419  
Deferred Tax Liabilities:                
Unrealized gain on investments     (2,113,506 )     (83,673 )
Net Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability) before valuation allowance   $ 45,765,413     $ 2,550,200  
Less valuation allowance     (45,765,413 )     (2,550,200 )
Net Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)   $     $  

 

The Funds review the recoverability of their deferred tax assets based upon the weight of the available evidence. When assessing the recoverability of their deferred tax assets, management considers available carrybacks, reversing temporary taxable differences, projections of future taxable income and tax planning (if any). High Income MLP ETF has recorded a valuation allowance of $45,765,413 and High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF has recorded a valuation allowance of $2,550,200 against the net deferred tax assets at May 31, 2019 as the Funds believe it is more-likely-than-not the asset will not be realized within the relevant carryforward periods. The Funds may be required to modify the estimates or assumptions it uses regarding the deferred tax asset or liability as new information becomes available. The Funds’ net deferred tax asset and deferred income tax expense includes any prior year’s return to provision adjustments. Prior year’s income tax provision was based on estimates and information available at the time of the balance sheet date. Since the Funds will be subject to taxation on their taxable income, the NAV of Funds shares will also be reduced by the accrual of any deferred tax liabilities. Because of the impact of deferred taxes, the Funds’ performance could differ from their underlying Index.

 

The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on U.S. and State tax returns filed or expected to be filed since inception of the Funds. The Funds’ tax years are open for examination by U.S. and state tax authorities for all applicable periods. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.

 

As of May 31, 2019, High Income MLP ETF and High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF had the following estimated net operating losses**:

 

Fund   Origination   Amount   Expiration
High Income MLP ETF   11/30/2016     $ 1,142,664     11/30/2036
    14  

 

 

Fund   Origination   Amount   Expiration
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF   11/30/2015     $ 541,421     11/30/2035
    11/30/2016       640,366     11/30/2036
    11/30/2018       481,648     11/30/2038
    11/30/2019       67,738     Indefinite
          $ 1,731,173      

 

** Under current tax law, net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) have different carryback and carryforward periods and limitations depending on the date incurred. NOLs generated in tax years ending prior to December 31, 2017 can be carried back 2 years and forward 20 years. NOLs generated in tax years ending after December 31, 2017 cannot be carried back but can be carried forward indefinitely. However, there is currently proposed tax legislation that, if enacted, would alter the effective date of this change to tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The table above reflects the expiration dates assumed under this proposed legislation. Additionally, the utilization of NOLs generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 will be limited to the lesser of the aggregate of available post-2017 NOLs or 80% of taxable income. The 80% limitation is effective for any NOLs generated in the current fiscal period ending November 30, 2019.

 

As of May 31, 2019, High Income MLP ETF and High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF had the following estimated, capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Origination   Amount   Expiration
High Income MLP ETF   11/30/2015     $ 81,997,394     11/30/2020
    11/30/2016       89,478,335     11/30/2021
    11/30/2017       12,847,636     11/30/2022
    11/30/2018       6,223,008     11/30/2023
    11/30/2019       5,095,626     11/30/2024
          $ 195,641,999      
                   
Fund   Origination   Amount   Expiration
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF   11/30/2015     $ 520,895     11/30/2020
    11/30/2016       6,735,797     11/30/2021
    11/30/2017       1,172,192     11/30/2022
    11/30/2018       335,763     11/30/2023
    11/30/2019       654,897     11/30/2024
          $ 9,419,544      

 

The Federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments held by the Funds at May 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

    Federal Tax
Cost
  Aggregated
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Aggregated
Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
High Income MLP ETF   $ 30,792,117     $ 9,926,365       $ (1,221,701 )       $ 8,704,664  
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF     17,574,360       2,063,767       (1,709,322 )     354,445  

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement purposes is due primarily to the recognition of pass-through income from the Funds’ investments in MLP interests.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions— As of May 31, 2019, there were an unlimited number of capital shares of beneficial interest authorized by the Trust with no par value. Fund shares are not individually redeemable and are issued and redeemed at their net asset value per share only through certain authorized broker-dealers (“Authorized Participants”) in blocks of shares (“Creation Units”), or multiples thereof, as follows:

 

    Creation Units
High Income MLP ETF     50,000  
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF     50,000  

 

The consideration for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally consists of the in-kind contribution or distribution of securities constituting the Funds’ underlying index (“Deposit Securities”) plus a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the net asset value per share of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may also be substituted in an amount equivalent to the value of certain Deposit Securities, generally when the securities are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, are not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant, or as a result

    15  

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited) (continued)

 

of market circumstances. The Funds may issue Creation Units in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit at the Custodian for the benefit of the Funds, collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S. dollars at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. Since the Funds are taxable as a C-Corporation, the Funds’ redemptions will generally result in taxable income or loss to the Funds. Additionally, the Funds expect to effect its redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities.

 

For the period ended May 31, 2019, the High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF had in-kind contributions as follows:

 

    In-Kind
Contributions
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF     $596,722  

 

For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Funds did not have any in-kind redemptions.

 

The in-kind contributions in this table represent the accumulation of the Fund’s daily net shareholder transactions including rebalancing activity, while the Statements of Changes in Net Assets reflect shareholder transactions including any cash component of the transactions.

 

Authorized Participants purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay transaction fees directly to The Bank of New York Mellon. In addition, the Funds may impose certain variable fees for creations and redemptions with respect to transactions in Creation Units for cash, or on transactions effected outside the clearing process, which are treated as increases in capital. These variable fees, if any, are reflected in share transactions in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Note 7—Concentration of Risks— The Funds’ assets will be concentrated in an industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index or Infrastructure Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries. By concentrating their assets in a particular industry or group of industries, the Funds are subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that industry or group of industries will negatively impact the Funds to a greater extent than if the Funds’ net assets were invested in a wider variety of industries.

 

Under normal circumstances, each Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of MLPs, which are subject to certain risks, such as supply and demand risk, depletion and exploration risk, and the risk associated with the hazards inherent in midstream energy industry activities. A substantial portion of the cash flow received by the Funds is derived from investment in equity securities of MLPs. The amount of cash that an MLP has available for distributions and the tax character of such distributions are dependent upon the amount of cash generated by the MLP’s operations.

 

Note 8—Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan— The Trust has a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) for Trustees under which the Trustees can elect to defer receipt of their trustee fees until retirement, disability or termination from the Board of Trustees. The fees otherwise payable to the participating Trustees are deemed invested in shares of the Funds as directed by the Trustees. These Funds have adopted a unitary management fee where the Adviser is responsible for all expenses of the Funds. Therefore, the expense for the Plan for these Funds are included in “Management fees.”

 

Note 9—Share Split— The VanEck Vectors High Income MLP ETF executed a one-for-five reverse share split for shareholders of record before the open of markets on June 29, 2016.

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit— The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the period ended May 31, 2019, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

    16  

 

 

Fund   Days
Outstanding
  Average Daily
Loan Balance
  Average
Interest Rate
  Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
May 31, 2019
High Income MLP ETF     43       $106,334       3.83 %     $21,285  
High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF     21       549,676       3.79        

 

Note 11—Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Requirements— The Funds early adopted certain provisions of Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13 Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”) that eliminate and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The adoption of certain provisions of the ASU 2018-13 had no material effect on financial statements and related disclosures. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of additional requirements, not yet adopted, of the ASU 2018-13 to financial statements. Public companies will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

 

Note 12—Subsequent Events— The Funds have evaluated the need for additional disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no adjustments will be required to the financial statements.

    17  

 

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by a VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) prospectus and summary prospectus, which includes more complete information. Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Additional information about the Trust’s Board of Trustees/Officers and a description of the policies and procedures the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are provided in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information and information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ending June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 800.826.2333, or by visiting vaneck.com, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q/N-PORT (as applicable). The Trust’s Form N-Qs/N-PORTs (as applicable) are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.942.8090. The Funds’ complete schedules of portfolio holdings are also available by calling 800.826.2333 or by visiting vaneck.com.

 

     
Investment Adviser: Van Eck Associates Corporation  
Distributor: Van Eck Securities Corporation  
  666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017  
  vaneck.com  
Account Assistance: 800.826.2333 MLPSAR
 
Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

Information included in Item 1.

 

Item 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING PLOICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3 (c)) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15 (b).

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMEN INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

(a) Not applicable.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 13. EXHIBITS.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is attached as Exhibit 99.CERT.

 

(b) Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is furnished as Exhibit 99.906CERT.
 

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) VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: August 8, 2019

 

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/ Jan F. van Eck, Chief Executive Officer               

 

Date: August 8, 2019

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer               

 

Date: August 8, 2019

 

Exhibit 99.Cert 

 

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940

and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Jan F. van Eck, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSRS of the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Registrant”);

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information, included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s), if any, and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the Registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 8, 2019

 

/s/ Jan F. van Eck  
Jan F. van Eck
Chief Executive Officer
 

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940

and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, John J. Crimmins, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSRS of the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Registrant”);

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information, included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s), if any, and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the Registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 8, 2019

 

/s/ John J. Crimmins  
John J. Crimmins
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
 

Exhibit 99.906 Cert

 

CERTIFICATION

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (comprising of High Income MLP ETF and High Income Infrastructure MLP ETF), do hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

The semi-annual report on Form N-CSRS of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust for the period ending May 31, 2019 (the “Form N-CSRS”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form N-CSRS fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust.

 

Dated: August 8, 2019 /s/ Jan F. van Eck  
    Jan F. van Eck  
    Chief Executive Officer  
    VanEck Vectors ETF Trust  

 

Dated: August 8, 2019 /s/ John J. Crimmins  
    John J. Crimmins  
    Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer  
    VanEck Vectors ETF Trust  

 

This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.