ANNUAL REPORT MAY 31, 2017 Dividend Growers NOBL S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF REGL S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF SMDV Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF EFAD MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF EUDV MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF EMDV MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF Alternative Solutions ALTS Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF Specialty Equity TOLZ PEX CSM DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF Global Listed Private Equity ETF Large Cap Core Plus S&P 500 Ex-Sector SPXE SPXN SPXV SPXT S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF S&P 500 Ex-Health Care ETF S&P 500 Ex-Technology ETF Currency Hedged HGEU HGJP Hedged FTSE Europe ETF Hedged FTSE Japan ETF Interest Rate Hedged Bond HYHG IGHG High Yield Interest Rate Hedged Investment Grade Interest Rate Hedged Global Fixed Income EMSH Short Term USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF COBO USD Covered Bond GGOV German Sovereign/Sub-Sovereign ETF Hedge Strategies HDG Hedge Replication ETF FUT Managed Futures Strategy ETF MRGR Merger ETF RALS RAFI Long/Short K-1 Free Oil OILK K-1 Free Crude Oil Strategy ETF Inflation RINF Inflation Expectations ETF Credit WYDE CDS Short North American HY Credit ETF PROSHARES TRUST Distributor: SEI Investments Distribution Co.
TABLE OF CONTENTS I Shareholder Letter II Management Discussion of Fund Performance XXXIII Expense Examples 1 Schedule of Portfolio Investments 2 Dividend Growers 16 Alternative Solutions 17 Specialty Equity 26 S&P 500 Ex-Sector 38 Currency Hedged 45 Interest Rate Hedged Bond 57 Global Fixed Income 62 Hedge Strategies 75 K-1 Free Oil 76 Inflation 78 Credit 79 Statements of Assets and Liabilities 85 Statements of Operations 91 Statements of Changes in Net Assets 102 Financial Highlights 114 Notes to Financial Statements 140 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 141 Federal Tax Information 142 Proxy Voting & Quarterly Portfolio Holdings Information 143 Trustees and Executive Officers of ProShares Trust Receive investor materials electronically: Shareholders may sign up for electronic delivery of investor materials. By doing so, you will receive the information faster and help us reduce the impact on the environment of providing these materials. To enroll in electronic delivery, 1. Go to www.icsdelivery.com 2. Select the first letter of your brokerage firm s name. 3. From the list that follows, select your brokerage firm. If your brokerage firm is not listed, electronic delivery may not be available. Please contact your brokerage firm. 4. Complete the information requested, including the e-mail address where you would like to receive notifications for electronic documents. Your information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any purpose other than electronic delivery. If you change your mind, you can cancel electronic delivery at any time and revert to physical delivery of your materials. Just go to www.icsdelivery.com, perform the first three steps above, and follow the instructions for cancelling electronic delivery. If you have any questions, please contact your brokerage firm.
PROSHARES.COM :: I DEAR SHAREHOLDER: I am pleased to present the ProShares Trust Annual Report for the twelve months ended May 31, 2017. Equity Markets Strong across the Board It was a strong period for U.S. equities, though not without its challenges. Stocks reeled and rapidly recovered from the Brexit vote in June 2016. Markets also endured a tumultuous and uncertain U.S. election season during the second half of the year. But President Trump s victory in November kicked off what would become a broad-based equity rally that remained in effect the rest of the period. Large-, mid- and small-cap stocks all turned in solid results. The S&P 500 and the Dow were up 17.5% and 21.2%, respectively, while the S&P MidCap 400 gained 17.2% and the Russell 2000 Index rose 20.3%. The U.S. economy expanded during the first quarter of 2017, with real GDP increasing at an annual rate of 1.2%. This was down from fourth quarter 2016 results, however, which saw GDP increase by 2.1%. Nine of 10 Dow Jones U.S. Industry Indices gained during the twelve-month period. Technology, industrials and financials were in the lead, up 35.4%, 21.5% and 18.5%, respectively. Health care and telecommunications were the laggards, returning 9.3% and 1.6%. Oil & Gas was the sole loser, declining 1.7% during the period. Stocks outside the United States turned in firmly positive results. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed markets outside North America, rose 16.4%, boosted by a strong 17% return in European equities, as measured by the MSCI Europe Index. Strong earnings momentum helped drive returns in Japan, and low valuations and relatively stable commodity prices contributed to a renewed appeal in emerging markets. Japan was up 15%, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index. Emerging markets, which shook off a sharp decline after the U.S. presidential election, returned a remarkable 27.4% for the period, according to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Despite its relative strength in November and December, the U.S. dollar ended the period down 0.30%, as measured by Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index. Bond Markets Mixed The Fed hiked its Fed Funds overnight lending rate in both December and March. Corporate credit, particularly the high-yield bond market, rose during the 12-month period. Treasurys declined amid positive economic sentiment and factors supporting a firmer outlook for inflation. The Markit iboxx $ Liquid Investment Grade Index was up 4.2%. High-yield bonds benefitted from strong equity market tailwinds, rising 12%, as measured by the Markit iboxx $ Liquid High Yield Index. Longer-dated Treasurys suffered more than those of shorter duration, with the Ryan Labs Treasury 30 Year and 10 Year Indexes down 2.8% and 1.8%, respectively. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index rose 1.6%. ProShares Lineup Continues to Expand At the forefront of the ETF revolution since 2006, ProShares celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. ProShares offers one of the largest lineups of ETFs, with more than $27 billion in assets, and is the leader in strategies such as dividend growth, alternative and geared (leveraged and inverse). Assets in our Dividend Growers suite grew substantially over the last twelve months, ending the period at just under $4 billion. And with interest rates on the move, there was significant interest in our Interest Rate Hedge Bond suite, which more than doubled in assets under management. ProShares also launched the only K-1 free U.S. crude oil ETF, which allows investors to avoid the complicated tax reporting of most other crude oil funds. Thank you for investing in ProShares. We appreciate your continued trust and confidence. Sincerely, Michael L. Sapir Chairman of the Board of Trustees
II :: MAY 31, 2017 :: MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE PROSHARES TRUST MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
PROSHARES TRUST MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE :: MAY 31, 2017 :: III Investment Strategies and Techniques Strategic Funds: Twenty-seven (27) ProShares Strategic exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ) were in existence for the entire period covered by this annual report. One (1) Strategic ETF was launched during this period (each ProShares Strategic ETF, a Fund and, collectively, the Funds ). Certain Funds are designed to match, before fees and expenses, the performance of an underlying index 1 both on a single day and over time (each a Matching Fund and, collectively, the Matching Funds ). 2 Certain other Funds are actively managed and are designed to meet a specified investment objective (each an Active Fund and, collectively, the Active Funds ). 3 ProShare Advisors LLC ( PSA ), the Funds investment adviser, uses a passive approach in seeking to achieve the investment objective of each Matching Fund. Using this approach, PSA determines the type, quantity and mix of investment positions that a Fund should hold to track the performance of its index. When managing the Matching Funds, PSA does not invest the assets of the Funds in securities or financial instruments based on its view of the investment merit of a particular security, instrument, or company. In addition, PSA does not conduct conventional investment research or analysis; forecast market movements, trends or market conditions; or take defensive positions in managing assets of the Funds. When managing the Active Funds, PSA uses its discretion to invest the assets of each Fund in the manner it believes is best suited to meet the Fund s investment objective. The Funds, other than the ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF (ALTS), ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF (TOLZ), ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX), ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL), ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (REGL), ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV), ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD), ProShares USD Covered Bond (COBO), ProShares Short Term USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMSH), ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF (EUDV), ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF (EMDV), ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF (SPXE), ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF (SPXN), ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Health Care ETF (SPXV), and ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Technology ETF (SPXT), make significant use of investment techniques that may be considered aggressive, including the use of swap agreements, credit default swaps, futures contracts, forward contracts, and similar instruments (collectively, derivatives ). Funds using these techniques are exposed to risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities, including one or more of the following: counterparty risk (i.e., the risk that a counterparty is unable or unwilling to make timely payments) on the amount the Fund expects to receive from a derivatives counterparty, liquidity risk (i.e., the ability of a Fund to acquire or dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of PSA), and with respect to the Matching Funds increased correlation risk (i.e., the Fund s ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its index). If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, or fails to perform its obligations, the value of an investment in the Fund may decline. With respect to swaps and forward contracts, the Funds seek to mitigate these risks by generally requiring derivatives counterparties to post collateral for the benefit of each Fund, marked to market daily, in an amount approximately equal to the amount the counterparty owes the Fund, subject to certain minimum thresholds. The Funds primarily enter into derivatives with counterparties that are major global financial institutions. Any costs associated with using derivatives will have the effect of lowering the Fund s return. Although ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF (ALTS) seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in underlying ProShares ETFs and does not directly invest in derivatives, certain of its underlying ProShares ETFs may obtain investment exposure through derivatives which in turn subjects ALTS to the risks associated with the use of derivatives. Factors that Materially Affected the Performance of Each Fund during the Year Ended May 31, 2017 4 : Primary factors affecting Fund performance, before fees and expenses, include the following: the total return of the securities and derivatives (if any) held by the Fund, including the performance of the reference assets to which any derivatives are linked, financing rates paid or earned by the Fund associated with cash and, in certain cases, derivative positions; stock dividends, premiums and bond yields paid or earned by the Fund (including those included in the total return of derivatives contracts); the types of derivative contracts (if any) used by the Fund and their correlation to the relevant index or asset fees, expenses, and transaction costs; and other miscellaneous factors. Index Performance: The performance of each Matching Fund s index and, in turn, the factors and market conditions affecting that index are principal factors driving Fund performance. 5 Active Management: The ability of PSA to successfully select investments and make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the Active Funds investment objectives. 1 The term index as used herein includes the Merrill Lynch Factor Model-Exchange Series benchmark. 2 As of May 31, 2017, the Matching Funds are: ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF (ALTS); ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF (TOLZ); ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX); ProShares Large Cap Core Plus (CSM); ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL); ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (REGL); ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV); ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD); ProShares High Yield-Interest Rate Hedged (HYHG); ProShares Investment Grade-Interest Rate Hedged (IGHG); ProShares USD Covered Bond (COBO); ProShares German Sovereign/Sub-Sovereign ETF (GGOV); ProShares Short Term USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMSH); ProShares Hedge Replication ETF (HDG); ProShares Merger ETF (MRGR); ProShares RAFITM Long/Short (RALS); ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF (SPXE); ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF (SPXN); ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Technology ETF (SPXT); ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Health Care ETF (SPXV); ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF (EMDV); ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF (EUDV); ProShares Inflation Expectations ETF (RINF); ProShares Hedged FTSE Europe ETF (HGEU) and Hedged FTSE Japan ETF (HGJP). 3 As of May 31, 2017, the Active Funds are ProShares CDS Short North American HY Credit ETF (WYDE); ProShares K-1 Free Crude Oil Strategy ETF (OILK); and ProShares Managed Futures Strategy ETF (FUT). 4 Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. 5 Unlike the Matching Funds, indexes do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and/or financial instruments. Indexes do not incur fees, expenses and transaction costs. Fees, expenses and transaction costs incurred by the Matching Funds negatively impact the performance of the Funds relative to their index. Performance of each Matching Fund will generally differ from the performance of the Fund s index.
IV :: MAY 31, 2017 :: MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE PROSHARES TRUST Financing Rates Associated with Derivatives: The performance of Funds that use derivatives was impacted by the related financing costs. Instruments such as futures carry implied financing costs. Forward and swap financing rates are negotiated between the Funds and their counterparties, and are typically set at the one-week/onemonth London Interbank Offered Rate ( LIBOR ) plus or minus a negotiated spread. The one-week LIBOR appreciated from 0.41% to 0.95% during the fiscal year. The one-month LIBOR also increased during the fiscal year from 0.47% to 1.06%. Each Fund with long exposure via derivatives was generally negatively affected by financing rates. Conversely, most Funds with short derivative exposure generally benefited from financing rates. However, in low interest rate environments, LIBOR adjusted by the spread may actually result in a Fund with short exposure also being negatively affected by financing rates. Stock Dividends and Bond Yields: The performance of Funds that provide long exposure was positively impacted by capturing the dividend, premium or income yield of the underlying assets to which they have exposure. The performance of Funds was negatively impacted by virtue of effectively having to pay out the dividend, premium or income yield (or a multiple thereof, as applicable) associated with the assets to which they have short exposure. Fees, Expenses, and Transaction Costs: Fees and expenses are listed in the financial statements of each Fund and, with the exception of certain of the Matching and Active Funds, may generally be higher and thus have a more negative impact on performance than compared to many traditional index-based funds. Transaction costs are not reflected in the Funds expense ratio. Transaction costs are generally higher for Funds whose indexes are more volatile, that invest in foreign securities, and for Funds that hold or have exposure to assets that are comparatively less liquid than other Funds. Miscellaneous factors: Each Fund holds a mix of securities and/or derivatives that is designed to provide returns that seeks to achieve its investment objective. Certain Matching Funds may obtain exposure to only a representative sample of the securities of their index and may not have investment exposure to all securities of the index or may have weightings that are different from that of its index. Certain Matching Funds may also obtain exposure to securities not contained in the relevant index or in financial instruments. In addition, certain Matching Funds invested in swap agreements that were based on ETFs that are designed to track the performance of the Fund s index rather than swap agreements that were based on the Fund s index. Because the closing price of an ETF may not perfectly track the performance of its index, there are deviations between the return of a swap whose reference asset is an ETF and the return of a swap based directly on the Fund s index. Thus, the performance of a Fund investing significantly in swap agreements based on an ETF may correlate less with its index than a Fund investing in swap agreements based directly on the Fund s index.
PROSHARES TRUST MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE :: S&P 500 DIVIDEND ARISTOCRATS NOBL :: V ETFnl DIVIDEND GROWERS PROSHARES ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (the Fund ) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 10.41% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 10.81% 2 and a volatility of 9.38%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 341,030 shares. The Fund takes positions in equity securities that should track the performance of the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, targets companies that are currently members of the S&P 500, have increased dividend payments each year for at least 25 years, and meet certain market capitalization and liquidity requirements. The Index contains a minimum of 40 stocks, which are equally weighted, and no single sector is allowed to comprise more than 30% of the Index s weight. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $15,555 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index $15,721 S&P 500 Index $15,335 ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 One Year Since Inception (10/9/13) ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF 10.41% 12.45% S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index 10.81% 12.89% 10/09/13 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $10,000 $8,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in ProShares S&P 500 Aristocrats ETF from October 9, 2013 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Expense Ratios** Fund Gross Net ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF 0.35% 0.35% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets CR Bard, Inc. 2.3% McDonald s Corp. 2.2% Brown-Forman Corp., Class B 2.2% S&P Global, Inc. 2.1% General Dynamics Corp. 2.1% S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index Composition % of Index Consumer Staples 25.5% Industrials 17.7% Health Care 14.3% Consumer Discretionary 11.6% Financials 9.8% Materials 9.8% Energy 3.8% Utilities 2.0% Information Technology 1.9% Telecommunication Services 1.9% Real Estate 1.7% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
VI REGL S&P MIDCAP 400 DIVIDEND ARISTOCRATS ETF :: MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE ::nl PROSHARES TRUST ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (the Fund ) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 15.36% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 15.79% 2 and a volatility of 11.79%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 65,049 shares. The Fund takes positions in equity securities that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, targets companies that are currently members of the S&P MidCap 400 Index, have increased dividend payments each year for at least 15 years, and meet certain market capitalization and liquidity requirements. The Index contains all companies meeting these requirements with a minimum of 40 stocks which are equally weighted. No single sector is allowed to comprise more than 30% of the Index s weight. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $13,374 S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats Index $12,129 S&P 400 Midcap Index $13,268 ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 One Year Since Inception (2/3/15) ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF 15.36% 12.96% S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats Index 15.79% 13.33% $10,000 Expense Ratios** 02/3/15 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $8,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF from February 3, 2015 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Fund Gross Net ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF 0.40% 0.40% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. 2.6% MSA Safety, Inc. 2.5% Graco, Inc. 2.5% AptarGroup, Inc. 2.4% Eaton Vance Corp. 2.4% S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats Index Composition % of Index Financials 29.9% Utilities 20.5% Industrials 17.4% Materials 12.5% Consumer Discretionary 4.0% Consumer Staples 3.8% Health Care 3.7% Information Technology 3.7% Real Estate 3.3% Telecommunication Services 1.2% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
PROSHARES TRUST MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE :: RUSSELL 2000 DIVIDEND GROWERS SMDV :: VII ETFnl ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (the Fund ) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 20.75% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 21.30% 2 and a volatility of 12.58%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 71,481 shares. The Fund takes positions in equity securities that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by Russell Investments, targets companies that are currently members of the Russell 2000 Index, have increased dividend payments each year for at least 10 consecutive years and meet certain market capitalization and liquidity requirements. The Index contains a minimum of 40 stocks, which are equally weighted. No single sector is allowed to comprise more than 30% of the Index s weight. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $13,961 Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index $11,836 Russell 2000 Index $13,820 ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 One Year Since Inception (2/3/15) ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF 20.75% 14.96% Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index 21.30% 15.45% 02/03/15 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $10,000 $8,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF from February 3, 2015 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Expense Ratios** Fund Gross Net ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF 0.40% 0.40% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets Aaron s, Inc. 2.2% Universal Health Realty Income Trust 2.0% Atrion Corp. 2.0% MSA Safety, Inc. 2.0% Calavo Growers, Inc. 2.0% Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index Composition % of Index Utilities 29.2% Industrials 15.8% Financials 14.9% Consumer Staples 11.9% Materials 6.9% Real Estate 5.5% Consumer Discretionary 5.4% Health Care 5.3% Information Technology 3.5% Telecommunication Services 1.6% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
VIII EFAD MSCI EAFE DIVIDEND GROWERS ETF :: MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE ::nl PROSHARES TRUST ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (the Fund ) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 6.38% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 6.82% 2 and a volatility of 14.96%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 18,781 shares. The Fund takes positions in equity securities that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by MSCI, targets companies that are currently members of the MSCI EAFE Index and have increased dividend payments each year for at least 10 years. The Index contains a minimum of 40 stocks, which are equally weighted. Generally, no single sector is allowed to comprise more than 30% of the Index s weight, and no single country is allowed to comprise more than 50% of the Index s weight. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $9,939 MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index $10,680 MSCI EAFE Index $9,791 ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF $12,000 $11,000 $10,000 $9,000 One Year Since Inception (8/19/14) ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF 6.38% -0.76% MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index 6.82% -0.22% Expense Ratios** 08/19/14 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $8,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF from August 19, 2014 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Fund Gross Net ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF 0.50% 0.50% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets Sysmex Corp. 1.8% Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (Registered) 1.8% Link REIT 1.8% SES SA 1.8% Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA 1.8% MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index Composition % of Index Health Care 21.4% Consumer Staples 17.4% Industrials 16.6% Consumer Discretionary 15.4% Financials 8.3% Utilities 6.7% Materials 5.5% Real Estate 3.6% Energy 3.2% Telecommunication Services 1.9% MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index Country % of Index United Kingdom 36.9% Japan 11.0% Switzerland 10.3% France 9.2% Others 8.0% Spain 5.6% Denmark 5.5% Germany 3.6% Hong Kong 3.4% Ireland 3.4% Australia 3.1% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
PROSHARES TRUST MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE :: MSCI EUROPE DIVIDEND GROWERS EUDV :: IX ETFnl ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF (the Fund) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the MSCI Europe Dividend Masters Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 8.13% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 8.78% 2 and a volatility of 17.16%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 3,065 shares. The Fund takes positions in equity securities that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by MSCI, targets companies that are currently members of the MSCI Europe Index and have increased dividend payments each year for at least 10 years. The Index contains a minimum of 25 stocks, which are equally weighted. Generally, no single sector is allowed to comprise more than 30% of the Index s weight, and no single country is allowed to comprise more than 50% of the Index s weight. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $10,679 MSCI Europe Dividend Masters Index $11,480 FTSE Developed Europe Index $10,573 ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF $12,000 $11,000 One Year Since Inception (9/9/15) ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF 8.13% 3.28% MSCI Europe Dividend Masters Index 8.78% 3.88% $10,000 Expense Ratios** 09/09/15 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $9,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF from September 9, 2015 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Fund Gross Net ProShares MSCI Europe Dividend Growers ETF 0.55% 0.55% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (Registered) 2.4% SES SA 2.3% Coloplast A/S, Class B 2.3% Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA 2.3% SEB SA 2.3% MSCI Europe Dividend Masters Index Composition % of Index Industrials 20.9% Health Care 19.6% Consumer Staples 17.8% Consumer Discretionary 15.2% Financials 8.6% Materials 6.9% Utilities 4.3% Energy 4.2% Telecommunication Services 2.5% MSCI Europe Dividend Masters Index Country % of Index United Kingdom 46.4% Switzerland 13.0% France 11.6% Spain 7.1% Denmark 6.9% Germany 4.6% Ireland 4.3% Belgium 2.2% Netherlands 2.0% Norway 1.9% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
X EMDV MSCI EMERGING MARKETS DIVIDEND GROWERS ETF :: MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE ::nl PROSHARES TRUST ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF (the Fund) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 17.74% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 18.83% 2 and a volatility of 13.44%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 2,053 shares. The Fund takes positions in equity securities that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by MSCI, targets companies that are currently members of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and have increased dividend payments each year for at least 7 years. The Index contains a minimum of 40 stocks, which are equally weighted. Generally, no single sector is allowed to comprise more than 30% of the Index s weight, and no single country is allowed to comprise more than 50% of the Index s weight. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $13,586 MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index $14,455 MSCI Emerging Markets Index $13,436 ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 One Year Since Inception (1/25/16) ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF 17.74%** 24.49% MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index 18.83% 25.53% $10,000 Expense Ratios*** 01/25/16 12/31/16 05/31/17 $8,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF from January 25, 2016 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Fund Gross Net ProShares MSCI Emerging Dividend Growers ETF 0.60% 0.60% **The Fund s Average Annual Total Returns are based on net asset values calculated for shareholder transactions which are not reflective of adjustments required pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Accordingly, differences may exist between this data and similar information reported in the financial statements. ***Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets ITC Ltd. 1.6% LIC Housing Finance Ltd. 1.6% China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H 1.6% Bidvest Group Ltd. (The) 1.6% Shoprite Holdings Ltd. 1.6% MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index Composition % of Index Financials 27.9% Consumer Discretionary 13.3% Consumer Staples 12.9% Information Technology 10.5% Industrials 9.4% Real Estate 7.4% Energy 6.8% Materials 4.9% Utilities 4.2% Health Care 2.7% MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index Country % of Index India 20.3% South Africa 18.0% China 17.7% Korea 11.5% Taiwan 7.1% Others 5.5% Mexico 5.0% Indonesia 4.9% Colombia 4.6% Philippines 3.0% Russia 2.4% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
PROSHARES TRUST MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE :: MORNINGSTAR ALTERNATIVES SOLUTION ALTS :: XI ETFnl ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS PROSHARES ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF (the Fund ) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the Morningstar Diversified Alternatives Index SM (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 3.51% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 3.76% 2 and a volatility of 4.47%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 4,354 shares. The Fund takes positions in exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ) that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index is designed to provide diversified exposure to alternative asset classes in order to enhance risk adjusted portfolio returns when combined with a range of traditional investments. It allocates its assets among a comprehensive set of alternative ETFs, each of which is a ProShares ETF, that employ alternative and non-traditional strategies such as long/short, market neutral, managed futures, hedge fund replication, private equity, infrastructure or inflation-related investments. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $10,231 Morningstar Diversified Alternatives Index $12,958 S&P 500 Index $10,177 ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF $13,000 $12,000 $11,000 One Year Since Inception (10/8/14) ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF 3.51% 0.66% Morningstar Diversified Alternatives Index 3.76% 0.87% $10,000 Expense Ratios** 10/08/14 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $9,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF from October 8, 2014 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Fund Gross Net ProShares Morningstar Alternatives Solution ETF 1.44% 0.95% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. Contractual fee waivers are in effect through September 30, 2017.See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Exchange Traded Funds 100% Total Exposure 100% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets ProShares Hedge Replication ETF 22.3% ProShares Inflation Expectations ETF 17.2% ProShares Managed Futures Strategy ETF 16.7% ProShares RAFI Long/Short 15.4% ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF 13.8% Morningstar Diversified Alternatives Index Composition Strategy % of Index Hedge Fund Replication 22.3% Inflation 17.2% Managed Futures 16.7% Market Neutral 15.4% Private Equity 13.8% Long/Short 10.1% Infrastructure 4.5% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
XII TOLZ DJ BROOKFIELD GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE ETF :: MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE ::nl PROSHARES TRUST SPECIALTY EQUITY PROSHARES ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF (the Fund ) seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Composite Index (the Index ). For the year ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had a total return of 13.19% 1. For the same period, the Index had a total return of 12.75% 2 and a volatility of 11.14%. For the period, the Fund had an average daily volume of 8,404 shares. The Fund takes positions in securities that should have similar return characteristics as the Index. The Index, constructed and maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, consists of companies domiciled globally that qualify as pure-play infrastructure companies companies whose primary business is the ownership and operation of infrastructure assets, activities that generally generate long-term stable cash flows. Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value* Average Annual Total Return as of 5/31/17 $11,773 Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Composite Index $13,827 S&P 500 Index $11,882 ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF $14,000 $12,000 $10,000 One Year Since Inception (3/25/14) ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF 13.19% 5.57% Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Composite Index 12.75% 5.26% $8,000 Expense Ratios** 03/25/14 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 05/31/17 $6,000 *The line graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF from March 25, 2014 to May 31, 2017, assuming the reinvestment of distributions. Fund Gross Net ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF 0.46% 0.46% **Reflects the expense ratio as reported in the Prospectus dated October 1, 2016. See Financial Highlights for effective expense ratios. Allocation of Portfolio Holdings & Index Composition as of 5/31/17 Market Exposure Investment Type % of Net Assets Equity Securities 84% Master Limited Partnerships 14% Closed End Funds 1% Total Exposure 99% Market Exposure includes the value of total investments (including the contract value of any derivatives) and excludes any short-term investments and cash equivalents. Largest Equity Holdings Company % of Net Assets Enbridge, Inc. 5.6% National Grid plc 5.2% American Tower Corp. 4.7% Vinci SA 4.6% TransCanada Corp. 3.6% Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Composite Index Composition % of Index Energy 35.6% Utilities 34.9% Industrials 17.6% Real Estate 9.3% Consumer Discretionary 1.4% Telecommunication Services 0.6% Others 0.6% Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Composite Index Country % of Index United States 48.2% Canada 14.5% United Kingdom 7.9% France 6.2% Spain 5.8% Others 4.1% Australia 4.0% Italy 3.8% China 2.0% Hong Kong 1.9% Japan 1.6% Past performance does not guarantee future results. Return calculations assume the reinvestment of distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and net asset value ( NAV ) will fluctuate so that an investor s shares, when redeemed, may be more or less than the original cost. The performance above reflects any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would be lower. To obtain performance current to the most recent month please visit www.proshares.com. 1 Fund returns are based on the NAV of the Fund. This calculation reflects the theoretical reinvestment of distributions, if any, in the Fund as of the ex-date. The impact of transaction costs and the inability of investors to reinvest fractional shares are not reflected in the calculations. 2 The Index is a price return index. The total return and any graph or table reflect the theoretical reinvestment of dividends on securities in the Index. The impact of transaction costs and the deduction of expenses associated with an exchange traded fund such as investment management and accounting fees, are not reflected in the Index calculation. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. The above information is not covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.