Annual Report by Investment Company (Form N-CSR)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number

811-21853

Northern Lights Variable Fund Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH	45246
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

The Corporation Trust Company

1209 Orange Street Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(631) 470-2600

Date of fiscal year end:	12/31
Date of reporting period:	12/31/2025

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

(a)

(b)

Not applicable

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a)	The registrant has, as of the end of the period covered by this report, adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.
(b)	Not applicable.
(c)	During the period covered by this report, there were no amendments to any provision of the code of ethics.
(d)	During the period covered by this report, there were no waivers or implicit waivers of a provision of the code of ethics.
(e)	Not applicable.
(f)	See Item 19(a)(1)

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

(a)(1) The Registrant’s board of trustees has determined that Mark Gersten, Anthony J. Hertl, and Mark H. Taylor are audit committee financial experts, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Gersten, Mr. Hertl and Mr. Taylor are independent for purposes of this Item.

(a)(2) Not applicable.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a)	Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the registrant’s principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are as follows:
	2025 - $15,500 2024 - $15,000

(b)	Audit-Related Fees. There were no fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurances and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item.
(c)	Tax Fees- The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance are as follows:
	2025 - $4,000 2024 - $4,000
	Preparation of Federal & State income tax returns, assistance with calculation of required income, capital gain and excise distributions and preparation of Federal excise tax returns.

(d)	All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this item were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively.
(e)(1)	The audit committee does not have pre-approval policies and procedures. Instead, the audit committee or audit committee chairman approves on a case-by-case basis each audit or non-audit service before the principal accountant is engaged by the registrant.
(e)(2)	There were no services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f)	Not applicable.
(g)	All non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for services rendered to the registrant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively are disclosed in (b)-(d) above. There were no audit or non-audit services performed by the registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant’s adviser.
(h)	Not applicable.
(i)	Not applicable.
(j)	Not applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

(a) The Registrant’s schedule of investments in unaffiliated issuers is included in the Financial Statements under Item 7 of this form.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

(a)

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

A series of the Northern Lights Variable Trust

Annual Financial Statements

and

Additional Information

December 31, 2025

Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC

Member FINRA

BAIN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2025

Shares						Fair Value
				COMMON STOCKS - 100.2%
				AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 15.0%
	9,663			Airbus S.E.		$	2,251,590
	219,050			Rolls-Royce Holdings plc			3,388,268
							5,639,858
				ASSET MANAGEMENT - 9.0%
	6,419			Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.			1,850,469
	12,058			KKR & Company, Inc.			1,537,154
							3,387,623
				BANKING - 18.9%
	74,922			Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.			1,764,247
	140,016			Banco Santander S.A.			1,655,933
	15,810			Citigroup, Inc.			1,844,869
	15,319			Erste Group Bank A.G.			1,851,320
							7,116,369
				E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 0.5%
	877			Amazon.com, Inc.(a)			202,429
				ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 9.6%
	4,299			Hubbell, Inc.			1,909,229
	12,164			Siemens Energy A.G.			1,720,040
							3,629,269
				HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 1.6%
	58,762			Haleon plc - ADR			594,084
				INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES - 4.4%
	10,211			Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.			1,653,774
				INSURANCE - 7.3%
	112,800			AIA Group Ltd.			1,157,926
	102,366			Prudential PLC			1,575,826
							2,733,752
				INTERNET MEDIA & SERVICES - 3.0%
	3,556			Alphabet, Inc., Class A			1,113,028

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

BAIN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2025

Shares						Fair Value
				COMMON STOCKS - 100.2% (Continued)
				LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 0.9%
	2,260			Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)		$	322,050
				MACHINERY - 3.2%
	6,458			Crane Company			1,191,049
				PUBLISHING & BROADCASTING - 7.9%
	30,118			Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One(a)			2,966,924
				SEMICONDUCTORS - 5.1%
	6,333			Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. - ADR			1,924,535
				SPECIALTY FINANCE - 4.2%
	6,566			Capital One Financial Corporation			1,591,336
				TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS - 4.2%
	6,189			DSV A/S			1,571,677
				WHOLESALE - CONSUMER STAPLES - 5.4%
	22,390			Performance Food Group Company(a)			2,013,309
				TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $35,726,813)			37,651,066
Shares						Fair Value
				SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.2%
				MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.2%
	95,969			Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund, Institutional Shares, 3.65% (Cost $95,969)(b)			95,969
				TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.4% (Cost $35,822,782)		$	37,747,035
				LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS - (0.4)%			(163,433	)
				NET ASSETS - 100.0%		$	37,583,602

ADR	- American Depositary Receipt
A.G.	- Aktiengesellschaft
A/S	- Aktieselskab
LTD	- Limited Company
PLC	- Public Limited Company
S.E.	- Société Europeae

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of December 31, 2025.

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2025

Assets:
Investments in securities, at cost		$	35,822,782
Investments in securities, at fair value		$	37,747,035
Receivable for securities sold			381,338
Interest and dividends receivable			7,850
Receivable due from advisor, net			12,406
Prepaid expenses and other assets			1,300
Total Assets			38,149,929
Liabilities:
Payable for securities purchased			434,083
Payable for Fund shares redeemed			3,737
Foreign currency payable			13
Accrued distribution (12b-1) fees			17,824
Payable to related parties			43,800
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			66,870
Total Liabilities			566,327
Net Assets		$	37,583,602
Components of Net Assets:
Paid-in capital		$	36,127,851
Accumulated earnings			1,455,751
Net Assets		$	37,583,602
Net Asset Value Per Share
Class 1 Shares:
Net assets		$	2,315,165
Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)			213,698
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share (Net assets ÷ Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding)		$	10.83
Class 2 Shares:
Net assets		$	35,268,437
Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)			3,260,563
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share (Net assets ÷ Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding)		$	10.82

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Investment Income:
Dividend income		$	172,575
Interest income			8,799
Less: Foreign dividend withholding taxes			(7,043	)
Total Investment Income			174,331
Expenses:
Investment advisory fees			225,999
Distribution fees (12b-1)
Class 2 Shares			42,967
Administrative and accounting service fees			97,299
Transfer agent fees			64,558
Custody Fee			41,476
Legal fees			41,057
Offering fees			38,136
Trustees’ fees			17,778
Audit and tax fees			16,745
Professional fees			16,584
Printing and postage expense			15,590
Insurance expense			2,246
Miscellaneous fees and expenses			1,593
Total Expenses			622,028
Expenses waived/reimbursed by the Advisor			(332,649	)
Net Expenses			289,379
Net Investment Loss			(115,048	)
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized loss on investments			(354,705	)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions			5,525
			(349,180	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments			1,936,087
Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translation			69
			1,936,156
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			1,586,976
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations		$	1,471,928

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

		Year Ended				Period Ended
		December 31, 2025				December 31, 2024*
Decrease in Net Assets:
From Operations:
Net investment loss		$	(115,048	)		$	(591	)
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions			(349,180	)			(5,570	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation			1,936,156				(11,834	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			1,471,928				(17,995	)
From Shares of Beneficial Interest:
Proceeds from shares sold:
Class 1			2,456,736				10
Class 2			37,405,971				1,317,293
Payments for shares redeemed:
Class 1			(197,610	)			-
Class 2			(4,850,060	)			(2,671	)
Net increase in net assets from share transactions of beneficial interest			34,815,037				1,314,632
Total Increase In Net Assets			36,286,965				1,296,637
Net Assets:
Beginning of period/year			1,296,637				-
End of period/year		$	37,583,602			$	1,296,637
SHARE ACTIVITY
Class 1
Shares Sold			231,955				1
Shares Redeemed			(18,258	)			-
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding			213,697				1
Class 2
Shares Sold			3,593,255				131,664
Shares Redeemed			(464,090	)			(266	)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding			3,129,165				131,398

*

The Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund commenced operations on October 25, 2024

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights

Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout the year/period indicated.

		Class 1 Shares
		Year Ended				Period Ended
		December 31, 2025				December 31, 2024(a)
Net asset value, beginning of year/period		$	9.87			$	10.00
Activity from investment operations:
Net investment loss(b)			(0.05	)			(0.03	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments			1.01				(0.10	)
Total gain (loss) from investment operations			0.96				(0.13	)
Net asset value, end of year/period		$	10.83			$	9.87
Total return(c)			9.73	%			(1.30	)% (g)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year/period		$	2,315,165			$	10
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets(d)(e)			3.21	%			105.47	% (h)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets(e)			1.35	%			1.35	% (h)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets(f)			(0.89	)%			(1.05	)% (h)
Portfolio turnover rate			516	%			39	% (g)

(a)

The Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund commenced operations on October 25, 2024.

(b)

Net investment loss has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

(c)

Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(d)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the advisor and affiliates.

(e)

Does not include the Fund’s share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f)

The recognition of investment loss by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(g)

Not annualized.

(h)

Annualized.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights

Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout the year/period indicated.

		Class 2 Shares
		Year Ended				Period Ended
		December 31, 2025				December 31, 2024(a)
Net asset value, beginning of year/period		$	9.87			$	10.00
Activity from investment operations:
Net investment loss(b)			(0.07	)			(0.01	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments			1.02				(0.12	)
Total gain (loss) from investment operations			0.95				(0.13	)
Net asset value, end of year/period		$	10.82			$	9.87
Total return(c)			9.63	%			(1.30	)% (g)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year/period (in 000’s)		$	35,268			$	1,297
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets(d)(e)			3.46	%			105.72	% (h)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets(e)			1.60	%			1.60	% (h)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets(f)			(0.64	)%			(0.80	)% (h)
Portfolio turnover rate			516	%			39	% (g)

(a)

The Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund commenced operations on October 25, 2024.

(b)

Net investment loss has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

(c)

Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(d)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the advisor and affiliates.

(e)

Does not include the Fund’s share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f)

The recognition of investment loss by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(g)

Not annualized.

(h)

Annualized.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2025

1.

ORGANIZATION

The Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified series of shares of beneficial interest of Northern Lights Variable Trust (the "Trust"), a statutory trust organized on November 2, 2005 under the laws of the State of Delaware and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Fund is intended, in part, to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and flexible premium variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of various insurance companies. The assets of the Fund are segregated and a shareholder's interest is limited to the Fund in which shares are held. The Fund pays its own expenses. The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation over a multi-year market cycle, generally 3-5 years. The Fund commenced operations on October 25, 2024.

The Fund currently offers two classes of shares: Class 1 Shares, and Class 2 Shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund, and has identical rights and privileges except with respect to arrangements pertaining to shareholder servicing or distribution, class-related expenses, voting rights on matters affecting a single class of shares, and the exchange privilege of each class of shares. The Fund's share classes differ in the fees and expenses charged to shareholders. The Fund's income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 "Financial Services - Investment Companies", including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08.

Segment Reporting - An operating segment is defined as a component of a public entity that engages in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, has operating results that are regularly reviewed by the public entity's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and has discrete financial information available. The CODM is comprised of the portfolio manager and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust. The Fund operates as a single operating segment. The Fund's income, expenses, assets, changes in net assets resulting from operations and performance are regularly monitored and assessed as a whole by the CODM responsible for oversight functions of the Fund, using the information presented in the financial statements and financial highlights.

Securities Valuation - Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the primary exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price ("NOCP"). In the absence of a sale, such securities shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the primary exchange on the day of valuation. Short-term debt obligations having 60 days or less remaining until maturity, at time of purchase, may be valued at amortized cost. Futures and future options are valued at the final settled price or, in the absence of a settled price, at the last sale price on the day of valuation. The value of foreign currencies and of foreign securities whose value is quoted or calculated in a foreign currency shall be converted into US dollars based on foreign exchange rates provided by a major banking institution(s) or currency dealer(s) selected by the pricing agent providing such price, or by the Advisor in the case of securities for which the Advisor provides a fair value determination, at 4:00 pm ET or the nearest time prior to the Valuation Time, at which such foreign currency quotations are available.

Valuation of Underlying Funds - The Fund may invest in portfolios of open-end or closed-end investment companies (the "Underlying Funds"). The Underlying Funds value securities in their portfolios for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value to the methods established by the board of directors of the Underlying Funds. Open-end investment companies are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies. The shares of many closed-end

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2025

investment companies, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is different than the net asset value per share. The difference represents a market premium or market discount of such shares. There can be no assurance that the market discount or market premium on shares of any closed-end investment company purchased by the Fund will not change.

The Fund may hold investments, such as private investments, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These investments will be valued using the "fair value" procedures approved by the Board. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to the advisor as its valuation designee (the "Valuation Designee"). The Board may also enlist third party consultants such a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist the Valuation Designee in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving fair value methodologies utilized by the Valuation Designee, which approval shall be based upon whether the Valuation Designee followed the valuation procedures established by the Board.

Fair Valuation Process - The applicable investments are valued by the Valuation Designee pursuant to valuation procedures established by the Board. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source); (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the Valuation Designee, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument; factors which may cause the Valuation Designee to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an ask price is available; the spread between bid and ask prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; and (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a "significant event") since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Fund's calculation of its net asset value. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private investments or non-traded securities are valued based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties is unavailable, the Valuation Designee shall determine, the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Fund's holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.

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

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

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

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

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2025

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

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

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used as of December 31, 2025 for the Fund's investments measured at fair value:

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund
Assets*		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Common Stock		$	37,651,066			$	-			$	-			$	37,651,066
Short-Term Investment			95,969				-				-				95,969
Total		$	37,747,035			$	-			$	-			$	37,747,035

The Fund did not hold any Level 2 or Level 3 securities during the year ended December 31, 2025.

*

Refer to the Schedule of Investments for security classifications.

Exchange Traded Funds - The Fund may invest in exchange traded funds ("ETFs"). An ETF is a type of open-end fund, however, unlike a mutual fund, its shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange at market price and only certain financial institutions called authorized participants may buy and redeem shares of the ETF at net asset value. ETF shares can trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. Each ETF like a mutual fund is subject to specific risks depending on the type of strategy (actively managed or passively tracking an index) and the composition of its underlying holdings. Investing in an ETF involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the ETF's underlying holdings. ETFs pay fees and incur operating expenses, which reduce the total return earned by the ETFs from their underlying holdings. An ETF may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment strategy effectively, which may adversely affect the Fund's performance

Foreign Currency Risk - Foreign securities and currency strategies will subject the Fund to currency trading risks that include market risk, credit risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Credit risk results because a currency-trade counterparty may default. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

Security Transactions and Related Income - Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized on securities purchased over the lives of the respective securities. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains or losses from sales of securities are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains if any, are declared and paid annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-date and are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These "book/tax" differences are considered either temporary ( e.g., deferred losses, capital loss carryforwards) or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets, results from operations or net asset value per share of the Fund.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2025

Federal Income Tax - The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify each year as regulated investment companies ("RIC") under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. By complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and annually distributing substantially all net investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains, no provision for federal income tax is required.

The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is "more likely than not" to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has reviewed the Fund's tax positions and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken in the current tax year or on returns filed in previous tax years which are still open to examination by all major tax authorities (generally, federal returns are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years from date of filing) The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations when incurred. During the fiscal year, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. The Fund typically intends to annually distribute sufficient net investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains if any, so that they will not be subject to the excise tax on undistributed income of RICs. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed annually, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

Expenses - Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses, which are not readily identifiable to a specific fund, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the portfolios in the Trust.

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents are held with a financial institution. The assets of the Fund may be placed in deposit accounts at U.S. banks and such deposits can exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limits. The FDIC insures deposit accounts up to $250,000 for each account holder. The counterparty is generally a single bank rather than a group of financial institutions; thus there may be a greater counterparty credit risk. The Fund places deposits only with those counterparties which are believed to be creditworthy and there has been no history of loss.

Market and Geopolitical Risk - The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, climate-change and climate related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your investment in the Fund.

Organizational and Offering Costs - Organizational costs are charged to expense as incurred. Offering costs incurred by the Fund are treated as deferred charges until operations commence and thereafter will be amortized into expense over 12 months using the straight-line method.

3.

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

For the year ended December 31, 2025, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term investments and government securities, amounted to $128,557,541 and $93,778,496 respectively.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2025

4.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Bain Capital Public Equity, LP, serves as the Fund's investment advisor (the "Advisor"). Pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Trust, the Advisor, on behalf of the Fund, under the oversight of the Board, directs the daily investment operations of the Fund and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee in accordance with the incremental advisory fee schedule below based on the Fund's average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Advisor earned $225,999 in advisory fees.

				Incremental
				Advisory
	Net Assets of the Fund			Fee
	$0-$150 million			1.25%
	$150 million - $400 million			1.20%
	$400 million - $600 million			1.15%
	$600 million - $800 million			1.10%
	$800 million - $1 billion			1.05%
	$1 billion +			1.00%

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees to limit Fund expenses, until April 30, 2026 so that the total annual operating expenses (including organizational and offering costs) of the Fund (excluding any brokerage fees and commissions; acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example options and swap fees and expenses); borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); taxes; and extraordinary expenses) of the Fund do not exceed 1.35% and 1.60% for Class 1 and Class 2 shares, respectively. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed existing expense limitations or the limitations in place at the time the reduction was originally made. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Advisor waived $332,649 in fees pursuant to the agreement.

As of December 31, 2025, the Advisor may recapture $77,083 through December 31, 2027 and $332,649 through December 31, 2028.

The Fund expenses organization costs as incurred. Offering costs include insurance fees and legal fees regarding the preparation of the initial registration statement. Offering costs are accounted for as deferred costs until operations begin. These organization and offering costs were advanced by the Adviser and the Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for these expenses, subject to potential recovery as described above. The total amount of offering costs incurred by the Fund was $38,136. As of December 31, 2025, all offering costs have been fully amortized as shown on the Statement of Operations.

The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted the Trust's Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan ("12b-1 Plan" or "Plan") for Class 2 shares. The fee is calculated at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Fund's Class 2 shares and is paid to Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor") to provide compensation for ongoing shareholder servicing and distribution related activities and/or maintenance of the Fund's shareholder accounts, not otherwise required to be provided by the Advisor. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid $42,967 in distribution fees under the Plan.

In addition, certain affiliates of the Distributor provide services to the Fund as follows:

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC ("UFS"), an affiliate of the Distributor, provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agent services to the Trust. Pursuant to the terms of an administrative servicing agreement with UFS, the Fund pays to UFS a monthly fee for all operating expenses of the Fund, which is calculated by the Fund on its average daily net assets. Operating expenses include but are not limited to Fund Accounting, Fund Administration, Transfer Agency, Legal Fees, Audit Fees, Compliance Services, Shareholder Reporting Expenses, Trustees Fees and Custody Fees. Certain Officers of the Trust are also Officers of UFS, and are not paid any fees directly by the Fund for serving in such capacities.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2025

For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund accrued Trustees fees in the amount of $17,778 on behalf of the Fund.

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives customary fees from UFS under the administrative servicing agreement.

Blu Giant, LLC ("Blu Giant"), an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Fund on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, BluGiant receives customary fees from UFS under the administrative servicing agreement.

5.

CONTROL OWNERSHIP

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund creates presumption of the control of the Fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of December 31, 2025, John Hancock Life Insurance Company held 74% of the voting securities of the Fund. The Trust has no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the shares owned of record are also owned beneficially.

6.

LINE OF CREDIT

In June 2025, the Fund entered into a margin facility with The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Facility"). Each Margin Loan made shall be in an amount of not less than U.S. $250,000, or any greater amount that is a whole multiple of U.S. $250,000; provided, that a Margin Loan may be in amount equal to $600,000 and the Aggregate Collateral Value.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the average principal balance outstanding and average annualized interest rate under the Facility were approximately $500,000 and 4.77%, respectively. At December 31, 2025, the principal balance outstanding under the Facility was $0.

7.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL

The table below represents aggregate cost for federal tax purposes for the Fund as of December 31, 2025, and differs from market value by net unrealized appreciation/depreciation which consisted of:

												Tax Net
Cost of Federal				Unrealized				Unrealized				Unrealized
Tax Purposes				Appreciation				Depreciation				Appreciation
$	36,553,752			$	2,010,774			$	(817,491	)		$	1,193,283

There were no Fund distributions for the period ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025.

As of December 31, 2025, the components of accumulated earnings/ deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed				Undistributed				Post October Loss				Capital Loss				Other				Unrealized				Total
Ordinary				Long-Term				and				Carry				Book/Tax				Appreciation/				Distributable Earnings/
Income				Gains				Late Year Loss				Forwards				Differences				(Depreciation)				(Accumulated/Deficits)
$	262,252			$	133			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	1,193,366			$	1,455,751

The difference between book basis and tax basis undistributed net investment income/(loss), accumulated net realized gain/(loss), and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and open mark-to-market on forward contracts.

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2025

8.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

The Fund adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Update 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09"), which establishes new income tax disclosure requirements and modifies or eliminates certain existing disclosure provisions. The amendments in this ASU are intended to address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information and to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The Fund's adoption of ASU 2023-09 did not have a material impact on the Fund's financial statements.

9.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events after the Statement of Assets and Liabilities date have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements other than the following.

The Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Variable Trust (the "Trust") has determined based, in part, on the recommendation of the investment adviser of the Fund, that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders that the Fund cease operations. The Board has decided to close the Fund and redeem all remaining outstanding shares on May 1, 2026.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Variable Trust and the
Shareholders of Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund (the Fund), a series of Northern Lights Variable Trust, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2025, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets for the year then ended and for the period from October 25, 2024 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2024, and the related notes to the financial statements (collectively, the financial statements), and the financial highlights for the year then ended and for the period from October 25, 2024 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2024.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2025, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in net assets for the year then ended and for the period from October 25, 2024 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2024, and the financial highlights for the year then ended and for the period from October 25, 2024 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Emphasis of a Matter

As described in Note 9 to the financial statements, the Board of Trustees has determined based, in part, on the recommendation of the investment adviser of the Fund, that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders that the Fund cease operations. The Board has decided to close the Fund and redeem all remaining outstanding shares on May 1, 2026. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2025, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, and by other appropriate procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the auditor of one or more Bain Capital Public Equity, LP advised investment companies since 2024.

Denver, Colorado
February 27, 2026

Bain Capital Equity Opportunities Fund

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

December 31, 2025

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

Proxy Disclosures

Not applicable.

Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers and Others

Refer to the financial statements included herein.

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

Not applicable.

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Bain Capital Public Equity, LP

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02116

ADMINISTRATOR

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022

Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies.

Included under Item 7

Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract.

Included under Item 7

Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.

Item 16. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-(2) under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of this report on Form N-CSR.

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

Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

(a)

Not applicable.

(b)

Not applicable.

Item 19. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics herewith.

(a)(2) Not applicable

(a)(3) 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)): Attached hereto. Exhibit 99. CERT

(a)(4) Not applicable.

(b) Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)): Attached hereto 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) Northern Lights Variable Fund Trust

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Kevin E. Wolf

Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President

Date

2/24/2026

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/ Kevin E. Wolf

Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President

Date

2/24/2026

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ James Colantino

James Colantino, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer

Date

2/24/2026