STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
October 28, 2004
This Statement of Additional Information (the SAI) is not a prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the prospectus dated October 28, 2004 (the Prospectus) of Cullen Value Fund (the Fund), a series of the Cullen Funds Trust (the Trust), without charge by calling the Fund at 1-877-485-8586 or by writing the Fund at the address set forth below. This SAI contains information in addition to and more detailed than that set forth in the Prospectus. You should read this SAI together with the Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
The audited financial statements for the Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 are incorporated by reference to the Trusts June 30, 2004 Annual Report and are available by request without charge by calling 1-877-485-8586.
Regular Mail
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Overnight or Express Mail
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Cullen Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
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Cullen Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street, 3
rd
Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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The Trust
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3
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Description of the Fund and its Investment Objective, Policies and Risks
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3
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Investment Restrictions
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8
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Management of the Fund
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9
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Control Persons and Principal Holders of Shares
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13
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Investment Advisory and Other Services
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14
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Distributor
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17
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Distribution Plan
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18
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Brokerage
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19
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Capital Structure
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20
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Determination of Net Asset Value
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22
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Purchase and Redemption of Shares
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22
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Anti-Money Laundering Program
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24
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
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24
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Additional Information on Distributions and Taxes
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24
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Calculation of Performance Data
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27
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Shareholder Reports
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30
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Service Providers
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31
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Additional Information
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31
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Financial Statements
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31
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Appendix A
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32
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The Trust is an open-end management investment company created as a Delaware statutory trust on March 25, 2000 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act). The Trust currently offers two diversified portfolios to investors, the Cullen Value Fund and the Cullen High Dividend Equity Fund. An investor, by investing in the Fund, becomes entitled to a pro rata share of all dividends and distributions arising from the net income and capital gains on the investments of the Fund. Likewise, an investor shares pro rata in any losses of the Fund.
Description of the Fund and its Investment Objective, Policies and Risks
For additional information on the Fund, its investment objective, policies and risks, see also What are the Funds Goals? What are the Funds Principal Investment Strategies? and Additional Information on Investment Policies and Risks in the Funds Prospectus and Investment Restrictions below.
Investment Objective
The primary investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation and portfolio securities are selected primarily with a view to achieve this objective. The Funds primary objective is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be changed without shareholder approval as described below in Investment Restrictions. Current income is a secondary objective in the selection of investments. This secondary objective is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees without a vote of the shareholders.
Diversification
It is anticipated that the Fund will diversify its investments among various issuers in different industries. The Fund may, however, from time to time, invest up to 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers, all of which conduct their principal business activities in the same industry.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund expects to purchase and sell securities at such times as it deems to be in the best interest of its shareholders. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate should not significantly exceed 50%. The Fund, however, has not placed any limit on its rate of portfolio turnover, and securities may be sold without regard to the time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Funds investment adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. The turnover rate for the Fund for the past two fiscal periods were as follows:
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Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2004
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Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2003
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Portfolio Turnover
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69.67%
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70.64%
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Convertible Securities
Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks, or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest normally paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics, and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its investment value (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its conversion value (the securitys worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible securitys investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value.
Foreign Securities and Currencies
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in foreign securities.
Foreign investments involve special risks, including:
§
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expropriation, confiscatory taxation, and withholding taxes on dividends and interest;
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§
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less extensive regulation of foreign brokers, securities markets, and issuers;
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§
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less publicly available information and different accounting standards;
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§
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costs incurred in conversions between currencies, possible delays in settlement in foreign securities markets, limitations on the use or transfer of assets (including suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country), and difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries; and
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§
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diplomatic developments and political or social instability.
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Foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in various respects, including growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance-of-payments positions. Many foreign securities may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than comparable U.S. securities. From time to time foreign securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without adverse price effects. Certain costs attributable to foreign investing, such as custody charges and brokerage costs may be higher than those attributable to domestic investing.
The risks of foreign investments are generally intensified for investments in developing countries. Risks of investing in such markets include:
§
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less social, political and economic stability;
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§
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small securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in a lack of liquidity and greater price volatility;
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§
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certain national policies that may restrict the Funds investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property, which could result in the Funds loss of its entire investment in that market; and
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§
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less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property.
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In addition, brokerage commissions, custodial services, withholding taxes, and other costs relating to investments in emerging markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S. and certain more established foreign markets. Economics in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values, and other protectionist measures negotiated or imposed by the countries with which they trade.
Because most foreign securities are denominated in non-U.S. currencies, the investment performance of the Fund could be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates to some extent. The value of the Funds assets denominated in foreign currencies will increase or decrease in response to fluctuations in the value of those foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile at times in response to supply and demand in the currency exchange markets, international balances of payments, governmental intervention, speculation, and other political and economic conditions.
Medium-Capitalization Companies
The Fund may invest in medium-capitalization companies. While medium-capitalization companies often have the potential for growth, investments in medium-capitalization companies often involve greater risks than investments in large, more established companies. Medium-capitalization companies may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of large companies. In addition, in certain instances the securities of medium-capitalization companies are traded only over-the-counter (OTC) or on a regional securities exchange, and the frequency and volume of their trading may be substantially less than is typical of larger companies. (The OTC market is the security exchange system in which broker/dealers negotiate directly with one another rather than through the facilities of a securities exchange). Therefore, the securities of medium-capitalization companies may be subject to greater and more abrupt price fluctuations. When making large sales, the Fund may have to sell portfolio holdings at discounts from quoted prices or may have to make a series of small sales over an extended period of time due to the trading volume of medium-capitalization company securities. Investors should be aware that, based on the foregoing factors, an investment in the Fund may be subject to greater price fluctuations than an investment in a mutual fund that invests primarily in the largest, most established companies. The investment advisers research efforts may also play a greater role in selecting securities for the Fund than in a mutual fund that invests exclusively in larger, more established companies.
Warrants
The Fund may acquire warrants. Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of issuance) during a specified period or perpetually. Warrants may be acquired separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
Cash Investments
Cash or cash equivalents in which the Fund may invest when its investment adviser is unable to identify attractive equity investments include short-term money market securities such as U.S. Treasury bills, prime-rated commercial paper, certificates of deposit, variable rate demand notes, or repurchase agreements. Variable rate demand notes are non-negotiable instruments. The instruments the Fund invests in are generally rated at least A-l by Standard & Poors Corporation. However, the Fund may be susceptible to credit risk with respect to these notes to the extent that the issuer defaults on its payment obligation.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks or non-bank dealers. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security at one price, and at the time of sale, the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation at a mutually agreed upon time and price (within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby determines the yield during the purchasers holding period, while the sellers obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying security. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of the seller, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses, including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights; (b) possible subnormal levels of income or proceeds and lack of access to income and proceeds during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities
The Fund may not invest in any securities that are restricted from sale to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund is permitted to purchase securities which, based upon their nature or the market for such securities, are illiquid or for which no readily available market exists provided that such purchases are in accordance with regulations governing the percentage of illiquid securities which may be owned by the Fund. These regulations generally limit mutual funds like the Fund from holding or purchasing illiquid securities totaling more than 15% of the value of their net assets. While the Fund does not intend to purchase illiquid securities, it is possible that a security for which a readily available market was available at the time of purchase is not available at the time the Fund seeks to sell such security. In these cases, the Fund may have to lower the price, sell other portfolio securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative impact on Fund management or performance. Because illiquid securities may be difficult to sell at an acceptable price, they may be subject to greater volatility and may result in a loss to the Fund.
Although no definite quality criteria are necessarily used, the following factors will be considered in determining whether a security is illiquid: (i) the nature of the market for a security (including the institutional, private or international resale market), (ii) the terms of these securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof (e.g., certain repurchase obligations and demand instruments), (iii) the availability of market quotations (e.g., for securities quoted in PORTAL system), and (iv) other permissible relevant factors. Because an active market may not exist for illiquid securities, the Fund may experience delays and additional cost when trying to sell illiquid securities.
Fundamental Restrictions
The policies set forth below are fundamental policies of the Fund and may not be changed without approval of the holders of the lesser of: (i) 67% of the Funds shares present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of such shares are present or represented, or (ii) more than 50% of outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund may not:
1.
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Purchase securities on margin, participate in a joint-trading account (the bunching of securities transaction orders with orders of other accounts managed by the adviser not being considered participation in a joint-trading account for this purpose), sell securities short, act as an underwriter or distributor of securities other than shares of the Fund, lend money (except by purchasing publicly distributed debt securities or entering into repurchase agreements) or purchase or sell commodities, commodities futures or real estate (marketable securities of companies whose business involves the purchase or sale of real estate not being considered real estate for this purpose).
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2.
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Borrow money or issue senior securities except for temporary bank borrowings (not in excess of 5% of the value of its total assets) for emergency or extraordinary purposes, or pledge, mortgage or hypothecate any of its assets to secure such borrowings to an extent greater than 10% of the value of the Funds net assets.
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3.
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Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management of any company.
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4.
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Purchase securities of any issuer (other than the United States or an instrumentality of the United States) if, as a result of such purchase, the Fund would hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any class of such issuer or more than 5% of the Funds total assets would be invested in securities of such issuer.
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5.
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Concentrate 25% or more of the value of its total assets, exclusive of U.S. government securities, in securities issued by companies primarily engaged in the same industry.
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6.
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Enter into repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days.
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7.
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Invest in put or call options.
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Non-Fundamental Restrictions
Additional investment restrictions adopted by the Fund, which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without a vote of the shareholders, provided that the Fund may not:
1.
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Invest in the securities of a foreign issuer or depository receipts for such securities, if at the time of acquisition more than 30% of the value of the Funds assets would be invested in such securities. (The Fund is permitted to invest up to 30% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers or depository receipts therefor which are traded in a U.S. market or available through a U.S. broker or dealer, regardless of whether such securities or depository receipts are traded in U.S. dollars).
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2.
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Purchase securities of other investment companies, except on the open market where no commission or profit results other than the brokers commission, or as part of a plan of merger, consolidation or reorganization approved by the shareholders of the Fund.
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3.
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Acquire or retain any security issued by a company, an officer or director of, which is an officer or independent trustee (as defined below), of the Trust or an officer, director, member or other affiliated person of its investment adviser.
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4.
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Purchase any securities, which are restricted from sale to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.
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5.
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Loan portfolio securities except where collateral values are continuously maintained at no less than 100% by marking to market daily and the practice is fair, just and equitable.
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The Board of Trustees of the Trust consists of five individuals, three of whom are not interested persons of the Trust as defined in the Investment Company Act (Independent Trustees). The Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the Trusts business and affairs. The Board of Trustees has appointed the Trusts officers, who conduct the daily business of the Trust.
The Trust has no proprietary or exclusive rights in the name Cullen or any logo or service mark furnished by the Adviser and may use such names and such logos or service marks only so long as the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser remains in effect and the Adviser has the right to use such names.
Set forth below is information about the trustees and officers of the Trust. Trustees deemed to be interested persons of the Trust for purposes of the Investment Company Act are indicated by an asterisk (*). The Trustees can be reached in care of the Funds investment adviser at the address shown below.
Name, Address and Age
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Position(s) Held with Fund*
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Principal Occupation(s) During
Past 5 Years
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No. of Funds in
Complex Overseen
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Other Directorships
held by Trustees
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Interested Trustees
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|
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James P. Cullen, 65*
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1938
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Trustee and President since inception
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President, controlling Member and Portfolio Manager, Cullen Capital Management LLC, May 2000 to present; President, Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc., a registered investment adviser, from December 1982 to present.
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2
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None
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Dr. Curtis J. Flanagan, 82*
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1921
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Trustee since inception
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Private investor, 1998 to present; Chairman, South Florida Pathologists Group, prior thereto.
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2
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None
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Independent Trustees
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Matthew J. Dodds, 62
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1941
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Independent Trustee since inception
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Private investor, 1999 to present; Vice President - Research, Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc., from 1995 to 1999.
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2
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None
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Robert J. Garry, 58
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1945
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Independent Trustee since inception
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Chief Financial Officer, Younkers Raci Corporation 2001 to present; Chief Operations Officer, The Tennis Network Inc., March 2000 to 2001; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, 1998 to 2000; Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, United States Tennis Association, prior thereto.
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2
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None
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Name, Address and Age
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Position(s) Held with Fund*
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Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
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No. of Funds in Complex Overseen
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Other Directorships held by Trustees
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Stephen G. Fredericks, 61
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1942
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Independent Trustee appointed 2002
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Institutional Trader, Raymond James & Associates, February 2002 to present; Institutional Trader, ABN AMRO Inc, January 1995 to May 2001.
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2
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None
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Officers
James P. Cullen, 65
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1938
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Trustee and President
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See above
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See above
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John C. Gould, 43
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1960
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Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer
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Executive Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager, Cullen Capital Management LLC, since May 2000; Assistant Portfolio Manager, Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc., from 1989 to present.
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N/A
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N/A
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Brooks H. Cullen, 36
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1967
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Vice President since inception
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Vice President and Analyst, Cullen Capital Management LLC, since May 2000; Analyst, Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc., from 1996 to present.
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N/A
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N/A
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Brenda S. Pons, 27
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1976
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Treasurer
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Treasurer,
Schafer
Cullen Capital Management LLC, 2000 to Present; Assistant Controller,
Schafer
Cullen Capital Management LLC, 1999 to 2000; Junior Accountant,
Edward Monaco, CPA
, 1998 to 1999.
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N/A
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N/A
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Rahul D. Sharma, 33
Cullen Capital Management LLC
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
DOB: 1970
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Secretary
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Secretary, Cullen Capital Management LLC, since May 2000; Director of Institutional Marketing, Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc., 1998 to present; General Manager, Harvest Moon (Brewery/Café) and Student, Rutgers Graduate School, 1997 to 1998.
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N/A
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N/A
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_______________
*Positions are held indefinitely until resignation or termination
James P. Cullen and Brooks H. Cullen are father and son.
Board Committees
The Board has three standing committees as described below:
Audit Committee
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Members
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Description
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Meetings
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Matthew J. Dodds, Independent Trustee
Robert J. Garry, Independent Trustee
Stephen Fredericks, Independent Trustee
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Responsible for advising the full Board with respect to accounting, auditing and financial matters affecting the Trust.
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At least once annually. One meeting in last fiscal year.
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Nominating Committee
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Members
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Description
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Meetings
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Matthew J. Dodds, Independent Trustee
Robert J. Garry, Independent Trustee
Stephen Fredericks, Independent Trustee
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Responsible for seeking and reviewing candidates for consideration as nominees for Trustees as is considered necessary from time to time
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As necessary. No meetings in the last fiscal year.
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Valuation Committee
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Members
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Description
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Meetings
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Matt Dodds, Independent Trustee
Robert Garry, Independent Trustee
Stephen Fredericks, Independent Trustee
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Responsible for (1) monitoring the valuation of Fund securities and other investments; and (2) as required by each series of the Trusts valuation policies, when the full Board is not in session, determining the fair value of illiquid and other holdings after consideration of all relevant factors, which determinations shall be reported to the full Board.
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As necessary when a price is not readily available. No meetings in last fiscal year.
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Qualified Legal Compliance Committee
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Members
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Description
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Meetings
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Matt Dodds, Independent Trustee
Robert Garry, Independent Trustee
Stephen Fredericks, Independent Trustee
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The committee convenes for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by the Trust who appear or practice before the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of the Trust.
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No meetings in last fiscal year.
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The following compensation table provides certain estimated information about the trustee fees for the Funds current fiscal year, ending June 30, 2004.
Name and Position
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Aggregate Compensation From Company
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Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Company Expenses
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Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement
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Total Compensation from Company and Fund Complex Paid to Directors
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Matthew J. Dodds,
1
Independent Trustee
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$0
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$0
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$0
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$0
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Robert J. Garry,
Independent Trustee
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$2,000
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$0
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$0
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$2,000
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Stephen G. Fredericks, Independent Trustee
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$2,000
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$0
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$0
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$2,000
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1
At the request of this Independent Trustee, Matthew Dodds does not receive any compensation from the Fund.
Each Independent Trustee of the Trust is paid a trustees fee of $500 for each meeting attended and is reimbursed for the expenses of attendance at such meetings. Neither the Trust nor the Fund pays any fees to the trustees who are considered interested persons of the Trust or the Fund or the Funds investment adviser, as defined in the Investment Company Act. Neither the Trust nor the Fund maintains any deferred compensation, pension or retirement plans, and no pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Trust or Fund expenses.
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Shares
The following table provides the name and address of any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of September 30, 2004. Control persons are persons deemed to control the Fund because they own beneficially over 25% of the outstanding equity securities. Principal holders are persons that own beneficially 5% or more of the Funds outstanding equity securities.
Name and Address
|
Shares
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% Ownership
|
Type of Ownership
|
Charles Schwab & Co.
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
|
1,018,036.424
|
37.89%
|
Record
|
*Larry R. Tackett
6101 Almond Terrace
Plantation, FL 33317-2505
|
427,475.244
|
15.91%
|
Record
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*Curtis J. Flanagan
777 Bayshore Drive Apt. 901
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304-3981
|
380,432.76
|
14.16%
|
Record
|
As of September 30, 2004, the Trustees and Officers, as a group, owned 17.28% of the Funds outstanding shares.
Board Interest in the Funds
As of December 31, 2003, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund.
Key
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned
(1)
Name of Trustee
|
Cullen Value Fund
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies
|
James P. Cullen,
Trustee
|
D
|
D
|
Dr. Curtis J. Flanagan,
Trustee
|
D
|
D
|
Matthew J. Dodds, Independent Trustee
|
None
|
None
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Robert J. Garry, Independent Trustee
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None
|
None
|
Stephen G. Fredericks, Independent Trustee
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None
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None
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(1)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Investment Advisory and Other Services
Advisory Agreement
On June 22, 2000, the Board of Trustees (including the Independent Trustees) of the Fund, and on June 28, 2000, the sole shareholder of the Fund, approved an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) pursuant to which Cullen Capital Management LLC, 645 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, 10022 (the Adviser), furnishes continuous investment advisory services and management to the Fund. The Adviser is an investment advisory firm formed in Delaware. For more information about the Adviser, see Who are the Funds Investment Adviser and Portfolio Manager? in the Prospectus.
Mr. Cullen, President of the Trust, is also the President and controlling member of the Adviser. John C. Gould, Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust, is also Executive Vice President of the Adviser, and Brooks H. Cullen, Vice President of the Trust, is also Vice President of the Adviser. Brenda S. Pons, Treasurer of the Trust, is also Treasurer of the Adviser, and Rahul D. Sharma, Secretary of the Trust, is also Secretary of the Adviser.
Under the Advisory Agreement and subject to the general supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for making and implementing investment decisions for the Fund. In addition, the Adviser furnishes office space, office facilities, equipment, personnel (other than the services of trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Adviser), and clerical and bookkeeping services for the Fund to the extent not provided by the Funds custodian, transfer agent and dividend paying agent, fund administration and accounting services agent. The Trust or the Fund pays all other expenses of the Funds operation, including, without limitation, interest, taxes and any governmental filing fees; brokerage commissions and other costs incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of securities; compensation and expenses of its Independent Trustees; legal and audit expenses; the fees and expenses of the Funds custodian, transfer agent and dividend paying agent, fund administration and accounting services agent; expenses relating to the redemption of shares; expenses of servicing shareholder accounts; fees and expenses related to the registration and qualification of the Fund and its shares under federal and state securities laws; expenses of printing and mailing reports, notices and proxy material to shareholders; insurance premiums for fidelity and other insurance coverage; expenses of preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information and of printing and distributing them to existing shareholders; and any nonrecurring expenses, including actions, suits or proceedings to which the Trust or the Fund is a party and any obligation which the Trust or the Fund may incur to indemnify others.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, the Fund or the Trusts shareholders in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations under the Agreement.
The Advisory Agreement is not assignable and may be terminated by either party, without penalty, on 60 days notice. The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for successive one-year periods so long as it is approved annually (a) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) either by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by the vote of the shareholders as described under Investment Restrictions.
On May 6, 2004, the Advisory Agreement was renewed at a meeting of the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund, for one year. In renewing the Advisory Agreement on behalf of the Fund, at this meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees including the Independent Trustees, took into consideration, among other things: (a) the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund; (b) the appropriateness of the fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser; (c) the level of Fund expenses; (d) the reasonableness of the potential profitability of the Advisory Agreement to the Adviser; and (e) the nature of the Funds investments. Specifically, in fulfilling the requirements outlined in Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, the Board of Trustees noted, among other things, that the advisory fees paid by the Fund and the proposed expenses of the Fund were reasonable and generally consistent in relation to the relevant peer groups and that the Advisers brokerage practices were reasonably efficient.
As described in the Prospectus, the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the total expenses of the Fund (excluding taxes) to an annual rate of 2.00% since the Funds inception. Pursuant to this agreement, the Adviser may cause the Fund to reimburse the Adviser for any fee waivers or expense reimbursements made pursuant to the agreement within a three-year period, provided that any such waivers or reimbursements made by the Fund will not cause the Funds expense limitation to exceed the amount set forth above. The Adviser has agreed to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding taxes) to no more than 2.00% at least through June 30, 2005. However, the Fund is not obligated to pay any such waived fees for more than three years after the end of the fiscal year in which the fee was waived.
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2004
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2003
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2002
|
Fees Earned
|
$288,959
|
$178,796
|
$146,099
|
Fees Waived
|
$ 0
|
$ 38,951
|
$ 47,768
|
Fees Recouped
|
$ 21,424
|
$ 0
|
$ 0
|
Total Fees Paid
|
$ 310,383
|
$139,845
|
$ 98,331
|
Code of Ethics
The Trust and the Adviser have adopted the same written Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics governs the personal securities transactions of trustees, managers, members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Fund. The Code permits such persons to invest in securities for their personal accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The Code includes reporting and other obligations to monitor personal transactions and ensure that such transactions are consistent with the best interests of the Fund.
Fund Administration
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, N.A. and an affiliate of the Distributor (USBFS), provides administrative personnel and services (including blue-sky services) to the Trust and the Fund. Administrative services include, but are not limited to, providing equipment, telephone facilities, various personnel, including clerical and supervisory, and computers as is necessary or beneficial to provide compliance services to the Fund and the Trust. The Fund paid the following amounts for administrative services in the past three fiscal periods:
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2004
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2003
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2002
|
Fund Administration
|
$38,620
|
$31,704
|
$27,387
|
Fund Accounting
USBFS provides fund accounting personnel and services to the Fund pursuant to a Fund Accounting Service Agreement. Under the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement, USBFS provides portfolio accounting services, expense accrual and payment services, fund valuation and financial reporting services, tax accounting services and compliance control services.
Financial Intermediaries
From time to time, the Fund may pay, directly or indirectly, amounts to financial intermediaries that provide transfer-agent type and/or other administrative services relating to the Fund to their customers or other persons who beneficially own interests in the Fund, such as participants in 401(k) plans. These services may include, among other things, sub-accounting services, transfer agent-type services, answering inquiries relating to the Fund, transmitting, on behalf of the Fund, proxy statements, annual reports, updated prospectuses, other communications regarding the Fund, and related services as the Fund or the intermediaries customers or such other persons may reasonably request. In such cases, to the extent paid by the Fund, the Fund will not pay more for these services through intermediary relationships than it would if the intermediaries customers were direct shareholders in the Fund.
Quasar Distributors, LLC serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Fund pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust dated as of June 28, 2000 (the Distribution Agreement). Quasar Distributors, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each states securities laws and is a member of the NASD. The offering of the Funds shares is continuous. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of Fund shares, will use its best efforts to distribute the Funds shares.
Under the Distribution Agreement, Quasar agrees to (i) sell shares as agent for the Trust upon the terms and at the current offering price described in the Funds prospectus; (ii) hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to Quasar, for purchase of Fund shares; (iii) make Fund shares available, with the assistance of the Trusts transfer agent, through the National Securities Clearing Corporations Fund/SERV System; (iv) act in conformity with all Trust and securities laws requirements; (v) cooperate with the Trust in the development of all proposed advertisements and sales literature relating to the Fund and review such items for compliance with applicable laws and regulations; (vi) repurchase, at Quasars discretion, Fund shares; (vii) enter into agreements, at Quasars discretion, with qualified broker-dealers to sell Fund shares; (viii) devote its best efforts to effect sales of Fund shares; and (ix) prepare reports for the board of trustees regarding its activities under the Distribution Agreement. The fees payable by the Trust under this agreement shall not exceed what is available for payment under the distribution plan (please refer to the distribution plan section below). Minimum payments under the Distribution Agreement may not be tied to actual distribution expenses and such minimum payments may therefore exceed distribution expenses actually incurred. Any fees or expenses incurred by Quasar but not payable by the Trust under its 12b-1 plan of distribution shall be paid by the Adviser.
The Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time (i) by the board of trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on 60 days written notice to Quasar or (b) by Quasar. If not so terminated, the agreement shall continue in effect from year to year only so long as such continuance is approved annually by the board of trustees of the Trust or shareholders of the Fund, and, in either event, by a majority of those trustees who are not interested persons of any party to the agreement. The Trustees most recently re-approved the Distribution Agreement on May 6, 2004.
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. The Plan authorizes payments by the Fund in connection with the distribution of shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Funds average daily net asset value. Payments may be made by the Fund under the Plan for the purpose of financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, as determined by the Board of Trustees. Such activities typically include advertising; compensation for sales and sales marketing activities of financial service agents and others, such as dealers or distributors; shareholder account servicing; production and dissemination of prospectuses and sales and marketing materials; and capital or other expenses of associated equipment, rent, salaries, bonuses, interest and other overhead. To the extent any activity is one which the Fund may finance without the Plan, the Fund may also make payments to finance such activity outside of the Plan and not subject to its limitations.
Administration of the Plan is regulated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, which includes requirements that the Board of Trustees receive and review at least quarterly reports concerning the nature and qualification of expenses which are made, that the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approve all agreements implementing the Plan and that the Plan may be continued from year-to-year only if the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concludes at least annually that continuation of the Plan is likely to benefit shareholders. The Trustees most recently re-approved the Plan on May 6, 2004.
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, and 2002, the following amounts have been expended under the Plan for the Fund:
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
Advertising
|
$ 5,185
|
$ 0
|
$ 1,134
|
Printing and mailing of Prospectuses to new shareholders
|
$ 1,485
|
$ 669
|
$ 441
|
Compensation to the Distributor
|
$34,989
|
$15,984
|
$12,950
|
Compensation to Dealers/Sales Personnel
|
$27,723
|
$24,357
|
$22,000
|
Other Finance Charges
|
$ 0
|
$ 0
|
$ 0
|
Other Fees
|
$ 2,858
|
$ 3,689
|
$ 0
|
TOTAL
|
$72,240
|
$44,699
|
$36,525
|
The Adviser is responsible for selecting brokers and dealers to effect purchases or sales of securities for the account of the Fund. In selecting such brokers, it is the policy of the Adviser to seek the best execution of orders at the most favorable price in light of the overall quality of brokerage and research services provided, as described in this and the following paragraph. In selecting brokers to effect portfolio transactions, the determination of what is expected to result in best execution at the most favorable price involves a number of largely judgmental considerations. Among these are the Advisers evaluation of the brokers efficiency in executing and clearing transactions, block trading capability (including the brokers willingness to position securities), the brokers familiarity with the security and the brokers financial strength and stability. The most favorable price to the Fund means the best net price without regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and commission, if any.
In allocating the Funds brokerage, the Adviser will also take into consideration the research, analytical, statistical and other information and services provided by the broker, such as general economic reports and information, reports or analyses of particular companies or industry groups and technical information and the availability of the brokerage firms analysts for consultation. While the Adviser believes these services have substantial value, they are considered supplemental to the Advisers own efforts in the performance of its duties under the Advisory Agreement. As permitted by the Advisory Agreement and in accordance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Adviser may pay brokers higher brokerage commissions than might be available from other brokers if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount paid is reasonable in relation to the value of the overall quality of the brokerage, research and other services provided. Other clients of the Adviser may indirectly benefit from the availability of these services to the Adviser, and the Fund may indirectly benefit from services available to the Adviser as a result of transactions for the other clients.
The Adviser expects to enter into arrangements with broker-dealers whereby the Adviser obtains computerized stock quotation and news services, performance and ranking services, portfolio analysis services and other research services in exchange for the direction of portfolio transactions which generate dealer concessions or brokerage (agency) commissions for such broker-dealers. From time to time, the Adviser may make other similar arrangements with brokers or dealers who agree to provide research services in consideration of dealer concessions or brokerage commissions. Consistent with the Advisers fiduciary duties to the Fund, brokerage will be directed to such brokers or dealers pursuant to any such arrangement only when the Adviser believes that the commissions charged are reasonable in relation to the value and overall quality of the brokerage and research services provided.
The Fund paid the following amounts in brokerage commissions in the past three fiscal periods:
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2004
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2003
|
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2002
|
Brokerage Commissions
|
$79,239
|
$82,115
|
$40,638
|
The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust, formed on March 25, 2000. It is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Each share of beneficial interest has a par value of $
0.001.
The trustees of the Trust may, at any time and from time to time, by resolution, authorize the division of shares into an unlimited number of series and the division of any series into two or more classes. By this offering, one class of shares of the Fund is being offered. Shares of the Fund are offered subject to a charge imposed pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Shareholders of the Trust are entitled to one vote for each full share and to a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional share standing in the shareholders name on the books of the Trust. Each share has equal dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. Shares do not have preemptive or subscription rights. All shares are fully paid and non-assessable.
Determination of Net Asset Value
Shares of the Fund are sold on a continual basis at the net asset value (NAV) per share next computed following receipt of an order by the Funds transfer agent in good order. The Funds NAV per share for the purpose of pricing purchase and redemption orders is determined at the close of normal trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. The NYSE is closed on
the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Funds securities, including ADRs, which are traded on securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any reported sales, at the mean between the last available bid and asked price. Securities that are traded on more than one exchange are valued on the exchange determined by the Advisor to be the primary market. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter (OTC) securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ National Market System shall be valued at the most recent trade price. Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities which are subject to limitations as to their sale) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board.
Debt securities are valued by a pricing service that utilizes electronic date processing techniques to determine values for normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices when such techniques are believed to more accurately reflect the fair market value for such securities. Otherwise, sale or bid prices are used. Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60 days or less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost method. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially valued at its acquisition cost, and thereafter, amortization of any discount or premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of the fluctuating rates on the market value of the instrument.
Securities quoted in foreign currency, if any, are valued daily in U.S. dollars at the foreign currency exchange rates that are prevailing at the time the daily NAV per share is determined. Although the Fund values its foreign assets in U.S. dollars on a daily basis, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. Foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign investments and such exchange rates occur between the time at which they are determined and the close of trading on the NYSE. Such events would not normally be reflected in a calculation of the Funds NAV on that day. If events that materially affect the sale of the Funds foreign investments or the foreign currency exchange rates occur during such period, the investments may be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
An example of how the Fund calculated its NAV per share as of June 30, 2004 is as follows:
Net Assets
|
=
|
NAV Per Share
|
Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
|
$33,089,079
|
=
|
$13.96
|
2,370,000
|
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
Purchasing Shares
Shares of the Fund are sold in a continuous offering and may be purchased on any business day through authorized investment dealers or directly from the Fund.
Stock Certificates and Confirmations.
The Fund does not generally issue stock certificates representing shares purchased. Confirmations of the opening of an account and of all subsequent transactions in the account are forwarded by the Fund to the shareholders address of record.
Anti-Money Laundering Program
The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the Program) as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trusts Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Trusts Distributor and transfer agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and a complete and thorough review of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
The Fund may be required to freeze the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorist or other suspicious persons, or the Fund may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a government agency.
Redeeming Shares
Signature Guarantees.
A signature guarantee of each shareholder on an account is required to redeem shares if a shareholder requests (i) a redemption from an IRA account; (ii) redemption proceeds be sent to an address other than that on record with the Fund; or (iii) proceeds be made payable to someone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
Signature guarantees are designed to protect both the shareholder and the Fund from fraud. Signature guarantees can be obtained from most banks, credit unions or savings associations, or from broker/dealers, municipal securities broker/dealers, government securities broker/dealers, national securities exchanges, registered securities exchanges, or clearing agencies deemed eligible by the SEC. The Fund does
not
accept signatures guaranteed by a notary public.
Additional Documentation.
Additional documents are required for certain types of shareholders, such as corporations, partnerships, executors, trustees, administrators, or guardians. The Funds transfer agent requires documents from entities to identify individuals possessing authority to redeem shares from the Fund. The documentation may include corporate resolutions, partnership agreements, trust instruments or plans that give such authority to the individual.
Redemption In-Kind.
The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule l8f-1 under the Investment Company Act, which obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one shareholder during any 90-day period, up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the assets of the Fund. If the Adviser determines that existing conditions make cash payments undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in securities or other financial assets, valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing the NAV for the Funds shares (a redemption in-kind). Shareholders receiving securities or other financial assets in a redemption in-kind may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences. If you expect to make a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Funds assets during any 90-day period and would like to avoid any possibility of being paid with securities in-kind, you may do so by providing the Fund with an unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 calendar days prior to the date on which the redemption transaction is to occur, specifying the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction (please call 1-877-485-8586). This will provide the Fund with sufficient time to raise the cash in an orderly manner to pay the redemption and thereby minimize the effect of the redemption on the interests of the Funds remaining shareholders.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) on behalf of the Trust which delegates the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser, subject to the Boards continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Policies also require the Advisor to present to the Board, at least annually, the Advisers Proxy Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser on behalf of a Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Advisor as involving a conflict of interest.
The Adviser has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Advisers Proxy Policies) which underscore the Advisers concern that all proxy voting decisions be made in the best interest of the Fund and that the Adviser will act in a prudent and diligent manner intended to enhance the economic value of the assets of the Fund.
The Adviser uses the services of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) to vote proxies. ISS proxy voting guidelines are used as general guidelines, but each proxy will be considered individually, taking into account the relevant circumstances at the time of each vote.
Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Advisers interests and the Funds interests, the Adviser will resolve the conflict by disclosing the conflict to the Board and obtaining the Boards consent to vote.
The Trust is required to annually file Form N-PX, which lists the Funds complete proxy voting record for the 12-month period ending June 30. Once filed, the Funds proxy voting record will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-877-485-8586 and on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Additional Information on Distributions and Taxes
Distributions
A shareholder will automatically receive all income dividends and capital gain distributions in additional full and fractional shares of the Fund at their net asset value as of the date of payment unless the shareholder elects to receive such dividends or distributions in cash. Shareholders will receive a confirmation of each new transaction in their account. The Fund will confirm all account activity, including the payment of dividend and capital gain distributions and transactions made as a result of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan or an Automatic Investment Plan. Shareholders may rely on these statements in lieu of stock certificates.
Taxes
Distributions of net investment income.
The Fund receives income generally in the form of dividends on its investments. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Funds net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. Any distributions by the Fund from such income including the excess of net short-term capital gain over long-term capital losses will be taxable to you as ordinary income, whether you take dividends in cash or in additional shares.
Distributions of capital gains.
The Fund may derive capital gains and losses in connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities. Distributions from net long-term capital gains will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held your shares in the Fund. Any net capital gains realized by the Fund generally will be distributed once each year, and may be distributed more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate excise or income taxes on the Fund.
Information on the tax character of distributions.
The Fund will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends and capital gains distributions at the time they are paid, and will advise you of their tax status for federal income tax purposes shortly after the close of each calendar year.
Election to be taxed as a regulated investment company.
The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to you. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. In such case, the Fund will be subject to federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and all distributions to you will be taxed as ordinary income to the extent of the Funds earnings and profits.
Excise tax distribution requirements.
To avoid federal excise taxes, the Code requires the Fund to distribute to you by December 31 of each year, at a minimum, the following amounts: 98% of its taxable ordinary income earned during the calendar year; 98% of its capital gain net income earned during the twelve-month period ending October 31; and 100% of any undistributed amounts from the prior year. The Fund intends to declare and pay these amounts in December (or in January that are treated by you as received in December) to avoid these excise taxes, but can give no assurances that its distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes.
Redemption of Fund shares.
Redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares are taxable transactions for federal and state income tax purposes. If you hold your shares as a capital asset, the gain or loss that you realize will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term, generally depending on how long you held your shares. Any loss incurred on the redemption or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gains distributed to you by the Fund on those shares.
All or a portion of any loss that you realize upon the redemption of your Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in the Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be added to your tax basis in the new shares you buy.
Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rate.
Recently enacted legislation reduced the tax rate for individuals on fund distributions derived from qualifying dividend income and long-term capital gains. If the Fund makes a distribution soon after your purchase shares, a portion of your investment may be treated as a taxable distribution. Fund distributions comprised of dividends from domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (generally, corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States, some corporations eligible for treaty benefits under a treaty with the United States, and corporations whose stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States) are eligible for taxation at a maximum tax rate of 15% also applicable to long term capital gain in the hands of individual shareholders. Capital gain dividends are also taxed at the reduced rate for non-corporate taxpayers. In order for dividends paid by the Fund to be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation at the reduced rate, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the individual shareholder must also meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Funds shares. The reduced tax rates are scheduled to apply through 2008.
Dividends-received deduction for corporations.
If you are a corporate shareholder, you should note that it is expected that a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund will qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In some circumstances, you will be allowed to deduct these qualified dividends, thereby reducing the tax that you would otherwise be required to pay on these dividends. The dividends-received deduction will be available only with respect to dividends designated by the Fund as eligible for such treatment. All dividends (including the deducted portion) must be included in your alternative minimum taxable income calculation.
Investment in complex securities.
The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Funds ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund.
The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder of investing in the Fund may be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
The foregoing is only a general summary of certain provisions of the Code and current Treasury regulations applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. The Code and such regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws.
Calculation of Performance Data
The Funds total return may be compared to relevant indices, including the S&P 500 Index,
NASDAQ
Composite and indices published by Lipper, Inc.
Investors should note that the investment results of the Fund will fluctuate over time, and any presentation of the Funds total return for any period should not be considered as a representation of what an investment may earn or what an investors total return may be in any future period.
The Fund will calculate its performance in accordance with the following formulas:
Average Annual Total Return.
Average annual total return quotations used in the Funds prospectus are calculated according to the following formula:
P(1 +T)
n
= ERV
where P equals a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; T equals average annual total return; n equals the number of years; and ERV equals the ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period.
Under the foregoing formula, the time periods used in the prospectus will be based on rolling calendar quarters, updated to the last day of the most recent quarter. Average annual total return, or T in the above formula, is computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the period that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value. Average annual total return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
Average Annual Total Return (after Taxes on Distributions)
The Funds quotations of average annual total return (after taxes on distributions) are calculated according to the following formula:
P(1 + T)
n
= ATV
D
where P equals a hypothetical initial payments of $1,000; T equals average annual total return; n equals the number of years; and ATV
D
equals the ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period after taxes on distributions, not after taxes on redemption
Dividends and other distributions less the taxes due on such distributions, are assumed to be reinvested in shares at the prices in effect on the reinvestment dates, and taxes due are calculated using the highest individual marginal federal income tax rates on the reinvestment dates. ATV
D
will be adjusted to reflect the effect of any absorption of Fund expenses by the Adviser.
Average Annual Total Return (after Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions)
The Funds quotations of average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption) are calculated according to the following formula:
P(1 + T)
n
= ATV
DR
where P equals a hypothetical initial payments of $1,000; T equals average annual total return; n equals the number of years; and ATV
DR
equals the ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period after taxes on distributions and redemption.
Dividends and other distributions less the taxes due on such distributions, are assumed to be reinvested in shares at the prices in effect on the reinvestment dates, and the taxes due are calculated using the highest individual marginal federal income tax rates on the reinvestment dates. Capital gains taxes resulting from the redemption are subtracted and the tax benefit from capital losses resulting from the redemption are added. ATV
DR
will be adjusted to reflect the effect of any absorption of Fund expenses by the Adviser.
Comparisons
Lipper, Inc. (Lipper) and Other Independent Ranking Organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other fund literature, the Funds performance may be compared to the performance of other mutual funds in general or to the performance of particular types of mutual funds with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations. Among these organizations, Lipper, a widely used independent research firm which ranks mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, may be cited. Lipper performance figures are based on changes in net asset value, with all income and capital gains dividends reinvested. Such calculations do not include the effect of any sales charges imposed by other funds. The Fund will be compared to Lippers appropriate fund category, that is, by fund objective and portfolio holdings. The Funds performance may also be compared to the average performance of its Lipper category.
Morningstar, Inc.
The Funds performance may also be compared to the performance of other mutual funds by Morningstar, Inc., which rates funds on the basis of historical risk and total return. Morningstars ratings range from five stars (highest) to one star (lowest) and represent Morningstars assessment of the historical risk level and total return of a fund as a weighted average for 3, 5, and 10 year periods. Ratings are not absolute and do not represent future results.
Independent Sources.
Evaluations of fund performance made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or articles about the Fund, especially those with similar objectives. Sources for fund performance and articles about the Fund may include publications such as Money, Forbes, Kiplingers, Smart Money, Financial World, Business Week, U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Barrons and a variety of investment newsletters.
Indices.
The Fund may compare its performance to a wide variety of indices. There are differences and similarities between the investments that a Fund may purchase and the investments measured by the indices.
Historical Asset Class Returns.
From time to time, marketing materials may portray the historical returns of various asset classes. Such presentations will typically compare the average annual rates of return of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, bonds, common stocks, and small stocks. There are important differences between each of these investments that should be considered in viewing any such comparison. The market value of stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and small-stock prices generally will fluctuate more than large-stock prices. Stocks are generally more volatile than bonds. In return for this volatility, stocks have generally performed better than bonds or cash over time. Bond prices generally will fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market conditions, and the prices of bonds with longer maturities generally will fluctuate more than those of shorter-maturity bonds. Interest rates for bonds may be fixed at the time of issuance, and payment of principal and interest may be guaranteed by the issuer and, in the case of U.S. Treasury obligations, backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.
An annual report will be issued to shareholders after the close of each fiscal year, which ends June 30. This report will include financial statements for the Fund audited by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. A semi-annual report will also be issued to the Funds shareholders.
Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A., 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, acts as custodian of the cash and securities of the Fund. The custodian holds all cash and, directly or through a book entry system or an agent, securities of the Fund, delivers and receives payment for securities sold by the Fund, collects income from investments of the Fund and performs other duties, all as directed by officers of the Fund. The custodian does not exercise any supervisory function over the management of, or the purchase and sale of securities by, the Fund.
Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent, Fund Administrator and Fund Accountant
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC acts as the Funds transfer agent, dividend-paying agent, fund administrator, fund accountant and shareholder servicing agent. U.S.
Bancorp Fund Services, LLCs address is 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202.
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as principal underwriter for the Fund and as such, is the agent for the distribution of shares of the Fund.
Counsel
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP, Bank One Plaza, 10 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, is counsel for the Fund.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has been selected as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund. As such, they are responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.
The Funds Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Fund has filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. This Registration Statement is available for inspection by the public at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission in Washington, D.C.
The Funds audited financial statements are incorporated by reference to the Funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
RATINGS OF CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS,
COMMERCIAL PAPER, AND PREFERRED STOCK
Ratings of Corporate Obligations
Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa
:
Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as gilt edge. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa
:
Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present that make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A
:
Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa
:
Bonds that are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba
:
Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B
:
Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa
:
Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such bonds may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal and interest.
Ca
:
Bonds rated Ca represent obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such bonds are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
Those securities in the A and Baa groups which Moodys believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols A-1 and Baa-1. Other A and Baa securities comprise the balance of their respective groups. These rankings (1) designate the securities which offer the maximum in security within their quality groups, (2) designate securities which can be bought for possible upgrading in quality, and (3) additionally afford the investor an opportunity to gauge more precisely the relative attractiveness of offerings in the marketplace.
Standard & Poors Corporation
AAA
:
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA
:
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay prin-cipal and differ from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.
A
:
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circum-stances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
BBB
:
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Although they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for bonds in this category than for bonds in higher rated categories. Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having speculation characteristics.
BB--B--CCC-CC
: Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, and CC are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation among such bonds and CC the highest degree of speculation. Although such bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Commercial Paper Ratings
Standard & Poors Corporation
Commercial paper ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from A for the highest quality obligations to D for the lowest. Issues assigned the A rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety. The A-1 designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be denoted with a plus sign designation.
Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
Moodys commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of the issuers to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months. Moodys makes no representation that such obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, nor does it represent that any specific note is a valid obligation of a rated issuer or issued in conformity with any applicable law. Moodys employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:
Prime-1
Superior capacity for repayment
Prime-2
Strong capacity for repayment
Prime-3
Acceptable capacity for repayment
Ratings of Preferred Stock
Standard & Poors Corporation
Standard & Poors preferred stock rating is an assessment of the capacity and willingness of an issuer to pay preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking fund obligations. A preferred stock rating differs from a bond rating inasmuch as it is assigned to an equity issue, which issue is intrinsically different from, and subordinated to, a debt issue. Therefore, to reflect this difference, the preferred stock rating symbol will normally not be higher than the bond-rating symbol assigned to, or that would be assigned to, the senior debt of the same issuer.
The preferred stock ratings are based on the following considerations:
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1.
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Likelihood of payment--capacity and willingness of the issuer to meet the timely payment of preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking fund requirements in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
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2.
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Nature of and provisions of the issue.
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3.
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Relative position of the issue in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangements affecting creditors rights.
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AAA
:
This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poors to a preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.
AA
:
A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high quality fixed income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
A
:
An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB
:
An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred stock in this category than for issues in the A category.
BB, B, CCC
: Preferred stock issues rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay preferred stock obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CCC the highest degree of speculation. While such issues will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
CC
:
The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
C
:
A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.
D
:
A preferred stock rated D is a nonpaying issue with the issuer in default on debt instruments.
NR
indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S & P does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): To provide more detailed indications of preferred stock quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
aaa
:
An issue that is rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
aa
:
An issue that is rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating indicates that there is reasonable assurance that earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.
a
:
An issue which is rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa and aa classifications, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
baa
:
An issue that is rated baa is considered to be medium grade, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of time.
ba
:
An issue that is rated ba is considered to have speculative elements and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
b
:
An issue that is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
caa
:
An issue that is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status of payments.
ca
:
An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payment.
c
:
This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
CULLEN FUNDS TRUST