Securities Act Registration No. 333-178833

Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22655


As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2013


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549


REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ý

¨ Pre-Effective Amendment No.

ý Post-Effective Amendment No. 86


and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ý

ý Amendment No. 87


(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)


17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)


Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (402) 895-1600

The Corporation Trust Company

1209 Orange Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)


With copy to:

JoAnn M. Strasser, Thompson Hine LLP

41 South High Street, 17th Floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215

614-469-3265 (phone)

614-469-3361 (fax)

James P. Ash,

Gemini Fund Services, LLC

80 Arkay Drive

Hauppauge, New York 11788

(631) 470-2600


Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

X Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.









[PRO002.GIF]



Ticker: TEBRX


PROSPECTUS

December 13, 2013










Advisor:

First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc.

5161 Miller Trunk Highway

Duluth, Minnesota 55811


www.tebergfund.com                                                                           1-866-209-1964


This Prospectus provides important information about the Fund that you should know before investing.  Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.


These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.






Table of Contents

 

  Page

FUND SUMMARY

1

Investment Objective

1

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

1

Principal Investment Strategies

2

Principal Investment Risks

2

Performance

3

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

4

Tax Information

5

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

5

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

5

Investment Objective

5

Principal Investment Strategies

5

Principal Investment Risks

7

Non-Principal Risks of Investment

10

Temporary Investments

10

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure

10

MANAGEMENT

10

Investment Advisor

10

Portfolio Managers

11

HOW SHARES ARE PRICED

11

HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES

12

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

13

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES

15

TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

16

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES

17

Distributor

17

Distribution Fees

17

Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries

17

Householding

18

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

18

PRIVACY NOTICE

20







FUND SUMMARY


Investment Objective:   The Teberg Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to maximize total return (capital appreciation plus income).


Fees and Expenses of the Fund:   This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.



Shareholder Fees

(fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Redemption Fee

(as a % of amount redeemed)

None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees

1.25%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

0.25%

Other Expenses (1)

0.61%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (2)

0.66 %

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

2.77%

Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement (3)

(0.36)%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver & Reimbursements

2.41%

(1)  

Other Expenses have been restated to reflect current fees as if they had been in effect during the previous fiscal year.

 

(2)  

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies.  The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies.

 

(3)  

First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. (the “Advisor”) has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fees and pay expenses of the Fund to ensure that Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of any taxes, short selling expenses, interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, indirect expenses, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund may invest, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) do not exceed 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Cap”).  The Expense Cap will remain in effect through at least July 31, 2016, and may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees.  The Advisor may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses from the Fund for three years from the date they were waived or paid, subject to the Expense Cap.  


Example:  This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:


1 Year

3 Years

5 Years

10 Years

$244

$825

$1,433

$3,073

Portfolio Turnover:  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual



1




fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 277.07% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies: To achieve the Fund’s investment objective, the Advisor invests the Fund’s assets primarily in shares of any number of other no-load and load-waived mutual funds, which may include exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), sometimes referred to in this Prospectus as “Underlying Funds.” The Underlying Funds pursue their own investment objectives by investing in particular types of securities ( e.g. , equity or debt), emphasizing a particular investment style ( e.g. , value or growth), or emphasizing certain industries or sectors.  Some of the Underlying Funds invest in the stocks of small, medium and large capitalization domestic or international companies while others invest in fixed-income securities of varying maturities ( e.g. , short-term, intermediate or long-term) and credit qualities ( e.g. , investment grade or lower than investment grade), including government and corporate bonds, as well as high-yield securities or “junk bonds.”  Over time, the Fund’s asset mix is likely to consist of a combination of equity, fixed-income, or money market funds; however, the Fund reserves the right to invest all of its assets in any one of these asset classes depending upon market conditions and to actively trade in Underlying Funds.  Additionally, the Fund may commit up to 80% of its net assets at any given time to Underlying Funds that invest in high-yield or “junk bond” securities.  

The Advisor is responsible for constructing and maintaining the allocation of the Fund’s assets in a timely combination of Underlying Funds that maximizes the Fund’s total return.  The Advisor uses a “top down” approach to actively selecting Underlying Funds that begins with an analysis of the general economic outlook.  The next step is to analyze historical market patterns with the goal of determining which categories and sectors are likely to perform well in certain economic conditions.  Next, the Advisor analyzes the historical returns of a broad universe of mutual funds and selects those that exhibit the potential for superior growth based on factors including, but not limited to, their exposure to risk, historical performance, downside records, and competitive position.

To determine when to sell Underlying Funds, the Advisor analyzes how the general economic outlook could impact certain categories and sectors based on historical market patterns.  The Advisor continuously monitors the pricing of each Underlying Fund to identify if it is performing as anticipated with the goal of selling an Underlying Fund when it appears to have reached its expected growth potential.  The Advisor may sell an Underlying Fund prior to reaching this growth level if the economic outlook changes or it appears that the Underlying Fund is not reacting to current conditions as it has to similar periods in the past.

Because the Fund is a “fund of funds,” you will indirectly bear your proportionate share of any fees and expenses charged by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the expenses of the Fund.  Actual Underlying Fund expenses are expected to vary with changes in the allocation of the Fund’s assets among various Underlying Funds.     

The Fund’s investment strategy typically results in a high portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Risks:   As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.  The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program.  Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.   

·

Cash Position Risk:  If the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in money market instruments for extended periods of time, including while the Fund is investing for temporary defensive purposes, it could reduce the Fund’s potential return and prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, as the limited returns of cash or money market instruments may lag other investments in a strong market.  

·

Fixed Income Risk: Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities.  The value of fixed income securities typically falls when an issuer's credit quality declines and may even become worthless if an issuer defaults.   

 


2




·

Industry or Sector Emphasis Risk :  To the extent that an Underlying Fund invests a substantial portion of its portfolio in a particular industry or sector, such Underlying Fund’s shares may be more volatile and fluctuate more than shares of an Underlying Fund investing in a broader range of securities.

·

Junk Bond Risk:  Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default.  An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell its bonds.  The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund’s share price. These bonds are speculative investments.

·

Management Risk:   The Advisor’s judgment about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular Underlying Funds, asset classes and securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

·

Market Risk:  Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests.  Factors such as domestic and foreign economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities markets.  When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.

·

Portfolio Turnover Risk:   A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs associated with the turnover, which may reduce the Fund’s return, unless the securities traded can be bought and sold without corresponding commission costs. Active trading of securities may also increase the Fund’s realized capital gains or losses, which may affect the taxes you pay as a Fund shareholder.  The Fund is expected to have a high portfolio turnover rate.

·

Small and Medium Capitalization Company Risk: Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

·

Underlying Fund Risk:   Underlying Funds are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in other investment companies and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in securities.  The market value of ETF and closed-end fund shares may differ from their net asset value.  Each investment company and ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

Performance:   The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.   The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s shares for each full calendar year since the Fund’s inception.   The performance table compares the performance of the Fund’s shares over time to the performance of a broad-based market index and a supplemental index.  You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.   The Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of The Teberg Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) in a tax-free reorganization on December 13, 2013.  In connection with this acquisition, shares of the Predecessor Fund were exchanged for shares of the Fund.   The performance information set forth below reflects the historical performance of the Predecessor Fund shares.   Updated information on the Fund’s results can be obtained by visiting www.tebergfund.com.  



3




[PRO003.JPG]

The Fund’s year-to-date return as of September 30, 2013, was 3.53%.   During the period of time displayed in the bar chart, the Fund’s highest quarterly return was 19.24% for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, and the Fund’s lowest quarterly return was -15.42% for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.


Average Annual Total Returns

(For the periods ended December 31, 2012)

 

One

Year

Five

Years

Ten

Years

Since

Inception

(4/01/2002)

Return Before Taxes

4.43%

2.00%

4.99%

4.23%

Return After Taxes on Distributions

3.81%

1.18%

4.01%

3.32%

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares

2.95%

1.47%

3.96%

3.32%

S&P 500® Index

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

16.00%

1.66%

7.10%

4.12%

Dow Jones Industrial Average

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

10.24%

2.62%

7.32%

4.82%

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historically highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”).  The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.


Investment Advisor:  First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc.


Portfolio Manager: Curtis A. Teberg has been the portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.  Mr. Teberg is the co-founder of the Advisor and has been its President since its inception in 1988.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares:   You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.  The minimum initial and minimum subsequent investment amounts are shown below:



4






Type of Account

To Open Your Account

To Add to Your Account

Regular Accounts

$2,000

$100

IRAs (Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs)

$2,000

$100

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

$2,000

$100

Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act Accounts

$2,000

$100



Tax Information:   Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash, are taxable to you at either ordinary income or capital gains tax rates unless you are investing through a tax-deferred plan such as an IRA or 401(k) plan.  However, these dividend and capital gain distributions may be taxable upon their eventual withdrawal from tax-deferred plans.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries:   If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services.  These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment.  Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS


Investment Objective:


The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to maximize total return (capital appreciation plus income).  This objective and the investment strategies described below are non-fundamental, which means that they may be changed by action of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (herein referred to as the “Board” or “Trustees”) without shareholder approval.


Principal Investment Strategies:


The Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in shares of any number of Underlying Funds.  The Underlying Funds purchased by the Fund likely will have certain investment policies and use certain investment practices that may be different from those of the Fund.  These other policies and practices may subject the Underlying Funds’ (and, by extension, the Fund’s) assets to varying or greater degrees of risk.  The Advisor selects primarily equity mutual funds that the Advisor believes offer superior prospects for capital growth, attractive high-yield bond mutual funds and money market mutual funds (the Fund reserves the right to invest all of its assets in either equity, fixed-income or money market mutual funds depending upon market conditions).  The Advisor uses a “top down” approach to actively selecting Underlying Funds that begins with an analysis of the general economic outlook.  The next step is to analyze historical market patterns with the goal of determining which categories and sectors are likely to perform well in certain economic conditions.  Next, the Advisor analyzes the historical returns of a broad universe of mutual funds and selects those that exhibit the potential for superior growth based on factors including, but not limited to, their exposure to risk, historical performance, downside records, and competitive position.


In selecting the Underlying Funds, the Advisor seeks to construct a portfolio of Underlying Funds that invest across the range of the total market, including stocks of domestic and international companies with small, medium and large average capitalizations, and at various times emphasizes either value or growth styles of investing or a combination.  The Advisor also seeks to include Underlying Funds that invest in fixed-income securities with varying maturities ( e.g. , short-term, intermediate or long-term) and credit qualities ( e.g. , investment grade or lower than investment grade); provided, however, that at any given time up to 80% of the Fund•s net assets may be invested in Underlying Funds that invest in high-yield (or “junk bond”)



5




securities.  The term “investment grade” refers to the credit quality of fixed-income securities as established by a recognized rating agency, such as Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or Fitch, Inc.  Securities that are rated lower than investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”), or high-yield securities, generally provide high income in an effort to compensate investors for their higher risk of default, which is the failure to make required interest or principal payments.  High-yield bond issuers include small or relatively new companies lacking the history or capital to merit investment grade status, former blue chip companies downgraded because of financial problems, companies electing to borrow heavily to finance or avoid takeover or buyout, and firms with heavy debt loads.  In addition, although not its primary investment focus, the Fund also may purchase shares of international and global Underlying Funds that invest in securities of companies located outside of the U.S. when they meet the Advisor’s selective criteria.  Such investments, however, will not comprise more than 5% of the Fund’s portfolio at any given time.


The Advisor believes that investing in other mutual funds provides the Fund with opportunities to achieve greater diversification of portfolio securities and investment techniques than the Fund could achieve by investing directly in individual portfolio securities.  However, the Advisor believes that the best investment returns can be attained by moving assets into funds that currently exhibit the potential for superior growth within a given asset class or fund category.  Continually monitoring and re-balancing the Fund’s investments (if necessary) may help ensure that returns are maximized while maintaining diversification to avoid dependence on one area of the market.  The Advisor also regularly evaluates the macroeconomics of the categories for shifts that may necessitate a re-evaluation of the entire allocation process.  Such trading, however, may result in realization of capital gains that would not otherwise be realized and may also lead to higher transaction costs, which could negatively affect the Fund’s performance.  The Fund cannot accurately predict its future annual portfolio turnover rate. A comparatively high portfolio turnover rate may affect the Fund’s performance because it results in higher brokerage commissions, and higher portfolio turnover rates may result in taxable capital gain distributions to the Fund’s shareholders.  Additionally, there is no limit on, and the Advisor cannot control, the portfolio turnover rates of the Underlying Funds. 

 

The Fund is independent from any of the Underlying Funds in which it invests and has little voice in or control over the investment practices, policies or decisions of those Underlying Funds.  If the Fund disagrees with those practices, policies or decisions, it may have no choice other than to liquidate its investment in that Underlying Fund, which may entail losses.  An Underlying Fund may limit the Fund’s ability to sell its shares of the Underlying Fund at certain times.  In these cases, such investments will be considered illiquid and subject to the Fund’s overall limit on illiquid securities.  For example, no Underlying Fund is required to redeem any of its shares owned by the Fund in an amount exceeding 1% of the Underlying Fund’s shares during any period of less than 30 days.  As a result, to the extent that the Fund owns more than 1% of an Underlying Fund’s shares, the Fund may not be able to liquidate those shares promptly in the event of adverse market conditions or other considerations.


To determine when to sell Underlying Funds, the Advisor analyzes how the general economic outlook could impact certain categories and sectors based on historical market patterns.  The Advisor continuously monitors the pricing of each Underlying Fund to identify if it is performing as anticipated with the goal of selling a fund when it appears to have reached its expected growth potential.  The Advisor may sell an Underlying Fund prior to reaching this growth level if the economic outlook changes or it appears that the Underlying Fund is not reacting to current conditions as it has to similar periods in the past.


As a means to pursue its investment objective, the Fund generally intends to limit its investments to shares of Underlying Funds.  The Fund may, however, to a limited extent invest its assets directly in securities in lieu of indirect investments through other mutual funds.  The Fund’s direct investments would remain consistent with its asset allocation strategy and would typically be close or identical to those securities held by one or more of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund currently invests.


The Fund will invest, whenever possible, in Underlying Funds that do not impose up-front sales loads, deferred sales loads, or Rule 12b-1 distribution fees of more than 0.25%.  If the Fund invests in an Underlying Fund that charges a sales load, it will use available sales load waivers and quantity discounts to minimize or eliminate

6




the sales load.  If the Fund invests in an Underlying Fund that pays Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, the Advisor will purchase the Underlying Fund through its associated broker-dealer, which receives the Rule 12b-1 distribution fee.  Mr. Curtis A. Teberg, who is the President of the Advisor, may receive a portion of the Rule 12b-1 distribution fee because he is a registered representative of this broker-dealer.  Mr. Teberg could retain such amounts or credit such amounts to the Fund.  The Advisor has contractually agreed to credit these amounts to the Fund, thereby reducing the management fee by the amount of Rule 12b-1 fees the Advisor received, whether or not the expense cap has been exceeded.  This contractual commitment is indefinite and may only be changed with the consent of the Fund’s Board.


As a complement to its primary strategy of investing in mutual funds, the Fund may also purchase shares of other types of investment companies, such as closed-end funds and ETFs, and is currently investing a portion of its assets in ETFs.

  

Principal Investment Risks:


The following risks may apply to the Fund’s direct investments as well the Fund’s indirect risks through investing in Underlying Funds.


·

Cash Position Risk :  When the Advisor believes it is appropriate, the Fund may, for extended periods of time, hold all or a portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents such as money market mutual funds.  This could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.  For example, should the market advance during this period, the Fund may not participate as much as it would have if it had been more fully invested.  To the extent the Fund uses a money market fund for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market fund’s advisory fees and operational expenses.  Also, the yield paid by a money market fund in which the Fund invests will vary with short-term interest rates.  During periods of rising interest rates, such money market fund’s yield will tend to be lower than prevailing interest rates.


·

Fixed Income Risk : Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities.  The value of fixed income securities typically falls when an issuer's credit quality declines and may even become worthless if an issuer defaults.   


·

Industry or Sector Emphasis Risk :  The Fund may invest in Underlying Funds that in turn concentrate their investments within one industry or sector or among a broad range of industries or sectors.  To the extent that an Underlying Fund focuses on one or more sectors or industries, it may be subject to the risks affecting that sector or industry more than would a more broadly diversified fund.  For example, to the extent that an Underlying Fund concentrates in the technology sector, it will be subject to the risks of that sector, including competitive pressures of technology companies from new market entrances and technological obsolescence, as well as increased research and development costs and potential for greater governmental regulation.  Furthermore, each industry or sector possesses particular risks that may not affect other industries or sectors.  The Advisor’s judgment about which sectors or industries offer the greatest potential for long-term financial reward will change over time.  Therefore, the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests may be concentrated in any of a number of different sectors or industries.


·

Junk Bond Risk :

Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest.  These bonds offer the potential for higher return, but also involve greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased possibility that the bond's issuer, obligor or guarantor may not be able to make its payments of interest and principal (credit quality risk).  If that happens, the value of the bond may decrease, and the Fund’s share price may decrease and its income distribution may be reduced.  An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates (interest rate risk) could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell its bonds (liquidity risk).  Such securities may also include "Rule 144A" securities, which are subject to resale restrictions.  The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund’s share price.



7




 


·

Management Risk:   The net asset value of the Fund changes daily based on the performance of the securities and derivatives in which it invests. The Advisor’s judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Fund invests (long or short) may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.    


·

Market Risk:  The net asset value of the Fund will fluctuate based on changes in the value of the securities and derivatives in which the Fund invests. The Fund invests in securities and derivatives, which may be more volatile and carry more risk than some other forms of investment. The price of securities and derivatives may rise or fall because of economic or political changes. Security and derivative prices in general may decline over short or even extended periods of time. Market prices of securities and derivatives in broad market segments may be adversely affected by price trends in commodities, interest rates, exchange rates or other factors wholly unrelated to the value or condition of an issuer.


·

Portfolio Turnover Risk:  A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs associated with the turnover, which may reduce the Fund’s return, unless the securities traded can be bought and sold without corresponding commission costs. Active trading of securities will also increase the Fund’s realized capital gains or losses, which may affect the taxes you pay as a Fund shareholder.  The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is expected to be between 100% - 300% annually.


·

Small and Medium Capitalization Company Risk: Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. These companies may have narrower markets, limited product lines, fewer financial resources, and they may be dependent on a limited management group.  Investing in lesser-known, small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk of volatility of the Fund's net asset value than is customarily associated with larger, more established companies.  Often smaller and medium capitalization companies and the industries in which they are focused are still evolving and, while this may offer better growth potential than larger, more established companies, it also may make them more sensitive to changing market conditions.  Small cap companies may have returns that can vary, occasionally significantly, from the market in general.

·

Underlying Funds Risk: The Fund invests in ETFs and mutual funds.  As a result, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and mutual funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. You will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the Underlying Funds in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. When the Fund invests in Underlying Funds that use margin, leverage, short sales and other forms of financial derivatives, such as options and futures, an investment in the Fund may be more volatile than investments in other mutual funds.  Short sales are speculative investments and will cause the Fund to lose money if the value of a security sold short by the Fund, or an Underlying Fund in which the Fund invests, does not go down as the advisor expects.  Additional risks of investing in ETFs and mutual funds, where noted, are described below:


o

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


o

Inverse Correlation Risk:  Underlying Funds that are inverse funds should lose value as the index or security tracked by such fund•s benchmark increases in value; a result that is the



8




opposite from traditional mutual funds.  Successful use of inverse funds requires that the advisor correctly predict short term market movements.  If the Fund invests in an inverse fund and markets rise, the Fund could lose money.  Inverse funds may also employ leverage such that their returns are more than one times that of their benchmark.

o

Leveraging Risk: The use of leverage by the Underlying Funds, such as borrowing money to purchase securities, engaging in reverse repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities and engaging in forward commitment transactions, will magnify the Underlying Fund's gains or losses. During periods in which an Underlying Fund is utilizing financial leverage, the fees which are payable to its adviser as a percentage of the Underlying Fund's assets may be higher than if the Underlying Fund did not use leverage, because the fees are calculated as a percentage of the Underlying Fund's assets, including those purchased with leveraging.

o

Management Risk:  When the Fund invests in Underlying Funds there is a risk that the investment advisers of those Underlying Funds may make investment decisions that are detrimental to the performance of the Fund.

o

Net Asset Value and Market Price Risk:  The market value of ETF shares may differ from their net asset value. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for fund shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when shares trade at a premium or discount to net asset value.

o

Mutual Fund Risk:   The strategy of investing in Underlying Funds that are mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to you and therefore may increase the amount of taxes you pay.  In addition, certain prohibitions on the acquisition of mutual fund shares by the Fund may prevent the Fund from allocating its investments in the manner the advisor considers optimal. The Fund intends to purchase mutual funds that are either no-load or waive the sales load for purchases made by the Fund.  The Fund will not purchase mutual funds that charge a sales load upon redemption, but the Fund may purchase mutual funds that have an early redemption fee similar to the Fund’s.  In the event that a mutual fund charges a redemption fee, then you will indirectly bear the expense by investing in the Fund.   Investment Companies whose shares are purchased by the Fund will be obligated to redeem shares held by the Fund only in an amount up to 1% of the mutual fund's outstanding shares during any period of less than 30 days. Shares held by the Fund in excess of 1% of an investment company’s outstanding shares therefore, may be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.  This liquidity risk is reduced, however, as many of the investment companies in which the Fund may invest have a policy of not taking advantage of this 1% threshold and, in fact, go so far as to encourage frequent purchases and redemptions of any size.  In addition, certain investment companies have exemptive orders in place that allow the Fund to own up to 25% of the assets of said fund.  When the Fund focuses its investments in certain mutual funds, the Fund’s portfolio will have a risk profile for such investments that will correspond to that of such mutual funds and Management Risk, described above, increases proportionately.

o

Strategies Risk:  Each Underlying Fund is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund. These risks could include liquidity risk, sector risk, and foreign currency risk, as well as risks associated with fixed income securities and commodities.



9




Non-Principal Risks of Investment

·

Government Obligations Risk :  The Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.  No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities where it is not obligated to do so by law.


·

Liquidity Risk :  The securities of many of the companies with small and medium size capitalizations may have less “float” (the number of shares that normally trade) and less interest in the market and therefore are subject to liquidity risk.  In addition, high-yield securities generally have more limited trading opportunities than higher credit quality securities, which makes it more difficult to buy or sell a security at a favorable price or time, and therefore they are also subject to liquidity risk.  Liquidity risk is the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price that the Underlying Fund would like to sell.  If that happens, an Underlying Fund invested in such securities may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead, or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on such Underlying Fund’s (and, by extension, the Fund’s) performance.  


Temporary Investments:  To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term debt securities and money market instruments.  These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include: shares of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.  While the Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited.  Furthermore, to the extent that the Fund invests in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund pays its pro-rata portion of such money market funds’ advisory fees and operational fees.  The Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.


Portfolio Holdings Disclosure:   A description of the Fund’s policies regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.   


MANAGEMENT


Investment Advisor:  First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc., 5161 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, Minnesota 55811, serves as investment advisor to the Fund.  Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the Advisor is responsible for management of the Fund’s investment portfolio.  The Advisor is responsible for assuring that investments are made according to the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions.  The Advisor was established in 1988 for the purpose of advising individuals and institutions.  As of October 31 2013, the Advisor had approximately $32,948,678 million in assets under management.   


Pursuant to an advisory agreement between the Fund and the Advisor, the Advisor is entitled to receive, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equal to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive management fees and to make payments to limit Fund expenses, until July 31, 2016 so that the total annual operating expenses (exclusive of any taxes, short selling expenses, interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, indirect expenses, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund may invest, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Fund do not exceed 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits.  This agreement may be terminated only by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, on 60 days’ written notice to the Advisor.  A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the advisory agreement will be available in the Fund’s annual or semi-annual report to shareholders.    



10





Portfolio Manager : The Fund is managed on a day to day basis by Curtis A. Teberg. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in the Fund.

Curtis A. Teberg has been responsible for the Fund’s overall day-to-day management since its inception.  Mr. Teberg has been in the investment management business for more than 30 years.  He is the co-founder of the Advisor and has been its President since its inception in 1988.  From August 1988 to February 2002, Mr. Teberg was a registered representative with Walnut Street Securities, Inc., a securities brokerage firm in St. Louis, Missouri.  From February 2002 to April 2011, he was a registered representative with Askar Corp., a securities brokerage firm in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Since May 2011, he has been a registered representative with Polar Investment Counsel, Inc., a securities brokerage firm in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  Mr. Teberg holds series 7, 24, and 63 licenses.

HOW SHARES ARE PRICED


The net asset value (“NAV”) and offering price (NAV plus any applicable sales charges) of each class of shares is determined at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business.  The NYSE is closed on weekends and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  

NAV is computed by determining, on a per class basis, the aggregate market value of all assets of the Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding ((assets-liabilities)/number of shares = NAV).  The NAV takes into account, on a per class basis, the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily.  The determination of NAV for a share class for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day.

Generally, the Fund’s securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the last bid on the primary exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price.  If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the advisor in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and evaluated by the Board as to the reliability of the fair value method used.  In these cases, the Fund’s NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair value rather than their market price.  Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available.

The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund’s securities.  In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for the Fund.  Because the Fund may invest in Underlying Funds which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the Underlying Funds do not price their shares, the value of some of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.  In computing the NAV, the Fund values foreign securities held by the Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the NYSE.  Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates.  If events materially affecting the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value.  For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the Fund calculates its NAV, the advisor may need to price the security using the Fund’s fair value pricing guidelines. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors.



11




Fair valuation of the Fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the Fund’s NAV by short term traders.  The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments.  As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other mutual funds to determine net asset value, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

With respect to any portion of the Fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, each Fund’s net asset value is calculated based upon the net asset values of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.


HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES  

You may purchase shares of the Fund by sending a completed application form to the following address:

 

Regular Mail

THE TEBERG FUND

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

PO Box 541150

Omaha, Nebraska  68154

Express/Overnight Mail

THE TEBERG FUND

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska  68130


The USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions, including the Fund, to adopt certain policies and programs to prevent money-laundering activities, including procedures to verify the identity of customers opening new accounts.  As requested on the Application, you should supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address.   Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted.  This information will assist the Fund in verifying your identity.  Until such verification is made, the Fund may temporarily limit additional share purchases.  In addition, the Fund may limit additional share purchases or close an account if it is unable to verify a shareholder’s identity.  As required by law, the Fund may employ various procedures, such as comparing the information to fraud databases or requesting additional information or documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct.


Purchase through Brokers:   You may invest in the Fund through brokers or agents who have entered into selling agreements with the Fund’s distributor.  The brokers and agents are authorized to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund.  The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or its designee receives the order.  The broker or agent may set their own initial and subsequent investment minimums.  You may be charged a fee if you use a broker or agent to buy or redeem shares of the Fund.  Finally, various servicing agents use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund.  You should carefully read the program materials provided to you by your servicing agent.


Purchase by Wire:   If you wish to wire money to make an investment in the Fund, please call the Fund at 1- 866-209-1964 for wiring instructions and to notify the Fund that a wire transfer is coming.  Any commercial bank can transfer same-day funds via wire. The Fund will normally accept wired funds for investment on the day received if they are received by the Fund’s designated bank before the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your bank may charge you a fee for wiring same-day funds.


Automatic Investment Plan:   You may participate in the Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money from your bank account and invests it in the Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers or automatic bank drafts.  You may elect to make subsequent investments by transfers of a minimum of $ 100 on specified days of each month into your established Fund account.  Please contact the Fund at 1 -866-209-1964 for more information about the Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan.



12




 

The Fund, however, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any application to purchase shares.  Applications will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a check drawn on a U.S. bank, thrift institutions, or credit union in U.S. funds for the full amount of the shares to be purchased.  After you open an account, you may purchase additional shares by sending a check together with written instructions stating the name(s) on the account and the account number, to the above address.  Make all checks payable to “The Teberg Fund.”  The Fund will not accept payment in cash, including cashier•s checks or money orders.  Also, to prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, U.S. Treasury checks, credit card checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.


Note:   Gemini Fund Services, LLC, the Fund•s transfer agent, will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder•s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any check returned to the transfer agent for insufficient funds.


When Order is Processed:   All shares will be purchased at the NAV per share (plus applicable sales charges, if any) next determined after the Fund receives your application or request in good order.  All requests received in good order by the Fund before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be processed on that same day.  Requests received after 4:00 p.m. will be processed on the next business day.


Good Order :  When making a purchase request, make sure your request is in good order.  “Good order” means your purchase request includes:

·

 the name of the Fund

·

 the dollar amount of shares to be purchased

·

 a completed purchase application or investment stub

check payable to the “The Teberg Fund”


Retirement Plans:   You may purchase shares of the Fund for your individual retirement plans.  Please call the Fund at 1-866-209-1964 for the most current listing and appropriate disclosure documentation on how to open a retirement account.

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES


Redeeming Shares:   You may redeem all or any portion of the shares credited to your account by submitting a written request for redemption to:  

 

Regular Mail

THE TEBERG FUND

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

PO Box 541150

Omaha, Nebraska  68154

Express/Overnight Mail

THE TEBERG FUND

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska  68130

 

 

Redemptions by Telephone :   The telephone redemption privilege is automatically available to all new accounts .  If you do not want the telephone redemption privilege, you must indicate this in the appropriate area on your account application or you must write to the Fund and instruct it to remove this privilege from your account.  


The proceeds will be sent by mail to the address designated on your account or wired directly to your existing account in a bank or brokerage firm in the United States as designated on your application.  To redeem by telephone, call 1-866-209-1964.   The redemption proceeds normally will be sent by mail or by wire within three business days after receipt of your telephone instructions.  

 




13






The Fund reserves the right to suspend the telephone redemption privileges with respect to your account if the name(s) or the address on the account has been changed within the previous 30 days.  Neither the Fund, the transfer agent, nor their respective affiliates will be liable for complying with telephone instructions they reasonably believe to be genuine or for any loss, damage, cost or expenses in acting on such telephone instructions and you will be required to bear the risk of any such loss.  The Fund or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine.  If the Fund and/or the transfer agent do not employ these procedures, they may be liable to you for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.  These procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification prior to acting upon telephone instructions, providing written confirmation of the transactions and/or tape recording telephone instructions.


Redemptions through Broker:   If shares of the Fund are held by a broker-dealer, financial institution or other servicing agent, you must contact that servicing agent to redeem shares of the Fund.  The servicing agent may charge a fee for this service.


Redemptions by Wire :   You may request that your redemption proceeds be wired directly to your bank account. The Fund’s transfer agent imposes a $15 fee for each wire redemption and deducts the fee directly from your account. Your bank may also impose a fee for the incoming wire.


Automatic Withdrawal Plan:  If your individual accounts, IRA or other qualified plan account have a current account value of at least $10,000, you may participate in the Fund’s Automatic Withdrawal Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money to your bank account from the Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers.  You may elect to make subsequent withdrawals by transfers of a minimum of $50 on specified days of each month into your established bank account.  Please contact the Fund at 1-866-209-1964 for more information about the Fund’s Automatic Withdrawal Plan.


Redemptions in Kind:   The Fund reserves the right to honor requests for redemption or repurchase orders by making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities (“redemption in kind”) if the amount is greater than the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s assets.  The securities will be chosen by the Fund and valued under the Fund’s net asset value procedures.  A shareholder will be exposed to market risk until these securities are converted to cash and may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities to cash.


When Redemptions are Sent:   Once the Fund receives your redemption request in “good order” as described below, it will issue a check based on the next determined NAV following your redemption request.  The redemption proceeds normally will be sent by mail or by wire within three business days after receipt of a request in “good order.”  If you purchase shares using a check and soon after request a redemption, your redemption proceeds will not be sent until the check used for your purchase has cleared your bank (usually within 10 days of the purchase date).



14






Good Order:   Your redemption request will be processed if it is in “good order.”  To be in good order, the following conditions must be satisfied:  

·

·

The request should be in writing, unless redeeming by telephone, indicating the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed;

·

·

The request must identify your account number;

·

·

The request should be signed by you and any other person listed on the account, exactly as the shares are registered; and

·

·

If you request that the redemption proceeds be sent to a person, bank or an address other than that of record or paid to someone other than the record owner(s), or if the address was changed within the last 30 days, or if the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000, the signature(s) on the request must be medallion signature guaranteed by an eligible signature guarantor.


When You Need Medallion Signature Guarantees:   If you wish to change the bank or brokerage account that you have designated on your account, you may do so at any time by writing to the Fund with your signature guaranteed.  A medallion signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine and protects you from unauthorized account transfers.  You will need your signature guaranteed if:


·

you request a redemption to be made payable to a person not on record with the Fund;

·

you request that a redemption be mailed to an address other than that on record with the Fund;

·

the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000;

·

any redemption is transmitted by federal wire transfer to a bank other than the bank of record; or

·

your address was changed within 30 days of your redemption request.


Signatures may be guaranteed by any eligible guarantor institution (including banks, brokers and dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations).  Further documentation will be required to change the designated account if shares are held by a corporation, fiduciary or other organization.  A notary public cannot guarantee signatures.


Retirement Plans:   If you own an IRA or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your redemption request whether the Fund should withhold federal income tax.  Unless you elect in your redemption request that you do not want to have federal tax withheld, the redemption will be subject to withholding.


Low Balances:   If at any time your account balance in the Fund falls below $250, the Fund may notify you that, unless the account is brought up to at least $250 within 60 days of the notice; your account could be closed.  After the notice period, the Fund may redeem all of your shares and close your account by sending you a check to the address of record.  Your account will not be closed if the account balance drops below $250 due to a decline in NAV.  

 

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES


The Fund discourages and does not accommodate market timing. Frequent trading into and out of the Fund can harm all Fund shareholders by disrupting the Fund•s investment strategies, increasing Fund expenses, decreasing tax efficiency and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Fund is designed for long-term investors and is not intended for market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Accordingly, the Fund•s Board has approved policies that seek to curb these disruptive activities while recognizing that shareholders may have a legitimate need to adjust their Fund investments as their financial needs or circumstances change. The Fund currently uses several methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These

 


15





methods include, but are not limited to, committing staff to review, on a continuing basis, recent trading activity in order to identify trading activity that may be contrary to the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy.

Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

Based on the frequency of redemptions in your account, the Advisor or transfer agent may in its sole discretion determine that your trading activity is detrimental to the Fund as described in the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy and elect to (i) reject or limit the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future purchases into the Fund and/or (ii) reject or limit the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future exchanges or redemptions out of the Fund.

The Fund reserves the right to reject or restrict purchase requests for any reason, particularly when the shareholder’s trading activity suggests that the shareholder may be engaged in market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Neither the Fund nor the Advisor will be liable for any losses resulting from rejected purchase orders. The Advisor may also bar an investor who has violated these policies (and the investor’s financial advisor) from opening new accounts with the Fund.

Although the Fund attempts to limit disruptive trading activities, some investors use a variety of strategies to hide their identities and their trading practices. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be able to identify or limit these activities. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of funds.  While the Fund will encourage financial intermediaries to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their customers who invest indirectly in the Fund, the Fund is limited in its ability to monitor the trading activity or enforce the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy with respect to customers of financial intermediaries. For example, should it occur, the Fund may not be able to detect market timing that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or made difficult to identify in the omnibus accounts used by those intermediaries for aggregated purchases, exchanges and redemptions on behalf of all their customers. More specifically, unless the financial intermediaries have the ability to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their customers through such methods as implementing short-term trading limitations or restrictions and monitoring trading activity for what might be market timing, the Fund may not be able to determine whether trading by customers of financial intermediaries is contrary to the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy. Brokers maintaining omnibus accounts with the Fund have agreed to provide shareholder transaction information to the extent known to the broker to the Fund upon request. If the Fund or its transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent suspects there is market timing activity in the account, the Fund will seek full cooperation from the service provider maintaining the account to identify the underlying participant. At the request of the Advisor, the service providers may take immediate action to stop any further short-term trading by such participants.


TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS


Any sale or exchange of the Fund’s shares may generate tax liability (unless you are a tax-exempt investor or your investment is in a qualified retirement account).  When you redeem your shares you may realize a taxable gain or loss.  This is measured by the difference between the proceeds of the sale and the tax basis for the shares you sold.  (To aid in computing your tax basis, you generally should retain your account statements for the period that you hold shares in the Fund.)


The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains annually in December.  Both distributions will be reinvested in shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive cash.  Dividends from net investment income (including any excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are generally taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of your holding period for the shares.  Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions or receive them in cash.  Certain dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December will be taxed to shareholders as if received in December if they are paid during the following January.  Each year the Fund will inform you of the amount and type of your distributions.  IRAs and other


16




qualified retirement plans are exempt from federal income taxation until retirement proceeds are paid out to the participant.


Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes.  A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the amount you receive when you sell them.


On the account application, you will be asked to certify that your social security number or taxpayer identification number is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to the IRS.  If you are subject to backup withholding or you did not certify your taxpayer identification number, the IRS requires the Fund to withhold a percentage of any dividend, redemption or exchange proceeds.  The Fund reserves the right to reject any application that does not include a certified social security or taxpayer identification number.  If you do not have a social security number, you should indicate on the purchase form that your application to obtain a number is pending.  The Fund is required to withhold taxes if a number is not delivered to the Fund within seven days.


This summary is not intended to be and should not be construed to be legal or tax advice.  You should consult your own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of owning the Fund’s shares.


DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES


Distributor:   Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 17605 Wright Street Omaha, Nebraska 68130, is the distributor for the shares of the Fund.  Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).  Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis.


Distribution Fees:   The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (“12b-1 Plan” or “Plan”) pursuant to which the Fund pays the Fund’s distributor and other entities a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses.


The Fund’s distributor and other entities are paid under the Plan for services provided and the expenses borne by the distributor and others in the distribution of Fund shares, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares and incentive compensation to and expenses of dealers and others who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of the Fund’s shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials.  In addition, the distributor or other entities may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan to compensate dealers or other entities for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any un-reimbursed expenses.


Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries:   The Fund•s distributor, its affiliates, and the Fund•s advisor and its affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own assets including their legitimate profits from Fund-related activities, provide additional cash payments to financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund or assist in the marketing of the Fund.  Financial intermediaries include brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrators and others.  These payments may be in addition to the Rule 12b-1 fees and any sales charges that are disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus.  These payments are generally made to financial intermediaries that provide shareholder or administrative services, or marketing support.  Marketing support may include access to sales meetings, sales representatives and financial intermediary management representatives, inclusion of the Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or other sales programs.  These payments also may be made as an expense reimbursement in cases where the financial intermediary provides shareholder services to Fund shareholders.  The distributor may, from time to time, provide promotional incentives to certain investment firms.  Such incentives may, at the distributor•s discretion, be limited to investment firms who allow their individual selling representatives to participate in such additional compensation.


17





Householding:   To reduce expenses, the Fund mails only one copy of a Prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Fund at 1-866-209-1964 on days the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution.  The Fund will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


The following financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five years.  Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share.  The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).  The information for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s annual report.   The annual report is available upon request.  



18






Year Ended March 31,



 

Six Months Ended

September 30, 2013 Unaudited

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of year

$10.41

$10.70

$10.32

$9.94

$7.13

$9.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (1)

0.03

0.23

0.15

0.40

0.43

0.14

Investment restriction violation

-

0.04

-

-

-

-

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

(0.12)

(0.37)

0.42

0.32

2.89

(2.81)

Total from investment operations

(0.09)

(0.10)

0.57

0.72

3.32

(2.67)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

-

(0.19)

(0.19)

(0.34)

(0.51)

(0.04)

Total distributions

-

(0.19)

(0.19)

(0.34)

(0.51)

(0.04)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

$10.32

$10.41

$10.70

$10.32

$9.94

$7.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total return

-0.77% (3)

-0.83% (5)

5.72%

7.36%

46.59%

-27.14%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios/supplemental data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (thousands)

$31,502

$34,041

$36,076

$36,342

$36,738

$25,924

Ratio of expenses to average net assets: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before expense waiver

2.07% (4)

2.30%

2.38%

2.34%

2.33%

2.34%

After expense waiver

1.74% (4)

2.18% (6)

2.34%

2.32%

2.32%

2.32%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before expense waiver

0.17% (4)

2.13%

1.38%

3.87%

4.52%

1.64%

After expense waiver

0.50% (4)

2.25%

1.42%

3.89%

4.53%

1.66%

Portfolio turnover rate

243.83% (3)

277.07%

224.14%

86.88%

142.44%

183.32%


(1)

Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(2)

Does not include expenses of investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(3)

Not annualized

(4)

Annualized

(5)

Includes increase from payments made by the Advisor and net gain realized of 0.39% related to the disposal of securities held in violation of investment restrictions. Without these transactions, total return would have been -1.22%.

(6)

Effective December 20, 2012, the expense cap was contractually reduced from 2.50% to 1.75%.



19





PRIVACY NOTICE

FACTS

WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL

INFORMATION?

  

 

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

  

  

What?

  The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

§ Social Security number

§ Purchase History

§ Assets

§ Account Balances

§ Retirement Assets

§ Account Transactions

§ Transaction History

§ Wire Transfer Instructions

§ Checking Account Information


  When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

 

How?

All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust III chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

  

  

  

  

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does Northern Lights Fund Trust III share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes –

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

No

We don't share

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don't share

For our affiliates' everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No

We don't share

For our affiliates' everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

No

We don't share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don't share

  

  



20






Questions?

Call (402) 493-4603

 

 

 Who we are

Who is providing this notice?

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

What we do

How does Northern Lights Fund Trust III protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.


Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.

How does Northern Lights Fund Trust III collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

§ Open an account

§ Provide account information

§ Give us your contact information

§ Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

§ Make a wire transfer

§ Tell us where to send the money

§ Tells us who receives the money

§ Show your government-issued ID

§ Show your driver's license

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can't I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

   Sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes information about your creditworthiness

   Affiliates from using your information to market to you

   Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you


       State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions

Affiliates

   Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

§  Northern Lights Fund Trust III doesn t share with our affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies

§ Northern Lights Fund Trust III doesn t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

§ Northern Lights Fund Trust III doesn t jointly market.



21




THE TEBERG FUND

Advisor

First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc.

5161 Miller Trunk Highway

Duluth, Minnesota 55811

Distributor

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC

17605 Wright Street

Omaha, NE  6813 0

Independent Registered Public Accountant

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP

1818 Market St., Suite 2400

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Legal Counsel

Thompson Hine LLP

41 S. High Street, Suite 1700

Columbus, OH  43215

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Transfer Agent

 

Gemini Fund Services, LLC
17605 Wright Street , Suite 2

Omaha, NE  6813 0


Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund s Statement of Additional Information dated December 13 , 2013.  The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part of this Prospectus).  The SAI provides more details about the Fund s policies and management.  Additional information about the Fund s investments will also be available in the Fund s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders.  In the Fund s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund s performance during its last fiscal year or fiscal period.


To obtain a free copy of the SAI and, when issued, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders, or other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Fund, please call 1-866-209-1964 or visit www.tebergfund.com.  You may also write to:


THE TEBERG FUND

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

17606 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska 6813 0


You may review and obtain copies of the Fund s information at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.  Please call 1-202-551-8090 for information relating to the operation of the Public Reference Room.  Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.  Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.


Investment Company Act File # 811-22655



 

 

 






The Teberg Fund

a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III


TEBRX



STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


December 13, 2013



This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of The Teberg Fund (the "Fund") dated December 13, 2013, which is incorporated by reference into this SAI (i.e., legally made a part of this SAI).  Copies may be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund's Transfer Agent, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, NE  68130 or by calling 1-866-209-1964.  You may also obtain a prospectus by visiting the Fund's website at www.tebergfund.com.    



1




TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FUND

1

INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

1

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

22

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

22

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

23

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

25

ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE

26

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

27

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

29

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

31

LEGAL COUNSEL

31

DISTRIBUTOR

31

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

33

CODE OF ETHICS

34

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

34

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES

35

TAX STATUS

37

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM

43

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

43

MANAGEMENT

44

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

49

APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

50




THE FUND



The Fund is a diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust organized on December 5, 2011 (the "Trust").  The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company.  The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees").  


The Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of The Teberg Fund (“Predecessor Fund”), a series of the Advisors Series Trust, in a tax-free reorganization on December 13, 2013 (the “Reorganization”). In connection with the Reorganization, shares of the Predecessor Fund were exchanged for shares of the Fund. Certain financial information included on the following pages is that of the Predecessor Fund.


The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest.  All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.  Each share of the Fund is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote.  In addition, each share of the Fund is entitled to participate equally with other shares, on a class-specific basis, (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities.  Shares of the Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights.  Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.


First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor") is the Fund's investment advisor. The Fund's investment objectives, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus.  The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.


The Fund offers one class of shares. The Board of Trustees may classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund into additional classes of shares at a future date.  


Under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in office until the termination of the Trust or his/her earlier death, incapacity, resignation or removal.  Shareholders can remove a Trustee to the extent provided by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.  Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, except insofar as the 1940 Act may require the election by shareholders.  As a result, normally no annual or regular meetings of shareholders will be held unless matters arise requiring a vote of shareholders under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act.


INVESTMENTS AND RISKS


 

The investment objective of the Fund and the descriptions of the Fund's principal investment strategies are set forth under "Investment Objective, Principal Investment Strategies, Related Risks" in the Prospectus.  The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.




1




The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of instruments in which the Fund may invest, strategies the Advisor may employ in pursuit of the Fund's investment objective and a summary of related risks.


Equity Securities


Equity securities in which the Fund invests include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, such as convertible bonds, warrants, rights and options. The value of equity securities varies in response to many factors, including the activities and financial condition of individual companies, the business market in which individual companies compete and general market and economic conditions. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be significant.


Common Stock


Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price.


Preferred Stock


The Fund may invest in preferred stock with no minimum credit rating. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.


The fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market's perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company's worth.


Fixed Income/Debt/Bond Securities


Yields on fixed income securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and other fixed income securities markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. An investment in the Fund will be subjected to risk even if all fixed income securities in the Fund's portfolio are paid in full at maturity. All fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest rates or the issuer's actual or perceived creditworthiness or ability to meet its obligations.


There is normally an inverse relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, an increase in interest rates produces a decrease in market value. The longer the remaining maturity (and duration) of a


2




security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the markets' perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of fixed income securities (including municipal securities) are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. In addition, the obligations of municipal issuers may become subject to laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. The possibility exists, therefore, that, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may become impaired.


The corporate debt securities in which the Fund may invest include corporate bonds and notes and short-term investments such as commercial paper and variable rate demand notes. Commercial paper (short-term promissory notes) is issued by companies to finance their or their affiliate's current obligations and is frequently unsecured. Variable and floating rate demand notes are unsecured obligations typically redeemable upon not more than 30 days' notice. These obligations include master demand notes that permit investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement with the issuer of the instrument. The issuer of these obligations often has the right, after a given period, to prepay the outstanding principal amount of the obligations upon a specified number of days' notice. These obligations generally are not traded, nor generally is there an established secondary market for these obligations. To the extent a demand note does not have a 7-day or shorter demand feature and there is no readily available market for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.


The Fund may invest in debt securities, including non-investment grade debt securities.  The following describes some of the risks associated with fixed income debt securities:


Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.


Credit Risk. Fixed income securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of those issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.


Extension Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e. interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.



3




Prepayment Risk. Certain types of debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities may include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans.


Securities subject to prepayment are less effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Fund.


At times, some of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses in securities purchased at a premium, as unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, will cause the Fund to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium.


Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances


Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity.


The Fund may invest in insured bank obligations. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as "banks") up to $250,000. The Fund may purchase bank obligations that are fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.  


Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.



4




Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes


The Fund may invest in fixed time deposits, whether or not subject to withdrawal penalties. The commercial paper obligations, which the Fund may buy are unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master Note") permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between the Fund as Lender, and the issuer, as borrower. It permits daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The Fund has the right at any time to increase, up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank letters of credit. Because these notes are direct lending arrangements between the Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus, there is no limitation on the type of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase and on an ongoing basis, the Fund's advisor will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously. Variable rate notes are subject to the Fund's investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer on demand within seven days.


Commercial Paper


The Fund may purchase commercial paper. Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations.  It may be secured by letters of credit, a surety bond or other forms of collateral.  Commercial paper is usually repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the issuance of new commercial paper.  As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk.  Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances.  Like all fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates.  If interest rates rise, commercial paper prices will decline.  The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase.  Commercial paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt because securities with shorter maturities typically have lower effective yields than those with longer maturities.  As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer will default on its commercial paper obligation.


Repurchase Agreements


The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as the Fund) purchases a security (known as the "underlying security") from a securities dealer or bank. Any such dealer or bank must be deemed creditworthy by the Advisor. At that time, the bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at a mutually agreed upon price on a designated future date. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to the Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund generally will be unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying securities. Repurchase agreements must be "fully collateralized," in that the market value of the underlying securities (including accrued interest)


5




must at all times be equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Therefore, a repurchase agreement can be considered a loan collateralized by the underlying securities.

 

Repurchase agreements are generally for a short period of time, often less than a week, and will generally be used by the Fund to invest excess cash or as part of a temporary defensive strategy. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. These losses could result from: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security while the Fund is seeking to enforce its rights under the repurchase agreement; (b) possible reduced levels of income or lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.


High Yield Securities


The Fund may invest in high yield securities.  High yield, high risk bonds are securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (BB+ or lower by S&P and Ba1 or lower by Moody's). Other terms used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds," "non-investment grade bonds," "below investment grade bonds," and "junk bonds." These securities are considered to be high-risk investments. The risks include the following:


Greater Risk of Loss.  These securities are regarded as predominately speculative. There is a greater risk that issuers of lower rated securities will default than issuers of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities generally are less creditworthy and may be highly indebted, financially distressed, or bankrupt. These issuers are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments. In addition, high yield securities are frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If an issuer fails to pay principal or interest, the Fund would experience a decrease in income and a decline in the market value of its investments.


Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes.  The income and market value of lower-rated securities may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Although non-investment grade securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment grade securities, non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to short-term corporate, economic and market developments. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the investments in lower-rated securities may be volatile. The default rate for high yield bonds tends to be cyclical, with defaults rising in periods of economic downturn. For example, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the default rate for high yield securities was significantly higher than in the prior or subsequent years.


Valuation Difficulties.  It is often more difficult to value lower rated securities than higher rated securities. If an issuer's financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. In addition, the lower rated investments may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary market. Because of the lack of market pricing and current information for investments in lower rated securities, valuation of such investments is much more dependent on judgment than is the case with higher rated securities.


Liquidity.  There may be no established secondary or public market for investments in lower rated securities. Such securities are frequently traded in markets that may be relatively less liquid than the market for higher rated securities. In addition, relatively few institutional purchasers may hold a major portion of an issue of lower-rated securities at times. As a result, the Fund may be required to


6




sell investments at substantial losses or retain them indefinitely when an issuer's financial condition is deteriorating.


Credit Quality.  Credit quality of non-investment grade securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security.


New Legislation.  Future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk bonds. As an example, in the late 1980's, legislation required federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in high yield, high risk bonds. New legislation, if enacted, could have a material negative effect on the Fund's investments in lower rated securities.


High yield, high risk investments may include the following:


Straight fixed-income debt securities. These include bonds and other debt obligations that bear a fixed or variable rate of interest payable at regular intervals and have a fixed or resettable maturity date. The particular terms of such securities vary and may include features such as call provisions and sinking funds.


Zero-coupon debt securities. These bear no interest obligation but are issued at a discount from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire return equals the difference between their issue price and their maturity value.


Zero-fixed-coupon debt securities. These are zero-coupon debt securities that convert on a specified date to interest-bearing debt securities.


Pay-in-kind bonds. These are bonds which allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds.  These are bonds sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), usually to a relatively small number of institutional investors.


Convertible Securities. These are bonds or preferred stock that may be converted to common stock.


Preferred Stock. These are stocks that generally pay a dividend at a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation.


Loan Participations and Assignments. These are participations in, or assignments of all or a portion of loans to corporations or to governments, including governments of less developed countries ("LDCs").


Securities issued in connection with Reorganizations and Corporate Restructurings. In connection with reorganizing or restructuring of an issuer, an issuer may issue common stock or other securities to holders of its debt securities.  The  Fund may hold such common stock and other securities even if it does not invest in such securities.


Municipal Government Obligations



7




In general, municipal obligations are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities.  Municipal obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes.  Certain types of municipal obligations are issued in whole or in part to obtain funding for privately operated facilities or projects.  Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, industrial development bonds, notes and municipal lease obligations.  Municipal obligations also include additional obligations, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax, that may become available in the future as long as the Board of the Fund determines that an investment in any such type of obligation is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives.  Municipal obligations may be fully or partially backed by local government, the credit of a private issuer, current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or domestic or foreign entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance.


Bonds and Notes.  General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of interest and principal.  Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a project or facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source.  Industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private users.  Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of state, regional and local governments.  Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes and similar instruments.


Municipal Lease Obligations.  Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract.  They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities, such as vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment and other capital assets.  The Fund may invest in Underlying Funds that purchase these lease obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such lease obligations (See "Participation Interests" section). States have different requirements for issuing municipal debt and issuing municipal leases.  Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds because they usually contain a "non-appropriation" clause, which provides that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year.  Such non-appropriation clauses are required to avoid the municipal lease obligations from being treated as debt for state debt restriction purposes.  Accordingly, such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk.  Municipal leases may be secured by the underlying capital asset and it may be difficult to dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.


Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)


The Fund may invest in ETNs, which are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy, minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) during normal trading hours; however, investors also can hold ETNs until they mature. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day‘s market benchmark or strategy factor. ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, including the credit risk of the issuer, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer‘s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN also may be influenced by time to



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maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer‘s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When the Fund invests in ETNs, it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. A decision by the Fund to sell ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.


ETNs also are subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how the Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes.


An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, and thus they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. The market value of ETNs may differ from their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETNs at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.


United States Government Obligations


These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. The Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS).  TIPS are special types of treasury bonds that were created in order to offer bond investors protection from inflation.  The values of the TIPS are automatically adjusted to the inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  If the CPI goes up by half a percent, the value of the bond (the TIPS) would also go up by half a percent.  If the CPI falls, the value of the bond does not fall because the government guarantees that the original investment will stay the same. TIPS decline in value when real interest rates rise.  However, in certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, TIPS may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar duration.


United States Government Agency Obligations


These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury


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Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., GNMA mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., FNMA Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association).  On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of returning the entity to normal business operations.  The U.S. Treasury Department and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both FNMA and FHLMC to ensure that each entity had the ability to fulfill its financial obligations.  The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments or ongoing business operations of FNMA and FHLMC.


Government-related guarantors (i.e. not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.


FHLMC was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates ("PC's"), which represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such nongovernmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.


Securities of Other Investment Companies


The Fund's investments in Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs"), mutual funds and closed-end funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the underlying fund.  Generally, the Fund will not purchase securities of another investment company if, as a result: (i) more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of other investment companies, (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of any such investment company being held by the Fund, or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in any one such investment company.  However, many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to


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invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond the above statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the particular ETF and the investing fund. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.  In the alternative, the Fund intends to rely on Rule 12d1-3, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs to exceed the 5% limitation and the 10% limitation, provided the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired fund) does not exceed the limits on sales loads established by FINRA for funds of funds. In addition to ETFs, the Fund may invest in other investment companies such as open-end mutual funds or exchange-traded closed-end funds, within the limitations described above.


Closed-End Investment Companies


The Fund may invest its assets in "closed-end" investment companies (or "closed-end funds"), subject to the investment restrictions set forth above. Shares of closed-end funds are typically offered to the public in a one-time initial public offering by a group of underwriters who retain a spread or underwriting commission of between 4% or 6% of the initial public offering price.  Such securities are then listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as "NASDAQ") and, in some cases, may be traded in other over-the-counter markets. Because the shares of closed-end funds cannot be redeemed upon demand to the issuer like the shares of an open-end investment company (such as the Fund), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.


The Fund generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. The Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses the Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. The Fund may, however, also purchase securities of a closed-end fund in an initial public offering when, in the opinion of the Advisor, based on a consideration of the nature of the closed-end fund's proposed investments, the prevailing market conditions and the level of demand for such securities, they represent an attractive opportunity for growth of capital. The initial offering price typically will include a dealer spread, which may be higher than the applicable brokerage cost if the Fund purchased such securities in the secondary market.


The shares of many closed-end funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is less than the net asset value per share, the difference representing the "market discount" of such shares. This market discount may be due in part to the investment objective of long-term appreciation, which is sought by many closed-end funds, as well as to the fact that the shares of closed-end funds are not redeemable by the holder upon demand to the issuer at the next determined net asset value but rather are subject to the principles of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their net asset value.


The Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to net asset value or at a premium to net asset value. There can be no assurance that the market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by the Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and the Fund may suffer realized or unrealized capital losses due to further decline in the market price of the securities of such closed-end funds, thereby adversely affecting the net asset value of the Fund's shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by the Fund at a premium will continue to trade at a premium or that the premium will not decrease subsequent to a purchase of such shares by the Fund.


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Closed-end funds may issue senior securities (including preferred stock and debt obligations) for the purpose of leveraging the closed-end fund's common shares in an attempt to enhance the current return to such closed-end fund's common shareholders. The Fund's investment in the common shares of closed-end funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on its investment, but at the same time may be expected to exhibit more volatility in market price and net asset value than an investment in shares of investment companies without a leveraged capital structure.


Open-end Investment Companies


The Fund and any "affiliated persons," as defined by the 1940 Act, may purchase in the aggregate only up to 3% of the total outstanding securities of any underlying fund.  Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the underlying fund, the Fund's ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Advisor must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference.  The 1940 Act also provides that an underlying fund whose shares are purchased by the Fund when relying on certain exemptions to limitations on investments in other investment companies will be obligated to redeem shares held by the Fund only in an amount up to 1% of the underlying fund's outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Therefore, shares held by the Fund when relying on certain exemptions to limitations on investments in other investment companies under the 1940 Act in excess of 1% of an underlying fund's outstanding securities will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.


Under certain circumstances, an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In such cases, the Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Advisor determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.


Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying fund(s) are made independently of the Fund and its Advisor. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another such fund. The result would be an indirect expense to the Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.


Exchange Traded Funds


ETFs are generally passive funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts (UITs).  ETFs typically have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap "creation units" in block-multiples of, for example, 50,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the net asset value (NAV) is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.



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Foreign Securities


General .  The Fund may invest in foreign securities and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and other investment companies that hold a portfolio of foreign securities.  Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies.  There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies.  There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States.  Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to the Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government.  There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries.  Finally, the establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations.


To the extent the Fund's currency exchange transactions do not fully protect the Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements).  Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).


Securities Options

The Fund may purchase and write ( i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities or stock indices, and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who


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exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Pacific Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.

The Fund's obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by the Fund's execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series ( i.e. , same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will have paid a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument or liquidate the assets held in a segregated account, as described below, until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.

If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by the Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by the Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.

Certain Risks Regarding Options.

There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be


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compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

Successful use by the Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Advisor to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, a fund's ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by the Fund. Inasmuch as the Fund's securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and the Fund's securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by the Fund.

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

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.

Cover for Options Positions .

Transactions using options (other than options that the Fund has purchased) expose the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above. The Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, the Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which the Fund writes or sells options.


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Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Fund's assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

Options on Futures Contracts


The Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.


Dealer Options


The Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While the Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.


Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, the Fund may generally be able to realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when the Fund writes a dealer option, it may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom the Fund originally wrote the option. While the Fund will seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless the Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, the Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund. For example, because the Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the Fund may not sell the assets, which it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair the Fund's ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.


The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid securities. The Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options as liquid if the dealer agrees that the Fund may repurchase the dealer option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the


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extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, the Fund will treat dealer options as subject to the Fund's limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, the Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.


Futures Contracts


A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g., units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees are paid when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position.


Unlike when the Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts, the Fund would be required to deposit with its custodian or futures broker in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or other liquid securities, known as "initial margin." The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.


If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in underlying instrument or index in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund.


These subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuate making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as "marking to the market." The Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.


Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.




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For example, one contract in the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index future is a contract to buy 25 pounds sterling multiplied by the level of the UK Financial Times 100 Share Index on a given future date. Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract expires.


Swap Agreements


The Fund may enter into swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to equity, debt, commodities or other asset markets without actually purchasing those assets, or to hedge a position.  Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one year.  In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments.  The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index.


Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis."  Consequently, the Fund's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount").  Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term.


Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, if a swap is entered into on a net basis, if the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any.


The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to a swap agreement entered into on a net basis will be accrued daily and an amount of cash or liquid asset having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in an account with the Custodian.  The Fund will also establish and maintain such accounts with respect to its total obligations under any swaps that are not entered into on a net basis.  Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be "senior securities" for purposes of the Fund's investment restriction concerning senior securities.


Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund's illiquid investment limitations.  The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Advisor believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy.  The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counter-party.


The Fund may enter into a swap agreement in circumstances where the Advisor believes that it may be more cost effective or practical than buying the securities represented by such index or a futures contract or an option on such index.  The counter-party to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer.  The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have



18




increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks represented in the index, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks.  The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks.  Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.


The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation.  As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are traded in the OTC market.


Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (“CEA”), and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Funds' operations.  Accordingly, the Fund is not currently subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator. 

When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements

The Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis. In this event, the Custodian (as defined under the section entitled "Custodian") will segregate liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the Custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, the Fund may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of the Fund's commitment. It may be expected that the Fund's net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash.


The Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because the Fund will segregate liquid assets to satisfy its purchase commitments in the manner described, the Fund's liquidity and the ability of the Advisor to manage them may be affected in the event the Fund's forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.


The Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. In these cases, the Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When the Fund engages in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in the Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.


The market value of the securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value is


19




taken into account when determining the market value of the Fund starting on the day the Fund agrees to purchase the securities. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid for and delivered on the settlement date.


Illiquid and Restricted Securities


The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) and securities that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.


Restricted and other illiquid securities may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. The Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. The Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.


A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA").

Under guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board, the Advisor may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, are liquid even though they are not registered. A determination of whether such a security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Advisor will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and (6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Advisor will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, and (2) is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two National Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the Advisor determines that it is of equivalent quality.  



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Rule 144A securities and Section 4(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the Advisor to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.


Lending Portfolio Securities


For the purpose of achieving income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. Government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned, (2) the Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund.


Short Sales


The Fund may sell securities short as an outright investment strategy and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.


When the Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.


If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.


To the extent the Fund sells securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales "against the box") will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities with its custodian in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling broker (not including the proceeds of the short sale). The Fund does not intend to enter into short sales (other than short sales "against the box") if immediately after such sales the aggregate of the value of all collateral plus the amount in such segregated account exceeds 30% of the value of the Fund's net assets. This percentage may be varied by action of the Board of Trustees. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.



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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER


The Fund may sell a portfolio investment soon after its acquisition if the Advisor believes that such a disposition is consistent with attaining the investment objective of the Fund.  Portfolio investments may be sold for a variety of reasons, such as a more favorable investment opportunity or other circumstances bearing on the desirability of continuing to hold such investments.  A high rate of portfolio turnover (over 100%) may involve correspondingly greater transaction costs, which must be borne directly by the Fund and ultimately by its shareholders.  High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of substantial net capital gains.  To the extent short-term capital gains are realized, distributions attributable to such gains will be deemed ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.  For the past two fiscal years ended March 31, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rates were as follows:


Portfolio turnover rate

Fiscal Year Ended

March 31, 2013

March 31, 2012

The Teberg Fund

277.07%

224.14%



INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.  The Fund may not:


1. Purchase or otherwise acquire interests in real estate, real estate mortgage loans or interests therein, except that the Fund may purchase (either directly or via the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests) securities issued by issuers, including real estate investment trusts, which invest in real estate or interests therein.


2. Make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets would be loaned to other parties, except that the Fund may (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; (iii) lend its securities and/or (iv) loan money to other funds within the Trust in accordance with the terms of any applicable rule or regulation or exemptive order pursuant to the 1940 Act.


3. Act as an underwriter except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares.


4. Issue senior securities to the Fund’s presently authorized shares of beneficial interest, except that this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the Fund from (i) making any permitted borrowings, loans, mortgages, or pledges, (ii) entering into options, futures contracts, forward contracts, repurchase transactions or reverse repurchase transactions, or (iii) making short sales of securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and any rule or order thereunder, or SEC staff interpretation thereof.



22




5. Borrow money in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets, provided that the Fund may borrow money from other funds within the Trust in accordance with the terms of any applicable rule or regulation or exemptive order pursuant to the 1940 Act; and


6.  Invest 25% or more of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry. (Does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).


7.  Purchase or sell commodities or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

With respect to 75% of the Fund’s total assets, the Fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (1) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer; or (2) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.


The Fund observes the following policies, which are not deemed fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Fund may not:


1. Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of any specific industry (other than investment companies).  This restriction, however, does not limit the Fund from investing in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities.


2. Invest in securities of other investment companies except as permitted under the 1940 Act.


3. Invest in securities or other assets that the Board determines to be illiquid if more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets would be invested in such securities.


If a restriction on the Fund's investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, or change in average duration of the Fund's investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund's total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.


INVESTMENT ADVISOR


The Advisor .  First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc., 5161 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, Minnesota 55811, serves as investment advisor to the Fund.  Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the Advisor is responsible for management of the Fund's investment portfolio.  The Advisor is responsible for selecting the Fund's investments according to the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions.  The Advisor was established in 1988 for the purpose of advising individuals and institutions.  As of October 31, 2013, the Advisor had approximately $32,948,678 million in assets under management. Curtis A. Teberg is the President and sole, controlling shareholder of the Advisor.   



23





Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equivalent to 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund, at least until July 31, 2016 to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement (exclusive of any taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend expense on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation or reorganization costs) will not exceed 1.75% of average daily net assets of the Fund.  These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. These agreements may be terminated only by the Fund's Board of Trustees, on 60 days written notice to the Advisor.  Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease a Fund's expenses and boost its performance.   The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on no more than 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or the Advisor, or by holders of a majority of that Trust's outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.


From December 20, 2012 until the Reorganization, the Advisor had contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees payable by the Fund and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s net annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, leverage interest, taxes and brokerage commissions) to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  Prior to December 20, 2012, the contractual expense limitation was 2.50%.  Any such waivers made by the Advisor of its management fees or payment of Fund expenses are subject to recoupment by the Advisor from the Fund, if so requested by the Advisor, in subsequent fiscal years if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the recoupment) does not exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses.  The Advisor is permitted to recoup only for management fee waivers and expense payments made in the previous three fiscal years.  Any such recoupment is also contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts.  Such recoupment may not be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses.

 

At times, the Fund invests in Underlying Funds that pay Rule 12b-1 distribution fees.  The Advisor will purchase the Underlying Fund through its associated broker-dealer and the Advisor may retain some or all of the Rule 12b-1 distribution fee.  Mr. Curtis A. Teberg, who is the president of the Advisor, may be entitled to receive a portion of the Rule 12b-1 distribution fee as a registered representative of the broker-dealer.  From February 2002 to April 2011, Mr. Teberg was a registered representative with Askar Corp., a securities brokerage firm in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Since May 2011, he has been a registered representative with Polar Investment Counsel Inc., a securities brokerage firm in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  The Advisor’s fees are set forth in the table below.   

 

Management Fees

For the Fiscal

Year Ended

March 31, 2013

For the Fiscal

Year Ended

March 31, 2012

For the Fiscal

Year Ended

March 31, 2011

Management Fees Accrued

$    512,219

$       529,235

$       534,058

Management Fees Reduced

($    38,652)

($       12,063)

($         7,855)




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Management Fees Waived

$               0

$                  0

$                  0

Management Fee Paid

$    473,567

$       517,172

$       526,203



PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

Portfolio Manager .  As described in the Prospectus, the Portfolio Manager listed below is responsible for the management of the Fund and, as of March 31, 2013, the other accounts set forth in the following tables.

 

  

  

Other Registered Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Portfolio Manager

  

Number

  

Total

Assets

  

Number

  

Total Assets

  

Number

  

Total

Assets

Curtis A. Teberg

  

0

  

$0

  

0

  

$0

  

8

  

$854,626


Of the accounts above, the following are subject to performance-based fees.


  

  

Other Registered Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Portfolio Manager

  

Number

  

Total

Assets

  

Number

  

Total Assets

  

Number

  

Total

Assets

Curtis A. Teberg

  

0

  

$0

  

0

  

$0

  

8

  

$0


Conflicts of Interest.


In general, when a Portfolio Manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of allocation of resources or of investment opportunities. For instance, the Advisor may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it could receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. The procedures to address conflicts of interest, if any, are described below.


The Advisor attempts to avoid conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the management of multiple client accounts. From time to time, the Advisor may recommend or cause a client to invest in a security in which another client of the Advisor has an ownership position.  The Advisor has adopted certain procedures intended to treat all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner.  To the extent that the Advisor seeks to purchase or sell the same security for multiple client accounts, the Advisor may aggregate, or bunch, these orders where it deems this to be appropriate and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements.  When a bunched order is filled in its entirety, each participating client account will participate at the average share prices for the bunched order.  When a bunched order is only partially filled, the securities purchased will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to each account participating in the bunched order based upon the initial amount requested for the account, subject to certain exceptions.  Each participating account will receive the average share price for the bunched order on the same business day. In the event a single block transaction cannot be affected across all custodial platforms, a trade rotation policy shall be implemented to ensure



25




fairness of execution. The trade rotation policy sequences each directed client that was not aggregated into the block order onto a rotating list defining the timing of order releases. The list is made up of all such directed accounts along with the block order. For purposes of speed, all directed clients who share a particular broker are assumed to be a single block on the trade rotation schedule. The execution of trades is rotated among the block order and the directed clients. If a trade for a particular rotation is not completed during the trading day, any remaining portion of the trade will be completed on the following day(s) before any trade in the same security may be initiated for the next rotation. After the trades have been completed, the schedule is moved up in order and the next broker is put first on the list for the next implementation of trades.

In addition, Mr. Teberg may receive a portion of the Rule 12b-1 fees from the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.


Compensation .


For services as Portfolio Manager to the Fund, Mr. Teberg receives a fixed annual salary in cash and retirement plan contributions from the Advisor.  Mr. Teberg does not have a deferred compensation plan, and compensation is not determined based upon Fund assets or performance.  Mr. Teberg’s salary is determined during the Advisor’s annual budget process and is based on projections of corporate earnings.  Mr. Teberg may receive a bonus at the end of the Advisor’s fiscal year based on profit-sharing if corporate earnings exceed projections.  Mr. Teberg’s salary would be decreased if corporate earnings did not meet projections.  No part of Mr. Teberg’s salary or bonus is based on the performance of the Fund, the performance of public or privately managed accounts, or assets under management.  Mr. Teberg has a 401(k) retirement plan with a fixed employer-contribution component, which includes a voluntary employee salary deferral and a Safe Harbor match.


Ownership of Securities .


As of March 31, 2013, Mr. Teberg owned the following securities in the Fund:


Name of Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Equity

Securities in the Fund

(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-

$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000, $500,001 -

$1,000,000, Over $1,000,000)

Curtis A. Teberg

Over $1,000,000


ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE



Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Fund are made by the Portfolio Managers who are employees of the Advisor.  Generally, the Advisor is authorized by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by it on behalf of the Fund to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to the Fund or the Advisor for the Fund's use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Advisor may determine.


In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Advisor will generally take the following into consideration:



26




·

the best net price available;

·

the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker or dealer;

·

the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and

·

the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis.

Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Advisor determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Fund. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Advisor may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Advisor exercises investment discretion.  Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Fund, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Fund.


For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, the Fund paid $ 22,519, $20,787 and $17,546, respectively, in broker-dealer commissions.


POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS


The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders.


It is the Trust's policy to:  (1) ensure that any disclosure of portfolio holdings information is in the best interest of Trust shareholders; (2) protect the confidentiality of portfolio holdings information; (3) have procedures in place to guard against personal trading based on the information; and (4) ensure that the disclosure of portfolio holdings information does not create conflicts between the interests of the Trust's shareholders and those of the Trust's affiliates.


The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings by mailing the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders approximately two months after the end of the fiscal year and semi-annual period.  In addition, the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings reports on Forms N-CSR and Form N-Q two months after the end of each quarter/semi-annual period.  


The Fund may choose to make portfolio holdings information available to rating agencies such as Lipper, Morningstar or Bloomberg more frequently on a confidential basis.


Under limited circumstances, as described below, the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed to, or known by, certain third parties in advance of their filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q.  In each case, a determination has been made that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose and that the recipient is subject to a duty to keep the information confidential.  


Advisor.  Personnel of the Advisor, including personnel responsible for managing the Fund's portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide management, administrative, and investment services to the Fund.  As


27





required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of portfolio managers in the trading of such securities, Advisor personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.


Gemini Fund Services, LLC.  Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the transfer agent, fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.


U.S. Bank National Association, LLC.  U.S. Bank National Association, LLC is custodian for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP .   Tait, Weller & Baker LLP is the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of the Fund's annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.  

Thompson Hine LLP.  Thompson Hine LLP is counsel to the Fund; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with review of the Fund's annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.


Additions to List of Approved Recipients


The Fund's Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above.  In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Fund, the Advisor, or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings.


Compliance With Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures


The Fund's Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.


There is no assurance that the Trust's policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.



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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services

Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”), which has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, New York 11788, serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Fund pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Fund and subject to the supervision of the Board.  GFS is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. GFS is an affiliate of the Distributor. GFS may also provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of GFS or its affiliates.


The Agreement became effective on August 22, 2013, and will remain in effect for two years from the applicable effective date for the Fund, and will continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board.  The Agreement is terminable by the Board or GFS on 90 days’ written notice and may be assigned by either party, provided that the Trust may not assign this agreement without the prior written consent of GFS. The Agreement provides that GFS shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the Agreement.


Under the Agreement, GFS performs administrative services, including:  (1) monitor the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Trust by others service providers; (2) monitor Fund holdings and operations for post-trade compliance with the Fund’s registration statement and applicable laws and rules; (3) prepare and coordinate the printing of semi-annual and annual financial statements; (4) prepare selected management reports for performance and compliance analyses; (5) prepare and disseminate materials for and attend and participate in meetings of the Board; (6) determine income and capital gains available for distribution and calculate distributions required to meet regulatory, income, and excise tax requirements; (7) review the Trust's federal, state, and local tax returns as prepared and signed by the Trust's independent public accountants; (8) prepare and maintain the Trust's operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund to calculate its daily net asset value; (9) assist in and monitor the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of amendments to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, periodic reports to the Trustees, shareholders and the SEC, notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, proxy materials and reports to the SEC on Forms N-SAR, N-CSR, N-Q and N-PX; (10) coordinate the Trust's audits and examinations by assisting each Fund’s independent public accountants; (11) determine, in consultation with others, the jurisdictions in which shares of the Trust shall be registered or qualified for sale and facilitate such registration or qualification; (12) monitor sales of shares and ensure that the shares are properly and duly registered with the SEC; (13) monitor the calculation of performance data for the Fund; (14) prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports; (15) prepare authorization for the payment of Trust expenses and pay, from Trust assets, all bills of the Trust; (16) provide information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies; (17) upon request, assist each Fund in the evaluation and selection of other service providers, such as independent public accountants, printers, EDGAR providers and proxy solicitors (such parties may be affiliates of GFS); (18) perform other services, recordkeeping and assistance relating to the affairs of the Trust as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.



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For the administrative services rendered to the Fund by GFS, the Fund pays GFS a fee equal to the greater of a minimum fee of $32,000 or 0.08% on the first $250 million of net assets, 0.06% on the next $250 million of net assets, 0.04% on the next $500 million of net assets and 0.03% on net assets greater than $1 billion. The Fund also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.


GFS also provides the Fund with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of net asset value; (ii) maintenance of security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) production of the Fund’s listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculation of yield and total return for the Fund; (vi) maintaining certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciling account information and balances among the Fund’s custodian and Advisor; and (vii) monitoring and evaluating daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Fund.  


For the fund accounting services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement, the Fund pays GFS an annual fee of $27,000 plus 0.01% on net assets greater than $25 million.  The Fund also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.        


GFS also acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to the Agreement. Under the Agreement, GFS is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.


For such services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement, the Fund pays GFS a fee equal to the greater of (i) a minimum fee of $15,000 and (ii) $16 per open account and $2.00 per closed account. The Fund also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.


Prior to the Reorganization , U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (“USBFS”), acted as administrator for the Fund.  USBFS provided certain administrative services to the Fund, including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Fund’s independent contractors and agents; preparation for signature by an officer of the Trust of all documents required to be filed for compliance by the Trust and the Fund with applicable laws and regulations excluding those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including NAV and yield;  responding to shareholder inquiries; and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund, and providing, at its own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out its duties.  In this capacity, USBFS did not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Fund, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Fund shares.  Additionally, USBFS provided CCO services to the Trust under a separate agreement.  


For the periods indicated below, the Fund paid the following fees to USBFS:



Fees Paid to:

Fiscal Year Ended

March 31, 2013

March 31, 2012

March 31, 2011

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

$72,045

$83,053

$71,207


USBFS also acted as the Fund’s accountant, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent prior to the Reorganization.



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Custodian


U.S. Bank National Association, LLC located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a custody agreement (the "Custody Agreement") by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Fund.  The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Advisor and Sub-Advisor. The Fund may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.  


Compliance Services


Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), located at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust.


INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The Fund has selected Tait, Weller & Baker, LLP, located at 18 18 Market Street, Suite 2400, Philadelphia, PA 19103, as its independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year.  The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.


LEGAL COUNSEL


Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, 17th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 serves as the Trust's legal counsel.


DISTRIBUTOR


Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130 (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Trust pursuant to an underwriting agreement with the Trust (the "Underwriting Agreement"). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state's securities laws and is a member of FINRA. The offering of the Fund's shares are continuous. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of Fund shares, will use its best efforts to distribute the Fund's shares.


The Underwriting Agreement provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of the Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.


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The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund on 60 days written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on 60 days written notice to the Fund. The Underwriting Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.


Rule 12b-1 Plan


The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan and Agreement pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor's account maintenance services under this Plan, a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Fund monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Fund's average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Fund may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Distributor. The Rule 12b-1 Plan authorizes payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others ("Recipients") to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Fund will bear its own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Fund may make other payments such as contingent deferred sales charges imposed on certain redemptions of shares, which are separate and apart from payments made pursuant to the Plan.


The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of Fund shares and in other aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; making the Fund's investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Fund as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged by the Distributor with respect to the Fund.


The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor will inform the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Distributor to Recipients.


The Rule 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Distributor's compensation to be paid by the Fund, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Rule 12b-1 Plan. During the term of the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of the Rule 12b-1 Plan, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.


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Any agreement related to the Rule 12b-1 Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the applicable Fund at any time upon sixty days' written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Fund; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.


Prior to the Reorganization, the Fund adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that provided that the Fund would reimburse the Advisor, as Distribution Coordinator, only for actual expenses incurred for distribution and servicing activities, up to an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  The Fund could also make such payments to its distributor or other qualified recipient under the plan.  From January 1, 2013 through the Reorganization, the Predecessor Fund’s Board approved a reduction in the Rule 12b-1 fee accrual payable to the Fund to 0.00%.


The following table shows the dollar amounts by category allocated to the Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, for distribution and servicing-related expenses:

 

Advertising/Marketing

   

$

54,475

Printing/Postage

   

$

3,029

Payments to Distributor

   

$

4,031

Payments to Dealers

   

$

54

Compensation to Sales Personnel

   

$

2,715

Interest, carrying, or other financing charges

   

$

0

Other

   

$

0

Total

   

$

64,304



DESCRIPTION OF SHARES


Each share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.


Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series or classes. Matters such as election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.


The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest.  Each share has equal dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Fund. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.



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CODE OF ETHICS


The Trust, the Advisor and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust.  Under the code of ethics adopted by the Trust (the "Code"), the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Fund.


In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics, which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the Code.


PROXY VOTING POLICIES


The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures ("Policies") on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Advisor or its designee, subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Advisor or its designee vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and shareholders.  The Policies also require the Advisor or its designee to present to the Board, at least annually, the Advisor's Proxy Policies, or the proxy policies of the Advisor's designee, and a record of each proxy voted by the Advisor or its designee on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Advisor as involving a conflict of interest.


Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Advisor's interests and the Fund's interests, the Advisor will resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the policy guidelines or at the client's directive using the recommendation of an independent third party.  If the third party's recommendations are not received in a timely fashion, the Advisor will abstain from voting the securities held by that client's account.  A copy of the Advisor's proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.


Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free, 1-866-209-1964, by accessing the Fund's website at www.tebergfund.com and by accessing the information on proxy voting filed by the Fund on Form N-PX on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov .  In addition, a copy of the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling 1-866-209-1964 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.

 


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PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES

 

Calculation of Share Price


As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "Net Asset Value," the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.


For purposes of calculating the NAV, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are available are stated at market value. Market value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or pricing services. 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 last bid price. Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost. Exchange traded options, futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction.


Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Fund's shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares.


Fund shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the "NYSE Close") on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally uses pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the NYSE Close and do not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the NYSE Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.


In unusual circumstances, instead of valuing securities in the usual manner, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or their designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.


The Trust expects that the holidays upon which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") will be closed are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.



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Purchase of Shares


Orders for shares received by the Fund in good order prior to the close of business on the NYSE on each day during such periods that the NYSE is open for trading are priced at the public offering price, which is NAV plus any sales charge, or at NAV per share (if no sales charges apply) computed as of the close of the regular session of trading on the NYSE. Orders received in good order after the close of the NYSE, or on a day it is not open for trading, are priced at the close of such NYSE on the next day on which it is open for trading at the next determined net asset value per share plus sales charges, if any.


Redemption of Shares


The Fund will redeem all or any portion of a shareholder's shares of the Fund when requested in accordance with the procedures set forth in the "Redemptions" section of the Prospectus.  Under the 1940 Act, a shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be suspended at times:

 

(a) when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) when trading on that exchange is restricted for any reason; (c) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of net assets, provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any succeeding governmental authority) will govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist; or (d) when the Securities and Exchange Commission by order permits a suspension of the right to redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on redemption.

 

In case of suspension of the right of redemption, payment of a redemption request will be made based on the net asset value next determined after the termination of the suspension.


Supporting documents in addition to those listed under "Redemptions" in the Prospectus will be required from executors, administrators, trustees, or if redemption is requested by someone other than the shareholder of record. Such documents include, but are not restricted to, stock powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor, certificates of corporate authority and waiver of tax required in some states when settling estates.


TAX STATUS


The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders should consult a qualified tax adviser regarding their investment in the Fund.


The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, the Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable



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timing requirements. Net investment income and net capital gain of the Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Code.  


Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund.  The Fund’s net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards.  Capital losses incurred in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss.  Under previously enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains only for eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital losses, irrespective of the character of the original loss.  Capital loss carryforwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.  

At March 31, 2013, the Fund had a capital loss carry forward of $1,562,156, which expires as follows:

Year

Amount

2018

$   137,905

2019

$   132,398

Short-term, no expiration

$ 1,291,853

  

$   1,562,156


Capital losses sustained and not used in a taxable year beginning on or after December 23, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely to offset capital gains of the Fund in future years and retain their character as short- or long-term losses.  As of March 31, 2013, the Fund had short-term losses of $1,562,156.

The Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions of net investment income and net capital gain will be made after the end of each fiscal year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.


To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the Fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.



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If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax on the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund.


The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained in Section 4982 of the Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to the Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, the Fund expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.


The following discussion of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Code.


Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, unless such distributions are attributable to “qualified dividend income” eligible for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.  The special tax treatment of qualified dividend income will expire for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise.


Distributions of net capital gain ("capital gain dividends") generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund have been held by such shareholders.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

A redemption of Fund shares by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's tax basis in his or her Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. The gain or loss will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and if not held for such period, as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the



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redemption of shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.  

Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional shares or cash. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.


All distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.


Under the Code, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if the Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.


Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements


To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund's transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts, straddles and foreign currencies will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.


To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of the Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If the Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess book income will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If the Fund's book income is less than taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regular investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.


Passive Foreign Investment Companies


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Investment by the Fund in certain "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs") could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company, which tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a  "qualified electing fund" ("QEF election"), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether they receives any distribution from the company.


The Fund also may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund's taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed for the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund's total return.


Foreign Currency Transactions


The Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.


Other Regulated Investment Companies  


Generally, the character of the income or capital gains that the Fund receives from another investment company will pass through to the Fund’s shareholders as long as the Fund and the other investment company each qualify as a regulated investment company.  However, to the extent that another investment company that qualifies as a regulated investment company realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to recognize its share of those losses until it disposes of shares of such investment company. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for federal income tax purposes as an ordinary deduction.  In particular, the Fund will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of shares of other investment companies against its ordinary income.  As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that the Fund will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests, rather than investing in shares of the investment companies.  For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Fund (e.g., long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests.


Foreign Taxation


Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the

40





Fund may be able to elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year.


Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of the Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to the Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. The foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations and individuals and foreign taxes generally are not deductible in computing alternative minimum taxable income.


Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities


Current federal tax law requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.


Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.


Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of

 

41




the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.


Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.


If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount, which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.


Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.


A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. After the end of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.


Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.


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 Trust's 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. The Trust's secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.

 

Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Fund's Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and providing 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.


As a result of the Program, the Trust 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 terrorists or other suspicious persons, or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.

 

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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund.  A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control.  Shareholders who have the power to vote a large percentage of shares (at least 25%) of the Fund can control the Fund and could determine the outcome of a shareholders’ meeting. The shareholder listed below was a principal shareholder of the Fund as of November 30, 2013:


Name and Address

% Ownership

Type of Ownership

Curtis A. Teberg

5161 Miller Trunk Hwy

Duluth, MN 55811-1203

10.99%

Beneficial


Management Ownership Information.   As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.


MANAGEMENT


The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-laws (the "Governing Documents"), which have been filed with the SEC and are available upon request. The Board consists of five individuals, all of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and the Advisor ("Independent Trustees"). Pursuant to the Governing Documents of the Trust, the Trustees shall elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer. The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust's purposes. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.


Board Leadership Structure .  The Board is led by Jerry Vincentini, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since the Trust commenced operations as an SEC-registered investment company in 2012.  The Board has not appointed a Lead Independent Trustee because all Trustees are Independent Trustees.  Under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at Board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, and (c) execution and administration of Trust policies, including (i) setting the agendas for Board meetings and (ii) providing information to Board members in advance of each Board meeting and between Board meetings. Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman of the Board, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by our shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership.  The Trust believes that its Chairman/Lead Independent Trustee, the independent chair of the Audit

 

43




Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its Funds and each shareholder.

 

Board Risk Oversight .  The Board of Trustees is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees with an Audit Committee with a separate chair.  The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary.  The Audit Committee considers financial and reporting the risk within its area of responsibilities.  Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information.

 

Trustee Qualifications .  Generally, the Fund believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.   Mark H. Taylor has over two decades of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing areas, has a Doctor of Philosophy, holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, is a Certified Public Accountant and is Professor of Accountancy at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex, has served a fellowship in the Office of the Chief Accountant at the headquarters of the United States Securities Exchange Commission, served a three-year term on the AICPA Auditing Standards Board (2008-2011), and like the other Board members, possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to this Board and other mutual fund boards.   Mr. Jerry Vincentini is a retired business owner with decades of hands-on business experience in the academic ceremony rental market and agricultural production areas.  He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in business, and currently serves on three non-profit boards.  He also possesses an adequate understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to another mutual fund board of directors.  Mr. Anthony M. Payne has over 30 years of business experience in financial services and gaming industries including serving as an Executive Director of Iowa West Foundation (philanthropic non-profit foundation) and Iowa West Racing Association (non-profit corporation) from 1996 to July 2008. Mr. Payne served as the President of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Foundation.  He also served as the Chairman of the First National Bank of Council Bluffs and serves as a director of another mutual fund.  He serves as a Trustee of Goodwill Industries, Inc.  Mr. Payne is a Graduate of the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) and completed further graduate work at Southern Methodist University.   Mr. James Jensen has over 30 years of business experience in financial services industry including over 20 years of mutual fund board experience.  Since April 2008, Mr. Jensen has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Law & Governance Group, where he devotes full time to corporate law practice and board governance consulting for operating companies.  From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Jensen co-founded and was Chairman of the Board for Intelisum, Inc., a company pursuing computer and measurement technology and products. From 1986 to 2004, Mr. Jensen held key positions with NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as Vice President, Corporate Development, Legal Affairs and General Counsel and Secretary. In addition to his business experience, Mr. Jensen is Chairman of the Board of Bayhill Capital Corporation and is a Director of the University of Utah Research Foundation. Mr. Jensen was the founder and first President of the MountainWest Venture Group (now "MountainWest Capital Network") in 1983. Mr. Jensen is a member of the National Association of Corporate Governance ("NACD"). Mr. Jensen graduated with a BA degree from the University of Utah in 1967 and received degrees of Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in 1971.  Mr. John V. Palancia has over 30 years of business experience in financial services industry including serving as the Director of Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce,

 

44




Fenner & Smith, Inc. Mr. Palancia also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate based on service to Merrill Lynch. Additionally, he is well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his service as a member of 2 other fund boards.  The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee's qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified and well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate.

 

Trustees and Officers .  The Trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years and other information, are shown below.  Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and Officer is 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.



Independent Trustees


Name,
Address*
Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

Length of Service and Term

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Funds Overseen In The Fund Complex**

Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years

Jerry Vincentini

1940

Trustee,

Chairman

Since February 2012, Indefinite

Retired; President and Owner, Pins, Patches, Plaques Etc. Inc., (since 2003); President and Owner, Graduation Supplies Inc., (1980-2008).

22

Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc. (July 2000 to April 2012).

Mark H. Taylor***

1964

Trustee

Since February 2012, Indefinite

Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University (since 2009); John P. Begley Endowed Chair in Accounting, Creighton University (2002 – 2009); Former member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, AICPA ( 2008-2011). 

122

Alternative Strategies Fund (since June 2010); Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc.   (Director and Audit Committee Chairman) (February 2007 to April 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2007); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2007).



45







Anthony M. Payne

1942

Trustee

Since February 2012, Indefinite

Retired; (since 2008); Executive Director, Iowa West Foundation (philanthropic non-profit foundation) and Iowa West Racing Association (non-profit corporation) (1996 – 2008).

22

Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc. (February 2012 to April 2012)

James U. Jensen

1944

Trustee

Since February 2012, Indefinite

Chief Executive Officer, ClearWater Law & Governance Group, LLC (an operating board governance consulting company) (since 2008); Of Counsel, Woodbury & Kesler (Law Firm, since 2008); Legal Consultant, Jensen Consulting (2004-2008).

22

Wasatch Funds Trust, (since 1986); Agricon Global Corporation, formerly Bayhill Capital Corporation (large scale farming in Ghana, West Africa) (since December 2007); Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc. (since February 2012).

John V. Palancia 1954

Trustee

Since February 2012, Indefinite

Retired (since 2011); Formerly, Director of Futures Operations Control, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (1975 - 2011).

122

Alternative Strategies Fund (since June 2012); Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc. (February 2012 to April 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (December 2011); Northern Lights Variable Trust (December 2011

* The address of each Trustee and officer is c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130

** The "Fund Complex" includes the following registered management investment companies in addition to the Trust: Northern Lights Fund Trust, and Northern Lights Variable Trust.  

*** Mark H. Taylor also serves as an independent trustee of Northern Lights Fund Trust (“NL Trust”) and Northern Lights Variable Trust, each separate trust in the Fund Complex.  On May 2, 2013, the SEC filed an order instituting settled administrative proceedings (the “Order”) against Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”), certain current Trustees of the Trust, and one former Trustee.  To settle the SEC’s charges, GFS and NLCS each agreed to pay $50,000 penalties, and both firms and the named Trustees agreed to engage an independent compliance consultant to address the violations found in the Order.  The firms and the named Trustees agreed to settle with the SEC without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, while agreeing to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of those provisions.  There were no allegations that shareholders suffered any monetary harm.  The SEC charges were not against the Adviser or the Funds.




46






Officers of the Trust

 

Name,
Address
Year of Birth

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

Length of Service and Term

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Andrew Rogers

80 Arkay Drive

Hauppauge, NY 11788

1969

President

Since February 2012, indefinite

Chief Executive Officer, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012); President and Manager, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006 - 2012); Formerly Manager, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2006 – 2008); and President and Manager, GemCom LLC (2004 - 2011).

Brian Curley

80 Arkay Drive

Hauppauge, NY 11788

1970

Treasurer

Since February 2013, indefinite

Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012); Senior Controller of Fund Treasury, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (2008 – 2012); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Morgan Stanley (1999 – 2008).

Eric Kane

80 Arkay Drive

Hauppauge, NY 11788

1981

Secretary

Since November 2013, indefinite

Staff Attorney, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (March, 2013 to present), Law Clerk, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (Oct, 2009 to March, 2013), Legal Intern, NASDAQ OMX (January 2011 to September 2011), Hedge Fund Administrator, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (January 2008 to August 2008), Mutual Fund Accountant/Corporate Action Specialist, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (October 2006 to January 2008)

William Kimme

1963

Chief Compliance Officer

Since February 2012, indefinite

Compliance Officer of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2007); Vice President of Investment Support Services for Mutual of Omaha Companies (2002 – 2006).


Audit Committee.  The Board has an Audit Committee that consists solely of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust's independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust's financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust's independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor's independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management's responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls.  The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter.  Mr. Taylor is Chairman of the Audit Committee.  During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held six meetings.    

 

Compensation of Directors.  Effective January 1, 2013, the Trust pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $24,000, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred attending the meetings, to be paid quarterly.  The Audit Committee Chairman receives an additional

47




annual fee of $3,500.  In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $3,500.  No "interested persons" who serve as a Trustee of the Trust will receive any compensation for their services as Trustee. None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust. The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees are estimated to receive from the Trust during the fiscal year ending October 31, 2013.  The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, deferred compensation, pension or retirement plan.


Name and Position

Aggregate Compensation From Trust*

Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex** Paid to Trustees

Jerry Vincentini

$27,500

$157,500

Mark H. Taylor

$27,500

$27,500

Anthony M. Payne

$24,000

$24,000

James U. Jensen

$24,000

$24,000

John V. Palancia

$24,000

$154,000

* Trustees' fees will be allocated ratably to each Fund in the Trust.

** The "Fund Complex" includes the following registered management investment companies in addition to the Trust: Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, and Northern Lights Variable Trust.  


Trustees' Ownership of Shares in the Fund .  As of December 31, 2012, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund:

 

Name of Trustee

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies*

Mark H. Taylor

None

None

Jerry Vincentini

None

Over $100,000

Anthony M. Payne

None

None

James U. Jensen

None

None

John V. Palancia

None

None

* The "Family of Investment Companies" includes the following registered management investment companies in addition to the Trust: Northern Lights Fund Trust and Northern Lights Variable Trust.  


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The financial statements of the Predecessor Fund and the unaudited Semi-Annual report for the semi-annual period ended September 30, 2013, are incorporated by reference. You can obtain the Semi-Annual Report and the Annual Report without charge by calling the Fund at 1-866-209-1964.



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APPENDIX A


PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

FIRST ASSOCIATED INVESTMENT ADVISORS, INC.


Proxy Voting Policy


I. Overview


As a general matter, FAIA does not vote proxies on behalf of separately managed account clients. All proxy materials are sent directly to clients, who are responsible for voting the proxies. Upon client request, FAIA may provide advice and information to clients to assist them in making a determination of how to vote a specific proxy, but generally FAIA shall not accept responsibility for voting separately-managed account client proxies. However, FAIA is responsible for voting proxies on behalf of The Teberg Fund (Fund), a registered investment company for which FAIA serves as investment adviser.


This proxy voting policy is designed to provide reasonable assurance that proxies are voted in the Fund’s best economic interest. FAIA will vote proxies for the Fund pursuant to the authority granted in the investment management agreement between FAIA and the Fund.


Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).


II. Conflicts of Interest


A. Overview


FAIA may encounter a material conflict in voting proxies. FAIA has a duty to recognize a material conflict and to resolve the conflict before voting the proxy. For purposes of this policy, material conflicts of interest are defined as those conflicts that, in the opinion of the CCO, a reasonable investor would view as important in making a decision regarding how to vote a proxy.


Examples of material conflicts include (but are not limited to):


1. FAIA provides investment management services to a publicly traded company and also holds that same security within client portfolios; and

2. An FAIA employee has a business or personal relationship (such as a close friend or spouse) with a member of executive management, a participant in the proxy contest, or a corporate director of the company.


B. Identifying Conflicts of Interest

1. FAIA shall maintain a listing of all material business conflicts of interests – those business relationships between the firm and other parties that are deemed to be material and may result in a conflict with respect to a future proxy contest.

2. All employees are required to disclose all personal and familial relationships that may present a material conflict of interest with respect to a future proxy contest. Employees who are unsure whether a relationship should be disclosed as a material conflict should consult the CCO for guidance.



49





C. Resolving Material Conflicts of Interest


FAIA will take one of the following actions to ensure the proxy voting decision is based on the Fund’s best interests and is not a result of the conflict.

1. Engage an independent party to determine how to vote the proxy;

2. Prepare a report that (i) describes the conflict of interest; (ii) discusses procedures used to address such conflict of interest; (iii) discloses any contacts from outside parties (other than routine communications from proxy solicitors) regarding the proposal; and (iv) confirms the recommendation was made solely on the investment merits and without regard to any other consideration;

3. Refer the proxy to a representative of the Fund for voting purposes;

4. Disclose the conflict to the Fund and seek their consent to vote the proxy prior to casting the vote; or

5. Vote in accordance with a pre-determined voting policy, as disclosed to the Fund.


III. Disclosures


A client may request FAIA to deliver this Proxy Voting Policy as well as a record of how FAIA has voted, if applicable. FAIA will use the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A to disclose:

A. How to obtain a copy of this policy;

B. How to obtain a record of how securities were voted, if applicable; and

C. A summary of the firm’s proxy voting policies.


IV. Voting Guidelines


FAIA strives to vote all proxies in the best economic interests of the Fund. The decision of how to vote follows the same criteria FAIA uses in managing client accounts – to vote for proposals in such a manner that, in FAIA’s opinion, will increase shareholder value.


A. General Overview


In evaluating a particular proxy proposal, FAIA takes into consideration, among other items:

1. Management’s assertions regarding the proxy proposal;

2. FAIA’s determination of how the proxy proposal will impact the Fund; and

3. FAIA’s determination of whether the proxy proposal will create dilution for shareholders.


B. Proxy Proposals Regarding Business Operations Matters


FAIA will generally support management’s recommendations on proxy issues related to business operations matters since management’s ability is a key factorFAIA considers in selecting equity securities for client portfolios. FAIA believes a company’s management should generally have the latitude to make decisions related to the company’s business operations. However, when FAIA believes the company’s management is acting in an inconsistent manner with the Fund’s best interests FAIA will vote against management’s recommendations.

C. Proxy Proposals Regarding Compensations Matters


1. FAIA will generally vote in favor of compensation plans unless, in FAIA’s opinion, such plans are structured to create serious dilution to shareholders.


D. Proxy Proposals Regarding Control Matters



50





1. FAIA will generally vote in favor of proxy proposals regarding control matters (e.g., mergers and anti-takeover tactics) related to a company if the transaction appears to offer fair value;

2. FAIA generally opposes measures limiting the rights of shareholders; and

3. FAIA generally opposes measures preventing shareholders from accepting an offer of a sale of a company.


V. Record Retention Requirements


FAIA shall keep the following proxy voting records:

A. These proxy voting policies and procedures;

B. Proxy statements received regarding client securities;

C. Records of proxy votes cast on behalf of the Fund;

D. Records of client requests for proxy voting information, including a record of the information provided by FAIA; and

E. Documents prepared by FAIA that were material to making the decision of how to vote.


FAIA will keep these records in accordance with its Record Retention Policy.

Approved: August 14, 2013

Revised:



51








PART C

OTHER INFORMATION



Item 28. Exhibits.


(a) Articles of Incorporation.


(i)

Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on December 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference.


(ii)

Certificate of Trust, which was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on December 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference.


(b) By-Laws. Registrant's By-Laws as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.


(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holder. None other than in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Registrant.


(d) Investment Advisory Contracts.


(i)

Management Agreement for Lifetime Achievement Fund as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Swan Wealth Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Taylor Investment Advisors, LP and Registrant, with respect to the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on August 23, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 8, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iv)

Sub-Advisory Agreement between Taylor Investment Advisors, LP and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC with respect to Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(v)

Investment Advisory Agreement between CARF Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the River Rock IV Fund filed on September 5, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 10, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(vi)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., and Registrant, with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(vii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between GL Capital Partners, LLC, and Registrant, with respect to the GL Macro Performance Fund as previously filed on December 10, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 20, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(viii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP, and Registrant, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ix)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Caerus Global Investors, LLC, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(x)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and M.A. Weatherbie & Co., Inc., with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xi)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Sonica Capital, LLC, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor U.S. Tactical Core Fund as previously filed on December 26, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xiii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xiv)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Momentum Investment Partners, LLC d/b/a Avatar Investment Management and Registrant, with respect to the Avatar Capital Preservation Fund, Avatar Tactical Fixed Income Fund, Avatar Absolute Return Fund and Avatar Global Opportunities Fund as previously filed on March 1, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 31, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xv)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Turner Investments, L.P., with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xvi)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Triumph Alternatives, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xvii)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Triumph Alternatives, LLC and Milne, LLC d/b/a/ JKMilne Asset Management, with respect to the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xviii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund as previously filed on May 15, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 51, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xix)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Covered Bridge Fund as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xx)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Global View Capital Management, Ltd. and Registrant, with respect to the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund as previously filed on September 6, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 67, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxi)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Core International Developed Markets Fund and Good Harbor Tactical Equity Income Fund as previously filed on September 23, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 70, and hereby incorporated by reference.  

(xxii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Core International Emerging Markets Fund is filed as previously filed on December 11, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 84, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxiii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Milliman Financial Risk Management    LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Even Keel Managed Risk Fund, Even Keel Opportunities Managed Risk Fund, Even Keel Traveler Managed Risk Fund and Even Keel Explorer Managed Risk Fund as previously filed on November 5, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 77, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxiv)

Investment Advisory Agreement between First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to The Teberg Fund is filed herewith .  

(xxv)

Investment Advisory Agreement between RESQ Investment Partners, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 85, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxvi)

Investment Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement between Taylor Investment Advisors, LP and Registrant, with respect to the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on October 25, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 76, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxvii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Teton Fund Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Teton Valley Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxviii)

Investment Advisory Agreement between R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Rogé Partners Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxix)

Investment Advisory Agreement between Horizon Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Issachar Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxx)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and V2 Capital, LLC, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.

(xxxi)

Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Contravisory Investment Management, Inc. with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.


(e) Underwriting Contracts. Underwriting Agreement as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, is incorporated by reference.


(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. None.


(g) Custodial Agreement.


(i)

Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Huntington National Bank as previously filed on August 28, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.


(ii)

Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Union Bank, N.A. as previously filed on August 28, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.


(iii)

Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. to be filed by subsequent amendment.


(h) Other Material Contracts.


(i)

Fund Services Agreement as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Swan Wealth Advisors, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.  

(iii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between CARF Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the River Rock IV Fund filed on September 5, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 10, and hereby incorporated by reference.  

(iv)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Taylor Investment Advisors, LP and the Registrant, with respect to the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on August 23, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 8, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(v)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., and Registrant, with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(vi)

Expense Limitation Agreement between GL Capital Partners, LLC, and Registrant, with respect to the GL Macro Performance Fund as previously filed on December 10, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 20, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(vii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LLC, and Registrant, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(viii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor U.S. Tactical Core Fund as previously filed on December 26, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ix)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Triumph Alternatives, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(x)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund as previously filed on May 15, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 51, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xi)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC and Registrant, with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Global View Capital Management, Ltd. and Registrant, with respect to the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund as previously filed on September 6, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 67, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xiii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Core International Developed Markets Fund and Good Harbor Tactical Equity Income Fund as previously filed on September 23, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 70, and hereby incorporated by reference.  

(xiv)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Core International Emerging Markets Fund as previously filed on December 11, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 84, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xv)

Expense Limitation Agreement between First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to The Teberg Fund is filed herewith .  

(xvi)

Expense Limitation Agreement between RESQ Investment Partners, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 85, and hereby incorporated by reference .  

(xvii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Teton Fund Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Teton Valley Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xviii)

Expense Limitation Agreement between R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Rogé Partners Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xix)

Expense Limitation Agreement between Horizon Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Issachar Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment

(xx)

Interim Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC with respect to The Teberg Fund is filed herewith.



(i) Legal Opinion.


(i)

Legal Opinion as previously filed on December 1 3 , 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 5 , and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ii)

Legal Consent is filed herewith.


(j) Other Opinions. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.  


(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None.


(l) Initial Capital Agreements. None.


(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans.


(i)

Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A Shares as previously filed on December 11, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 84, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ii)

Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C Shares as previously filed on December 11, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 84, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iii)

Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class N Shares as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iv)

Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for No-Load Shares as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(v)

Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Non-Designated Class as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.


(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan as previously filed on December 11, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 84, and hereby incorporated by reference.


(o) Reserved.


(p) Code of Ethics.


(i)

Code of Ethics for the Trust as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ii)

Code of Ethics for Manarin Investment Counsel, Ltd. as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iii)

Code of Ethics for Northern Lights Distributors as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iv)

Code of Ethics of Swan Wealth Advisors, Inc. was filed previously filed on June 8, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(v)

Code of Ethics of Taylor Investment Advisors, LP was filed previously filed on June 8, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(vi)

Code of Ethics of CARF Management LLC was filed previously filed on June 18, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 5, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(vii)

Code of Ethics for BlackRock, Inc. as previously filed on August 23, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 8, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(viii)

Code of Ethics of Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc. as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ix)

Code of Ethics of GL Capital Partners, LLC as previously filed on December 10, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 20, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(x)

Code of Ethics of Persimmon Capital Management LP as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xi)

Code of Ethics of Caerus Global Investors, LLC as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xii)

Code of Ethics of M.A. Weatherbie & Co., Inc as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xiii)

Code of Ethics of Sonica Capital, LLC as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xiv)

Code of Ethics of Good Harbor Financial, LLC as previously filed on December 26, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, and hereby incorporated by reference .

(xv)

Code of Ethics of Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc. as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xvi)

Code of Ethics of Momentum Investment Partners, LLC d/b/a Avatar Investment Management as previously filed on March 1, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 31, and hereby incorporated by reference .

(xvii)

Code of Ethics of Turner Investments, L.P. as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xviii)

Code of Ethics of ISF Management, LLC as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xix)

Code of Ethics of Triumph Alternatives, LLC as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xx)

Code of Ethics of Milne, LLC d/b/a/ JKMilne Asset Management as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxi)

Code of Ethics of Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC as previously filed on May 15, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 51, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxii)

Code of Ethics of Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxiii)

Code of Ethics of Global View Capital Management, Ltd. as previously filed on September 6, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 67, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxiv)

Code of Ethics of Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC as previously filed on November 5, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 77, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxv)

Code of Ethics of First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. is filed herewith.  

(xxvi)

Code of Ethics of RESQ Investment Partners, LLC as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 85, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(xxvii)

Code of Ethics of Teton Fund Management, LLC to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxviii)

Code of Ethics of R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxix)

Code of Ethics of Horizon Capital Management, Inc. to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxx)

Code of Ethics of V2 Capital, LLC to be filed by subsequent amendment.  

(xxxi)

Code of Ethics of Contravisory Investment Management, Inc. to be filed by subsequent amendment.  


(q) Powers of Attorney.  


(i)

Power of Attorney for the Trust, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each trustee and executive officer, as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(ii)

Power of Attorney for the DMFSF Fund Limited, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each director, as previously filed on June 4, 2013 to the Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 54, and hereby incorporated by reference.

(iii)

Power of Attorney for the TXMFS Fund Limited, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each director, as previously filed on June 4, 2013 to the Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 54, and hereby incorporated by reference.


Item 29. Control Persons. None.


Item 30. Indemnification.


Reference is made to Article VIII of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust Instrument which is included, Section 8 of the Underwriting Agreement, Section 7 of the Custody Agreement, and Section 4 of the Fund Services Agreement.  The application of these provisions is limited by the following undertaking set forth in the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission:


Article VIII, Section 2(b) provides that every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or document whatsoever issued, executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust, the officers or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued, executed or done only in such Person’s capacity as Trustee and/or as officer, and such Trustee or officer, as applicable, shall not be personally liable therefore, except as described in the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 2 of Article VIII.


Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in such Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in such Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The Registrant may maintain a standard mutual fund and investment advisory professional and directors and officers liability policy. The policy, if maintained, would provide coverage to the Registrant, its Trustees and officers, and could cover its advisers, among others. Coverage under the policy would include losses by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.


The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), its several officers and directors, and any person who controls NLD within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which NLD, its officers and directors, or any such controlling persons, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon: (i) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, (ii) any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in any of them not misleading, (iii) the Registrant’s  failure to maintain an effective Registration statement and Prospectus with respect to Shares of the Funds that are the subject of the claim or demand, or (iv)  the Registrant’s failure to provide NLD with advertising or sales materials to be filed with the FINRA on a timely basis.


The Fund Services Agreements with Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”) provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold GFS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Registrant’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement, or which arise out of the Registrant’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Registrant’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement.


The Consulting Agreement with Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) provides that the Registrant agree to indemnify and hold NLCS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Trust’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement, or which arise out of the Trust’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Trust’s performance under or in connection with the Agreement.  NLCS shall not be liable for, and shall be entitled to rely upon, and may act upon information, records and reports generated by the Trust, advice of the Trust, or of counsel for the Trust and upon statements of the Trust’s independent accountants, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such records and reports.


Item 31. Activities of Investment Advisor and Sub-Advisor.


Certain information pertaining to the business and other connections of each Advisor of each series of the Trust is hereby incorporated herein by reference to the section of the respective Prospectus captioned “Investment Advisor” and to the section of the respective Statement of Additional Information captioned “Investment Advisory and Other Services.”  The information required by this Item 26 with respect to each director, officer or partner of each Advisor is incorporated by reference to the Advisor’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (“Form ADV”) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Each Advisor’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, and may be requested by File No. as follows:

Swan Wealth Advisors, Inc. the Advisor of the Swan Defined Risk Fund – File No.  801-70881.

Taylor Investment Advisors, LP, the Advisor of the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund – File No. 801-61075.

BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, the Sub-Advisor of the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund – File No. 801-56972.

CARF Management LLC, the Adviser of the River Rock IV Fund – File No. 801-76858.

Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., the Adviser of the Footprints Discover Value Fund – File No. 801-62315.

GL Capital Partners, LLC, the Adviser of the GL Macro Performance Fund – File No. 801-73180.

Persimmon Capital Management, LP, the Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-56210.

Caerus Global Investors, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-72410.

M.A. Weatherbie & Co., Inc., a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-50672.

Sonica Capital, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-76955.

Good Harbor Financial, LCC, the Adviser of the Good Harbor U.S. Tactical Core Fund, Good Harbor Tactical Core International Developed Markets Fund, Good Harbor Tactical Core International Emerging Markets Fund and Good Harbor Tactical Equity Income Fund – File No. 801-71064.

Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc., the Adviser of the Marathon Value Portfolio – File No. 801-40286.

Momentum Investment Partners, LLC d/b/a Avatar Investment Management the Adviser of the Avatar Capital Preservation Fund, Avatar Tactical Fixed Income Fund, Avatar Absolute Return Fund and Avatar Global Opportunities Fund – File No. 801-72684.

Turner Investments, L.P., a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-36220.

ISF Management, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-71827.

Triumph Alternatives, LLC, the Adviser of the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund – File No. 801-77659.

Milne, LLC d/b/a JKMilne Asset Management, a Sub-Adviser of the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund– File No. 801-63470.

Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC, the Adviser of the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund – File No. 801-78013.

Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, the Adviser of The Covered Bridge Fund– File No. 801-53760.

Global View Capital Management, Ltd., the Adviser of the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund – File No. 801-72887.

Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC, the Adviser of the Even Keel Managed Risk Fund, Even Keel Opportunities Managed Risk Fund, Even Keel Traveler Managed Risk Fund and Even Keel Explorer Managed Risk Fund – File No. 801-73056.

First Associated Investment Advisors, the Adviser of The Teberg Fund – File No. 801-60972.

RESQ Investment Partners, LLC, the Adviser of the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund – to be provided in subsequent amendment.

Teton Fund Management, LLC, the Adviser of the Teton Valley Fund– to be provided in subsequent amendment.

R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. the Adviser of the Rogé Partners Fund– File No. 801-28012.


Horizon Capital Management, Inc., the Adviser of the Issachar Fund – File No. 801-26038.

V2 Capital, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-70377.


Contravisory Investment Management, Inc., a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-9168.


Item 32. Principal Underwriter.

(a) NLD, is the principal underwriter for all series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III.  NLD also acts as principal underwriter for the following:

AdvisorOne Funds, AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds, Arrow Investments Trust, Compass EMP Funds Trust, Copeland Trust, Equinox Funds Trust, GL Beyond Income Fund, Miller Investment Trust, Morgan Creek Series Trust, Multi-Strategy Growth & Income Fund, Mutual Fund Series Trust, Nile Capital Investment Trust, North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights ETF Fund Trust, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, Roge Partners Funds, Resource Real Estate Diversified Income Fund,  The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Total Income+ Real Estate Fund, Tributary Funds, Inc., Two Roads Shared Trust and Vertical Capital Income Fund.

 

(b) NLD is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The principal business address of NLD is 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. NLD is an affiliate of Gemini Fund Services, LLC. To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the following are the members and officers of NLD:

 

Name

Positions and Offices

with Underwriter

Positions and Offices

with the Trust

Brian Nielsen

Manager, CEO, Secretary

None

Bill Wostoupal

President

None

Daniel Applegarth

Treasurer

None

Mike Nielsen

Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer

None


(c) Not applicable.


Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.


All accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 through 31a-3 thereunder are maintained at the office of the Registrant, Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Principal Underwriter, Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant, Administrator and Custodian at the addresses stated in the SAI.


Swan Wealth Advisors, Inc. 277 E. Third Avenue, Unit A Durango, CO 81301, pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund.  


Taylor Investment Advisors, LP, 100 Crescent Court, Suite 525, Dallas, TX 75201, pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund.  


BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, One University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund.


CARF Management LLC, 1899 Powers Ferry Road SE, Suite 120, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the River Rock IV Fund.


Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., 11422 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 208, Omaha, NE 68154 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund.


GL Capital Partners, LLC, 400 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Waltham, MA 02451 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the GL Macro Performance Fund.


Persimmon Capital Management, LP, 1777 Sentry Parkway, Gwynedd Hall, Suite 102, Blue Bell, PA 19422 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


Caerus Global Investors, LLC, 712 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


M.A. Weatherbie & Co., Inc., 256 Franklin Street, Suite 1601, Boston, MA 02110 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


Sonica Capital, LLC, 400 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10017 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


Good Harbor Financial, LLC, 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite, Chicago, IL 60606 pursuant to the Advisory Agreements with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Good Harbor U.S. Tactical Core Fund, Good Harbor Tactical Core International Developed Markets Fund, Good Harbor Tactical Core International Emerging Markets Fund and Good Harbor Tactical Equity Income Fund.


Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc., 1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30338 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio.


Momentum Investment Partners, LLC d/b/a Avatar Investment Management, 575 Lexington Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio.


Turner Investments, L.P., 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, PA 19312 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


ISF Management, LLC, 767 Third Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10017 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


Triumph Alternatives, LLC, 316 Sixth Avenue, Suite 100, LaGrange, Illinois 60525 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund.


Milne, LLC d/b/a/ JKMilne Asset Management, Royal Palm Corporate Center, 1520 Royal Palm Square Bldv., #210, Fort Meyers, FL 33919 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Triumph Alternatives, LLC, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Discretionary Managed Futures Strategy Fund.


Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC, 4200 S. Quail Creek Ave., Suite A, Springfield, MO 65810 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund.


Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, 2550 University Avenue West, Suite 180 South, Saint Paul, MN 55114 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund.


Global View Capital Management, Ltd., Stone Ridge Business Center III, Suite 350, Waukesha, WI 53188 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund.


Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC, 71 S. Wacker Drive, 31st Floor, Chicago, IL 60606 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Even Keel Managed Risk Fund, Even Keel Opportunities Managed Risk Fund, Even Keel Traveler Managed Risk Fund and Even Keel Explorer Managed Risk Fund.  


First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc., 5161 Miller Trunk Highway Duluth, MN 55811 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Teberg Fund.


RESQ Investment Partners, LLC 9383 East Bahia Drive, Suite 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund.


Teton Fund Management, LLC 1 Maritime Plaza, Suite 1555, San Francisco, CA 94111 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Teton Valley Fund.


R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. 630 Johnson Ave, Suite 103, Bohemia, NY 11716 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Rogé Partners Fund.


Horizon Capital Management, Inc. 106 Valerie Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Issachar Fund.


V2 Capital, LLC, 2700 Patriot Blvd., Suite 140, Glenview, IL 60026 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


Contravisory Investment Management, Inc., 120 Longwater Drive, Suite 100, Norwell, MA 02061 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.


Item 34. Management Services. Not applicable.


Item 35. Undertakings.  The Registrant undertakes that each Subsidiary and each Director of each Subsidiary hereby consents to service of process within the United States, and to examination of its books and records.








SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 6 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hauppauge, State of New York, on the13 th day of December, 2013.


Northern Lights Fund Trust III


By: Andrew Rogers*

Andrew Rogers, President



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the dates indicated.


Northern Lights Fund Trust III

Name

Title

Andrew Rogers*

President

Brian Curley

Treasurer

Mark H. Taylor*

Independent Trustee

Jerry Vincentini*

Independent Trustee

Anthony M. Payne*

Independent Trustee

James U. Jensen*

Independent Trustee

John V. Palancia*

Independent Trustee


*By:

Date:

  /s/ James P. Ash, Esq.

December 13, 2013

James P. Ash

*Attorney-in-Fact – Pursuant to Powers of Attorney as previously filed on May 30, 2013 and June 4, 2013.







Exhibit Index


Exhibit

Exhibit No.

Investment Advisory Agreement between First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to The Teberg Fund

(d) (xxiv)

Expense Limitation Agreement between First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to The Teberg Fund

(h)(xv)

Interim Transfer Agent Service Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC with respect to The Teberg Fund

(h) (xx)

Legal Consent

(i)(ii)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(j)

Code of Ethics of First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc.

(p)(xxv)







INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Between

NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III

 and

THE TEBERG FUND


      AGREEMENT, made as of August 22 , 2013 between Northern Lights Fund Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"), and FIRST ASSOCIATED INVESTMENT ADVISORS, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the "Adviser") located at 5161 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811 .


RECITALS:


      WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act");


      WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, each having its own investment objective or objectives, policies and limitations;


      WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in the series named on Appendix A hereto (such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 1.3, being herein referred to as a "Fund," and collectively as the "Funds");


      WHEREAS, the Adviser is or soon will be registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and


     WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Adviser to render investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to each Fund in the manner and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;


     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:


1. Services of the Adviser.


      1.1 Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Fund and, as such, shall (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities hereunder, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective(s), policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the  issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and  to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission than may be charged by other brokers.


      The Trust hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Adviser or any sub-adviser retained by the Adviser pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement, which is a member of a national securities exchange, to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Trust which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Trust hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv) provided the transaction complies with the Trust’s Rule 17e-1 policies and procedures.


      The Adviser shall carry out its duties with respect to the Fund's investments in accordance with applicable law and the investment objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the Fund's then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser.


      1.2 Administrative Services.   The Trust has engaged the services of an administrator.   The Adviser shall provide such additional administrative services as reasonably requested by the Board of Trustees or officers of the Trust; provided, that the Adviser shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any direct or indirect services to Trust shareholders, any services related to the distribution of Trust shares, or any other services which are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust and the Adviser. Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Adviser shall:


      1.2.1 Office Space, Equipment and Facilities.  Provide such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate to fulfill the Adviser’s obligations hereunder.


      1.2.2 Personnel. Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust, the services of individuals competent to perform the administrative functions which are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Trust or by the Adviser acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Trust.


      1.2.3 Agents. Assist the Trust in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Trust, including the Trust's shareholder servicing agent, custodian, administrator, independent auditors and legal counsel.


      1.2.4 Trustees and Officers. Authorize and permit the Adviser's directors, officers and employees who may be elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust.


      1.2.5 Books and Records. Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust are maintained and preserved by it in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.


      1.2.6 Reports and Filings. Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by the Fund to its shareholders and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Fund and Fund shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Fund , under federal and state securities and tax laws.


      1.3 Additional Series. In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series after the effectiveness of this Agreement ("Additional Series"), Appendix A to this Agreement may be amended to make such Additional Series subject to this Agreement upon the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the shareholder(s) of the Additional Series, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Trust or the Adviser may elect not to make any such series subject to this Agreement.


      1.4 Change in Management or Control. The Adviser shall provide at least sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the Trust of any change in the ownership or management of the Adviser, or any  event or action that may constitute a change in “control,” as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Act .  The Adviser shall provide prompt notice of any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.


2. Expenses of the Fund .


      2.1 Expenses to be Paid by Adviser. The Adviser shall pay all salaries, expenses and fees of the officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors , members or employees of the Adviser.


      In the event that the Adviser pays or assumes any expenses of the Trust not required to be paid or assumed by the Adviser under this Agreement, the Adviser shall not be obligated hereby to pay or assume the same or any similar expense in the future; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve the Adviser of any obligation to the Fund under any separate agreement or arrangement between the parties.


      2.2 Expenses to be Paid by the Fund.  The Fund shall bear all expenses of its operation, except those specifically allocated to the Adviser under this Agreement or under any separate agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. Subject to any separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust and the Adviser, the expenses hereby allocated to the Fund , and not to the Adviser, include but are not limited to:


      2.2.1 Custody. All charges of depositories, custodians, and other agents for the transfer, receipt, safekeeping, and servicing of the Fund' s cash, securities, and other property.


      2.2.2 Shareholder Servicing. All expenses of maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including but not limited to the charges of any shareholder servicing agent, dividend disbursing agent, transfer agent or other agent engaged by the Trust to service shareholder accounts.


      2.2.3 Shareholder Reports. All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and distributing reports and other communications to shareholders.


      2.2.4 Prospectuses. All expenses of preparing, converting to EDGAR format, filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other appropriate regulatory body, setting in type, printing and mailing annual or more frequent revisions of the Fund 's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any supplements thereto and of supplying them to shareholders.


      2.2.5 Pricing and Portfolio Valuation. All expenses of computing the Fund 's net asset value per share, including any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Fund 's investment portfolio.


      2.2.6 Communications. All charges for equipment or services used for communications between the Adviser or the Trust and any custodian, shareholder servicing agent, portfolio accounting services agent, or other agent engaged by the Trust.


      2.2.7 Legal and Accounting Fees. All charges for services and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and independent accountants.


      2.2.8 Trustees' Fees and Expenses. All compensation of Trustees other than those affiliated with the Adviser, all expenses incurred in connection with such unaffiliated Trustees' services as Trustees, and all other expenses of meetings of the Trustees and committees of the Trustees.


      2.2.9 Shareholder Meetings. All expenses incidental to holding meetings of shareholders, including the printing of notices and proxy materials, and proxy solicitations therefor.


      2.2.10 Federal Registration Fees. All fees and expenses of registering and maintaining the registration of the Fund under the Act and the registration of the Fund 's shares under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), including all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, converting to EDGAR format, setting in type, printing, and filing of any Registration Statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act or the Act, and any amendments or supplements that may be made from time to time.


      2.2.11 State Registration Fees. All fees and expenses of taking required action to permit the offer and sale of the Fund 's shares under securities laws of various states or jurisdictions, and of registration and qualification of the Fund under all other laws applicable to the Trust or its business activities (including registering the Trust as a broker-dealer, or any officer of the Trust or any person as agent or salesperson of the Trust in any state).  


      2.2.12 Confirmations. All expenses incurred in connection with the issue and transfer of Fund shares, including the expenses of confirming all share transactions.


      2.2.13 Bonding and Insurance. All expenses of bond, liability, and other insurance coverage required by law or regulation or deemed advisable by the Trustees of the Trust, including, without limitation, such bond, liability and other insurance expenses that may from time to time be allocated to the Fund in a manner approved by its Trustees.


      2.2.14 Brokerage Commissions. All brokers' commissions and other charges incident to the purchase, sale or lending of the Fund 's portfolio securities.


      2.2.15 Taxes. All taxes or governmental fees payable by or with respect to the Fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign, including stamp or other transfer taxes.


      2.2.16 Trade Association Fees. All fees, dues and other expenses incurred in connection with the Trust's membership in any trade association or other investment organization.


      2.2.18 Compliance Fees. All charges for services and expenses of the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer.


      2.2.19 Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Expenses. Such nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise including the costs of actions, suits, or proceedings to which the Trust is a party and the expenses the Trust may incur as a result of its legal obligation to provide indemnification to its officers, Trustees and agents.


3. Advisory Fee.


       As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Adviser under this Agreement, the Fund shall pay the Adviser on the last day of each month, or as promptly as possible thereafter, a fee calculated by applying a monthly rate, based on an annual percentage rate, to the Fund's average daily net assets for the month. The annual percentage rate applicable to the Fund is set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement.  If this Agreement shall be effective for only a portion of a month with respect to a Fund, the aforesaid fee shall be prorated for the portion of such month during which this Agreement is in effect for the Fund.


4. Proxy Voting.


      The Adviser will vote, or make arrangements to have voted, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of a Fund may be invested from time to time.  Such proxies will be voted in a manner that you deem, in good faith, to be in the best interest of the Fund and in accordance with your proxy voting policy.  You agree to provide a copy of your proxy voting policy to the Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement, and any amendments thereto promptly.


5. Records.


      5.1 Tax Treatment. Both the Adviser and the Trust shall maintain, or arrange for others to maintain, the books and records of the Trust in such a manner that treats the Fund as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes.


      5.2 Ownership. All records required to be maintained and preserved by the Trust pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 31(a) of the Act and maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust are the property of the Trust and shall be surrendered by the Adviser promptly on request by the Trust; provided, that the Adviser may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.


6. Reports to Adviser.


      The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Adviser such copies of the Fund 's Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, financial statements, proxy statements, reports and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Adviser may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.


7. Reports to the Trust.


      The Adviser shall prepare and furnish to the Trust such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as the Trust may reasonably request.


8. Code of Ethics.


      The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Act and will provide the Trust with a copy of the code and evidence of its adoption.  The Adviser will provide to the Board of Trustees of the Trust at least annually a  written report that describes any issues arising under the code of ethics since the last report to the Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the code and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and which certifies that the Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent "access persons" (as that term is defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating the code.



9. Retention of Sub-Adviser.


      Subject to the Trust's obtaining the initial and periodic approvals required under Section 15 of the Act, the Adviser may retain one or more sub-advisers, at the Adviser's own cost and expense, for the purpose of managing the investments of the assets of one or more Funds of the Trust. Retention of one or more sub-advisers shall in no way reduce the responsibilities or obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall, subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, be responsible to the Trust for all acts or omissions of any sub-adviser in connection with the performance of the Adviser's duties hereunder.


10. Services to Other Clients.


      Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser to render investment management and administrative services to other investment companies, to act as investment adviser or investment counselor to other persons, firms or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.


11. Limitation of Liability of Adviser and its Personnel.


      Neither the Adviser nor any director, manager, officer or employee of the Adviser performing services for the Trust at the direction or request of the Adviser in connection with the Adviser's discharge of its obligations hereunder shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with any matter to which this Agreement relates, and the Adviser shall not be responsible for any action of the Trustees of the Trust in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation of the Adviser or any sub-adviser retained by the Adviser pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement;  PROVIDED, that nothing herein contained shall be construed (i) to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's duties, or by reason of the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, manager, officer or employee of the Adviser who is or was a Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability of the Trust or its shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office with the Trust.


12. Effect of Agreement.


      Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require to the Trust to take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust or its By-Laws or any applicable law, regulation or order to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of the Trust of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust.


13. Term of Agreement.


      With respect to the Fund, the term of this Agreement shall begin as of the date and year upon which the Fund commences investment operations, and unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of two years. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof; PROVIDED, such continuance with respect to a Fund is approved at least annually by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by the Trustees of the Trust; PROVIDED, that in either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust, promptly upon its request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.


14. Amendment or Assignment of Agreement.


      Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; PROVIDED, that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees of the Trust, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such amendment if required by applicable law. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment.


15. Termination of Agreement.


      This Agreement may be terminated as to any Fund at any time by either party hereto, without the payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other party; PROVIDED, that in the case of termination by any Fund, such action shall have been authorized (i) by resolution of the Trust's Board of Trustees, including the vote or written consent of Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, or (ii) by vote of majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.


16. Use of Name.


      The Trust is named the Northern Lights Fund Trust III and each Fund may be identified, in part, by the name "Northern Lights."


17. Declaration of Trust.


      The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of  shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust or a Fund, as the case may be, pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to the Trust or a Fund, as the case may be, and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds. The Adviser further understands and agrees that no Fund of the Trust shall be liable for any claims against any other Fund of the Trust and that the Adviser must look solely to the assets of the pertinent Fund of the Trust for the enforcement or satisfaction of any claims against the Trust with respect to that Fund.


18. Confidentiality.


      The Adviser agrees to treat all records and other information relating to the Trust and the securities holdings of the Fund as confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any other person unless (i) the Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved the disclosure or (ii) such disclosure is compelled by law.  In addition, the Adviser and the Adviser's officers, directors, members and employees are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of a Fund, as a result of disclosing the Fund's portfolio holdings.  The Adviser agrees that, consistent with the Adviser's Code of Ethics, neither the Adviser nor the Adviser's officers, directors, members or employees may engage in personal securities transactions based on nonpublic information about a Fund's portfolio holdings.


19. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.


20. Interpretation and Definition of Terms.


         Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts, or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission validly issued pursuant to the Act. Specifically, the terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "interested persons," "assignment" and "affiliated person," as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the Act. In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.


21. Captions.


         The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.


22. Execution in Counterparts.


         This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.



[ Signature Page Follows ]




         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date and year first above written.




NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III




 By: /s/ Andrew Rogers


Name: Andrew Rogers


Title: President




THE TEBERG FUND



By: /s/ Curtis A. Teberg ________


Name: Curtis A. Teberg


Title: President










NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III


INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT


APPENDIX A


FUNDS OF THE TRUST



NAME OF FUND

ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE AS A % OF

AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF THE FUND

The Teberg Fund

1.25 %

         



NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III


OPERATING EXPENSES LIMITATION

AND SECURITY AGREEMENT


FIRST ASSOCIATED INVESTMENT ADVISORS, INC.



THIS OPERATING EXPENSES LIMITATION AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is effective as of the 22 nd day of August, 2013, by and between NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of The Teberg Fund (the “Fund”) a series of the Trust, and the Advisor of the Fund, First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc.  (the “Advisor”).


RECITALS:


WHEREAS , the Advisor renders advice and services to the Fund pursuant to the terms and provisions of an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor dated as of the 22 nd day of August, 2013 (the “Advisory Agreement”); and


WHEREAS , the Fund is responsible for, and has assumed the obligation for, payment of certain expenses pursuant to the Advisory Agreement that have not been assumed by the Advisor; and


WHEREAS , the Advisor desires to limit the Fund’s Operating Expenses (as that term is defined in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement) pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Trust (on behalf of the Fund) desires to allow the Advisor to implement those limits; and


WHEREAS , as a condition to the continuation of its contractual relationship with the Advisor, the Trust has required that Advisor grant to the Trust a continuing security interest in and to a designated account of the Advisor established with Gemini Fund Services, LLC, Transfer Agent to the Fund, or its successor and assigns (the “Securities Intermediary”), for so long as Fund assets remain below $15 million;


NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:


1. Limit on Operating Expenses . The Advisor hereby agrees to limit the Fund’s current Operating Expenses to an annual rate, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the month, to the amounts listed in Appendix A (the “Annual Limit”). In the event that the current Operating Expenses of the Fund, as accrued each month, exceed its Annual Limit, the Advisor will pay to the Fund, on a monthly basis, the excess expense within the first ten days of the month following the month in which such Operating Expenses were incurred (each payment, a “Fund Reimbursement Payment”).

2. Definition . For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Operating Expenses” with respect to the Fund is defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Fund and including the Advisor’s investment advisory or management fee detailed in the Advisory Agreement, any Rule 12b-l fees and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement, but does not include: (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iii) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (iv) taxes; and (v) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)).


3. Reimbursement of Fees and Expenses . The Advisor retains its right to receive in future years on a rolling three year basis, reimbursement of any Fund Reimbursement Payments paid by the Advisor pursuant to this Agreement, if such reimbursement can be achieved within the Operating Expense Limitations listed in Appendix A .


4. Collateral Account and Security Interest .  At any time when Fund’s assets are below $15 million, the Advisor, for value received, hereby pledges, assigns, sets over and grants to the Trust a continuing security interest in and to an account to be established and maintained by the Advisor with the Securities Intermediary and designated as a collateral account (the “Collateral Account”), including any replacement account established with any successor, together with all dividends, interest, stock-splits, distributions, profits and all cash and non-cash proceeds thereof and any and all other rights as may now or hereafter derive or accrue therefrom (collectively, the “Collateral”) to secure the payment of any required Fund Reimbursement Payment or Liquidation Expenses (as defined in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement).  For so long as this Agreement is in effect, any transfers or conveyances of Collateral to any party shall require the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”), except as specified in Section 7(a)(ii) of this Agreement, below.  In addition, the Trust will not issue entitlement orders, redeem or otherwise take any action with respect to the Collateral or Collateral Account unless a Collateral Event (defined below under Section 5 of this Agreement) has occurred or is continuing.


5. Collateral Event .  In the event that either (a) the Advisor does not make the Fund Reimbursement Payment due in connection with a particular calendar month by the tenth day of the following calendar month or (b) the Board enacts a resolution calling for the liquidation of the Fund (either (a) or (b), a “Collateral Event”), then, in either event, the Board shall have absolute discretion to redeem any shares or other Collateral held in the Collateral Account and utilize the proceeds from such redemptions or such other Collateral to make any required Fund Reimbursement Payment, or to cover any costs or expenses which the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, estimates will be required in connection with the liquidation of the Fund (the “Liquidation Expenses”).  Pursuant to the terms of Paragraph 6 of this Agreement, upon authorization from the Board, but subject to the provisions of the Control Agreement, no further instructions shall be required from the Advisor for the Securities Intermediary to transfer any Collateral from the Collateral Account to the Fund.  The Advisor acknowledges that in the event the Collateral available in the Collateral Account is insufficient to cover the full cost of any Fund Reimbursement Payment or Liquidation Expenses, the Fund shall retain the right to receive from the Advisor any costs in excess of the value of the Collateral.   


6. Control Agreement; Appointment of Attorney-in-Fact .  The Advisor agrees to execute and deliver to the Board, in form and substance satisfactory to the Board, a Control Agreement by, between and among the Trust, the Advisor and the Securities Intermediary (the “Control Agreement”) pursuant to and consistent with Section 8-106(c) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, which shall terminate when the Collateral Account is no longer required under this Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, for so long as the Collateral Account in required under the Agreement,  the Advisor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Trust, through any officer thereof, with full power of substitution, as Advisor's true and lawful Attorney-in-Fact, with full irrevocable power and authority in place and stead of the Advisor and in the name of the Advisor or in the Trust's own name, from time to time, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement, to take any and all appropriate actions and to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments which the Board deems necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Agreement, which power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trust shall have the right and power following any Collateral Event to receive, endorse and collect all checks and other orders for the payment of money made payable to the Advisor representing any interest payment, dividend, or other distribution payable in respect of or to the Collateral, or any part thereof, and to give full discharge for the same.  So long as a Collateral Event has occurred and is continuing, the Board, in its discretion, may direct the Advisor or Advisor's agent to transfer the Collateral in certificated or uncertificated form into the name and account of the Trust or its designee.  


7. Covenants .  So long as this Agreement shall remain in effect, the Advisor represents and covenants as follows:


(a)

No later than 120 days after the Fund becomes operational, the Advisor shall invest at least $30,000 in the Collateral Account, unless Fund assets have reached $15 million by that time (in which case no Collateral Account is required until Fund assets fall below $15 million for more than 30 days).  Once the Collateral Account is established: (i) the Advisor will maintain at least $30,000 in said account, such that additional amounts will be deposited by the Advisor where Fund outflows or negative Fund performance reduce the Collateral Account below $30,000 for a period of more than thirty days; (ii) when the Fund reaches $15 million or more in net assets, the Advisor may withdraw all assets from said account, less the minimum amount required to maintain the account open; and (iii) the Advisor hereby agrees to deposit and maintain $30,000 in the Collateral Account within 30 days of Fund assets falling below $15 million, where assets have not risen above $15 million at the end of that 30-day period.   The Collateral Account may be closed completely upon Fund assets reaching $25 million.


(b)

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Advisor agrees not to challenge any action taken by the Board or the Trust in executing the terms of this Agreement; provided that the action does not constitute willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of the Board under this Agreement, the Advisory Agreement, or to Fund shareholders.   


(c)

The Trust will not issue entitlement orders, redeem or otherwise take any action with respect to the Collateral or Collateral Account unless a Collateral Event (defined above under Section 5 of this Agreement) has occurred or is continuing.


8. Term . This Agreement shall become effective on the date first above written and shall remain in effect until at July 31, 2016, unless sooner terminated as provided in Paragraph 9 of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust.


9. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board, on behalf of the Fund, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Advisor. This Agreement may not be terminated by the Advisor without the consent of the Board.  This Agreement and the Control Agreement will automatically terminate, with respect to the Fund listed in Appendix A if the Advisory Agreement for the Fund is terminated and the Fund continues to operate under the management of a new investment adviser, with such termination effective upon the effective date of the Advisory Agreement’s termination for the Fund.


10. Assignment . This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party.


11. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.


12. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any federal law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.





(Signature Page follows)



IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and attested by their duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.



NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III

First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc.

on behalf of The Teberg Fund

 

 

 


By: _ /s/ Andrew Rogers

By: _ /s/ Curtis Teberg

Name: Andrew Rogers

Name: Curtis Teberg

Title: President

Title:   President






Appendix A


Fund

Operating Expense Limit

 

 

The Teberg Fund

1.75%

   

 




TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 13 th day of December, 2013, by and between NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III , a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust") and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC , a Wisconsin limited liability company ("USBFS").

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company, and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;

WHEREAS, USBFS is, among other things, in the business of administering transfer and dividend disbursing agent functions for the benefit of its customers; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the conversion of the Teberg Fund into the series of the Trust, the Trust desires to retain USBFS for a transitional period to provide transfer and dividend disbursing agent services to the Teberg Fund.  

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

1.

Appointment of USBFS as Transfer Agent

The Trust hereby appoints USBFS as transfer agent of the Trust on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and USBFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement.  The services and duties of USBFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against USBFS hereunder.

2.

Services and Duties of USBFS

USBFS shall provide the following transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent services to the Fund:

A.

Receive and process all orders for the purchase, exchange, transfer, and/or redemption of Fund shares in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, other applicable regulations, and as specified in the Fund's prospectus (the "Prospectus”).


B.

Process purchase and redemption orders with prompt delivery, where appropriate, of payment and supporting documentation to the shareholder based on the shareholder’s or the Trust’s custodian instructions, and record the appropriate number of shares being held in the appropriate shareholder account.



C.

Process redemption requests received in good order and, where relevant, deliver appropriate documentation to the Trust's custodian.


D.

Pay proceeds upon receipt from the Trust's custodian, where relevant, in accordance with the instructions of redeeming shareholders.


E.

Process transfers of shares in accordance with the shareholder's instructions, after receipt of appropriate documentation from the shareholder as specified in the Prospectus.


F.

Prepare and transmit payments, or apply reinvestments for income dividends and capital gains distributions declared by the Trust with respect to a Fund, after deducting any amount required to be withheld by any applicable laws, rules and regulations and in accordance with shareholder instructions.


G.

Serve as the Fund’s agent in connection with systematic plans including, but not limited to, systematic investment plans, systematic withdrawal plans, and systematic exchange plans.


H.

Make changes to shareholder records, including, but not limited to, address and plan changes (e.g., systematic investment and withdrawal, dividend reinvestment).

I.

Handle load and multi-class processing, including rights of accumulation and purchases by letters of intent in accordance with the Prospectus.


J.

Record the issuance of shares of each Fund and maintain, pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), a record of the total number of shares of each Fund which are authorized, issued and outstanding.


K.

Prepare ad-hoc reports as necessary at prevailing rates.


L.

Mail shareholder reports and Prospectuses to current shareholders.


M.

Prepare and file U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate information returns required with respect to dividends and distributions for all shareholders.


N.

Provide shareholder account information upon shareholder or Trust requests and prepare and mail confirmations and statements of account to shareholders for all purchases, redemptions and other confirmable transactions as agreed upon with the Trust.


O.

Mail and/or obtain shareholders’ certifications under penalties of perjury and pay on a timely basis to the appropriate federal or state authorities any taxes to be withheld on dividends and distributions paid by the Trust, all as required by applicable federal and state tax laws and regulations.


P.

Answer correspondence from shareholders, securities brokers and others relating to USBFS’ duties hereunder within required time periods established by applicable regulation.

Q.

Reimburse the Fund for all material losses resulting from “as of” processing errors for which USBFS is responsible in accordance with the “as of” processing guidelines set forth on Exhibit A hereto.

R.

Calculate average assets held in shareholder accounts for purposes of paying Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder servicing fees as directed by a Fund

S.

Provide service and support to financial intermediaries including but not limited to trade placements, settlements, and corrections.

3.

Lost Shareholder Due Diligence Searches and Servicing

The Trust hereby acknowledges that USBFS has an arrangement with an outside vendor to conduct lost shareholder searches required by Rule 17Ad-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Costs associated with such searches will be passed through to the Trust as an out-of-pocket expense in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B hereto.  If a shareholder remains lost and the shareholder’s account unresolved after completion of the mandatory Rule 17Ad-17 search, the Trust hereby authorizes vendor to enter, at its discretion, into fee sharing arrangements with the lost shareholder (or such lost shareholder’s representative or executor) to conduct a more in-depth search in order to locate the lost shareholder before the shareholder’s assets escheat to the applicable state.  The Trust hereby acknowledges that USBFS is not a party to these arrangements and does not receive any revenue sharing or other fees relating to these arrangements.  Furthermore, the Trust hereby acknowledges that vendor may receive up to 35% of the lost shareholder’s assets as compensation for its efforts in locating the lost shareholder.

4.

Anti-Money Laundering and Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Programs

The Trust acknowledges that it has had an opportunity to review, consider and comment upon the written procedures provided by USBFS describing various tools used by USBFS which are designed to promote the detection and reporting of potential money laundering activity and identity theft by monitoring certain aspects of shareholder activity as well as written procedures for verifying a customer’s identity (collectively, the “Procedures”).  Further, the Trust and USBFS have each determined that the Procedures, as part of the Trust’s overall Anti-Money Laundering Program and Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Program, are reasonably designed to: (i) prevent each Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities; (ii) prevent identity theft; and (iii) achieve compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 and the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the implementing regulations thereunder.

Based on this determination, the Trust hereby instructs and directs USBFS to implement the Procedures on the Trust’s behalf, as such may be amended or revised from time to time.  It is contemplated that these Procedures will be amended from time to time by the parties as additional regulations are adopted and/or regulatory guidance is provided relating to the Trust’s anti-money laundering and identity theft responsibilities.

USBFS agrees to provide to the Trust:

(a)

Prompt written notification of any transaction or combination of transactions that USBFS believes, based on the Procedures, evidence money laundering or identity theft activities in connection with the Trust or any Fund shareholder;

(b)

Prompt written notification of any customer(s) that USBFS reasonably believes, based upon the Procedures, to be engaged in money laundering or identity theft activities, provided that the Trust agrees not to communicate this information to the customer;

(c)

Any reports received by USBFS from any government agency or applicable industry self-regulatory organization pertaining to USBFS’ Anti-Money Laundering Program or the Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Program on behalf of the Trust;

(d)

Prompt written notification of any action taken in response to anti-money laundering violations or identity theft activity as described in (a), (b) or (c) immediately above; and

(e)

Certified annual and quarterly reports of its monitoring and customer identification activities pursuant to the Procedures on behalf of the Trust.

The Trust hereby directs, and USBFS acknowledges, that USBFS shall (i) permit federal regulators access to such information and records maintained by USBFS and relating to USBFS’ implementation of the Procedures, on behalf of the Trust, as they may request, and (ii) permit such federal regulators to inspect USBFS’ implementation of the Procedures on behalf of the Trust.

5.

Compensation

USBFS shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit B hereto (as amended from time to time).  USBFS shall be compensated for such out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are reasonably incurred by USBFS in performing its duties hereunder.  USBFS shall also be compensated for any increases in costs due to the adoption of any new or amended industry, regulatory or other applicable rules. The Trust shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute.  The Trust shall notify USBFS in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Trust is disputing any amounts in good faith.  The Trust shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid, if any.  With the exception of any fee or expense the Trust is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Trust to USBFS shall only be paid out of assets and property of the particular Fund involved.  

6.

Representations and Warranties

A.

The Trust hereby represents and warrants to USBFS, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:


(1)

It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;


(2)

This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trust in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties;


(3)

It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; and


(4)

A registration statement under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, will be made effective prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will remain effective during the term of this Agreement, and appropriate state securities law filings will be made prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will continue to be made during the term of this Agreement as necessary to enable the Trust to make a continuous public offering of its shares.


B.

USBFS hereby represents and warrants to the Trust, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:


(1)

It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;


(2)

This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by USBFS in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of USBFS, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties;


(3)

It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; and

(4)

It is a registered transfer agent under the Exchange Act.

7.

Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability

A.

USBFS shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.  USBFS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with its duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond USBFS’ control, except a loss arising out of or relating to USBFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if USBFS has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless USBFS from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that USBFS may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against USBFS by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to USBFS by any duly authorized officer of the Trust, as approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees”), except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to USBFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.  This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Trust, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.  As used in this paragraph, the term “USBFS” shall include USBFS’ directors, officers and employees.


USBFS shall indemnify and hold the Trust harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that the Trust may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Trust by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by USBFS as a result of USBFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.  This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of USBFS, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.  As used in this paragraph, the term “Trust” shall include the Trust’s directors, trustees, officers and employees.

Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement.

In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its control, USBFS shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues.  USBFS will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of USBFS.  USBFS agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available.  Representatives of the Trust shall be entitled to inspect USBFS’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of USBFS, upon reasonable notice to USBFS.  Moreover, USBFS shall provide the Trust, at such times as the Trust may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent accountants on the internal controls and procedures of USBFS relating to the services provided by USBFS under this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the above, USBFS reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense.

B.

In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification.  The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification.  In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this section.  The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor’s prior written consent.


C.

The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 7 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement.


D.

If USBFS is acting in another capacity for the Trust pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve USBFS of any of its obligations in such other capacity.

8.

Data Necessary to Perform Services

The Trust or its agent shall furnish to USBFS the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon.


9.

Proprietary and Confidential Information

USBFS agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust, all records and other information relative to the Trust and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Trust (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where USBFS may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Trust.  Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of USBFS or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of USBFS prior to receipt thereof from the Trust or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.

Further, USBFS will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Trust pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time.  In this regard, USBFS shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Trust and its shareholders.


10.

Records

USBFS shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Trust, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.  USBFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by USBFS relating to the services to be performed by USBFS hereunder are the property of the Trust and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Trust or its designee on and in accordance with its request.

11.

Compliance with Laws

The Trust has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information.  USBFS’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Trust of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Trustee’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto.

12.

Duties in the Event of Termination

In the event that, in connection with the termination of this Agreement, a successor to any of USBFS’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Trust by written notice to USBFS, USBFS will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Trust, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by USBFS under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Trust (if such form differs from the form in which USBFS has maintained the same, the Trust shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from USBFS’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor.  If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Trust.

13.

Term of Agreement; Amendment

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above.  This Agreement shall terminate on January 25, 2014, or such later date as the parties hereto may mutually agree through written amendment of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by both parties.

14.

Assignment

This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust without the written consent of USBFS, or by USBFS without the written consent of the Trust accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

15.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard to conflicts of law principles.  To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Wisconsin, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

16.

No Agency Relationship

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.

17.

Services Not Exclusive

Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict USBFS from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.



18.

Invalidity

Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.

19.

Notices

Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:

Notice to USBFS shall be sent to:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI  53202

ATTN:  President


and notice to the Trust shall be sent to:

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

c/o Gemini Fund Services

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, NE 68130




20.

Multiple Originals

This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first above written.



NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III

U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC

By:_ /s/ Andrew Rogers

By: _/s/ Michael R. McVoy

Name: Andrew Rogers

Name: Michael R. McVoy

Title: President

Title: Executive Vice President






Exhibit A

to the

Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement




As Of Processing Policy


USBFS will reimburse each Fund for any Net Material Loss that may exist on the Fund’s books and for which USBFS is responsible, at the end of each calendar month.  “Net Material Loss” shall be defined as any remaining loss, after netting losses against any gains, which impacts a Fund’s net asset value per share by at least ½ cent.  Gains and losses will be reflected on the Fund’s daily share sheet, and the Fund will be reimbursed for any Net Material Loss on a monthly basis.  USBFS will reset the as of ledger each calendar month so that any losses which do not exceed the materiality threshold of ½ cent will not be carried forward to the next succeeding month.  USBFS will notify the advisor to the Fund on the daily share sheet of any losses for which the advisor may be held accountable.





2





Exhibit B to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement


Transfer Agent, Shareholder & Account Services Fee Schedule at December, 2013


Annual Service Charges to the Fund*

§

Minimum Fee Per CUSIP

$18,000 /year

§

NSCC Level 3 Accounts

$15.00 /open account

§

No-Load Fund Accounts

$15.00 /open account

§

Closed Accounts

$15.00 /closed account



Activity Charges

§

Manual Shareholder Transaction & Correspondence

$5.00 /event

§

Omnibus Account Transaction

$1.00 /transaction

§

Telephone Calls

$1.00 /minute


Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

Including but not limited to telephone toll-free lines, inbound calls, mailing, sorting and postage, stationery, envelopes, service/data conversion, AML verification services, special reports, record retention, processing of literature fulfillment kits, lost shareholder search, disaster recovery charges, ACH fees, Fed wire charges, NSCC activity charges, shareholder/dealer print out (daily confirms, investor confirms, tax, checks, and commissions),voice response (VRU) maintenance and development, data communication and implementation charges, specialized programming, return mail processing, omnibus conversions, and travel.


Additional Services

Available but not included above are the following services - FAN Web shareholder e-commerce, FAN Mail electronic data delivery, Vision intermediary e-commerce, client Web data access, recordkeeping application access, programming charges, outbound calling & marketing campaigns, training, cost basis reporting, investor email services, dealer reclaim services, literature fulfillment, money market fund service organizations, charges paid by investors, physical certificate processing, Real Time Cash Flow, CUSIP setup, CTI reporting, sales reporting & 22c-2 reporting (MARS), electronic statements (Informa), marketing and fulfillment solution (eCONNECT), and additional services mutually agreed upon.





*Subject to annual CPI increase, Milwaukee MSA.

Fees are calculated pro rata and billed month




[LEGALCONSENT004.GIF]



 

 

 

December 12, 2013



Northern Lights Fund Trust III

17605 Wright Street

Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska  68130



Re:

Northern Lights Fund Trust III - File Nos. 333-178833 and 811-22655


Gentlemen:

A legal opinion (the “Legal Opinion”) that we prepared was filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Northern Lights Fund Trust III Registration Statement.  We hereby give you our consent to incorporate by reference the Legal Opinion into Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 under the Securities Act of 1933 (Amendment No. 87 under the Investment Company Act of 1940) (the “Amendment”) and consent to all references to us in the Amendment.


Very truly yours,


/s/ THOMPSON HINE LLP


THOMPSON HINE LLP



[LEGALCONSENT002.GIF]









CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM






We consent to the references to our firm in the Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Northern Lights Fund Trust III and to the use of our report dated May 28, 2013 on the financial statements and financial highlights of The Teberg Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust.   Such financial statements and financial highlights appear in the 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.





TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 13, 2013





First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. (FAIA)

Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy


I.      Overview


The purpose of this Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy (Code) is to set forth standards of conduct and personal trading guidelines that are intended to comply with Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (Advisers Act),

and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act). FAIA expects each of its Access Persons to follow the guidelines and requirements herein.


Every Access Person will be required to certify annually that:


•   S/he has received this Code and any amendments to this Code;


•   S/he has read and understood this Code and recognizes s/he is subject to its provisions; and


•   S/he has complied with the applicable provisions of this Code and has reported all personal securities transactions and holdings required to be reported under Section IV of this policy.


Please see Glossary of Terms for definitions of italicized terms used throughout this Code.  Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of FAIA.


II.      Standards of Conduct


The Advisers Act imposes a fiduciary duty on all investment advisers, including FAIA.  As a fiduciary, FAIA has a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interests of each of its Clients , including The Teberg Fund (Fund), a registered investment company managed by FAIA.  In meeting this fiduciary duty, FAIA and its Access Persons must strive to avoid and/or if appropriate, manage and/or disclose identified potential or actual conflicts of interest.   Clients entrust the firm to prudently manage their assets, which in turn places a high standard on the conduct and integrity of Access Persons .  This fiduciary duty compels all Access Persons to act with the utmost integrity in all dealings.  This fiduciary duty is the core principle underlying this Code and represents the expected basis of all dealings with FAIA’s Clients and the Fund’s shareholders.


In connection with these expectations and in an attempt to manage conflicts of interest, FAIA and the Fund have established the following core principles of

conduct.  While the following principles are not all-encompassing, they are consistent with FAIA’s and the Fund’s cultures of trust, honesty, integrity, and openness which are evident throughout FAIA.

are evident throughout FAIA.



A.   Core Principles


1.    Access Persons are expected to comply with the Federal Securities Laws .

Strict adherence to FAIA’s compliance policy manual and guidance provided by the CCO will assist Access Persons in complying with this important requirement;


2.   The interests of Clients and the Fund’s shareholders should be placed ahead of those of all others;


3.    Access Persons should not take inappropriate advantage of their position with

FAIA or the Fund (as applicable);


4.    Access Persons should avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest with any Client ;


5.   Personal securities transactions should be conducted in a manner consistent with this policy, and should not adversely impact a Client’s account; and


6.   FAIA and the Fund will strive to foster a healthy culture of compliance.


B.   General Prohibitions


The Advisers Act prohibits fraudulent activities by Access Persons . Specifically, these persons may not:


1.   Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Client ;


2.   Make any untrue statement of a material fact to a Client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to a Client , in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;


3.   Engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as fraud or deceit on a Client ; or


4.   Engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Client .

 

C.   Personal Conduct

 

1.          Acceptance of Gifts and Receipt of Business Entertainment


a.           Acceptance of Gifts


Access Persons are prohibited from receiving any gift, gratuity, hospitality or other offering of more than de minimis value (less than $100) during a calendar year excluding de minimis perishable items, from any person or entity doing business with FAIA.  All gifts, with the exception of de minimis perishable items, must be reported to the CCO.  The CCO will


b.       Receipt of Business Entertainment

 


This policy does not impose a dollar limit on the receipt of business entertainment, items or events where the Access Person has reason to believe there is a legitimate business purpose, for example, business entertainment such as a dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value. However, no Access Person may accept entertainment deemed to be excessive. A representative of the entity providing the entertainment must be present at the event to be considered legitimate business entertainment. If a representative is not at the event, then the entertainment is considered a gift subject to the limitations described in this policy.  All entertainment received where the value is expected to be greater than $250 must be reported to the CCO.  The CCO will keep a log of all business entertainment reported.


2.       Giving of Gifts and Business Entertainment

 


a.    Giving of Gifts

 


Access Persons are prohibited from giving any gift, gratuity, hospitality or other offering of more than a de minimis value (less than $100) to any person or entity doing business with FAIA during a calendar year.  All gifts, with the exception of de minimis perishable items, provided shall be reported to the CCO.  The CCO will maintain a log of such items.  The CCO shall periodically review gifts provided for reasonableness, propriety and consistency with this policy.

 


b.   Giving of Business Entertainment

 

 

The limits on providing gifts described above does not include providing business entertainment – items or events where the Access Person has reason to believe there is a legitimate business purpose, for example, business entertainment such as golf, a dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value.  As a general rule, an Access Person of FAIA is expected to attend any concert or sporting event where the ticket is provided by FAIA.  If an FAIA Access Person is unable to attend, the tickets used by the recipient shall be considered a gift, subject to the limitations outlined at 10.3(C)(2)(a) above.  No Access Person may provide business entertainment deemed to be excessive.  FAIA shall track all business entertainment expenses in the firm’s corporate accounting records.  Additionally, the CCO shall periodically review business entertainment hosted by FAIA.



3.          Charitable Contributions

Access Persons are prohibited from making charitable contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with organizations.  In addition, Access Persons are prohibited from considering FAIA or the Fund’s current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in making charitable contributions.


4.          Political Contributions

Access Persons may only make political contributions as permitted in FAIA’s Political Contributions Policy. Access Persons are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts.  In addition, Access Persons are prohibited from considering FAIA or the Fund’s current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in making political contributions.


5.          Service as Director for an Outside Company

Any Access Person wishing to serve as director for an outside public company or private company (for profit or not-for-profit) must first seek the approval of the CCO.  The CCO, in reviewing the request, will determine whether such service is consistent with the interests of FAIA, the Fund, and Clients and the Fund’s shareholders.


6.          Outside Business Activities

Access Persons wishing to engage in outside business activities must seek approval from the CCO and, if requested, provide periodic reports to the CCO, or her designee, summarizing those outside business activities.


D.   Protection of Non-Public Information


1. Access Persons are expected to exercise diligence and care in maintaining and protecting Client and Fund shareholder non-public information as outlined in FAIA’s Privacy Policy.


2. Access Persons are also expected to not divulge information regarding FAIA’s securities recommendations or Client securities holdings to any individual outside of the firm, except as approved by the CCO.


3. Access Persons are expected to adhere to the Fund’s policy on the disclosure of mutual fund holdings.


III.      Personal Trading Policy


A.   Prohibited Transactions


Unless specifically permitted within this Code and excluding all personal securities transactions exempt from pre-clearance in Section III(B)(3), no Access Person shall execute a transaction in a Security when FAIA (on behalf of its Clients ):


1. Has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in that same Security ;


2. Has purchased or sold that same Security within 2 days (before or after); or


3. Is considering purchasing or selling that same Security .  See the Glossary of

Terms for the definition of a Security being considered for purchase or sale .” B.   Personal Trading Restrictions

1. Initial Public Offerings


Access Persons are not permitted to acquire securities in an IPO .


2. Private Placements


Access Persons are permitted to acquire Private Placements after requesting and obtaining pre-approval of the transaction.  See Section III(A)(3) below for pre- clearance requirements.


3. Pre-Clearance of Personal Securities Transactions


Pre-clearance is required for all personal securities transactions with the exception of those outlined below:


a.   Shares of registered open-end investment companies including the Fund;


b.   Direct obligations of the United States Government;


c.   Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;


d.   Shares issued by any money market fund;


e.   Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-ended investment companies, including the Fund;


f.   Transactions in accounts not managed by FAIA, in which the Access Person

has no direct or indirect influence or control, including Managed Accounts ;


g.   Securities acquired through stock dividends, automatic dividend reinvestments, stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, consolidations, spin- offs or other similar corporate reorganizations or distributions generally applicable to all holders of the same class of Securities; and


h.   Transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan .



Pre-clearance requests should be submitted to the CCO, or her designee, and such requests should be made on the form maintained by the CCO.  The pre-clearance authorization is effective until the close of business on the day the pre-clearance request is approved, unless extended or revoked at the discretion of the CCO.  The CCO, or her designee, may disapprove such request for any reason she deems appropriate.  All pre-clearance requests of the CCO shall be submitted to FAIA’s President for review and approval.


IV.      Reporting Requirements


A.   Quarterly Transaction Report


1.    Timing of Report


Access Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report to the CCO, or her designee, within 30 calendar days following the end of each calendar quarter, certifying whether the Access Person had any transactions during the previous quarter.


2.    Content of Report

a.

Each Quarterly Transaction Report must include the following information about the securities in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership:


i.

Date of Transaction

ii.

Name of Security

iii.

Ticker Symbol or CUSIP Number, as applicable

iv.

Interest Rate and Maturity Date, as applicable

v.

Number of Shares or Par

vi.

Principal Amount

vii.

Nature of Transaction (i.e., Purchase or Sale)

viii.

Price of Security

ix.

Name of Broker

x.

Date of the Report


b.   Transactions in the following securities are not required to be reported:


1.   Shares of open-end mutual funds that are not the Fund;

2.   Direct obligations of the United States Government;

3.   Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

4.   Shares issued by any money market fund;

5.   Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invest exclusively in one or more open-ended investment company, none of which are the Fund.

6.   Transactions in accounts not managed by FAIA, in which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control, including Managed Accounts ; and

7.   Transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan .


c.    Access Persons must also indicate on the Quarterly Transaction Report whether they established any new accounts during the previous quarter,


d.    Access Persons may provide investment statements with the report if they contain all the required information described above.  Either a hard copy or an electronic version is acceptable.


e.   Regardless of the method of communication of transactions to FAIA, all

Access Persons must sign and submit a Quarterly Transaction Report.


B.   Initial and Annual Holdings Report


1.    Timing of Report


a.    Access Persons are required to submit an Initial and Annual Portfolio Holdings Report to the CCO, or her designee, indicating all personal securities holdings within 10 calendar days upon becoming an Access Person of FAIA and on an annual basis thereafter, within 30 days of calendar end.


2.    Content of Report


a.   Each Holdings Report must be current as of a date not more than 45 calendar days prior to submission and include the following information about the securities in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership :


i.   Name and Type of Security

ii. Ticker Symbol or CUSIP number

iii. Number of Shares or Par

iv. Principal Amount

v.  Broker or Bank Name

vi. Date of the Report


b.    Access Persons do not have to include the following securities on their

Holdings Report:


i.      Direct obligations of the United States government;

ii.     Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

iii.     Shares issued by any money market fund;

iv.     Shares of registered open-end investment companies, except the Fund, which is included (ETFs are not considered open-end investment companies for purposes of this Code, and therefore must be reported);

v.     Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-ended investment companies, none of which are the Fund; and

vi.      

Holdings in accounts not managed by FAIA, in which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control, including Managed Accounts .


c.   Investment statements may by submitted in lieu of the Holdings Report as long as all required information is included on the statements.


C.     Managed Accounts


In order to establish a Managed Account , an Access Person must grant to the external investment manager complete investment discretion over the account.  In addition, the Access Person must provide documentation evidencing s/he does not have discretion over the account to the CCO who will determine whether the account is approved as a Managed Account .  Reporting, including pre-clearance,

is not required for trades in this type of an account; however, Access Persons may not participate, directly or indirectly in individual investment decisions or be

made aware of such decisions before transactions are executed.  This restriction does not preclude Access Persons from establishing investment guidelines for the manager, such as indicating industries to invest in, the types of securities to purchase or overall investment objectives.  However, these guidelines may not be changed so frequently as to give the appearance that the Access Person is actually directing account investments.


D.   Review of Personal Securities Reports


The CCO shall generally consider the following factors when reviewing reportable security holdings and transactions reports as well as pre-clearance requests:


1.   Whether the investment opportunity should have been directed to a Client’s

account;


2.   Whether the amount or nature of the transaction affected the price or market for the security;


3.   Whether the pre-clearance procedures were followed;


4.   Whether the Access Person benefited from purchases or sales being made for

Clients ;


5.   Whether the transaction was consistent with the letter and the spirit of the

Code;


6.   Whether the transaction harmed any Client ; and


7.   Whether the transaction has the appearance of impropriety.


The President will review the CCO’s personal securities reports.  In no case should an Access Person review his/her own report.


V.      Reporting to the Fund’s CCO and Board of Trustees


The Adviser’s CCO shall provide a quarterly report to the Fund’s CCO which shall identify any violations which required remedial action during the past quarter.


At least annually, the Adviser’s CCO shall prepare a written report to the Fund’s

CCO that:


A.  Describes any issues arising under the Code or procedures since the last report to the Fund’s Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and


B.  Certifies that FAIA and the Fund have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code and any material changes to the Advisers policies or Code.


VI.      Reporting of Violations


All Access Persons shall report promptly any violation or suspected violation of this Code (including the discovery of any violation committed by another Access Person ) to the CCO.  Examples of items that should be reported include (but are not limited to): non-compliance with Federal Securities Laws ; conduct that is harmful to Clients ; and purchasing securities contrary to the Personal Trading Policy. The CCO and President of FAIA will determine whether such violations should be reported to the Fund’s CCO.


Such persons are encouraged to report any violations or perceived violations as such good faith reports will not be viewed negatively by FAIA or the Fund’s management, even if the reportable event, upon investigation, is determined not to be a violation and the CCO determines the Access Person reported such apparent violation in good faith.


VII.      Sanctions


Upon discovering a violation of the Code, the CCO and President or the Fund may impose such sanctions as they deem appropriate, including, among other sanctions, a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment of the violator.


VIII.      Record Keeping Requirements


The following records will be kept in accordance with this Code:

 

A.  Current and historic copies of this Code;


B.   Access Persons’ written acknowledgement of receipt of Code;


C.  Historic listings of all Access Persons subject to this Code;


D.  Violations of the Code, and records of action taken as a result of the violations;


E.  All personal securities transactions and holdings reports made by Access Persons

and/or copies of investment account confirmations and statements;


F.  All pre-clearance requests and approvals/disapprovals of personal security trading by Access Persons , including documentation of the reasons for the approval/disapproval; and


G.  Any reports made to the Fund’s CCO or Board of Trustees.




Approved: August 14, 2013

Revised: