As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2007
Securities Act No. 33-44964
Investment Company Act File No. 811-6526
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X] Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ] -- Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 [X] --- and/or REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X] Amendment No. 128 [X] --- THE COVENTRY GROUP ------------------ (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) |
Jennifer M. Millenbaugh
Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc.
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
It is proposed that this filing will become effective immediately upon filing
pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
[BOSTON TRUST INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. LOGO]
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
[WALDEN ASSET LOGO]
Prospectus dated August 1, 2007
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved the securities being offered by this prospectus or determined whether this prospectus is accurate and complete. It is unlawful for anyone to make any representation to the contrary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY AND FUND EXPENSES [SCALES] Carefully review this 3 Boston Trust Balanced Fund important section for a 7 Boston Trust Equity Fund summary of each Fund's 11 Boston Trust Small Cap Fund investments, risks and fees. 15 Walden Social Balanced Fund 19 Walden Social Equity Fund INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS [MAGNIFYING GLASS] This section contains 23 Boston Trust Balanced Fund details on each Fund's 24 Boston Trust Equity Fund investment strategies and 25 Boston Trust Small Cap Fund risks. 28 Walden Social Balanced Fund 29 Walden Social Equity Fund 30 Investment Risks 30 Socially Responsible Investing -- The Walden Funds SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION [BOOK] Consult this section to 34 Pricing of Fund Shares obtain details on how shares 34 Purchasing and Adding to Your Shares are valued, how to purchase, 37 Selling Your Shares sell and exchange shares, 40 Exchanging Your Shares related charges and payments 41 Dividends, Distributions and Taxes of dividends. FUND MANAGEMENT [LINE GRAPH] Review this section for 42 The Investment Adviser details on the people and 42 Portfolio Managers organizations who oversee the Funds and their investments. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [HAND] Review this section for 45 Boston Trust Balanced Fund details on the selected 46 Boston Trust Equity Fund financial statements of the 47 Boston Trust Small Cap Fund Funds. 48 Walden Social Balanced Fund 49 Walden Social Equity Fund |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY [SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES The Boston Trust Balanced Fund seeks long-term capital growth and income through an actively managed portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The Fund invests in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, with at least 25% of assets in fixed-income securities and at least 25% of assets in equity securities. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS The Fund is subject to stock market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. Therefore, the value of the Fund's investments will fluctuate with market conditions and interest rates and the value of your investment in the Fund will also vary. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments. Investments in the Fund are not deposits of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") or Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST? Consider investing in the Fund if you are: - investing for a period of time in excess of 3 to 5 years - able to bear (emotionally and/or financially) the risk of market value fluctuations in the short or long-term - looking for a combination of exposure to stock investments for long-term growth, and bond investments for greater stability of income and principal This Fund will not be appropriate for someone: - investing for a period of time less than 3 to 5 years - not comfortable with market fluctuations in the short-term - looking primarily for a high level of current income |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
The chart and table on this page show how the Fund has performed and how its performance has varied from year to year. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's yearly performance for each of the past ten calendar years. The table below it compares the Fund's performance (both before and after taxes) over time to that of several benchmark indices consisting of the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average(2), the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index ("S&P 500(R) Index"),(3) the Lehman Brothers U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index(4) and the Citigroup 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill.(5)
PERFORMANCE BAR CHART AND TABLE(1)
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31
[BAR GRAPH IN %]
1997 27.08 1998 19.27 1999 4.57 2000 0.36 2001 -1.55 2002 -1.33 2003 14.96 2004 10.46 2005 -0.02 2006 10.14 |
Past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(for the periods ending
December 31, 2006(6))
Best quarter: Q2 1997 +11.95%
Worst quarter: Q3 1998 -6.13%
PAST YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ---------------------------------- BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND Before Taxes 10.14% 6.65% 8.01% After Taxes on Distributions(7) 9.12% 5.87% 6.72% After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares(7) 7.82% 5.42% 6.34% ---------------------------------- LIPPER MIXED-ASSET TARGET ALLOCATION GROWTH FUNDS AVERAGE(2) 12.12% 6.26% 7.16% ---------------------------------- S&P 500(R) INDEX(3) 15.79% 6.19% 8.42% ---------------------------------- LEHMAN BROTHERS U.S. GOVERNMENT/CREDIT BOND INDEX(4) 3.78% 5.17% 6.26% ---------------------------------- CITIGROUP 90-DAY U.S. TREASURY BILL(5) 4.67% 2.34% 3.58% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The table assumes that shareholders redeem all their fund shares at the end of the period indicated.
(1) Both the chart and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
(2) The Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average is an average of managed mutual funds whose primary objective is to maintain a mix of between 60%-80% equity securities with the remainder invested in bonds, cash and cash equivalents. The returns do not reflect the impact of taxes.
(3) A widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(4) A widely recognized, unmanaged index generally representative of the bond market as a whole. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(5) The 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bills are represented by the U.S. Treasury Bill Total Return Index. Treasury bills are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by the U.S. Government and offer a fixed rate of return. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(6) For the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, the aggregate (non-annualized) total return for the Fund was 6.46%.
(7) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
FUND EXPENSES
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Boston Trust Balanced Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) on Purchases None ---------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) None ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.75% ---------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees None ---------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.32% ---------------------------------------------------------- Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses 0.01% ---------------------------------------------------------- Total Fund Operating Expenses(1) 1.08% ---------------------------------------------------------- Fee waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(2) 0.07% ---------------------------------------------------------- Net Expenses(1,2) 1.01% |
(1) The Total Fund Operating Expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial statements (or the financial highlights in this Prospectus) because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies ("Acquired Funds"). Excluding the indirect costs of investing in Acquired Funds, Total Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.07% and Net Expenses would be 1.00%.
(2) The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Fund to reduce fees payable to the Adviser and/or reimburse the Fund to limit the Total Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund to 1.00% of its average daily net assets (exclusive of brokerage costs, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification, expenses associated with the investments in underlying investment companies and extraordinary expenses (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles)). The Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser for amounts waived or reimbursed by the Adviser pursuant to the expense limitation agreement provided that such repayment does not cause the Fund's Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of its average daily net assets and the repayment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense. The addition of certain non-waivable expenses may cause the Fund's Net Expenses to exceed the maximum amount of 1.00% agreed to by the Investment Adviser.
FUND EXPENSES
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
Use this table to compare fees and expenses with those of
other funds. The table illustrates the amount of fees and
expenses you would pay, assuming the following:
- $10,000 investment
- 5% annual return
- redemption at the end of each period
- Net Expenses for year 1, and Total Fund Operating Expenses thereafter
Because this example is hypothetical and for comparison purposes only, your actual costs will be different.
1 3 5 10 BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS $103 $337 $589 $1,311 ----------------------------------------------------------- |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY [SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES The Boston Trust Equity Fund seeks long-term capital growth through an actively managed portfolio of stocks. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS The Fund is subject to stock market risk. Therefore, the value of the Fund's investments will fluctuate with market conditions and the value of your investment in the Fund will also vary. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments. Investments in the Fund are not deposits of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") or Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST? Consider investing in the Fund if you are: - investing for a period of time in excess of 3 to 5 years - able to bear (emotionally and/or financially) the risk of market value fluctuations in the short or long-term - looking for a high-quality, well-diversified, all-equity portfolio that provides the potential for growth of your investment - comfortable with market value fluctuations in the short-term This Fund will not be appropriate for someone: - investing for a period of time less than 3 to 5 years - not comfortable with market fluctuations - looking primarily for current income |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
The chart and table on this page show how the Fund has performed and how its
performance has varied from year to year. The bar chart shows the Fund's yearly
performance for each calendar year since its inception on October 1, 2003. The
table below it compares the Fund's performance (both before and after taxes) to
that of its benchmark index, the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index ("S&P
500(R) Index")(2).
PERFORMANCE BAR CHART AND TABLE(1)
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31
[BAR GRAPH IN %]
2004 11.93 2005 0.17 2006 12.03 |
Past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.
Best quarter: Q4 2004 8.21%
Worst quarter: Q1 2005 -2.06%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(for the periods ending
December 31, 2006(3))
SINCE PAST INCEPTION YEAR ON 10/1/03 -------------------------- BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND Before Taxes 12.03% 10.69% After Taxes on Distributions(4) 11.58% 10.29% After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares(4) 8.41% 9.15% -------------------------- S&P 500(R) INDEX(2) 15.79% 12.78% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The table assumes that shareholders redeem all their fund shares at the end of the period indicated.
(1) Both the chart and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
(2) A widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(3) For the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, the aggregate (non-annualized) total return for the Fund was 7.53%.
(4) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
FUND EXPENSES
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Boston Trust Equity Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) on Purchases None ------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) None ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.75% ------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees None ------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.36% ------------------------------------------------------- Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.11% ------------------------------------------------------- Fee waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(1) 0.11% ------------------------------------------------------- Net Expenses 1.00% ------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Fund to reduce fees payable to the Adviser and/or reimburse the Fund to limit the Total Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund to 1.00% of its average daily net assets for its current fiscal year (exclusive of brokerage costs, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification, expenses associated with the investments in underlying investment companies and extraordinary expenses (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles)). The Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser for amounts waived or reimbursed by the Adviser pursuant to the expense limitation agreement provided that such repayment does not cause the Fund's Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of its average daily net assets and the repayment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense.
FUND EXPENSES [SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
Use this table to compare fees and expenses with those of other funds. The table illustrates the amount of fees and expenses you would pay, assuming the following:
- $10,000 investment
- 5% annual return
- redemption at the end of each period
- Net Expenses for year 1, and Total Fund Operating Expenses thereafter
Because this example is hypothetical and for comparison purposes only, your actual costs will be different.
1 3 5 10 BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS $102 $342 $601 $1,342 -------------------------------------------------------- |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY [SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE The Boston Trust Small Cap Fund seeks long-term capital growth through an actively managed portfolio of stocks of small capitalization companies. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The Adviser pursues the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of small cap companies. "Assets" means net assets, plus the amount of borrowing for investment purposes. For these purposes, the Adviser defines small cap issuers as those with market capitalizations within the range encompassed by the Russell 2000 Index at the time of purchase. As of May 31, 2007, the market capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Index was between $15 million and $4.9 billion. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS The Fund is subject to stock market risk. Therefore, the value of the Fund's investments will fluctuate with market conditions and the value of your investment in the Fund will also vary. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments. The Fund also invests primarily in the stocks of small capitalization companies and is therefore subject to the risks associated with small cap stocks which may be more volatile than those of larger, more established issuers. Investments in the Fund are not deposits of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") or Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST? Consider investing in the Fund if you are: - investing for a period of time in excess of 3 to 5 years - able to bear (emotionally and/or financially) the risk of market value fluctuations in the short or long-term - looking to add a growth component to your portfolio This Fund will not be appropriate for someone: - investing for a period of time less than 3 to 5 years - not comfortable with market fluctuations - looking for current income |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
The chart and table on this page show how the Fund has performed and how its performance has varied from year to year. The bar chart show's changes in the Fund's yearly performance for each of the past ten calendar years to demonstrate that the Fund's value varied at differing times. The table below it compares the Fund's performance over time (both before and after taxes) to that of its benchmark index, the Russell 2000 Index(2). The quoted performance for the Fund reflects the performance of a collective investment fund (the "Collective Fund") that was previously managed with full investment authority by the parent company of the Fund's Adviser prior to the establishment of the Fund on December 16, 2005. The performance of the Collective Fund has been restated to reflect the net expenses (after applicable fee waivers and expense reimbursements) of the Fund for its initial year of investment operations. The assets of the Collective Fund were converted into assets of the Fund upon the establishment of the Fund.(3)
PERFORMANCE BAR CHART AND TABLE(1)
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31
[BAR GRAPH IN %]
1997 16.22 1998 2.07 1999 2.73 2000 35.44 2001 2.29 2002 -12.77 2003 39.15 2004 20.72 2005 4.51 2006 13.10 |
Past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.
Best quarter: Q2 2003 17.33%
Worst quarter: Q3 1998 -17.74%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(for the periods ending December 31, 2006(4))
PAST YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ---------------------------------- BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND Before Taxes 13.10% 11.61% 11.32% After Taxes on Distributions(5) 12.76% 11.55% 11.29% After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares(5) 8.98% 10.16% 10.17% ---------------------------------- RUSSELL 2000 INDEX(3) 18.37% 11.39% 9.44% ---------------------------------- |
The table assumes that shareholders redeem all their fund shares at the end of the period indicated.
(1) Both the chart and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
(2) A widely recognized, unmanaged index generally representative of the performance of domestically traded common stocks of small to mid-sized companies. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(3) The Fund's investment objective and policies are substantially similar to those of the Collective Fund. The Collective Fund was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and therefore was not subject to certain investment restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act. If the Collective Fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance might have been adversely affected.
(4) For the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, the aggregate (non-annualized) total return for the Fund was 12.04%.
(5) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns for the periods prior to the time the Fund became a registered investment company are not required to be presented.
FUND EXPENSES
[SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) on purchases None --------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) None --------------------------------------------------------- Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable)(1) 1.00% ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.75% --------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees None --------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.68% --------------------------------------------------------- Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.43% --------------------------------------------------------- Fee waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(2) 0.18% --------------------------------------------------------- Net Expenses 1.25% --------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) Fund shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase will be subject to a redemption fee equal to 1.00% of the value of shares redeemed.
(2) The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Fund to reduce fees payable to the Adviser and/or reimburse the Fund to limit the Total Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund to 1.25% of its average daily net assets for its current fiscal year (exclusive of brokerage costs, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification, expenses associated with the investments in underlying investment companies and extraordinary expenses (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles)). The Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser for amounts waived or reimbursed by the Adviser pursuant to the expense limitation agreement provided that such repayment does not cause the Fund's Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25% of its average daily net assets and the repayment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense.
FUND EXPENSES [SCALES ICON]
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
Use this table to compare fees and expenses with those of other funds. The table illustrates the amount of fees and expenses you would pay, assuming the following:
- $10,000 investment
- 5% annual return
- redemption at the end of each period
- Net Expenses for year 1, and Total Fund Operating Expenses thereafter
Because this example is hypothetical and for comparison purposes only, your actual costs will be different.
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP 1 3 5 10 FUND YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS $127 $435 $765 $1,698 ------------------------------------------------------- |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
[SCALES ICON]
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE The Walden Social Balanced Fund seeks long-term capital growth and income through an actively managed portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The Fund invests in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, with at least 25% of assets in fixed-income securities and at least 25% of assets in equity securities. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS The Fund is subject to stock market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. Therefore, the value of the Fund's investments will fluctuate with market conditions and interest rates and the value of your investment in the Fund will also vary. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments. Investments in the Fund are not deposits of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") or Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST? Consider investing in the Fund if you are: - interested in ensuring that your investments are consistent with your social concerns and values - investing for a period of time in excess of 3 to 5 years - able to bear the risk (emotionally and/or financially) of market value fluctuations in the short or long-term - looking for a combination of exposure to stock investments for long-term growth, and fixed-income investments (bonds and money market instruments) for greater stability of income and principal This Fund will not be appropriate for someone: - investing for a period of time less than 3 to 5 years - not comfortable with market fluctuations in the short-term - looking primarily for a high level of current income |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
[SCALES ICON]
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
The chart and table on this page show how the Fund has performed and how its performance has varied from year to year. The bar chart shows the Fund's yearly performance for each calendar year since its inception on June 20, 1999. The table below it compares the Fund's performance (before and after taxes) over time to that of several benchmark indices consisting of the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average,(2) the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index ("S&P 500(R) Index") (50%)(3), the Lehman Brothers U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index(4) and the Citigroup 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill.(5)
PERFORMANCE BAR CHART AND TABLE(1)
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31
[BAR CHART]
2000 5.13 2001 -2.85 2002 -6.11 2003 14.88 2004 8.61 2005 1.48 2006 6.89 |
Past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(for the periods ending
December 31, 2006(6))
Best quarter: Q2 2003 +7.23%
Worst quarter: Q1 2001 -6.23%
SINCE PAST 5 INCEPTION YEAR YEARS ON 6/20/99 -------------------------- WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND Before Taxes 6.89% 4.91% 3.97% After Taxes on Distributions(7) 6.41% 4.42% 3.41% After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares(7) 4.96% 3.98% 3.10% -------------------------- LIPPER MIXED-ASSET TARGET ALLOCATION GROWTH FUNDS AVERAGE 12.12% 6.26% 7.16% -------------------------- S&P 500(R) INDEX(3) 15.79% 6.19% 2.35% -------------------------- LEHMAN BROTHERS U.S. GOVERNMENT/CREDIT BOND INDEX(4) 3.78% 5.17% NA -------------------------- CITIGROUP 90-DAY U.S. TREASURY BILL(5) 4.67% 2.34% 3.15% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The table assumes that shareholders redeem all their fund shares at the end of the period indicated.
(1) Both the chart and table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
(2) The Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average is an average of managed mutual funds whose primary objective is to maintain a mix of between 60% - 80% equity securities with the remainder invested in bonds, cash and cash equivalents. The returns do not reflect the impact of taxes.
(3) A widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(4) A widely recognized, unmanaged index generally representative of the bond market as a whole. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(5) The 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bills are represented by the U.S. Treasury Bill Total Return Index. Treasury bills are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by the U.S. Government and offer a fixed rate of return. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(6) For the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, the aggregate (non-annualized) total return of the Fund was 4.92%.
(7) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
FUND EXPENSES
[SCALES ICON]
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Walden Social Balanced Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) on Purchases None ---------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) None ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.75% ---------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees None ---------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses(1) 0.42% ---------------------------------------------------------- Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.17% ---------------------------------------------------------- Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(1) 0.17% ---------------------------------------------------------- Net Expenses 1.00% ---------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Fund to reduce fees payable to the Adviser and/or reimburse the Fund to limit the Total Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund to 1.00% of its average daily net assets for its current fiscal year (exclusive of brokerage cost, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification, expenses associated with the investments in underlying investment companies and extraordinary expenses (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles)). The Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser for amounts waived or reimbursed by the Adviser pursuant to the expense limitation agreement provided that such repayment does not cause the Fund's Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of its average daily net assets and the repayment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense.
FUND EXPENSES
[SCALES ICON]
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
Use this table to compare fees and expenses with those of other funds. The table illustrates the amount of fees and expenses you would pay, assuming the following:
- $10,000 investment
- 5% annual return
- redemption at the end of each period
- Net Expenses for year 1, and Total Fund Operating Expenses thereafter
Because this example is hypothetical and for comparison purposes only, your actual costs will be different.
WALDEN SOCIAL 1 3 5 10 BALANCED FUND YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS $102 $355 $627 $1,405 |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
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WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE The Walden Social Equity Fund seeks long-term capital growth through an actively managed portfolio of stocks. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS The Fund is subject to stock market risk. Therefore, the value of the Fund's investments will fluctuate with market conditions and the value of your investment in the Fund will also vary. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments. Investments in the Fund are not deposits of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") or Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST? Consider investing in the Fund if you are: - interested in ensuring that your investments are consistent with your social concerns and values - investing for a period of time in excess of 3 to 5 years - looking for a high-quality, well-diversified, all-equity portfolio that provides the potential for growth of your investment - comfortable with market value fluctuations in the short-term This Fund will not be appropriate for someone: - investing for a period of time less than 3 to 5 years - not comfortable with market value fluctuations - looking for current income |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
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WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
The chart and table on this page show how the Fund has performed and how its performance has varied from year to year. The bar chart shows the Fund's yearly performance for each calendar year since its inception on June 20, 1999. The table below it compares the Fund's performance (before and after taxes) to that of its benchmark index the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index ("S&P 500(R) Index").(2)
PERFORMANCE BAR CHART AND TABLE(1)
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31
[BAR CHART IN %]
2000 2.16 2001 -4.26 2002 -12.95 2003 24.45 2004 10.75 2005 0.92 2006 8.77 |
Past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. Best quarter: Q2 2003 +12.86% Worst quarter: Q3 2002 -12.47% AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for the periods ending |
December 31, 2006(3))
SINCE PAST INCEPTION YEAR 5 YEARS ON 6/20/99 ------------------------------------ WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND Before Taxes 8.77% 5.66% 3.81% After Taxes on Distributions(4) 8.19% 5.42% 3.57% After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares(4) 6.48% 4.82% 3.19% ------------------------------------ S&P 500(R) INDEX(3) 15.79% 6.19% 2.35% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
The table assumes that shareholders redeem all their fund shares at the end of the period indicated.
(1) Both the chart and the table assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
(2) A widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. The index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees and expenses associated with a mutual fund or the impact of taxes.
(3) For the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, the aggregate (non-annualized) total return of the Fund was 6.09%.
(4) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
FUND EXPENSES
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WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Walden Social Equity Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) on Purchases None ---------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) None ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.75% ---------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees None ---------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.40% ---------------------------------------------------------- Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.15% ---------------------------------------------------------- Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(1) 0.15% ---------------------------------------------------------- Net Expenses 1.00% ---------------------------------------------------------- |
(1) The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Fund to reduce fees payable to the Adviser and/or reimburse the Fund to limit the Total Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund to 1.00% of its average daily net assets for its current fiscal year (exclusive of brokerage costs, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification, expenses associated with the investments in underlying investment companies and extraordinary expenses (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles)). The Fund has agreed to repay the Adviser for amounts waived or reimbursed by the Adviser pursuant to the expense limitation agreement provided that such repayment does not cause the Fund's Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of its average daily net assets and the repayment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense.
FUND EXPENSES
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WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
Use this table to compare fees and expenses with those of other Funds. It illustrates the amount of fees and expenses you would pay, assuming the following:
- $10,000 investment
- 5% annual return
- redemption at the end of each period
- Net Expenses for year 1, and Total Fund Operating Expenses thereafter
Because this example is hypothetical and for comparison purposes only, your actual costs will be different.
WALDEN SOCIAL 1 3 5 10 EQUITY FUND YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS $102 $350 $618 $1,384 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
TICKER SYMBOL: BTBFX
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Boston Trust Balanced Fund is to seek long-term capital growth and income through an actively managed portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments.
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
Consistent with the Fund's investment objective, the Fund:
- maintains an actively managed portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments
- will generally invest at least 25% of its total assets in fixed-income securities and at least 25% of its total assets in equity securities
- may purchase both common stock and preferred stock
- will purchase bonds that are primarily investment grade
- may invest up to 20% of its total assets in fixed-income securities that are considered non-investment grade
- may invest in the securities of foreign issuers and may acquire sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts
- may engage in repurchase transactions pursuant to which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (either a bank or a securities dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date (usually within seven days of purchase)
- may invest in other investment companies
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The annual rate of portfolio turnover is not expected to exceed 100%. In general, the Adviser will not consider the rate of portfolio turnover to be a limiting factor in determining when or whether to purchase or sell securities in order to achieve the Fund's objective.
In the event that the Adviser determines that market conditions are not suitable for the Fund's typical investments, the Adviser may, for temporary defensive purposes during such unusual market conditions, invest all or any portion of the Fund's assets in money market instruments.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
TICKER SYMBOL: BTEFX
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Boston Trust Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital growth through an actively managed portfolio of stocks.
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
Consistent with the Fund's investment objective, the Fund:
- will invest substantially all, but in no event less than 80%, of the value of its assets in equity securities under normal circumstances
- will invest in the following types of equity securities: common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible or exchangeable into common stocks, warrants and any rights to purchase common stocks
- may invest in fixed-income securities consisting of corporate notes, bonds and debentures that are rated investment grade at the time of purchase
- may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government including U.S. Treasury instruments
- may invest in the securities of foreign issuers and may acquire sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts
- may engage in repurchase transactions pursuant to which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (either a bank or a securities dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date (usually within seven days of purchase)
- may invest in other investment companies
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The annual rate of portfolio turnover is not expected to exceed 100%. In general, the Adviser will not consider the rate of portfolio turnover to be a limiting factor in determining when or whether to purchase or sell securities in order to achieve the Fund's objective.
In the event that the Adviser determines that market conditions are not suitable for the Fund's typical investments, the Adviser may, for temporary defensive purposes during such unusual market conditions, invest all or any portion of the Fund's assets in money market instruments.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
TICKER SYMBOL: BOSOX
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund is to seek long-term capital growth through an actively managed portfolio of stocks of small capitalization companies.
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
The Adviser pursues the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily (at least 80% of its net assets) in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of small cap companies. For these purposes, the Adviser defines small cap issuers as those with market capitalizations within the range encompassed by the Russell 2000 Index at the time of purchase. As of May 31, 2007, the market capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Index was between $15 million and $4.9 billion.
Consistent with the Fund's investment objective, the Fund:
- invests substantially all, but in no event less than 80%, of its net assets in U.S. domestic equity securities of small cap companies
- will invest in the following types of equity securities: common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible or exchangeable into common stocks, warrants and any rights to purchase common stocks
- may invest in fixed-income securities consisting of corporate notes, bonds and debentures that are rated investment grade at the time of purchase
- may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government including U.S. Treasury instruments
- may invest in the securities of foreign issuers and may acquire sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts
- may engage in repurchase transactions pursuant to which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (either a bank or a securities dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date (usually within seven days of purchase)
- may invest in other investment companies
INVESTMENT PROCESS
The Fund's investment process focuses on security selection and portfolio construction. The Adviser employs a fundamental stock selection process within the framework of a thematic approach. The Adviser's goal is to construct a diversified portfolio of innovative, higher quality small cap companies.
SECURITY SELECTION
In general, the Adviser seeks to identify securities with two key characteristics: Higher Quality and Innovation.
Higher Quality -- The Adviser seeks to identify companies that are higher quality in terms of their financial characteristics. The Adviser defines higher quality companies as faster growing, more profitable, more reasonably valued companies with strong balance sheets. The Adviser may invest in companies that do not exhibit strength in these business characteristics if the Adviser expects significant improvement.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
Innovation -- The Adviser seeks to identify companies that are innovative in
their products, services or processes. Innovative products are often ones for
which consumers are willing to pay a premium. In particular, the Adviser
seeks innovative companies that are leveraged to secular market trends with
long-term investment potential. These secular market trends include
demographics, consumer lifestyle, an increasingly technical workforce, and
legal and regulatory issues. Based on these trends, the Adviser identifies
potential investment themes, which currently include, but are not limited to:
Connectivity, Education, Energy Solutions, Healthy Living, Medical Care,
Resource Efficiency, Underserved Markets, Waste reduction and Workplace
Leaders.
- CONNECTIVITY: The U.S. population is increasingly dispersed and mobile. Products and services that increase individuals' remote connectivity and mobility, and boost corporations' worldwide management of physical assets, may offer productivity, safety, and efficiency benefits.
- EDUCATION: Education spending accounts for 7% of U.S. GDP. Demographic trends, government funding and an increasingly technical workforce may boost demand for education-focused products and services.
- ENERGY SOLUTIONS: Demand for technologies that expand and/or replace traditional energy sources has increased. Companies focused on creative energy solutions have been the target of persistent government funding.
- HEALTHY LIVING: Demographics, increased attention to diet, and regulations have all sustained the growth in demand for products or services that increase well-being.
- MEDICAL CARE: Health care spending accounts for approximately 15% of U.S. GDP, a level expected to rise due to demographic trends. Health care products or services that lower the cost, speed the delivery, reduce the invasiveness or pain of medical care, or offer new alternatives to medical conditions may experience greater market acceptance and success.
- RESOURCE EFFICIENCY: There is a constrained supply of key resources such as water and air. Products and services that maximize the efficient use of resources may provide substantial cost savings.
- UNDERSERVED MARKETS: Smaller companies may be well-positioned to offer products and services that address the unique demands of specific markets, communities or geographic areas. Demographic or regulatory trends may create these niche opportunities.
- WASTE REDUCTION: Greater demand for clean air and water has increased resource-related regulatory requirements. Products and services that foster regulatory compliance may provide meaningful cost avoidance.
- WORKPLACE LEADERS: Companies with superior workplace practices such as comprehensive benefits and innovative work-lifestyle programs may improve company performance by boosting employee productivity and lowering turnover costs.
Using a quantitative process, the Adviser narrows the universe of investable small cap companies to a subset of firms judged to be of superior relative financial quality. Typically, these companies exhibit sustainable sales growth, persistent profitability, and lower than average risk. The Adviser may invest in companies that do not exhibit strength in these business characteristics if the Adviser expects significant improvement. The Adviser then looks for companies that can capitalize on at least one of the investment themes listed above.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
The Adviser monitors each Fund holding, evaluating new information relative to the original investment thesis. The Fund may sell a stock when circumstances prompting the initial investment have changed significantly relative to the investment objective or when the Adviser determines that there are more attractive alternatives.
PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION
The Fund buys and sells securities subject to the following portfolio construction guidelines:
- Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in stocks of companies that have market capitalizations similar in size to those companies in the Russell 2000 Index. The Fund seeks to maintain a weighted average market capitalization that falls within the range of the Russell 2000 Index.
- In the aggregate, the Fund expects to invest in a set of companies that has financial characteristics superior to those of the small cap market. Such characteristics generally include higher company profitability, greater sales and earnings growth, reasonable valuation, and lower risk.
- The Fund is broadly diversified across economic sectors. The Fund generally maintains economic sector weights comparable to those of the small cap market.
- The minimum investment in any single investment theme is 5% of the Fund's net assets at market value at the time of purchase.
- The weighting of any single investment generally does not exceed 3% of the Fund's net assets at market value at the time of purchase.
- The Fund attempts to maintain a cash and/or money market instrument position of no more than 5% of its net assets, although cash flows may cause the Fund's cash position to be higher or lower.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The annual rate of portfolio turnover is not expected to exceed 50%. In general, the Adviser will not consider the rate of portfolio turnover to be a limiting factor in determining when or whether to purchase or sell securities in order to achieve the Fund's objective.
In the event that the Adviser determines that market conditions are not suitable for the Fund's typical investments, the Adviser may, for temporary defensive purposes during such unusual market conditions, invest all or any portion of the Fund's assets in money market instruments.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
TICKER SYMBOL: WSBFX
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Walden Social Balanced Fund is to seek long-term capital growth and income through an actively managed portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments.
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
Consistent with the Fund's investment objective, the Fund:
- maintains an actively managed portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments
- will invest at least 25% of its total assets in fixed-income securities and at least 25% of its total assets in equity securities
- will invest in the following types of equity securities: common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible or exchangeable into common stocks, warrants and any rights to purchase common stocks
- will purchase primarily investment grade bonds
- may invest up to 20% of its total assets in fixed-income securities that are considered non-investment grade
- may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including U.S. Treasury instruments
- may invest in the securities of foreign issuers and may acquire sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts
- may engage in repurchase transactions pursuant to which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (either a bank or a securities dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date (usually within seven days of purchase)
- may invest in other investment companies
- may invest up to 5% of its total assets in community development loan funds or financial institutions supporting the economic development of underserved populations and communities
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The annual rate of portfolio turnover is not expected to exceed 100%. In general, the Adviser will not consider the rate of portfolio turnover to be a limiting factor in determining when or whether to purchase or sell securities in order to achieve the Fund's objective.
In the event that the Adviser determines that market conditions are not suitable for the Fund's typical investments, the Adviser may, for temporary defensive purposes during such unusual market conditions, invest all or any portion of the Fund's assets in money market instruments.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
TICKER SYMBOL: WSEFX
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Walden Social Equity Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital.
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
Consistent with the Fund's investment objective, the Fund:
- will invest substantially all, but in no event less than 80%, of the value of its assets in equity securities under normal circumstances
- will invest in the following types of equity securities: common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible or exchangeable into common stocks, warrants and any rights to purchase common stocks
- may invest in fixed income securities consisting of corporate notes, bonds and debentures that are rated investment grade at the time of purchase
- may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including U.S. Treasury instruments
- may invest in the securities of foreign issuers and may acquire sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts
- may engage in repurchase transactions pursuant to which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (either a bank or a securities dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date (usually within seven days of purchase)
- may invest in other investment companies
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The annual rate of portfolio turnover is not expected to exceed 100%. In general, the Adviser will not consider the rate of portfolio turnover to be a limiting factor in determining when or whether to purchase or sell securities in order to achieve the Fund's objective.
In the event that the Adviser determines that market conditions are not suitable for the Fund's typical investments, the Adviser may, for temporary defensive purposes during such unusual market conditions, invest all or any portion of the Fund's assets in money market instruments.
In the event that the Adviser determines that current market conditions are not suitable for the Fund's typical investments, the Adviser may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest all or any portion of the Fund's assets in money market instruments and U.S. Government securities.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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INVESTMENT RISKS
Any investment in the Funds is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.
Generally, the Funds will be subject to the following risks:
- MARKET RISK: Market risk refers to the risk related to investments in securities in general and the daily fluctuations in the securities markets. The Funds' performance per share will change daily based on many factors, including fluctuation in interest rates, the quality of the instruments in each Fund's investment portfolio, national and international economic conditions and general market conditions.
- EQUITY RISK: The value of the equity securities held by a Fund, and thus the value of a Fund's shares, can fluctuate -- at times dramatically. The prices of equity securities are affected by various factors, including market conditions, political and other events, and developments affecting the particular issuer or its industry or geographic sector.
- INTEREST RATE RISK: Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a Fund's fixed-income securities can change in response to changes in prevailing interest rates causing volatility and possible loss of value as rates increase.
- CREDIT RISK: Credit risk refers to the risk related to the credit quality of the issuer of a security held in a Fund's portfolio. The Funds could lose money if the issuer of a security is unable to meet its financial obligations or the market's perception of the issuer not being able to meet them increases.
- SMALL CAP RISK (THE SMALL CAP FUND): Small capitalization companies may not have the size, resources or other assets of large capitalization companies. These small capitalization companies may be subject to greater market risks and fluctuations in value than large capitalization companies and may not correspond to changes in the stock market in general.
Investments in the Funds are not deposits of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. or Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIVE INVESTING -- THE WALDEN FUNDS
The Walden Social Balanced Fund and the Walden Social Equity Fund each implement environmental, social and governance ("ESG") guidelines in connection with the management of their portfolio holdings. Walden Asset Management ("Walden"), an affiliate of the Adviser, engages in shareholder advocacy, votes proxies, and pursues other initiatives with respect to each of these Funds in order to implement each Fund's ESG investment criteria and shareholder advocacy initiatives.
For many, the primary goal of socially responsive investing is to align their investments in a manner consistent with their values so as not to own or profit from investments in companies that violate their standards. Conversely, these investors seek to invest in companies that exemplify their values. This goal is achieved best by using ESG investment criteria to evaluate and avoid or favor potential investments.
For others, the goal of socially responsive investing is to advocate for positive change and sustainable investments. Recognizing that today's global corporations have a critical role in social, environmental and economic justice, this advocacy uses the power of share ownership to influence corporate behavior.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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These Funds utilize both socially responsive investment criteria and shareholder advocacy strategies to achieve their financial and ESG objectives. These Funds actively engage in promoting corporate accountability and social change through company dialogue and shareholder resolutions, proxy voting, public policy testimony and educational outreach. In doing so, these Funds urge companies to recognize that the sustainability of their profits is connected, in part, to how they treat workers, customers, communities and the natural environment as valuable, long-term assets.
Consistent with these principles, each of these Funds favors investment in companies that:
- Are above average in their industry for environmental performance and management, have innovative programs for pollution prevention and resource conservation, comply with environmental regulations, conduct comprehensive environmental auditing and publish thorough environmental reports, and develop products that benefit the environment.
- Are above average in their industry for equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, labor relations, worker safety programs, employee benefits and compensation, and employee ownership and/or participation.
- Adhere to policies and practices that respect fundamental human rights globally.
- Are well managed companies that strive to be responsible corporate citizens, and respond openly to concerns through public discourse and disclosure.
The Funds avoid investing in companies that, to the Adviser's knowledge:
- Have significantly below average performance in resource conservation, pollution control, or regulatory compliance.
- Have equity ownership in nuclear power plants or other significant involvement in the nuclear power fuel cycle.
- Have substandard performance in the hiring and promotion of women and minorities, or have a pattern of violating fair labor standards or health and safety regulations.
- Derive significant revenues from the manufacture of weapons systems or hand guns, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, or from gaming activities.
- Significantly contribute to human rights abuses.
- Lack transparency on matters of significant concern to stakeholders.
Each Fund's ESG guidelines are subject to change without shareholder approval. Additionally, each Fund may occasionally purchase a security that does not meet these guidelines for the primary purpose of shareholder advocacy. Such purchases will be limited to a maximum of 1% of total assets at the time of purchase.
Walden, on behalf of the Funds, pursues shareholder advocacy strategies to promote greater corporate social responsibility in portfolio companies in a variety of ways:
- PROXY VOTING: The voting of proxies is an important fiduciary responsibility of fund managers. The Walden Funds vote company proxies in a manner consistent with their financial, social, environmental and governance objectives. For example, the Funds withhold support for director slates that do not have female and minority representation. General proxy voting guidelines and voting records for the Funds can be accessed at http://www.waldenassetmgmt.com.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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- DIALOGUE WITH COMPANIES: Walden often initiates or participates in dialogues with the managements of companies held by the Funds. Through telephone calls, letters and meetings with executives, the Funds press portfolio companies to address issues of concern such as workplace practices and policies, environmental impact of operations, international standards and human rights, corporate governance and transparency.
- SHAREHOLDER RESOLUTIONS: When companies held in the Funds are not responsive to inquiries or when company dialogue reaches an impasse, Walden may take the concerns directly to other shareholders through the proxy resolution process. Often as a lead filer and in partnership with other concerned investors, the Funds' shares have been utilized to improve corporate policies and practices on issues such as: board composition and structure (diversity, independence, or annual election of directors); executive compensation; climate change; recycling initiatives; mercury pollution; drilling in environmentally sensitive areas; diversity disclosure and nondiscrimination policies; responses to HIV/AIDs pandemic; labeling of genetically engineered food; and vendor standards. These actions often lead to negotiated settlements before reaching the ballot. Many that go to vote achieve a significant level of shareholder support and often prompt management to take action.
- PUBLIC POLICY: The Funds may provide input in public policy debates relevant to the concerns of socially responsive investors. For example, in 2002 the Funds submitted public comments in support of proposed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules requiring mutual funds to disclose proxy voting guidelines and records.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Funds utilize ESG investment criteria, or screens, and shareholder advocacy to achieve their social objectives, as discussed above.
In its research and advocacy, Walden favors companies that demonstrate: best practices relative to peers; continuous improvement over time; robust and responsive management systems; and accountability through standardized public reporting. Walden seeks to research and evaluate companies and pursue shareholder advocacy around topics such as:
- PRODUCTS & SERVICES: Favor companies that offer products and services that provide societal or environmental benefits. Avoid companies with significant market share or revenue dependence in client prohibited products or services, such as tobacco, gaming, handguns or weapons.
- ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Favor companies that conserve natural resources, reduce waste generation and proactively address major environmental challenges, such as climate change. Avoid companies that have a pattern of serious or ongoing environmental problems.
- WORKPLACE CONDITIONS: Favor companies that encourage workplace diversity and work-life balance, respect workers' right to organize, and enforce labor standards throughout their supply chains. Avoid companies with poor worker safety records, or histories of serious labor or discrimination concerns.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
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- COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Favor companies that have positive relationships with local, indigenous and underserved communities. Avoid companies that show disregard for human rights or local community needs.
- CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: Favor companies with governance structures that promote board leadership and responsiveness to shareholders. Avoid companies without adequate management and board accountability, transparency or public reporting.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
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PRICING OF FUND SHARES
The NAV is calculated by adding the total value of a Fund's investments and other assets, subtracting its liabilities and then dividing that figure by the number of outstanding shares of that Fund:
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined at the time trading closes on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday), except on business holidays when the NYSE is closed. The NYSE recognizes the following holidays: New Year's Day, President's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Any other holiday recognized by the NYSE will be considered a business holiday on which the net asset value of each Fund will not be calculated.
Your order for purchase, sale or exchange of shares is priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the Funds. This is known as the offering price.
Only purchase orders accepted by the Funds before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time will be effective at that day's offering price. On occasion, the NYSE will close before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. When that happens, purchase orders accepted after the NYSE closes will be effective the following business day.
Each Fund's securities are valued generally at current market prices. If market quotations are not available, prices will be based on fair value as determined in accordance with procedures established by, and under the supervision of, the Funds' Trustees.
PURCHASING AND ADDING TO YOUR SHARES
You may purchase the Funds through the Distributor or through investment representatives, who may charge additional fees and may require higher minimum investments or impose other limitations on buying and selling shares. If you purchase shares through an investment representative, that party is responsible for transmitting orders by close of business and may have an earlier cut-off time for purchase and sale requests. Consult your investment representative for specific information.
The minimum initial investment in the Funds is $100,000. Subsequent investments must be at least $1,000. Shares of the Funds are offered continuously for purchase at the NAV per share of the Fund next determined after a purchase order is received. Investors may purchase shares of the Funds by check or wire, as described below.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
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PURCHASING AND ADDING TO YOUR SHARES
CONTINUED
All purchases must be in U.S. dollars. A fee will be charged for any checks that do not clear. Third-party checks, starter checks, traveler's checks, money orders, cash and credit card convenience checks are not accepted.
A Fund or the Adviser may waive its minimum purchase requirement, or the Distributor may reject a purchase order, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of either Fund and/or its shareholders.
FREQUENT TRADING POLICY
Frequent trading into and out of a Fund can have adverse consequences for that Fund and for long-term shareholders in the Fund. The Funds believe that frequent or excessive short-term trading activity by shareholders of a Fund may be detrimental to long-term shareholders because those activities may, among other things: (a) dilute the value of shares held by long-term shareholders; (b) cause the Funds to maintain larger cash positions than would otherwise be necessary; (c) increase brokerage commissions and related costs and expenses; and (d) incur additional tax liability. The Funds therefore discourage frequent purchase and redemptions by shareholders and they do not make any effort to accommodate this practice. To protect against such activity, the Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures that are intended to permit the Funds to curtail frequent or excessive short-term trading by shareholders. At the present time the Funds do not impose limits on the frequency of purchases and redemptions, nor do they limit the number of exchanges into any of the Funds. The Funds reserve the right, however, to impose certain limitations at any time with respect to trading in shares of the Funds, including suspending or terminating trading privileges in Fund shares, for any investor whom the Funds believe has a history of abusive trading or whose trading, in the judgment of the Funds, has been or may be disruptive to the Funds. The Funds' ability to detect and prevent any abusive or excessive short-term trading may be limited to the extent such trading involves Fund shares held through omnibus accounts of a financial intermediary.
Effective June 1 2007, the Fund began charging a redemption fee of 1% of the value of the shares of the Small Cap Fund redeemed within 60 days of purchase. See sections on "Redemption Fees -- Small Cap Fund" and "Exchange Fees" below.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENTS
The Funds are entitled to enter into Shareholder Services Agreements pursuant to which each Fund is authorized to make payments to certain entities which may include investment advisers, banks, trust companies, retirement plan administrators and other types of service providers which provide administrative services with respect to shares of the Funds attributable to or held in the name of the service provider for its clients or other parties with whom they have a servicing relationship. Under the terms of each Shareholder Services Agreement, a Fund is authorized to pay a service provider (which may include affiliates of the Funds) a shareholder services fee which is based on the average daily net asset value of the shares of the Fund attributable to or held in the name of the service provider for providing certain administrative services to Fund shareholders with whom the service provider has a servicing relationship.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
[BOOK ICON]
PURCHASING AND ADDING TO YOUR SHARES
CONTINUED
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPENING OR ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you is that when you open an account, you are required to provide your name, residential address, date of birth, and identification number. We may require other information that will allow us to identify you.
[PHONE ICON]
BY REGULAR MAIL OR OVERNIGHT SERVICE
INITIAL INVESTMENT:
1. Carefully read and complete the application. Establishing your account privileges now saves you the inconvenience of having to add them later.
2. Make check or certified check payable to either "Boston Trust Balanced Fund", "Boston Trust Equity Fund", "Boston Trust Small Cap Fund", "Walden Social Balanced Fund" or "Walden Social Equity Fund", as applicable.
3. Mail to: Boston Trust Mutual Funds, c/o Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS:
1. Subsequent investments should be made by check or certified check payable to the applicable Fund and mailed to the address indicated above. Your account number should be written on the check.
[PHONE ICON]
BY WIRE TRANSFER
Note: Your bank may charge a wire transfer fee.
For initial investment: Before wiring funds, you should call 1-800-282-8782, ext. 7050, or 1-617-726-7050 to advise that an initial investment will be made by wire and to receive an account number. Follow the instructions below after receiving your account number.
For initial and subsequent investments: Instruct your bank to wire transfer
your investment to:
Citizens Bank
Routing Number: ABA #0115-0012-0
For Credit to the Account of Boston Trust & Investment Management Co.
DDA# 1133195811
Include:
Your name
Your account number
Fund name
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION [BOOK ICON]
SELLING YOUR SHARES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELLING SHARES
You may sell your shares at any time. Your sales price will be the next NAV after your valid sell order is received by the Funds, their transfer agent, or your investment representative. Normally you will receive your proceeds within a week after your request is received. See section on "General Policies on Selling Shares" below.
WITHDRAWING MONEY FROM YOUR FUND INVESTMENT
A request for a withdrawal in cash from
either Fund constitutes a redemption or
sale of shares for a mutual fund
shareholder.
[PHONE ICON]
BY TELEPHONE
(unless you have declined telephone sales privileges)
1. Call 1-800-282-8782, ext. 7050 with instructions as to how you wish to receive your funds (mail, wire, electronic transfer).
[PHONE ICON]
BY MAIL
2(a). Call 1-800-282-8782, ext. 7050 to request redemption forms or write a
letter of instruction indicating:
- your Fund and account number
- amount you wish to redeem
- address to which your check should be sent
- account owner signature
2(b). Mail to: Boston Trust Mutual Funds, c/o Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
[PHONE ICON]
BY OVERNIGHT SERVICE
SEE INSTRUCTION 2 ABOVE.
Send to: Boston Trust Mutual Funds, c/o Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
[PHONE ICON]
BY WIRE TRANSFER
You must indicate this option on your application.
The Fund may charge a wire transfer fee.
Note: Your financial institution may also charge a separate fee.
Call 1-800-282-8782, ext. 7050 to request a wire transfer.
If you call by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, your payment normally will be wired to your bank on the next business day.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION [BOOK ICON]
SELLING YOUR SHARES
CONTINUED
GENERAL POLICIES ON SELLING SHARES
REDEMPTIONS IN WRITING REQUIRED
You must request redemption in writing in the following situations:
1. Redemptions from Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs").
2. Circumstances under which redemption requests require a signature guarantee include, but may not be limited to, each of the following.
- Your account address has changed within the last 10 business days.
- The check is not being mailed to the address on your account.
- The check is not being made payable to the owner(s) of the account.
- The redemption proceeds are being transferred to another Fund account with a different registration.
- The redemption proceeds are being wired to bank instructions not on your account.
Signature guarantees must be obtained from members of the STAMP (Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program), MSP (New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program) or SEMP (Stock Exchanges Medallion Program). Members are subject to dollar limitations which must be considered when requesting their guarantee. The Transfer Agent may reject any signature guarantee if it believes the transaction would otherwise be improper.
VERIFYING TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
The Fund makes every effort to insure that telephone redemptions are only made by authorized shareholders. All telephone calls are recorded for your protection and you will be asked for information to verify your identity. Given these precautions, unless you have specifically indicated on your application that you do not want the telephone redemption feature, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone orders. If appropriate precautions have not been taken, the Transfer agent may be liable for losses due to unauthorized transactions. Telephone transaction privileges, including purchases, redemptions and exchanges by telephonic or facsimile instructions, may be revoked at the discretion of the Fund without advance notice to shareholders. In such cases, and at times of peak activity when it may be difficult to place orders requested by telephone, transaction requests may be made by registered or express mail.
REDEMPTIONS WITHIN 15 DAYS OF INITIAL INVESTMENT
When you have made your initial investment by check, you cannot redeem any portion of it until the Transfer Agent is satisfied that the check has cleared (which may require up to 15 business days). You can avoid this delay by purchasing shares with a certified check.
REFUSAL OF REDEMPTION REQUEST
Payment for shares may be delayed under extraordinary circumstances or as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to protect remaining shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION [BOOK ICON]
SELLING YOUR SHARES
CONTINUED
REDEMPTION IN KIND
The Funds reserve the right to make payment in securities rather than cash, known as "redemption in kind." This could occur under extraordinary circumstances, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (a redemption of more than 1% of a Fund's net assets). If either Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of all shareholders, redemption in kind will consist of securities equal in market value to your shares. When you convert these securities to cash, you will pay brokerage charges.
CLOSING OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
If your account falls below $50,000 due to redemption activity, the Fund may ask you to increase your balance. If it is still below $50,000 after 60 days, the Fund may close your account and send you the proceeds at the then current NAV.
UNDELIVERABLE REDEMPTION CHECKS
For any shareholder who chooses to receive distributions in cash: If distribution checks (1) are returned and marked as "undeliverable" or (2) remain uncashed for six months, your account will be changed automatically so that all future distributions are reinvested in your account. Checks that remain uncashed for six months will be canceled and the money reinvested in the Fund.
REDEMPTION FEES -- SMALL CAP FUND
If you redeem shares of the Small Cap Fund within 60 days of purchase you will be charged a fee equal to 1% of the value of the shares redeemed. The applicability of the redemption fee will be calculated using a first-in first-out method, which means the oldest shares will be redeemed first, followed by the redemption of more recently acquired shares.
The redemption fee also is applicable to exchanges. An exchange of shares of another Boston Trust or Walden Mutual Fund for shares of the Small Cap Fund will be considered a purchase for purposes of calculating the redemption fee, such that the day the purchase order is received by the Small Cap Fund is considered the first day of the period for purposes of calculating the 60 day holding period. Similarly, if Small Cap Fund shares are exchanged for shares of another Boston Trust or Walden Mutual Fund, the date that the exchange order is processed by the Fund is considered the sale date. Not all redemptions and exchanges made within 60 days of purchase are subject to the redemption fee. The following types of redemptions and exchanges are exempt from the redemption fee:
- redemption of shares purchased through Plan participant payroll or employer contributions
- redemption of shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions
- transfers or re-registrations within the Small Cap Fund
- individual retirement account (IRA) conversions, rollovers and re-characterizations
- redemptions constituting a distribution from a traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, rollover, or inherited IRA for a client at least 70-1/2 years old
- redemptions to pay Fund or account fees
- redemptions to pay distributions, loans, and in-service withdrawals from retirement plans
- redemptions or transfers of shares as a result of a retirement plan termination
- redemptions or transfer of shares at the direction of a retirement plan sponsor
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION [BOOK ICON]
SELLING YOUR SHARES
CONTINUED
The redemption fee is retained by the Small Cap Fund to offset any brokerage commissions, transaction costs, capital gains impacts and other costs associated with fluctuations in asset levels and cash flows caused by frequent trading by shareholders.
If you purchased shares through an investment representative, the redemption fee is imposed by the investment representative. As such, the Fund is dependant on the representative to collect and forward the fee to the Small Cap Fund. There is no assurance that the Fund or the investment representatives will be able to identify all transactions subject to the redemption fee. Consequently, to the extent that the Fund is unable to identify all such transactions, long-term investors may be adversely affected.
EXCHANGING YOUR SHARES
You can exchange your shares in one Fund for shares of another Boston Trust or Walden Mutual Fund. No transaction fees are charged for exchanges.
You must meet the minimum investment requirements for the Fund into which you are exchanging.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXCHANGING SHARES
Exchanges may be made by sending a written request to Boston Trust Mutual Funds, c/o Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, or by calling 1-800-282-8782, ext. 7050. Please provide the following information:
- Your name and telephone number
- The exact name on your account and account number
- Taxpayer identification number (usually your social security number)
- Dollar value or number of shares to be exchanged
- The name of the Fund from which the exchange is to be made
- The name of the Fund into which the exchange is being made.
Please refer to "Selling your Shares" for important information about telephone transactions.
NOTES ON EXCHANGES
- The registration and tax identification numbers of the two accounts must be identical.
- The Exchange Privilege (including automatic exchanges) may be changed or eliminated at any time upon a 60-day notice to shareholders.
- Small Cap Fund shares exchanged for shares of another Boston Trust or Walden Fund within 60 days of purchase will be subject to a fee equal to 1% of the value of shares redeemed. See the section titled "Redemption Fees -- Small Cap Fund" for more information.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION [BOOK ICON]
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Any income a Fund receives in the form of dividends is paid out, less expenses, to its shareholders. Income dividends and capital gains distributions on the Funds usually are paid annually.
Dividends and distributions are treated in the same manner for federal income tax purposes whether you receive them in cash or in additional shares.
An exchange of shares is considered a sale, and gains from any sale or exchange may be subject to applicable taxes.
Dividends are taxable as ordinary income. Distributions designated by a Fund as long-term capital gain distributions will be taxable to you at your long-term capital gains rate, regardless of how long you have held your shares.
Dividends are taxable in the year they are paid or credited to your account. However, dividends declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record in such a month and paid by January 31st are taxable on December 31st of the year they are declared.
Currently effective tax legislation generally provides for a maximum tax rate for individual taxpayers of 15% on long-term gains and from certain qualifying dividends on corporate stock. These rate reductions do not apply to corporate taxpayers. The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by the Funds are generally taxed to individual taxpayers: (i) distributions of earnings from qualifying dividends and qualifying long-term capital gains will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%; (ii) a shareholder will also have to satisfy a greater than 60-day holding period with respect to any distributions of qualifying dividends in order to obtain the benefit of the lower tax rate; and (iii) distributions of earnings from non-qualifying dividends, interest income, other types of ordinary income and short-term capital gains will be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate applicable to the taxpayer.
You will be notified in January each year about the federal tax status of distributions made by the Funds. Depending on your state of residence, distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes, including withholding taxes. There is a penalty on certain pre-retirement distributions from retirement accounts. Consult your tax adviser about the federal, state and local tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
Foreign shareholders may be subject to special withholding requirements.
The Funds are required to withhold 28% of taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not provided the Funds with their certified taxpayer identification number in compliance with IRS rules. To avoid this, make sure you provide your correct Tax Identification Number (social security number for most investors) on your account application.
This tax discussion is meant only as a general summary. Because each investor's tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax adviser about the particular consequences to you of investing in the Funds.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [LINE GRAPH ICON]
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, is the investment adviser for the Funds. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boston Trust & Investment Management Company ("Boston Trust").
The Adviser makes the day-to-day investment decisions for the Funds. In addition, the Adviser continuously reviews, supervises and administers each Fund's investment program. For these advisory services, each of the Funds paid the Adviser investment advisory fees equaling 0.75% of its average daily net assets during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.
Information regarding the factors considered by the Board of Trustees of the Funds in connection with their most recent renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds is provided in the Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.
SOCIAL RESEARCH AND SHAREHOLDER ADVOCACY
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The following individuals serve as portfolio managers for the Funds and are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolios:
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
AND BOSTON TRUST EQUITY
FUND:
DOMENIC COLASACCO, CFA Mr. Colasacco is portfolio manager and president of the Adviser. Mr. Colasacco also is the president of Boston Trust & Investment Management Company and has served as its Chief Investment Officer since 1980. Mr. Colasacco manages portfolios for individual and institutional clients. Mr. Colasacco is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a member of the Boston Security Analysts Society. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [LINE GRAPH ICON]
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
CONTINUED
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP
FUND:
KENNETH SCOTT, CFA Mr. Scott joined the Adviser in January 1999. He manages small cap and large cap portfolios for individual and institutional clients. Mr. Scott also performs securities research responsibilities in a variety of market sectors. From 1993 through 1998, he worked for the Calvert Group. Mr. Scott served previously for three years at the Council on Economic Priorities. He earned a BA with Honors at Boston College and is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a member of the Boston Security Analysts Society. WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND: STEPHEN MOODY Mr. Moody, a portfolio manager at the Adviser, serves as Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Social Investment Policy Committee. Prior to joining the Adviser in 1980, Mr. Moody served as research director of the Council on Economic Priorities, and economic consultant to the Shalan Foundation and Natural Resources Defense Council. Mr. Moody earned his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. in Economics from the Graduate Facility of the New School for Social Research. He is a member of the American Economic Association and the Boston Security Analysts Society. WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND: ROBERT LINCOLN Mr. Lincoln, a portfolio manager at the Adviser, serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Economic Strategist. Prior to joining the Adviser in 1984, Mr. Lincoln served as a Group Vice President at Charles River Associates, a Boston-based economic and financial consulting firm. Mr. Lincoln earned his B.A. degree (magna cum laude) in economics and M.A. in Economics from Harvard University. |
The Statement of Additional Information has more detailed information about the Adviser as well as additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation arrangements, other accounts managed, and ownership of securities of the Funds.
THE DISTRIBUTOR AND ADMINISTRATOR
Foreside Distribution Services, LP, 100 Summer Street, Boston, MIA 02110 is the Funds' distributor and Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH 43219 is the Funds' administrator.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [LINE GRAPH ICON]
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Coventry Group was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 8, 1992. Overall responsibility for the management of the Funds is vested in the Board of Trustees. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and a proportionate fractional vote for any fractional shares held, and will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise expressly required by law. An annual or special meeting of shareholders to conduct necessary business is not required by the Coventry Group's Declaration of Trust, the Investment Company Act of 1940 or other authority, except under certain circumstances. Absent such circumstances, the Coventry Group does not intend to hold annual or special meetings.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A complete list of each Fund's portfolio holdings is publicly available on a quarterly basis through filings made with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q and on the Funds' website at www.btim.com. A description of the Funds' policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is provided in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [HAND ICON]
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance. 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 on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements, are included in the annual report of the Funds, which is available upon request. Information for prior fiscal periods was audited by the Fund's previous auditor Tait, Weller & Baker LLP.
FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 29.11 $ 28.77 $ 27.63 $ 23.71 $ 25.58 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: Net investment income 0.46 0.53 0.50 0.43 0.57 Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from investments 2.13 0.88 1.15 3.97 (1.88) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment activities 2.59 1.41 1.65 4.40 (1.31) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS: Net investment income (0.43) (0.52) (0.50) (0.48) (0.56) Net realized gains from investments (1.40) (0.55) (0.01) -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total dividends (1.83) (1.07) (0.51) (0.48) (0.56) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 29.87 $ 29.11 $ 28.77 $ 27.63 $ 23.71 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN 8.98% 4.97% 5.96% 18.61% (5.16)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: Net assets at end of period (000's) $170,307 $164,475 $172,218 160,202 $131,693 Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 1.50% 1.76% 1.75% 1.69% 2.34% Ratio of expenses to average net assets(a) 1.07% 1.08% 1.09% 1.10% 1.07% Portfolio turnover 37.24% 29.77% 10.38% 30.04% 20.77% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(a) During the period, certain fees were reduced and total fund expenses were capped at 1.00% by the Adviser. If such expense caps had not been in place, the ratio would have been as indicated.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [HAND ICON]
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE YEAR YEAR YEAR PERIOD ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, 2007 2006 2005 2004(A) --------- --------- --------- --------- NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 12.39 $ 11.86 $ 11.19 $ 10.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: Net investment income 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.03 Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from investments 1.04 0.65 0.84 1.18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment activities 1.13 0.74 0.94 1.21 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS: Net investment income (0.08) (0.09) (0.09) (0.02) Net realized gains from investments (0.27) (0.12) (0.18) -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total dividends (0.35) (0.21) (0.27) (0.02) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 13.17 $ 12.39 $ 11.86 $ 11.19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN 9.20% 6.23% 8.34% 12.06%(b) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: Net assets at end of period (000's) $59,884 $48,574 $41,175 $ 35,386 Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%(c) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.71% 0.73% 0.84% 0.59%(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets(d) 1.11% 1.11% 1.14% 1.18%(c) Portfolio turnover 21.48% 20.44% 12.05% 2.97%(c) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(a) The Fund commenced operations on October 1, 2003.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) During the period, certain fees were reduced and total fund expenses were capped at 1.00% by the Adviser. If such expense caps had not been in place, the ratio would have been as indicated.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [HAND ICON]
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD PERIOD ENDED ENDED MARCH 31, MARCH 31, 2007 2006(A) --------- --------- NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 10.94 $ 10.00 --------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: Net investment income (loss) (0.01) -- Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from investments 0.85 0.94 --------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment activities 0.84 0.94 --------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS: Net realized gains from investments (0.23) -- --------------------------------------------------------- Total dividends (0.23) -- --------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 11.55 $ 10.94 --------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN 7.75% 9.40%(b) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: Net assets at end of period (000's) $20,679 $ 10,938 Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.25% 1.23%(c) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (loss) (0.13)% (0.02%)(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets(d) 1.43% 1.52%(c) Portfolio turnover 10.18% 3.62%(b) --------------------------------------------------------- |
(a) The Fund commenced operations on December 16, 2005.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) During the period, certain fees were reduced and total fund expenses were capped at 1.25% by the Adviser. If such expense caps had not been in place, the ratio would have been as indicated.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [HAND ICON]
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 11.58 $ 11.08 $ 10.71 $ 9.13 $ 10.22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: Net investment income 0.18 0.18 0.13 0.13 0.18 Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from investment transactions 0.38 0.49 0.37 1.59 (1.10) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment activities 0.56 0.67 0.50 1.72 (0.92) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS: Net investment income (0.17) (0.17) (0.13) (0.14) (0.17) Net realized gains from investments (0.14) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total dividends (0.31) (0.17) (0.13) (0.14) (0.17) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 11.83 $ 11.58 $ 11.08 $ 10.71 $ 9.13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN 4.85% 6.06% 4.62% 18.91% (9.00%) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: Net assets at end of period (000's) $29,644 $29,722 $28,121 $24,410 $18,528 Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 1.52% 1.49% 1.26% 1.38% 1.95% Ratio of expenses to average net assets(a) 1.17% 1.18% 1.26% 1.26% 1.26% Portfolio turnover 28.57% 41.14% 21.15% 26.47% 40.07% |
(a) During the period, certain fees were reduced and total fund expenses were capped at 1.00% by the Adviser. If such expense caps had not been in place, the ratio would have been as indicated.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [HAND ICON]
WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, MARCH 31, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 12.09 $ 11.34 $ 10.85 $ 8.24 $ 10.26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: Net investment income 0.07 0.09 0.08 0.04 0.04 Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from investment transactions 0.61 0.74 0.48 2.61 (2.02) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment activities 0.68 0.83 0.56 2.65 (1.98) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS: Net investment income (0.08) (0.08) (0.07) (0.04) (0.04) Net realized gains from investments (0.38) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total dividends (0.46) (0.08) (0.07) (0.04) (0.04) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 12.31 $ 12.09 $ 11.34 $ 10.85 $ 8.24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN 5.62% 7.32% 5.18% 32.14% (19.34%) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: Net assets at end of period (000's) $49,873 $48,712 $45,287 $40,446 $26,450 Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.68% 0.70% 0.75% 0.45% 0.48% Ratio of expenses to average net assets(a) 1.15% 1.12% 1.15% 1.16% 1.18% Portfolio turnover 25.50% 29.11% 15.89% 22.33% 16.10% |
(a) During the period, certain fees were reduced and total fund expenses were capped at 1.00% by the Adviser. If such expense caps had not been in place, the ratio would have been as indicated.
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
For more information about the Funds, the following documents are available free upon request:
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS:
Each Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional investment information. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI):
The SAI provides more detailed information about the Funds, including their operations and investment policies. It is incorporated by reference and is legally considered a part of this prospectus.
THE FUNDS CURRENTLY MAINTAIN A SEPARATE INTERNET WEBSITE CONTAINING COPIES OF THEIR REPORTS OR THE SAI AT WWW.BTIM.COM. YOU ALSO CAN GET FREE COPIES OF REPORTS AND THE SAI, OR REQUEST OTHER INFORMATION AND DISCUSS YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUNDS BY CONTACTING THE FUNDS AT:
BOSTON TRUST MUTUAL FUNDS
C/O BOSTON TRUST & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
ONE BEACON STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
TELEPHONE: 1-800-282-8782 X 7050
INFORMATION FROM THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION:
You can obtain copies of Fund documents from the SEC as follows:
IN PERSON:
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publicinfo@sec.gov Investment Company Act File No. 811-6526. BTWPU 08/07 [Recycle Logo] |
BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND
BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND
BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND
WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND
WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND
EACH AN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO OF
THE COVENTRY GROUP
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUGUST 1, 2007
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund and Walden Social Equity Fund (collectively, the "Funds"), dated the same date as the date hereof (the "Prospectus"). The Funds are separate investment portfolios of The Coventry Group (the "Group"), an open-end investment management company. This Statement of Additional Information is incorporated in its entirety into the Prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained by writing the Boston Trust Mutual Funds c/o Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. at One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, by telephoning toll free (800) 282-8782, ext. 7050 and on the Funds' website at www.btim.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES......................................... 3 Additional Information On Portfolio Instruments......................... 3 INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.................................................... 7 Portfolio Turnover...................................................... 9 NET ASSET VALUE............................................................ 9 Additional Purchase and Redemption Information.......................... 10 MANAGEMENT OF THE GROUP.................................................... 11 Trustees and Officers................................................... 11 Investment Adviser...................................................... 15 Portfolio Manager Information........................................... 16 Code Of Ethics.......................................................... 18 Portfolio Transactions.................................................. 18 Administrator And Fund Accounting Services.............................. 20 Distributor............................................................. 22 Custodian............................................................... 22 Transfer Agency Services................................................ 23 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm........................... 23 Legal Counsel........................................................... 22 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................... 23 Description Of Shares................................................... 23 Vote Of A Majority Of The Outstanding Shares............................ 25 Additional Tax Information.............................................. 25 Yields And Total Returns................................................ 29 Performance Comparisons................................................. 32 Proxy Voting............................................................ 33 Disclosure of Fund Portfolio Holdings................................... 33 MISCELLANEOUS.............................................................. 34 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................................... 35 |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE COVENTRY GROUP
The Coventry Group (the "Group") is an open-end investment management company which offers currently its shares in separate series. This Statement of Additional Information deals with five such portfolios: Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund and Walden Social Equity Fund (the "Funds"). Much of the information contained in this Statement of Additional Information expands upon subjects discussed in the Prospectus. Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the Prospectus. No investment in shares of a Fund should be made without first reading the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Additional Information On Portfolio Instruments
The following policies supplement the investment objectives and policies of each Fund as set forth in the Prospectus.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. Money market instruments selected for investment by the Funds include high grade, short-term obligations, including those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances of U.S. banks (generally banks with assets in excess of $1 billion), repurchase agreements with recognized dealers and banks and commercial paper (including participation interests in loans extended by banks to issuers of commercial paper) that at the date of investment are rated A-1 or A-1+ by S&P or P-1 by Moody's, or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. Under such agreements, the seller of a security agrees to repurchase it at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Funds, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Funds together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Funds is unrelated to the interest rate on the security itself. Such repurchase agreements will be made only with banks with assets of $500 million or more that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or with Government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board and registered as broker-dealers with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or exempt from such registration. The Funds will enter generally into repurchase agreements of short durations, from overnight to one week, although the underlying securities generally have longer maturities. The Funds may not enter into a repurchase agreement with more than seven days to maturity if, as a result, more than 5% of the value of the Funds' net assets would be invested in illiquid securities including such repurchase agreements.
For purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Funds to the seller of the U.S. Government security subject to the repurchase agreement. In the event of the insolvency or default of the seller, the
Funds could encounter delays and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the U.S. Government security. As with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Funds, the Investment Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the U.S. Government security.
There is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, the Funds will always receive as collateral for any repurchase agreement to which it is a party securities acceptable to it, the market value of which is equal to at least 100% of the amount invested by the Funds plus accrued interest, and the Funds will make payment against such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer to the account of its Custodian. If the market value of the U.S. Government security subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including interest), the Funds will direct the seller of the U.S. Government security to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible that the Funds will be unsuccessful in seeking to impose on the seller a contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. The Funds are authorized to purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase; during the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Funds to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Funds. To the extent that assets of the Funds are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of securities, the Funds would earn no income; however, it is the Funds' intention to be fully invested to the extent practicable and subject to the policies stated above. While when-issued securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, any purchase of such securities would be made with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value. The market value of the when-issued securities may be more or less than the purchase price. The Funds do not believe that its net asset value or income will be affected adversely by its purchase of securities on a when-issued basis. The Funds will designate liquid securities equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such segregated assets either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in foreign securities. Foreign investments can involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. The value of securities denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, and of dividends and interest from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices on some foreign markets can be highly volatile. Many foreign countries lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding an issuer's financial condition and operations. In addition, the costs of
foreign investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, generally are higher than for U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers, brokers, and securities markets may be subject to less government supervision. Foreign securities trading practices, including those involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and may involve substantial delays. It also may be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries.
Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks. Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There may be a greater possibility of default by foreign governments or foreign government-sponsored enterprises. Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to anticipate these potential events and/or counter their impacts on a Fund's share price.
Securities of foreign issuers may be held by the Funds in the form of American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts ("ADRs" and "EDRs"). These are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign-based issuer held in trust by a bank or similar financial institution. Designed for use in U.S. and European securities markets, respectively, ADRs and EDRs are alternatives to the purchase of the underlying securities in their national market and currencies.
Each Fund may invest without regard to the 15% limitation in securities of foreign issuers which are listed and traded on a domestic national securities exchange.
DEBT SECURITIES AND RATINGS. Ratings of debt securities represent the rating agencies' (as described below) opinions regarding their quality, are not a guarantee of quality and may be reduced after a Fund has acquired the security.
If a security's rating is reduced while it is held by the Funds, the Adviser will consider whether the Funds should continue to hold the security, but the Funds are not required to dispose of it. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer's current financial conditions may be better or worse than the rating indicates.
The Funds reserve the right to invest up to 20% of their assets in securities rated lower than BBB- by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or lower than Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), but rated at least B- by S&P or B3 by Moody's (or, in either case, if unrated, deemed by the Adviser to be of comparable quality). Lower-rated securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available for higher grade issues. However, lower-rated
securities involve higher risks, in that they are especially subject to adverse changes in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are engaged, to changes, or perceived changes, in the financial condition of the issuers and to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which could affect adversely their ability to make payments of interest and principal and increase the possibility of default. In addition, the market for lower-rated debt securities has expanded rapidly in recent years, and its growth paralleled a long economic expansion. At times in recent years, the prices of many lower-rated debt securities declined substantially, reflecting an expectation that many issuers of such securities might experience financial difficulties. As a result, the yields on lower-rated debt securities rose dramatically, but such higher yields did not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities expected, but rather, the risk that holders of such securities could lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of the issuers' financial restructuring or default. There can be no assurance that such declines will not recur. The market for lower-rated debt issues generally is smaller and less active than that for higher quality securities, which may limit the Funds' ability to sell such securities at fair value in response to changes in the economy or financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated securities, especially in a smaller and less actively-traded market.
Lower-rated debt obligations also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, the Funds may have to replace the security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return to investors. Also, because the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates, in the event of rising interest rates, the value of the securities held by the Funds may decline proportionately more than funds consisting of higher-rated securities. If the Funds experience unexpected net redemptions, they may be forced to sell their higher-rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the Funds and increasing the exposure of the Funds to the risks of lower-rated securities. Investments in zero-coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. To the extent consistent with its investment objectives and policies, each Fund may purchase and write call and put options on securities, securities indexes and on foreign currencies and enter into futures contracts and use options on futures contracts, to the extent of up to 5% of its assets. The Funds will engage in futures contracts and related options only for hedging purposes and will not engage in such transactions for speculation or leverage.
Transactions in options on securities and on indexes involve certain risks. 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. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Funds seek to close out an option position. If the Funds were unable to close out an option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option would expire worthless. If the Funds were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise. As the writer of a covered call option, the Funds forgo, during the option's life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the exercise price of the call.
If trading were suspended in an option purchased by the Funds, the Funds would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Funds might be unable to exercise an option it had purchased. Except to the extent that a call option on an index written by the Funds is covered by an option on the same index purchased by the Funds, movements in the index may result in a loss to the Funds; such losses might be mitigated or exacerbated by changes in the value of the Funds' securities during the period the option was outstanding.
Use of futures contracts and options thereon also involves certain risks. The variable degree of correlation between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio positions of the Funds creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. Also, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain over the counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets, the Funds might not be able to close out a transaction at all or without incurring losses. Although the use of options and futures transactions for hedging should minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in the value of such position. If losses were to result from the use of such transactions, they could reduce net asset value and possibly income. The Funds may use these techniques to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices or as part of its overall investment strategy. The Funds will segregate liquid assets (or, as permitted by applicable regulation, enter into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under options and futures contracts to avoid leveraging of the Funds.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Funds may not invest more than 5%
of its net assets in illiquid securities, including (i) securities for which
there is no readily available market; (ii) securities the disposition of which
would be subject to legal restrictions (so-called "restricted securities"); and
(iii) repurchase agreements having more than seven days to maturity. A
considerable period of time may elapse between the Funds' decision to dispose of
such securities and the time when the Funds are able to dispose of them, during
which time the value of the securities could decline. Securities which meet the
requirements of Securities Act Rule 144A are restricted, but may be determined
to be liquid by the Trustees, based on an evaluation of the applicable trading
markets.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following policies and investment restrictions have been adopted by each Fund and (unless otherwise noted) are fundamental and cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of
a majority of the Funds' outstanding voting securities as defined in the 1940 Act. The Funds may not:
1. Make loans to others, except (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, or (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan.
2. (a) Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes. Any such borrowing will be made only if immediately thereafter there is an asset coverage of at least 300% of all borrowings.
(b) Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any of its assets except in connection with any such borrowings.
3. Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (The Funds are not precluded from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities.)
4. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts (other than futures transactions for the purposes and under the conditions described in the prospectus and in this SAI).
5. Invest 25% or more of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry. (This restriction does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.)
6. Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, except that this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit a Fund from (a) making any permitted borrowings, mortgages or pledges, or (b) entering into options, futures, forward or repurchase transactions.
7. Purchase the securities of any issuer, if as a result more than 5% of the total assets of the Funds would be invested in the securities of that issuer, other than obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, provided that up to 25% of the value of the Funds' assets may be invested without regard to this limitation.
The Funds observe the following policies, which are not deemed fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Funds may not:
1. Purchase any security if as a result the Funds would then hold more than 10% of any class of securities of an issuer (taking all common stock issues of an issuer as a single class, all preferred stock issues as a single class, and all debt issues as a single class) or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
2. Invest in any issuer for purposes of exercising control or management.
3. Invest in securities of other investment companies which would result in the Funds owning more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of any one such investment company, Funds owning securities of another investment company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets, or Funds owning securities of investment companies in the aggregate which would exceed 10% of the value of the Funds' total assets.
4. Invest, in the aggregate, more than 5% of its net assets in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, securities which are not readily marketable and repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity.
5. Invest more than 15% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers (including American Depositary Receipts with respect to foreign issuers, but excluding securities of foreign issuers listed and traded on a domestic national securities exchange).
6. Invest in securities issued by any affiliate of the Adviser.
If a percentage restriction described in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the values of assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction, except for the policies regarding borrowing and illiquid securities or as otherwise specifically noted.
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover rate for the Funds is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Funds' purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities. The calculation excludes all securities whose remaining maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less.
The portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year, as well as within a particular year, and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of Shares. High portfolio turnover rates generally will result in higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, to the Funds and may result in additional tax consequences to the Funds' Shareholders. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making investment decisions.
NET ASSET VALUE
As indicated in the Prospectus, the net asset value of the Funds is determined once daily as of the close of public trading on the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day that the Exchange is open for trading. The New York Stock Exchange will not open in observance of the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Funds do not expect to determine the net asset value of their shares on any day when the Exchange is not open for trading, even if there is sufficient trading in portfolio securities on such days to materially affect the net asset value per share.
Investments in securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued based upon their current available prices in the principal market in which such securities are normally traded. Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market value. Securities and other assets for which quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees of the Group. Short-term securities (i.e., with maturities of 60 days or less) are valued at either amortized cost or original cost plus accrued interest, which approximates current value.
Among the factors that will be considered, if they apply, in valuing portfolio securities held by a Fund are the existence of restrictions upon the sale of the security by the Fund, the absence of a market for the security, the extent of any discount in acquiring the security, the estimated time during which the security will not be freely marketable, the expenses of registering or otherwise qualifying the security for public sale, underwriting commissions if underwriting would be required to effect a sale, the current yields on comparable securities for debt obligations traded independently of any equity equivalent, changes in the financial condition and prospects of the issuer, and any other factors affecting fair value. In making valuations, opinions of counsel may be relied upon as to whether or not securities are restricted securities and as to the legal requirements for public sale.
The Group may use a pricing service to value certain portfolio securities where the prices provided are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities. A pricing service would normally consider such factors as yield, risk, quality, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, special circumstances and other factors it deems relevant in determining valuations of normal institutional trading units of debt securities and would not rely exclusively on quoted prices. Certain instruments, for which pricing services used for the Funds do not provide prices, may be valued by the Group using methodologies similar to those used by pricing services, where such methodologies are believed to reflect fair value of the subject security. The methods used by the pricing service and the Group and the valuations so established will be reviewed by the Group under the general supervision of the Group's Board of Trustees. Several pricing services are available, one or more of which may be used by the Adviser from time to time.
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Shares of each of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by Foreside Distribution Services, LP ("Foreside"), and Foreside has agreed to use appropriate efforts to solicit all purchase orders. In addition to purchasing Shares directly from Foreside, Shares may be purchased through procedures established by Foreside in connection with the requirements of accounts at the Adviser or the Adviser's affiliated entities (collectively, "Entities"). Customers purchasing Shares of the Funds may include officers, directors, or employees of the Adviser or the Entities.
The Group may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for Shares during any period when (a) trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is
restricted by applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, (b) the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (c) the Commission has by order permitted such suspension, or (d) an emergency exists as a result of which (i) disposal by the Group of securities owned by it is not reasonably practical, or (ii) it is not reasonably practical for the Group to determine the fair value of its net assets.
INTERESTED TRUSTEES*
NUMBER OF POSITION(S) FUNDS IN FUND OTHER HELD WITH TERM OF OFFICE** AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) COMPLEX OVERSEEN DIRECTORSHIPS NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUNDS LENGTH OF TIME SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE --------------------- ----------- --------------------- ----------------------- ---------------- --------------- Walter B. Grimm Trustee Indefinite; President, Leigh Investments, 15 The Coventry 3435 Stelzer Road Since April, 1997 Inc. November 2005 to present. Funds Trust Columbus, Ohio 43219 Employee BISYS Fund Services Date of Birth: 6/3/1945 Ohio, Inc. June, 1992 to October, 2005 |
* Mr. Grimm is considered to be an "interested person" of the Group as defined in the 1940 Act due to his previous employment with BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. the Fund's previous administrator. BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. was acquired by Citigroup in August 2007. Mr. Grimm ceased to be an employee of any BISYS entities after October 31, 2005.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
NUMBER OF FUNDS IN FUND POSITION(S) COMPLEX*** OTHER HELD WITH TERM OF OFFICE AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN DIRECTORSHIPS NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUNDS LENGTH OF TIME SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE --------------------- ----------- --------------------- ----------------------- ------------- --------------- Diane E. Armstrong Trustee Indefinite; Principal of King, Dodson 15 The Coventry 3435 Stelzer Road Since November, Armstrong Financial Funds Trust Columbus, Ohio 43219 2004. Advisors, Inc. August, Date of Birth: 7/2/1964 2003 to present. Director of Financial Planning, Hamilton Capital Management. April, 2000 to August, 2003. Maurice G. Stark Trustee Indefinite; Consultant to Battelle 15 The Coventry 3435 Stelzer Road Since January, 1992. Memorial Institute Funds Trust Columbus, Ohio 43219 (non-profit research group). Date of Birth: 9/23/1935 January, 1995 to present. Michael M. Van Buskirk Trustee and Indefinite; President and Chief 15 The Coventry 3435 Stelzer Road Chairman of Trustee since Executive Officer, Ohio Funds Trust Columbus, Ohio 43219 the Board January, 1992. Bankers League. May, Date of Birth: 2/22/1947 Chairman since 1991 to present. January, 2006. James H. Woodward Trustee Indefinite; Chancellor Emeritus, 15 The Coventry 3435 Stelzer Road Since February, 2006 University of North Carolina Funds Trust Columbus, Ohio 43219 at Charlotte. August, 2005 Date of Birth: 11/24/1939 to present. Chancellor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. July, 1989 to July, 2005. |
** Trustees hold their position until their resignation or removal.
*** The "Fund Complex" consists of The Coventry Group and The Coventry Funds Trust.
OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES
POSITION(S) HELD WITH TERM OF OFFICE* AND NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE THE FUNDS LENGTH OF TIME SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS --------------------- ----------- --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- David C. Bunstine President Indefinite; Vice President, client service, Citi Fund Services Ohio, 3435 Stelzer Road Since June, 2007 Inc. (formerly, BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc.) November, 1999 Columbus, OH 43219 to present Date of Birth: 7/30/65 Linda A. Durkin Treasurer Indefinite; Vice President of Fund Administration, Citi Fund Services 3425 Stelzer Road Since November, 2006 Ohio, Inc. (formerly, BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc.) Columbus, Ohio 43219 September, 2006 to present. Investors Bank & Trust Co. Date of Birth: 11/1/1960 February, 2006 to September, 2006. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. June, 2003 to January, 2006. Vice President -- Director of Fund Administration, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Co. 1993 to 2002 Curtis Barnes Secretary Indefinite; Vice President-Legal Services, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. 100 Summer Street Since May, 2007 (formerly, BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc.) May, 1995 to present. Boston, MA 02110 Date of Birth: 9/24/1953 Eric B. Phipps Chief Indefinite; Vice President, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (formerly, BISYS Fund 3425 Stelzer Road Compliance Since November, 2006 Services Ohio, Inc.) June, 2006 to present. Staff Accountant Columbus, Ohio 43219 Officer United States Securities and Exchange Commission October, 2004 to Date of Birth: 6/20/1971 May, 2006. Director of Compliance BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. December, 1995 to October, 2004. |
* Officers hold their positions until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board has an Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and Valuation Committee. The Audit Committee oversees the Group's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and oversees the quality and objectivity of the Group's financial statements and the independent audit thereof. The members of the Audit Committee, which met three times during the last fiscal year, include all of the Board's independent trustees: Maurice G. Stark, Michael M. Van Buskirk, Diane E. Armstrong and James H. Woodward. The Nominating Committee, also comprised of all of the independent trustees, evaluates the qualifications of candidates and makes nominations for independent trustee membership on the Board. The Nominating Committee does not consider nominees recommended by shareholders. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating Committee held no meetings. The purpose of the Valuation Committee, which is comprised of at least two Trustees at all times, one of whom must be an Independent Trustee, is to oversee the implementation of the Group's valuation procedures and to make fair value determinations on behalf of the Board as specified in the valuation procedures. The Valuation Committee meets as necessary.
OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
As of July 6, 2007, the Group's Trustees and officers, as a group, owned less than 1% of each Fund's outstanding Shares. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the dollar range of equity securities owned beneficially by each Trustee in the Funds and in any registered investment companies overseen by the Trustee within the same family of investment companies as the Funds is as follows:
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF NAME OF TRUSTEE SECURITIES IN THE FUNDS INVESTMENT COMPANIES* ---------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------- Walter B. Grimm $0 $0 |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF NAME OF TRUSTEE SECURITIES IN THE FUNDS INVESTMENT COMPANIES* ---------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------- Diane E. Armstrong $0 $0 Maurice G. Stark $0 $10,000 - $50,000 Michael M. Van Buskirk $0 $0 James H. Woodward $0 $0 |
* "Family of Investment Companies" means The Coventry Group and The Coventry Funds Trust.
The Officers of the Group (other than the Chief Compliance Officer) receive no compensation directly from the Group for performing the duties of their offices. Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. ("Citi") receives fees from the Funds for acting as administrator and transfer agent and for providing certain fund accounting services. Messrs. Bunstine, Barnes and Phipps and Ms. Durkin are employees of Citi.
Trustees of the Group not affiliated with Citi receive from the Group, effective as of May 17, 2007, the following fees: a quarterly retainer fee of $2,000 per quarter; a regular meeting fee of $3,000 per meeting; a special in-person meeting fee of $1,000; a telephonic meeting fee of $500; an and a $500 per meeting fee for all other committee meetings. Trustees are also reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Trustees who are affiliated with Citi do not receive compensation from the Group.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 the Trustees received the following compensation from the Group and from certain other investment companies (if applicable) that have the same investment adviser as the Funds or an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the Group's investment adviser:
PENSION OR ESTIMATED TOTAL COMPENSATION AGGREGATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS ANNUAL FROM THE FUND AND COMPENSATION ACCRUED AS PART OF BENEFITS UPON FUND COMPLEX PAID NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM THE FUNDS FUNDS EXPENSES RETIREMENT TO THE TRUSTEES** ---------------------- -------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------ Diane E. Armstrong $6,606 $0 $0 $22,500 Walter B. Grimm* $6,288 $0 $0 $21,500 Maurice G. Stark $6,606 $0 $0 $22,500 Michael M. Van Buskirk $6,765 $0 $0 $23,000 James H. Woodward $6,765 $0 $0 $23,000 |
* Mr. Grimm is considered to be an "interested person" of the Group as defined in the 1940 Act due to his previous employment with BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc., the Fund's previous administrator. BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. was acquired by Citigroup in August 2007. Mr. Grimm ceased to be an employee of any BISYS entities after October 31, 2005.
** The "Fund Complex" consists of The Coventry Group and The Coventry Funds Trust.
Investment Adviser
Investment advisory and management services are provided to the Funds by Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of September 30, 2004, as amended. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, a Massachusetts chartered banking and trust company ("Boston Trust"), which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BTIM corporation, a bank holding company organized as a Delaware corporation. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to provide investment advisory services as described in the Prospectus of the Funds. For the services provided and expenses assumed pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the following annual rates: Boston Trust Balanced Fund 0.75% of average daily net assets; Boston Trust Equity Fund 0.75% of average daily net assets; Boston Trust Small Cap Fund 0.75% of average daily net assets; Walden Social Balanced Fund 0.75% of average daily net assets; and Walden Social Equity Fund 0.75% of average daily net assets.
Unless sooner terminated, the Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund will continue in effect until February 28, 2005 and year to year thereafter for successive annual periods if, as to each Fund, such continuance is approved at least annually by the Group's Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the relevant Fund (as defined in the Funds' Prospectus), and a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Investment Advisory Agreement by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable as to the Funds at any time on 60 days' written notice without penalty by the Trustees, by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of that Fund, or by the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement also terminates automatically in the event of any assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act, or for reasons as set forth in the Agreement.
The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the Investment Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Adviser of its duties and obligations thereunder.
The Investment Advisory Agreement annual continuation with respect to each of the Funds was approved by both a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the independent Trustees at a meeting held on February 14, 2007.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the Funds paid the Adviser investment advisory fees pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, and the Adviser reimbursed investment advisory fees pursuant to the terms of an expense limitation agreement in effect with respect to each of the Funds, as follows: the Boston Trust Balanced Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $1,239,669 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $56,475 in advisory fees; the Boston Trust Equity Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $286,919 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $34,643 in advisory fees; the Walden Social Balanced Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $195,051 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $42,393 in advisory fees; and the Walden Social Equity Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $318,108 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $40,986 in advisory fees.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Funds paid the Adviser investment advisory fees pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, and the Adviser reimbursed investment advisory fees pursuant to the terms of an expense limitation agreement in effect with respect to each of the Funds, as follows: the Boston Trust Balanced Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $1,288,473 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $41,828 in advisory fees; the Boston Trust Equity Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $326,874 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $26,932 in advisory fees; the Walden Social Balanced Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $216,813 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $38,056 in advisory fees; and the Walden Social Equity Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $347,340 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $32,149 in advisory fees. For the period from December 16, 2005 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2006, the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $17,814 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $6,048 in advisory fees.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Funds paid the Adviser investment advisory fees pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, and the Adviser waived and/or reimbursed investment advisory fees pursuant to the terms of an expense limitation agreement in effect with respect to each of the Funds, as follows: the Boston Trust Balanced Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $1,227,604 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $19,700 in advisory fees; the Boston Trust Equity Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $394,447 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $28,636 in advisory fees; the Walden Social Balanced Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $221,758 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $34,656 in advisory fees; and the Walden Social Equity Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $365,634 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $45,669 in advisory fees. Boston Trust Small Cap Fund paid the Adviser investment advisory fees of $116,953 and the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $19,675 in advisory fees.
Portfolio Manager Information
Domenic Colasacco serves as Portfolio Manager for both the Boston Trust Balanced Fund and the Boston Trust Equity Fund. Kenneth Scott serves as Portfolio Manager for the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund. Stephen Moody serves as Portfolio Manager for the Walden Social Balanced Fund and Robert Lincoln serves as Portfolio Manager for the Walden Social Equity Fund. The following table lists the number and types of other accounts managed by each individual and assets under management in those accounts as of March 31, 2007:
OTHER OTHER POOLED OTHER REGISTERED ASSETS INVESTMENT ASSETS ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT MANAGED VEHICLE MANAGED OTHER MANAGED MANAGED MANAGER COMPANY ACCOUNTS ($ MILLIONS) ACCOUNTS ($ MILLIONS) ACCOUNTS* ($ MILLIONS) ($ MILLIONS) -------------- ---------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ DOMENIC COLASACCO 0 $0 1 $403 203 $957 $1,360 KENNETH SCOTT 0 $0 2 $ 7 65 $208 $ 215 STEPHEN MOODY 0 $0 3 $140 147 $555 $ 695 ROBERT LINCOLN 0 $0 1 $ 58 65 $616 $ 674 |
Portfolio managers at the Adviser may manage accounts for multiple clients. Portfolio managers at the Adviser make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio. The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Even where multiple accounts are managed by the same portfolio manager within the same investment discipline, however, the Adviser may take action with respect to one account that may differ from the timing or nature of action taken, with respect to another account. Accordingly, the performance of each account managed by a portfolio manager will vary.
The compensation of the portfolio managers varies with the general success of the Adviser as a firm and its affiliates. Each portfolio manager's compensation consists of a fixed annual salary, plus additional remuneration based on the overall performance of the Adviser and its affiliates for the given time period. The portfolio managers' compensation is not linked to any specific factors, such as a Fund's performance or asset level.
The Adviser's compensation structure is designed to recognize cumulative contribution to its investment policies and process, and client service. Compensation incentives align portfolio manager interests with the long-term interest of clients. Short-term, return based incentives, which may encourage undesirable risk are not employed. Returns and portfolios are monitored for consistency with investment policy parameters.
The Adviser has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which it believes address the potential conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients.
The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Funds' portfolio managers in the Funds they manage as of March 31, 2007 is as follows:
PORTFOLIO MANAGER FUND DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BENEFICIALLY OWNED ----------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- DOMENIC COLASACCO BOSTON TRUST BALANCED FUND $10,001 - $50,000 DOMENIC COLASACCO BOSTON TRUST EQUITY FUND $500,001 - $1,000,000 KENNETH SCOTT BOSTON TRUST SMALL CAP FUND $1 - $10,000 STEPHEN MOODY WALDEN SOCIAL BALANCED FUND None ROBERT LINCOLN WALDEN SOCIAL EQUITY FUND over $1,000,000 |
Code Of Ethics
The Coventry Group, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics, pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, applicable to securities trading practices of its personnel. Each Code permits covered personnel to trade in securities in which a Fund may invest, subject to certain restrictions and reporting requirements.
Portfolio Transactions
References to the Adviser with respect to portfolio transactions include its affiliate, Boston Trust & Investment Management Company. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds, the Adviser determines, subject to the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Group and in accordance with the Funds' investment objectives and restrictions, which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Funds, and which brokers are to be eligible to execute such Funds' portfolio transactions.
Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities generally include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers may include the spread between the bid and asked price.
Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Transactions in the over-the-counter market are generally principal transactions with dealers. With respect to the over-the-counter market, the Group, where possible, will deal directly with dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those circumstances where better price and execution are available elsewhere.
Allocation of transactions, including their frequency, to various brokers and dealers is determined by the Adviser in its best judgment and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to Shareholders. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. Subject to this consideration, brokers and dealers who provide supplemental investment research to the Adviser may receive orders for transactions on behalf of the Funds. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker-dealer who provides such brokerage and
research services a commission for executing the Funds' brokerage transactions which are in excess of the amount of commission another broker would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all of the accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. Any such research and other statistical and factual information provided by brokers to the Funds or to the Adviser is considered to be in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective agreement regarding management of the Funds. The cost, value and specific application of such information are indeterminable and hence are not practicably allocable among the Funds and other clients of the Adviser who may indirectly benefit from the availability of such information. Similarly, the Funds may indirectly benefit from information made available as a result of transactions effected for such other clients. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions for brokerage and research services in accordance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In the event the Adviser does follow such a practice, it will do so on a basis which is fair and equitable to the Group and the Funds. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund and Walden Social Equity Fund paid $57,195, $29,166, $12,217, $11,657 and $26,198 respectively, in commissions to firms that provide brokerage and research services to the Fund for aggregate portfolio transactions of $54,063,968, $27,759,048, $7,786,513, $10,619,420 and $24,609,385 respectively. These transactions were on a best execution basis, as discussed above. The provision of research was not necessarily a factor in the placement of all such transactions.
The Adviser may not give consideration to sales of shares of the Funds as a factor in the selection of brokers-dealers to execute portfolio transactions. However, the Adviser may place portfolio transactions with brokers or dealers that promote or sell the Funds' shares so long as such selection is based on the quality of the broker's execution and not on its sales efforts.
Except as otherwise disclosed to the Shareholders of the Funds and as permitted by applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Group will not, on behalf of the Funds, execute portfolio transactions through, acquire portfolio securities issued by, make savings deposits in, or enter into repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements with the Adviser or its affiliates, and will not give preference to the Adviser's correspondents with respect to such transactions, securities, savings deposits, repurchase agreements, and reverse repurchase agreements.
Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those for the other Funds, other funds of the Group or any other investment company or account managed by the Adviser. Any such other fund, investment company or account may also invest in the same securities as the Group on behalf of the Funds. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of a Fund and another fund of the Group managed by the Adviser, investment company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price and available investments will be allocated as to amount in a manner which the Adviser believes to be equitable to the Fund and such other fund, investment company or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may affect adversely the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained by a Fund. To the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for a Fund with those to be sold or purchased for the other Funds or for other investment companies or accounts in order to obtain best execution. As provided by the Investment Advisory Agreement, in making investment recommendations for the Funds, the Adviser will not inquire nor take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Group is a customer of the Adviser, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with its customers, the Adviser, its subsidiaries and affiliates will not
inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers are held by the Funds or any other fund of the Group.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund, and Walden Social Equity Fund paid brokerage commissions of $35,803, $12,466, $10,751 and $18,056, respectively. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund, and Walden Social Equity Fund paid brokerage commissions of $70,845, $25,461, $7,221, $16,330 and $34,410 respectively. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund and Walden Social Equity Fund paid brokerage commissions of $63,583, $31,016, $17,618, $13,392 and $28,244 respectively.
Administrator And Fund Accounting Services
Citi serves as administrator (the "Administrator") to the Funds pursuant to a Management and Administration Agreement dated as of March 23, 1999 (the "Administration Agreement"). Prior to its acquisition by Citigroup on August 1, 2007, the Administrator was known as BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. The Administrator assists in supervising all operations of the Funds.
Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator has agreed to maintain office facilities; furnish statistical and research data, clerical, certain bookkeeping services and stationery and office supplies; prepare the periodic reports to the Commission on Form N-SAR or any replacement forms therefor; compile data for, assist the Group or its designee in the preparation of, and file all of the Funds' federal and state tax returns and required tax filings other than those required to be made by the Funds' custodian and Transfer Agent; prepare compliance filings pursuant to state securities laws with the advice of the Group's counsel; assist to the extent requested by the Group with the Group's preparation of its Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders and its Registration Statement (on Form N-1A or any replacement therefor); compile data for, prepare and file timely Notices to the Commission required pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the 1940 Act; keep and maintain the financial accounts and records of each Fund, including calculation of daily expense accruals; and generally assist in all aspects of the Funds' operations. Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities thereunder.
The Administrator receives a fee from each Fund for its services as Administrator and expenses assumed pursuant to the Administration Agreement, equal to a fee calculated daily and paid periodically, at the annual rate equal to twenty one-hundredths of one percent (0.20%) of that Fund's average daily net assets.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund, and Walden Social Equity Fund paid the BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc., the prior Administrator (the "Prior Administrator"), Administrative Fees of $330,581, $76,512, $52,014 and $84,829, respectively and the Prior Administrator voluntarily waived administrative fees of $85,317, $19,746,$13,424 and $21,893. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund and Walden Social Equity Fund paid the Prior Administrator administrative fees of $343,597, $87,167, $57,817 and $92,625, respectively and the Prior Administrator voluntarily waived administrative fees of $91,266, $23,089, $15,341 and $24,569, respectively. For the period from December 16, 2005 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2006, the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund paid the Prior Administrator administrative fees of $4,750 and the Prior Administrator voluntarily waived administrative fees of $1,248. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund, and Walden Social Equity Fund paid the Prior Administrator Administrative Fees of $327,365, $105,187, $31,188, $59,136 and $97,503, respectively and the Prior Administrator voluntarily waived administrative fees of $88,241, $28,260, $8,329,$16,685 and $25,514, respectively.
The Administration Agreement is renewed automatically for successive one-year terms, unless written notice not to renew is given by the non-renewing party to the other party at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. The Administration Agreement is terminable with respect to a particular Fund only upon mutual agreement of the parties to the Administration Agreement and for cause (as defined in the Administration Agreement) by the party alleging cause, on not less than 60 days' notice by the Group's Board of Trustees or by the Administrator.
The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by any Fund in connection with the matters to which the Administration Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or negligence in the performance of its duties, or from the reckless disregard by the Administrator of its obligations and duties thereunder.
In addition, Citi provides certain fund accounting services to the Funds pursuant to a Fund Accounting Agreement dated as of March 23, 1999. Under such Agreement, Citi maintains the accounting books and records for the Funds, including journals containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of portfolio securities, all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits, general and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability, reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, including interest accrued and interest received, and other required separate ledger accounts; maintains a monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts; performs certain accounting services for the Funds, including calculation of the net asset value per share, calculation of the dividend and capital gain distributions, if any, and of yield, reconciliation of cash movements with the Funds' custodian, affirmation to the Funds' custodian of all portfolio trades and cash settlements, verification and reconciliation with the Funds' custodian of all daily trade activity; provides certain reports; obtains dealer quotations, prices from a pricing service or matrix prices on all portfolio securities in order to mark the portfolio to the market; and prepares an interim balance sheet, statement of income and expense, and statement of changes in net assets for each Fund.
Distributor
Foreside serves as agent for each of the Funds in the distribution of its Shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement dated as of August 1, 2007 (the "Distribution Agreement").Unless otherwise terminated, the Distribution Agreement will continue in effect for successive annual periods if, as to each Fund, such continuance is approved at least annually by (i) by the Group's Board of Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund, and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Group who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Distribution Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated in the event of any assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.
In its capacity as Distributor, Foreside enters into selling agreements with intermediaries that solicit orders for the sale of Shares, advertises and pays the costs of advertising, office space and the personnel involved in such activities. Foreside receives annual compensation of $18,750 under the Distribution Agreement. Foreside has entered into a Distribution Services Agreement with the Adviser in connection with Foreside's services as distributor of the Funds pursuant to which the Adviser undertakes to pay Foreside amounts owed to Foreside under the terms of the Distribution Agreement to the extent that the Funds are not otherwise authorized to make such payments.
Prior its acquisition by Foreside Distributors on August 1, 2007, the Distributor was known as BISYS Fund Services Limited Partnership, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH 43219.
Custodian
Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 (the "Custodian"), serves as the Funds' custodian pursuant to the Custody Agreement dated as of December 8, 2005. The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Funds' cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Funds' investments. The Custodian is an affiliate of the Funds and it receives fees for the custodial services it provides.
Transfer Agency Services
Boston Trust & Investment Management Company serves as transfer agent and
dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent") for all of the Funds pursuant
to the Transfer Agency Agreement dated as of March 23, 1999. Pursuant to such
Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent, among other things, performs the
following services in connection with each Fund's shareholders of record:
maintenance of shareholder records for each of the Fund's shareholders of
record; processing shareholder purchase and redemption orders; processing
transfers and exchanges of shares of the Funds on the shareholder files and
records; processing dividend payments and reinvestments; and assistance in the
mailing of shareholder reports and proxy solicitation materials. For such
services the Transfer Agent receives a fee based on the number of shareholders
of record.
Shareholder Services Agreements
The Funds are entitled to enter into Shareholder Services Agreements pursuant to which the Funds are authorized to make payments to certain entities which may include investment advisers, banks, trust companies and other types of organizations ("Authorized Service Providers") for providing administrative services with respect to shares of the Funds attributable to or held in the name of the Authorized Service Provider for its clients or other parties with whom they have a servicing relationship. Under the terms of each Shareholder Services Agreement, a Fund is authorized to pay an Authorized Service Provider (which include affiliates of the Funds) a shareholder services fee which may be based on the average daily net asset value of the shares of the Fund attributable to or held in the name of the Authorized Service Provider for providing certain administrative services to Fund shareholders with whom the Authorized Service Provider has a servicing relationship, on a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by the Authorized Service Provider, or some combination of each of those methods of calculation. Among the types of shareholder services that may be compensated under the Agreements are: (1) answering customer inquiries of a general nature regarding the Funds; (2) responding to customer inquiries and requests regarding statements of additional information, reports, notices, proxies and proxy statements, and other Fund documents; (3) delivering prospectuses and annual and semi-annual reports to beneficial owners of Fund shares; (4) assisting the Funds in establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts and records; (5) assisting customers in changing account options, account designations and account addresses; (6) sub-accounting for all Fund share transactions at the shareholder level; (7) crediting distributions from the Funds to shareholder accounts; (8) determining amounts to be reinvested in the Funds; and (9) providing such other administrative services as may be reasonably requested and which are deemed necessary and beneficial to the shareholders of the Funds.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The independent registered public accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP has been selected as the independent accountants for the Funds for their current fiscal year. The independent registered public accounting firm performs an annual audit of the Funds' financial statements and provides other related services. Reports of their activities are provided to the Group's Board of Trustees.
Legal Counsel
Thompson Hine LLP, 10 West Broad Street, Suite 700, Columbus, Ohio 43215, is counsel to the Group.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Group is a Massachusetts business trust organized on January 8, 1992. The Group's Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of Massachusetts. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board of Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares, which are shares of beneficial interest, with a par value of $0.01 per share. The Group consists of several funds organized as separate series of shares. The Group's Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board of Trustees to divide or redivide any unissued shares of the Group into one or more additional series by setting or changing in any one or more respects their respective preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption.
Shares have no subscription or preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Board of Trustees may grant in its discretion. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, the Shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Group, shareholders of a fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to that fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the respective Funds, of any general assets not belonging to any particular Fund which are available for distribution.
Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Group shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each Fund affected by the matter. For purposes of determining whether the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund will be required in connection with a matter, the Funds will be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each Fund in the matter are identical, or that the matter does not affect any interest of the Funds. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in investment policy would be acted effectively upon with respect to the Funds only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds. However, Rule 18f-2 also provides that the approval of principal underwriting contracts and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Group voting without regard to series.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Group. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the Shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Group for acts or obligations of the Group, which are binding only on the assets and property of the Group, and requires that notice of the disclaimer be given in each contract or obligation entered into or executed by the Group or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Group property for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Group. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Group itself would be unable to meet its obligations, and thus should be considered remote.
As of July 6, 2007, the following entities known to the Group owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any Fund: (i) Boston Trust & Investment Management Company, One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, which owned of record 97.17% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Boston Trust Balanced Fund, 100% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Boston Trust Equity Fund, 80.59% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, 60.28% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Walden Social Balanced Fund, and 34.49% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Walden Social Equity Fund; (ii) Fidelity Investments, 100 Magellan Way, Covington, Kentucky 41015, which owned of record 37.11% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Walden Social Balanced Fund and 49.99% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Walden Social Equity Fund, (iii) Wachovia Bank, N.A., 1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28288, which owned of record 6.43% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Walden Social Equity Fund and (iv) Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, which owned of record 15.97% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund.
Vote Of A Majority Of The Outstanding Shares
As used in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, a "vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares" of the Funds means the affirmative vote, at a meeting of Shareholders duly called, of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the votes of Shareholders of that Fund present at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the votes attributable to Shareholders of record of that Fund are represented in person or by proxy, or (b) the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding votes of Shareholders of that Fund.
Additional Tax Information
Set forth below is a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax issues concerning the Funds and the purchase, ownership, and disposition of Fund shares. This discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to Shareholders in light of their particular circumstances. This discussion is based upon present provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change, which change may be retroactive. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, or disposition of the Funds' shares, as well as the tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, foreign country, or other taxing jurisdiction.
Each of the Funds is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes and intends each year to qualify and elect to be treated as a "regulated investment company" under the Code, for so long as such qualification is in the best interest of that Fund's shareholders. To qualify as a regulated investment company, each Fund must, among other things: diversify its investments within certain prescribed limits; derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies; and, distribute to its Shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for the year. In general, the Funds' investment company taxable income will be its taxable income subject to certain adjustments and
excluding the excess of any net mid-term or net long-term capital gain for the taxable year over the net short-term capital loss, if any, for such year.
A non-deductible 4% excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that do not distribute in each calendar year (regardless of whether they otherwise have a non-calendar taxable year) an amount equal to 98% of their ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98% of their capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year. The balance of such income must be distributed during the next calendar year. If distributions during a calendar year were less than the required amount, the Funds would be subject to a non-deductible excise tax equal to 4% of the deficiency.
Although the Funds expect to qualify as a "regulated investment company" and thus to be relieved of all or substantially all of their federal income tax liability, depending upon the extent of their activities in states and localities in which their offices are maintained, in which their agents or independent contractors are located, or in which they are otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Funds may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities. In addition, if for any taxable year the Funds do not qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of their taxable income will be subject to federal tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to their Shareholders). In such event, dividend distributions would be taxable to Shareholders to the extent of earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations.
It is expected that each Fund will distribute annually to Shareholders all or substantially all of the Fund's net ordinary income and net realized capital gains and that such distributed net ordinary income and distributed net realized capital gains will be taxable income to Shareholders for federal income tax purposes, even if paid in additional Shares of the Fund and not in cash.
The excess of net long-term capital gains over short-term capital losses realized and distributed by the Funds and designated as capital gain dividends, whether paid in cash or reinvested in Fund shares, will be taxable to Shareholders. The Code generally provides through 2010 for a maximum tax rate for individual taxpayers of 15% on long-term capital gains and on certain qualifying dividend income. The rate reductions do not apply to corporate taxpayers. Each Fund will be able to separately designate distributions of any qualifying long-term capital gains or qualifying dividends earned by the Fund that would be eligible for the lower maximum rate. A shareholder would also have to satisfy a 60-day holding period with respect to any distributions of qualifying dividends in order to obtain the benefit of the lower rate. Distributions resulting from a Fund's investments in bonds and other debt instruments will not generally qualify for the lower rates. Note that distributions of earnings from dividends paid by "qualified foreign corporations" can also qualify for the lower tax rates on qualifying dividends. Qualified foreign corporations are corporations incorporated in a U.S. possession, corporations whose stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S., and corporations eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which satisfy certain other requirements. Passive foreign investment company are not treated as "qualified foreign corporations." Foreign tax credits associated with dividends from "qualified foreign corporations" will be limited to reflect the reduced U.S. tax on those dividends.
Foreign taxes may be imposed on the Funds by foreign countries with respect to its income from foreign securities, if any. It is expected that, because less than 50% in value of each Fund's total assets at the end of its fiscal year will be invested in stocks or securities of foreign corporations, none of the Funds will be entitled under the Code to pass through to its Shareholders their pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Funds. Any such taxes will be taken as a deduction by the Funds.
The Funds may be required by federal law to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury 28% of taxable dividends, if any, and capital gain distributions to any Shareholder, and the proceeds of redemption or the values of any exchanges of Shares of the Funds by the Shareholder, if such Shareholder (1) fails to furnish the Group with a correct taxpayer identification number, (2) under-reports dividend or interest income, or (3) fails to certify to the Group that he or she is not subject to such withholding. An individual's taxpayer identification number is his or her Social Security number.
Information as to the Federal income tax status of all distributions will be mailed annually to each Shareholder.
MARKET DISCOUNT. If any of the Funds purchases a debt security at a price lower than the stated redemption price of such debt security, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price is "market discount". If the amount of market discount is more than a de minimis amount, a portion of such market discount must be included as ordinary income (not capital gain) by the Funds in each taxable year in which the Funds own an interest in such debt security and receives a principal payment on it. In particular, the Fund will be required to allocate that principal payment first to the portion of the market discount on the debt security that has accrued but has not previously been includable in income. In general, the amount of market discount that must be included for each period is equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of market discount accruing during such period (plus any accrued market discount for prior periods not previously taken into account) or (ii) the amount of the principal payment with respect to such period. Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for each day the debt security is held by the Funds at a constant rate over the time remaining to the debt security's maturity or, at the election of the Funds, at a constant yield to maturity which takes into account the semi-annual compounding of interest. Gain realized on the disposition of a market discount obligation must be recognized as ordinary interest income (not capital gain) to the extent of the "accrued market discount."
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT. Certain debt securities acquired by the Funds may be treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Very generally, original issue discount is defined as the difference between the price at which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at maturity. Although no cash income on account of such discount is actually received by the Funds, original issue discount that accrues on a debt security in a given year generally is treated for federal income tax purposes as interest and, therefore, such income would be subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies. Some debt securities may be purchased by the Funds at a discount that exceeds the original issue
discount on such debt securities, if any. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes (see above).
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD CONTRACTS. Any regulated futures contracts and certain options (namely, nonequity options and dealer equity options) in which the Funds may invest may be "section 1256 contracts." Gains (or losses) on these contracts generally are considered to be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Funds at the end of each taxable year (and on certain other dates prescribed in the Code) are "marked to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized.
Transactions in options, futures and forward contracts undertaken by the Funds may result in "straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by the Funds, and losses realized by the Funds on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which the losses are realized. In addition, certain carrying charges (including interest expense) associated with positions in a straddle may be required to be capitalized rather than deducted currently. Certain elections that the Funds may make with respect to its straddle positions may also affect the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected positions.
Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the consequences of such transactions to the Funds are not entirely clear. The straddle rules may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Funds, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to Shareholders. Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to Shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such transactions.
CONSTRUCTIVE SALES. Under certain circumstance, the Funds may recognize gain from the constructive sale of an appreciated financial position. If the Funds enter into certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical property, the Funds would be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and would be taxed on any gain (but not loss) from the constructive sale. The character of gain from a constructive sale would depend upon the Funds' holding period in the property. Loss from a constructive sale would be recognized when the property was subsequently disposed of, and its character would depend on the Fund's holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Code. Constructive sale treatment does not apply to transactions closed in the 90-day period ending with the 30th day after the close of the taxable year, if certain conditions are met.
SECTION 988 GAINS OR LOSSES. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time the Funds accrue income or other receivables or accrue expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Funds actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of some investments, including debt securities and
certain forward contracts denominated in a foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the acquisition and disposition of the position also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Code as "section 988" gains or losses, increase or decrease the amount of the Funds' investment company taxable income available to be distributed to its Shareholders as ordinary income. If section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Funds would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, or distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a return of capital to Shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend, reducing each Shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Funds may invest in shares of foreign corporations that may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets, or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. If the Funds receive a so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Funds themselves may be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding income is distributed by the Funds to Shareholders. In general, under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which the Funds held the PFIC shares. The Funds will themselves be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares are treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
The Funds may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC shares. Under an election that currently is available in some circumstances, the Funds would be required to include in their gross income their share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether distributions were received from the PFIC in a given year. If this election were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. In addition, another election would involve marking to market the Funds' PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year, with the result that unrealized gains would be treated as though they were realized and reported as ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of PFIC shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years.
YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields on each Fund's Shares are computed by dividing the net investment income per share (as described below) earned by the Fund during a 30-day (or one month) period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period and annualizing the result on a semi-annual basis by adding one to the quotient, raising the sum to the power of six, subtracting one from the result and then doubling the difference. The net investment income per share of a Fund earned during the period is based on the average daily number of Shares of that Fund outstanding during the period entitled to receive dividends and
includes dividends and interest earned during the period minus expenses accrued for the period, net of reimbursements. This calculation can be expressed as follows:
a - b
Yield = 2 [(cd + 1)exp(6) - 1]
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of Shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = maximum offering price per Share on the last day of the period.
For the purpose of determining net investment income earned during the period (variable "a" in the formula), dividend income on equity securities held by a Fund is recognized by accruing 1/360 of the stated dividend rate of the security each day that the security is held by the Fund. Interest earned on any debt obligations held by the Fund is calculated by computing the yield to maturity of each obligation held by the Fund based on the market value of the obligation (including actual accrued interest) at the close of business on the last Business Day of each month, or, with respect to obligations purchased during the month, the purchase price (plus actual accrued interest) and dividing the result by 360 and multiplying the quotient by the market value of the obligation (including actual accrued interest) in order to determine the interest income on the obligation for each day of the subsequent month that the obligation is held by the Fund. For purposes of this calculation, it is assumed that each month contains 30 days. The maturity of an obligation with a call provision is the next call date on which the obligation reasonably may be expected to be called or, if none, the maturity date. With respect to debt obligations purchased at a discount or premium, the formula generally calls for amortization of the discount or premium. The amortization schedule will be adjusted monthly to reflect changes in the market values of such debt obligations.
Undeclared earned income will be subtracted from the net asset value per share (variable "d" in the formula). Undeclared earned income is the net investment income which, at the end of the base period, has not been declared as a dividend, but is reasonably expected to be and is declared as a dividend shortly thereafter.
During any given 30-day period, the Adviser, Administrator or Distributor may voluntarily waive all or a portion of their fees with respect to a Fund. Such waiver would cause the yield of a Fund to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such a waiver.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Average annual total return is a measure of the change in value of an investment in a Fund over the period covered, which assumes any dividends or capital gains distributions are reinvested in Shares of that Fund immediately rather than paid to the investor in cash. A Fund computes the average annual total return by determining the average annual compounded rates of return during specified periods that equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such investment. This is done by dividing the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 initial payment by $1,000 and raising the quotient to a power equal to one divided by the number of years (or fractional portion
thereof) covered by the computation and subtracting one from the result. This calculation can be expressed as follows:
Average Annual
Total Return = [(ERV/P)exp(1/n)-1] Where: ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the period covered by the computation of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period. P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000. n = period covered by the computation, expressed in terms of years. |
The Funds compute their aggregate total return by determining the aggregate compounded rate of return during specified periods that likewise equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such investment. The formula for calculating aggregate total return is as follows:
Aggregate Total Return = [(ERV/P)-1]
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the period covered by the
computation of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the period.
P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
The calculations of average annual total return and aggregate total return assume the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions on the reinvestment dates during the period. The ending redeemable value (variable "ERV" in each formula) is determined by assuming complete redemption of the hypothetical investment and the deduction of all nonrecurring charges at the end of the period covered by the computations.
The Funds compute their average annual total return after taxes on distributions by determining the average annual compounded rates of return during specified periods that equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such investment after taxes on fund distributions but not after taxes on redemptions. This is done by dividing the ending redeemable value after taxes on fund distributions of a hypothetical $1,000 initial payment by $1,000 and raising the quotient to a power equal to one divided by the number of years (or fractional portion thereof) covered by the computation and subtracting one from the result. This calculation can be expressed as follows:
Average Annual Total Return After Taxes
(after taxes on distributions) = [(ATV(D)/P)exp(1/n)-1] Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000. n = number of years. ATV(D) = ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of such periods after taxes on fund distributions but not after taxes on redemption. |
The Funds compute their average annual total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions by determining the average annual compounded rates of return during specified periods that equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value of such investment after taxes on fund distributions and redemptions. This is done by dividing the ending redeemable value after taxes on fund distributions and redemptions of a hypothetical $1,000 initial payment by $1,000 and raising the quotient to a power equal to one divided by the number of years (or fractional portion thereof) covered by the computation and subtracting one from the result. This calculation can be expressed as follows:
Average Annual Total Return After Taxes
(after taxes on distributions and redemptions) = [(ATV(DR)/P)exp 1/n -1]
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000. n = number of years. ATV(DR) = ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of such periods, after taxes on fund distributions and redemption. |
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical 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 shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Performance Comparisons
Investors may analyze the performance of the Funds by comparing them to the performance of other mutual funds or mutual fund portfolios with comparable investment objectives and policies through various mutual fund or market indices such as those prepared by Dow Jones & Co., Inc. and Standard & Poor's Corporation and to data prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a widely recognized independent service which monitors the performance of mutual funds. Comparisons may also be made to indices or data published in Money Magazine, Forbes, Barron's, The Wall Street Journal, Morningstar, Inc., Ibbotson Associates, CDA/Wiesenberger, The New York Times, Business Week, USA Today and local periodicals. In addition to performance information, general information about these Funds that appears in a publication such as those mentioned above may be included in advertisements, sales literature and reports to shareholders. The Funds may also include in advertisements and reports to shareholders information discussing the performance of the Adviser in comparison to other investment advisers.
From time to time, the Group may include the following types of information
in advertisements, supplemental sales literature and reports to Shareholders:
(1) discussions of general economic or financial principles (such as the effects
of inflation, the power of compounding and the benefits of dollar cost
averaging); (2) discussions of general economic trends; (3) presentations of
statistical data to supplement such discussions; (4) descriptions of
past or anticipated portfolio holdings for one or more of the Funds within the
Group; (5) descriptions of investment strategies for one or more of such Funds;
(6) descriptions or comparisons of various investment products, which may or may
not include the Funds; (7) comparisons of investment products (including the
Funds) with relevant market or industry indices or other appropriate benchmarks;
(8) discussions of fund rankings or ratings by recognized rating organizations;
and (9) testimonials describing the experience of persons that have invested in
one or more of the Funds. The Group may also include calculations, such as
hypothetical compounding examples, which describe hypothetical investment
results in such communications. Such performance examples must state clearly
that they are based on an express set of assumptions and are not indicative of
the performance of any Fund.
Current yields or total return will fluctuate from time to time and may not be representative of future results. Accordingly, a Fund's yield or total return may not provide for comparison with bank deposits or other investments that pay a fixed return for a stated period of time. Yield and total return are functions of a Fund's quality, composition and maturity, as well as expenses allocated to such Fund.
Proxy Voting
The Board of Trustees of the Group has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (the "Group Policy"), pursuant to which the Trustees have delegated proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser and adopted the Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures (the "Policy") which are described below. The Trustees will review each Fund's proxy voting records from time to time and will annually consider approving the Policy for the upcoming year. In the event that a conflict of interest arises between a Fund's Shareholders and the Adviser or any of its affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund, the Adviser will generally refrain from voting the proxies related to the companies giving rise to such conflict until it consults with the Board of Trustees. A Committee of the Board with responsibility for proxy oversight will instruct the Adviser on the appropriate course of action.
The Policy is designed to promote accountability of a company's management to its shareholders and to align the interests of management with those of shareholders. The Adviser generally reviews each matter on a case-by-case basis in order to make a determination of how to vote in a manner that best serves the interests of Fund shareholders. The Adviser may abstain from voting from time to time where it determines that the costs associated with voting a proxy outweigh the benefits derived from exercising the right to vote. In addition, the Adviser will monitor situations that may result in a conflict of interest between a Fund's shareholders and the Adviser or any of its affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund by maintaining a list of significant existing and prospective corporate clients. Information on how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12 month period ended June 30th each year is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-282-8782, ext. 7050, (2) on the Funds' Form N-PX on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov., or (3) on the Funds' website at www.btim.com.
Disclosure of Fund Portfolio Holdings
The Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures for the public
and nonpublic disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities. A complete list of
the Funds' portfolio holdings is made publicly available on a quarterly basis
through filings made with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q and on the Funds'
website at www.btim.com. As a general matter, in order to protect the
confidentiality of the Funds' portfolio holdings, no information concerning the
portfolio holdings of the Funds may be disclosed to any unaffiliated third party
except: (1) to service providers that require such information in the course of
performing their duties (such as the Funds' custodian, fund accountants,
investment adviser, administrator, independent public accountants, attorneys,
officers and trustees and each of their respective affiliates and advisors) and
are subject to a duty of confidentiality; (2) in marketing materials, provided
that the information regarding the portfolio holdings contained therein is at
least fifteen days old; or (3) pursuant to certain enumerated exceptions that
serve a legitimate business purpose. These exceptions include: (1) disclosure of
portfolio holdings only after such information has been publicly disclosed, and
(2) to third-party vendors, such as Morningstar Investment Services, Inc. and
Lipper Analytical Services that (a) agree to not distribute the portfolio
holdings or results of the analysis to third parties, other departments or
persons who are likely to use the information for purposes of purchasing or
selling the Funds before the portfolio holdings or results of the analysis
become publicly available; and (b) sign a written confidentiality agreement, or
where the Board of Trustees has determined that the polices of the recipient are
adequate to protect the information that is disclosed. The confidentiality
agreement must provide, among other things, that the recipient of the portfolio
holdings information agrees to limit access to the portfolio information to its
employees (and agents) who, on a need to know basis, are (1) authorized to have
access to the portfolio holdings information and (2) subject to confidentiality
obligations, including duties not to trade on non-public information, no less
restrictive than the confidentiality obligations contained in the
confidentiality agreement. Such disclosures must be authorized by the President
or Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and shall be reported periodically to
the Board.
Neither the Funds nor the Adviser may enter into any arrangement providing for the disclosure of non-public portfolio holding information for the receipt of compensation or benefit of any kind. Any exceptions to the policies and procedures may only be made by the consent of a majority of the Board of Trustees upon a determination that such disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interests of the Funds. Any amendments to these policies and procedures must be approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Board may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio holdings information beyond those found in the policies and procedures, as necessary.
MISCELLANEOUS
Individual Trustees are generally elected by the Shareholders and, subject to removal by the vote of two-thirds of the Board of Trustees, serve for a term lasting until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected. Such meetings are not required to be held at any specific intervals.
The Group is registered with the Commission as an investment management company. Such registration does not involve supervision by the Commission of the management or policies of the Group.
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information are not an offering of the securities herein described in any state in which such offering may not lawfully be made. No salesperson, dealer, or other person is authorized to give any information or make any representation other than those contained in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of each Fund appearing in the Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, and are incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 22. EXHIBITS
(a)(1) Declaration of Trust(1)
(a)(2) Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares (Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund, and Walden Social Equity Fund)(3)
(a)(3) Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares
(Boston Trust Small Cap Fund)(8)
(b)(1) By-Laws(2)
(c) Certificates for Shares are not issued. Articles IV, V, VI and VII of the Declaration of Trust, previously filed as Exhibit (a) hereto, define rights of holders of Shares(1)
(d)(1) Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc.(7)
(d)(2) Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement(8)
(e)(1) Distribution Agreement between Registrant and BISYS Fund Services(7)
(e)(2) Amended Schedule A to the Distribution Agreement(8)
(e)(3) Form of Distribution Services Agreement - filed herewith
(f) Not Applicable
(g) Custody Agreement between Registrant and Boston Trust & Investment Management Company (formerly United States Trust Company of Boston)(3)
(h)(1) Administration Agreement between the Registrant and BISYS Fund Services(3)
(h)(2) Amended Schedule A to the Administration Agreement(8)
(h)(3) Fund Accounting Agreement between the Registrant and BISYS Fund Services(3)
(h)(4) Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Boston Trust & Investment Management Company(8)
(h)(5) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Boston Trust & Investment Management, Inc. - filed herewith
(h)(6) Shareholder Services Agreement(for the Boston Trust Small Cap Fund)(8)
(h)(7) Compliance Services Agreement between Registrant and BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. - filed herewith
(h)(8) Amendment to Compliance Services Agreement between Registrant and BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. - filed herewith
(i) Opinion and Consent - filed herewith
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - filed herewith
(k) Not Applicable
(l) Not Applicable
(m) Not Applicable
(n) Not Applicable
(o) Not Applicable
(p)(1) Code of Ethics of Registrant(6)
(p)(2) Code of Ethics of Foreside Distribution Services, LP -- filed herewith
(p)(3) Code of Ethics of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc.(5)
1. Filed with initial Registration Statement on January 8, 1992 and
incorporated by reference herein.
2. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 on September 4, 1992 and
incorporated by reference herein.
3. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 on June 18, 1999 and
incorporated by reference herein.
4. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 on June 30, 2000.
5. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 on August 1, 2002.
6. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 filed July 28, 2004.
7. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 filed on August 1, 2005.
8. Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 on December 16, 2005.
ITEM 23. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION
Article IV of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust states
as follows:
SECTION 4.3. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained
in paragraph
(b) below:
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against all liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof; and (ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Trustee or officer:
(i) against any liability to the Trust, a Series thereof, or the Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by a court or other body before which a proceeding was brought
that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;
(ii) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(iii) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) resulting in a payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there has been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office:
(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition; or (B) based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) by (1) vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office acts on the matter) or (2) written opinion of independent legal counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of such person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust other than Trustees and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(d) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this Section 4.3 may be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4.3, provided that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security provided by the recipient, or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or
(ii) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter
(provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acts on the matter) or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4.3, a "Disinterested Trustee" is one who is not (i) an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), or (ii) involved in the claim, action, suit or proceeding.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and therefore, is 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 trustees, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares 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 the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.
ITEM 25. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
(a) Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, is the investment adviser for the Funds. The business and other connections of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. are set forth in the Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration ("Form ADV") of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. as currently filed with the SEC which is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 26. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) Until August 1, 2007, BISYS Fund Services Limited Partnership ("BISYS" or the "Distributor") acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:
Allianz Variable Insurance Products Fund of Funds Trust
Allianz Variable Insurance Products Trust
American Independence Funds Trust
American Performance Funds
The Bjurman, Barry Funds
Commonwealth International Series Trust
The Coventry Group
The Coventry Funds Trust
Excelsior Funds, Inc.
Excelsior Funds Trust
Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc.
First Focus Funds, Inc.
Capital One Funds
Greenwich Advisors Trust
The Hirtle Callaghan Trust
HSBC Advisor Funds Trust
HSBC Investor Funds
Legacy Funds Group
Pacific Capital Funds
STI Classic Funds
STI Classic Variable Trust
The Blue Fund Group
Vintage Mutual Funds, Inc.
BISYS is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers. BISYS' main address is 100 SUMMER ST. 15TH FLOOR, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) Branch is at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219. BISYS is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The BISYS Group, Inc.
Effective August 1, 2007, Foreside Distribution Services L.P. ("Foreside") will act as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:
American Independence Funds Trust
The Bjurman, Barry Funds
Commonwealth International Series Trust
The Coventry Group
The Coventry Funds Trust
Excelsior Funds, Inc.
Excelsior Funds Trust
Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc.
First Focus Funds, Inc.
Capital One Funds
Greenwich Advisors Trust
The Hirtle Callaghan Trust
HSBC Advisor Funds Trust
HSBC Investor Funds
Legacy Funds Group
Pacific Capital Funds
STI Classic Funds
STI Classic Variable Trust
The Blue Fund Group
Vintage Mutual Funds, Inc.
Foreside is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers. Foreside's main address is 100 SUMMER ST. 15TH FLOOR, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) Branch is at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Foreside is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group LLC.
(b) Information about the Directors and Officers of BISYS are as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name Address Address -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian K. Bey 3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 President and Director -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elliot Dobin 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110 Secretary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew H. Byer 3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 Chief Compliance Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne A. Rose 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110 Assistant Chief Compliance Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James E. (Ed) Pike 3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 Financial and Operations Principal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Information about the Directors and Officers of Foreside are as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name Address Address -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian K. Bey 3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 President and Director -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elliot Dobin 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110 Secretary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew H. Byer 3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 Chief Compliance Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne A. Rose 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110 Assistant Chief Compliance Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James E. (Ed) Pike 3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 Financial and Operations Principal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(c) Not applicable
ITEM 27. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
(a) The accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules promulgated thereunder are in the possession of Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc., One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108 (records relating to its function as investment adviser); Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219 (records relating to its functions as administrator), Foreside Distribution Services, LP, 100 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110. (records relating to its role as distributor) and United States Trust Company of Boston, One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 (records relating to its function as custodian and transfer agent).
ITEM 28. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 29. UNDERTAKINGS
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Columbus in the state of Ohio on the 27th day of July, 2007.
THE COVENTRY GROUP
By: /s/ David Bunstine --------------------- David Bunstine, President |
By:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
Signature Title Date ----------- ------ ------ /s/Walter B. Grimm Trustee July 27, 2007 ------------------------ Walter B. Grimm* /s/ Diane E. Armstrong Trustee July 27, 2007 ------------------------ Diane E. Armstrong* /s/ Maurice G. Stark Trustee July 27, 2007 ------------------------ Maurice G. Stark* /s/ Michael M. Van Buskirk Trustee July 27, 2007 ------------------------ Michael M. Van Buskirk* /s/ James H. Woodward Trustee July 27, 2007 ------------------------ James H. Woodward* /s/ David Bunstine President July 27, 2007 ------------------------ (Principal Executive Officer) David Bunstine /s/ Linda A. Durkin Treasurer (Principal July 27, 2007 ------------------------ Linda A. Durkin Financial and Accounting Officer) |
By: /s/ Michael V. Wible ---------------------------------------- Michael V. Wible, as attorney-in-fact |
* Pursuant to power of attorney filed as Exhibit 22(q).
Exhibit Index
Exhibit ------- (e)(3) Form of Distribution Agreement (h)(5) Expense Limitation Agreement (h)(7) Compliance Services Agreement (h)(8) Amendment to Compliance Services Agreement (i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (p)(2) Code of Ethics of Foreside Distribution Services, LP (q) Power of Attorney |
Exhibit (e)(3)
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 1st day of August, 2007, between The Coventry Group (the "Trust"), having an office at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219 and Foreside Distribution Services, LP ("Distributor"), having an office at 100 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company, organized as a Massachusetts business trust and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, it is intended that Distributor act as the distributor of the shares of beneficial interest ("Shares") of each series of the Trust, as listed on Schedule A, and such series as are hereafter created (all of the foregoing series individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and collectively as the "Funds");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants herein set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services as Distributor.
1.1 Distributor will act as agent of Trust on behalf of each Fund for the distribution of the Shares covered by the registration statement of Trust then in effect under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and the 1940 Act. As used in this Agreement, the term "registration statement" shall mean the registration statement of the Trust and any amendments thereto, then in effect, including Parts A (the Prospectus), B (the Statement of Additional Information) and C of each registration statement, as filed on Form N-IA, or any successor thereto, with the Commission, together with any amendments thereto. The term "Prospectus" shall mean the then current form of Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information used by the Funds, in accordance with the rules of the Commission, for delivery to shareholders and prospective shareholders after the effective dates of the above-referenced registration statements, together with any amendments and supplements thereto.
1.2 Consistent with the understanding between the Funds and the Distributor, Distributor may solicit orders for the sale of the Shares and may undertake such advertising and promotion as it believes reasonable in connection with such solicitation. The Trust understands that Distributor is now and may in the future be the distributor of the shares of many other investment companies or series, including investment companies having investment objectives similar to those of the Trust. The Trust further understands that shareholders and potential shareholders in the Trust may invest in shares of such other investment companies. The Trust agrees that Distributor's duties to other investment companies shall not be deemed in conflict with its duties to the Trust under this Section 1.2.
1.3 Consistent with the understanding between the Funds and the Distributor, and subject to the last sentence of this Section 1.3, Distributor may engage in such activities as it deems appropriate in connection with the promotion and sale of the Shares, which may include advertising, compensation of underwriters, dealers and sales personnel, the printing and mailing of Prospectuses to prospective shareholders other than current shareholders, and the printing and mailing of sales literature. Distributor may enter into dealer agreements and other selling agreements with broker-dealers and other intermediaries; provided, however, that Distributor shall have no obligation to make any payments to any third parties, whether as finder's fees, compensation or otherwise, unless (i) Distributor has received a corresponding payment from the applicable Fund's Distribution Plan (as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement), the Fund's investment adviser (the "Adviser") or from another source as maybe permitted by applicable law, and (ii) such corresponding payment has been approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees.
1.4 In its capacity as distributor of the Shares, all activities of the Distributor and its partners, agents, and employees shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act, all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder, and all applicable rules and regulations adopted by any securities association registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
1.5 Whenever in their judgment such action is warranted by unusual market, economic or political conditions or by abnormal circumstances-of any kind, the Trust's officers may upon reasonable notice instruct the Distributor to decline to accept any orders for or make any sales of the Shares until such time as those officers deem it advisable to accept such orders and to make such sales.
1.6 The Trust agrees to inform the Distributor from time to time of the states in which the Fund or its administrator has registered or otherwise qualified shares for sale, and the Trust agrees at its own expense to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information and otherwise to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with the qualification of the Shares for sale in such states as the Distributor may designate.
1.7 The Trust shall furnish from time to time, for use in connection with the sale of the Shares, such supplemental information with respect to the Funds and the Shares as Distributor may reasonably request; and the Trust warrants that the statements contained in any such supplemental information will fairly show or represent what they purport to show or represent. The Trust shall also furnish Distributor upon request with: (a) unaudited semi-annual statements of the Funds' books and accounts prepared by the Trust, (b) a monthly itemized list of the securities in the Funds, (c) monthly balance sheets as soon as practicable after the end of each month, and (d) from time to time such additional information regarding the financial condition of the Funds as the Distributor may reasonably request.
1.8 The Trust represents and warrants to Distributor that all registration statements, and each Prospectus, filed by the Trust with the Commission under the
Securities Act and the 1940 Act shall be prepared in conformity with requirements of said Acts and rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. The registration statement and Prospectus shall contain all statements required to be stated therein in conformity with said Acts and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and all statements of fact contained in any such registration statement and Prospectus are true and correct in all material respects. Furthermore, neither any registration statement nor any Prospectus includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading to a purchaser of the Shares. The foregoing representations and warranties shall continue throughout the tern of this Agreement and be deemed to be of a continuing nature, applicable to all Shares distributed hereunder. The Trust may, but shall not be obligated to, propose from time to time such amendment or amendments to any registration statement and such supplement or supplements to any Prospectus as, in the light of future developments, may, in the opinion of the Trust's counsel, be necessary or advisable. If the Trust shall not propose any amendment or amendments and/or supplement or supplements within fifteen days after receipt by the Trust of a written request from Distributor to do so, Distributor may, at its option, terminate this Agreement. In such case, the Distributor will be held harmless from, and indemnified by Trust for, any liability or loss resulting from the failure to implement such amendment. The Trust shall not file any amendment to any registration statement or supplement to any Prospectus without giving Distributor reasonable notice thereof in advance; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Trust's right to file at any time such amendments to any registration statement and/or supplements to any Prospectus, of whatever character, as the Trust may deem advisable, such right being in all respects absolute and unconditional.
1.9 The Trust authorizes the Distributor and dealers to use any Prospectus in the form furnished by the Trust from time to time in connection with the sale of the Shares.
1.10 The Distributor may utilize agents in its performance of its services and, with prior notice to the Trust, appoint in writing other parties qualified to perform specific administration services reasonably acceptable to the Trust (individually, a "SubAgent") to carry out some or all of its responsibilities under this Agreement; provided, however, that a Sub-Agent shall be the agent of the Distributor and not the agent of the Trust, and that the Distributor shall be fully responsible for the acts of such Sub-Agent and shall not be relieved of any of its responsibilities hereunder by the appointment of a Sub-Agent.
1.11 The Distributor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Distributor's part in the performance of its duties, from reckless disregard by the Distributor of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or from the Distributor's failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations applicable to it in connection with its activities hereunder. The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Distributor, its officers, partners, employees, and any person who controls
the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act (collectively, "Distributor Indemnitees"), 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) (collectively, "Claims") which the Distributor Indemnitees may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise (a) as the result of the Distributor acting as distributor of the Funds and entering into selling agreements, participation agreements, shareholder servicing agreements or similar agreements with financial intermediaries on behalf of the Trust; (b) arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact contained in 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 therein not misleading, or (iii) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact in any Trust-related advertisement or sales literature, or any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated therein to make the statements therein not misleading, in either case notwithstanding the exercise of reasonable care in the preparation or review thereof by the Distributor; or (c) arising out of or based upon the electronic processing of orders over the internet at the Trust's request; provided, however, that the Trust's agreement to indemnify the Distributor Indemnitees pursuant to this Section 1.11 shall not be construed to cover any Claims (A) pursuant to subsection (b) above to the extent such untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission, or alleged omission, was furnished in writing, or omitted from the relevant writing furnished, as the case may be, to the Trust by the Distributor for use in the registration statement or in corresponding statements made in the Prospectus, advertisement or sales literature; (B) arising out of or based upon the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence of the Distributor in the performance of its duties or the Distributor's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; or (C) arising out of or based upon the Distributor's failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations applicable to it in connection with its activities hereunder.
In the event of a Claim for which the Distributor Indemnitees may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, the Distributor shall provide the Trust with written notice of the Claim, identifying the persons against whom such Claim is brought, promptly following receipt of service of the summons or other first legal process, and in any event within ten (10) days of such receipt. The Trust will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such Claim if such defense shall be conducted by counsel of good standing chosen by the Trust and approved by the Distributor, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event any such suit is not based solely on an alleged untrue statement, omission, or wrongful act on the Trust's part, the Distributor shall have the right to participate in the defense. In the event the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain counsel of good standing so approved by the Distributor, the Distributor Indemnitees in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them, but in any case where the Trust does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit or in case the Distributor reasonably withholds approval of counsel chosen by the Trust, the Trust will reimburse the Distributor Indemnitees named as defendants in such suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them to the extent related to a Claim covered under
this Section 1.11. The Trust's indemnification agreement contained in this
Section 1.11 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of
any investigation made by or on behalf of the Distributor Indemnitees, and shall
survive the delivery of any Shares.
1.12 The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust, its officers, Trustees, employees, and any person who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act (collectively, Trust Indemnitees), from and against any and all Claims which the Trust Indemnitees may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (a) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact contained in any registration statement, Prospectus, or Trust-related advertisement or sales literature, or upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in such materials that would be necessary to make the information therein not misleading, which untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission, or alleged omission, was furnished in writing, or omitted from the relevant writing furnished, as the case may be, to the Trust by the Distributor for use in the registration statement or in corresponding statements made in the Prospectus, or advertisement or sales literature; (b) the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence of the Distributor in the performance of its duties, or the Distributor's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (c) the Distributor's failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations applicable to it in connection with its activities hereunder (other than in respect of Trust-related advertisements or sales literature that fails to comply with applicable laws notwithstanding the exercise of reasonable care in the preparation and review thereof by the Distributor).
In the event of a Claim for which the Trust Indemnitees may be entitled to
indemnification hereunder, the Trust shall provide the Distributor with written
notice of the Claim, identifying the persons against whom such Claim is brought,
promptly following receipt of service of the summons or other first legal
process, and in any event within ten (10) days of such receipt. The Distributor
will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such
Claim if such defense shall be conducted by counsel of good standing chosen by
the Distributor and approved by the Trust, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld. In the event any such suit is not based solely on an
alleged untrue statement, omission, or wrongful act on the Distributor's part,
the Trust shall have the right to participate in the defense. In the event the
Distributor elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain counsel of
good standing so approved by the Trust, the Trust Indemnitees in such suit shall
bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them,
but in any case where the Distributor does not elect to assume the defense of
any such suit or in case the Trust reasonably withholds approval of counsel
chosen by the Distributor, the Distributor will reimburse the Trust Indemnitees
named as defendants in such suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any
counsel retained by them to the extent related to a Claim covered under this
Section 1.12. The Distributor's indemnification agreement contained in this
Section 1.12 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of
any investigation made by or on behalf of the Trust Indemnitees, and shall
survive the delivery of any Shares.
1.13 No Shares shall be offered by either the Distributor or the Trust under any of the provisions of this Agreement and no orders for the purchase or sale of Shares hereunder shall be accepted by the Trust if and so long as the effectiveness of the registration statement then in effect or any necessary amendments thereto shall be suspended under any of the provisions of the Securities Act or if and so long as a current Prospectus as required by Section 10(b )(2) of said Act is not on file with the Commission; provided, however, that: (a) the Distributor will not be obligated to cease offering shares until it has received from the Trust written notice of such events, and (b) nothing contained in this Section 1.13 shall in any way restrict or have an application to or bearing upon the Trust's obligation to repurchase Shares from any shareholder in accordance with the provisions of the Trust's Prospectus, Agreement and Declaration of Trust, or Bylaws.
1.14 The Trust agrees to advise the Distributor as soon as reasonably practical by a notice in writing delivered to the Distributor:
(a) of any request by the Commission for amendments to the registration statement or Prospectus then in effect or for additional information;
(b) in the event of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement or Prospectus then in effect or the initiation by service of process on the Trust of any proceeding for that purpose;
(c) of the happening of any event that makes untrue any statement of a material fact made in the registration statement or Prospectus then in effect or which requires the making of a change in such registration statement or Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and
(d) of any action of the Commission with respect to any amendment to any registration statement or Prospectus which may from time to time be filed with the Commission, which could reasonably be expected to have a material negative impact upon the offering of Shares.
For purposes of this section, informal requests by or acts of the Staff of the Commission shall not be deemed actions of or requests by the Commission unless they would reasonably be expected to have a material negative impact upon the offering of Shares.
2. Fees.
2.1 Attached as Schedule B to this Agreement are all plans of distribution under Rule 12b-l under the 1940 Act approved by the Funds and in effect (collectively, the "Distribution Plan"). The Funds will deliver to Distributor promptly after any changes thereto updated copies of the Distribution Plan. For its services under this Agreement, the Distributor shall be compensated as set forth on Schedules C and D to this Agreement. If the Funds have a Distribution Plan that permits them to compensate the Distributor and required board approvals have been given, then the Funds shall be responsible for all such compensation or such portions of it as have been authorized under the Distribution Plan. If the Funds are not authorized to compensate the Distributor in full in accordance with Schedules C and D, then the Adviser shall agree with the Distributor in a separate instrument that the Adviser shall compensate the Distributor in accordance with Schedules C and D to the extent that the Funds are not so authorized. The fees set forth on Schedules C and D are subject to change by Distributor upon 30 days advance notice.
2.2 If: (i) the Distributor properly receives fees from the Funds under the Distribution Plan, other than for services rendered or expenses incurred, that the Distributor is not obligated to pay to third party broker-dealers, plan administrators or others ("Retained Fees"), and (ii) the Funds have authority under the Distribution Plan to pay for some or all of the Distributor's services under this Agreement ("Permitted Services"), then all of the Retained Fees will either be (a) returned to the funds and/or (b) credited against the compensation payable by the funds to the Distributor for Permitted Services; provided, however, that in no event shall any Retained Fees be applied in a manner that results in a reduction of any obligation of the Adviser to compensate the Distributor for services under this Distribution Agreement.
3. Sale and Payment.
3.1 Shares of a Fund may be subject to a sales load and may be subject to the imposition of a distribution fee pursuant to the Distribution Plan referred to above. To the extent that Shares of a Fund are sold at an offering price which includes a sales load or subject to a contingent deferred sales load with respect to certain redemptions (either within a single class of Shares or pursuant to two or more classes of Shares), such Shares shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as "Load Shares" (and in the case of Shares that are sold with a front-end sales load, "Front-end Load Shares", or Shares that are sold subject to a contingent deferred sales load, "CDSL Shares"). Funds that issue Front-End Load Shares shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as "Front-End Load Funds." Funds that issue CDSL Shares shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as "CDSL Funds." Front-end Load Funds and CDSL Funds may individually or collectively be referred as "Load Funds." Under this Agreement, the following provisions shall apply with respect to the sale of, and payment for, Load Shares.
3.2 The Distributor shall have the right to offer Load Shares at their net asset value and to sell such Load Shares to the public against orders therefor at the applicable public offering price, as defined in Section 4 hereof. The Distributor shall also have the right to sell Load Shares to dealers against orders therefor at the public offering price less a concession determined by the Distributor, which concession shall not exceed the amount of the sales charge or underwriting discount, if any, referred to in Section 4 below.
3.3 Prior to the time of delivery of any Load Shares by a Load Fund to, or on the order of, the Distributor, the Distributor shall payor cause to be paid to the Load Fund or to its order an amount in New York cleared funds equal to the applicable net asset value of such Shares. The Distributor may retain so much of any sales charge or underwriting discount as is not allowed by the Distributor as a concession to dealers.
4. Public Offering Price.
The public offering price of a Load Share shall be the net asset value of such Load Share next determined, plus any applicable sales charge, all as set forth in the current Prospectus of the Load Fund. The net asset value of Load Shares shall be determined in accordance with the then-current Prospectus of the Load Fund.
5. Issuance of Shares.
The Trust reserves the right to issue, transfer or sell Load Shares at net asset values (a) in connection with the merger or consolidation of the Trust or the Load Fund(s) with any other investment company or the acquisition by the Trust or the Load Fund(s) of all or substantially all of the assets or of the outstanding Shares of any other investment company; (b) in connection with a pro rata distribution directly to the holders of Shares in the nature of a stock dividend or split; (c) upon the exercise of subscription rights granted to the holders of Shares on a pro rata basis; (d) in connection with the issuance of Load Shares pursuant to any exchange and reinvestment privileges described in any then-current Prospectus of the Load Fund; and ( e) otherwise in accordance with any then-current Prospectus of the Load Fund.
6. Term, Duration and Termination.
This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Fund as of the date first written above (the "Effective Date") (or, if a particular Fund is not in existence on such date, on the earlier of the date an amendment to Schedule A to this Agreement relating to that Fund is executed or the Distributor begins providing services under this Agreement with respect to such Fund) and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, shall continue through February 29, 2008. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue with respect to a particular Fund automatically for successive one-year terms, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of the Trust's Board of Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting for the purpose of voting on such approval and (b) by the vote of the Trust's Board of Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund. This Agreement is terminable without penalty with sixty days' prior written
notice, by the Trust's Board of Trustees, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, or by the Distributor. This Agreement will also terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities," "interested persons" and "assignment" shall have the same meaning as ascribed to such terms in the 1940 Act.)
7. Privacy.
Nonpublic personal financial information relating to consumers or customers of the Funds provided by, or at the direction of, the Trust to the Distributor, or collected or retained by the Distributor to perform its duties as distributor, shall be considered confidential information. The Distributor shall not disclose or otherwise use any nonpublic personal financial information relating to present or former shareholders of the Funds other than for the purposes for which that information was disclosed to the Distributor, including use under an exception in Rules 13, 14 or 15 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-P in the ordinary course of business to carry out those purposes. The Distributor 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 consumers and customers of the Funds. The Trust represents to the Distributor that it has adopted a Statement of its privacy policies and practices as required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-P and agrees to provide the Distributor with a copy of that statement annually.
8. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance.
8.1 Each of Distributor and the Trust acknowledges that it is a financial institution subject to the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the Bank Secrecy Act (collectively, the "AML Acts"), which require, among other things, that financial institutions adopt compliance programs to guard against money laundering. Each represents and warrants to the other that it is in compliance with and will continue to comply with the AML Acts and applicable regulations in all relevant respects. The Distributor shall also provide written notice to each person or entity with which it entered an'-agreement prior to the date hereof with respect to sale of the Trust's Shares, such notice informing such person of anti-money laundering compliance obligations applicable to financial institutions under applicable laws and, consequently, under applicable contractual provisions requiring compliance with laws.
8.2 The Distributor shall include specific contractual provisions regarding anti-money laundering compliance obligations in agreements entered into by the Distributor with any dealer that is authorized to effect transactions in Shares of the Trust.
8.3 Each of Distributor and the Trust agrees that it will take such further steps, and cooperate with the other as may be reasonably necessary, to facilitate compliance with the AML Acts, including but not limited to the provision of copies of its written procedures, policies and controls related thereto ("AML Operations"). Distributor undertakes that it will grant to the Trust, the Trust's anti-money laundering compliance officer and regulatory agencies, reasonable access to copies of Distributor's AML Operations, books and records
pertaining to the Trust only. It is expressly understood and agreed that the Trust and the Trust's compliance officer shall have no access to any of Distributor's AML Operations, books or records pertaining to other clients of Distributor.
9. Notices.
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with such notice at the following address: if to the Trust, to it at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219 Attention: President, The Coventry Group; and if to Distributor, to it at 100 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Attn: Broker Dealer Chief Compliance Officer, or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party pursuant to this Section.
10. Confidentiality.
During the term of this Agreement, the Distributor and the Adviser may have
access to confidential information relating to such matters as either party's
business, trade secrets, systems, procedures, manuals, products, contracts,
personnel, and clients. As used in this Agreement, "Confidential Information"
means information belonging to the Distributor or the Adviser which is of value
to such party and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other
disadvantage to either party, including, without limitation, financial
information, business practices and policies, know-how, trade secrets, market or
sales information or plans, customer lists, business plans, and all provisions
of this Agreement. Confidential Information includes information developed by
either party in the course of engaging in the activities provided for in this
Agreement, unless: (i) the information is or becomes publicly known without
breach of this Agreement, (ii) the information is disclosed to the other party
by a third party not under an obligation confidentiality to the party whose
Confidential Information is at issue of which the party receiving the
information should reasonably be aware, or (iii) the information is
independently developed by a party without reference to the other's Confidential
Information. Each party will protect the other's Confidential Information with
at least the same degree of care it uses with respect to its own Confidential
Information, and will not use the other party's Confidential Information other
than in connection with its duties and obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a party may disclose the other's Confidential Information if (i)
required by law, regulation or legal process or if requested by any Agency; (ii)
it is advised by counsel that it may incur liability for failure to make such
disclosure; (iii) requested to by the other party; provided that in the event of
(i) or (ii) the disclosing party shall give the other party reasonable prior
notice of such disclosure to the extent reasonably practicably and cooperate
with the other party (at such other party's expense) in any efforts to prevent
such disclosure.
10. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
11. Prior Agreements
This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement of the parties as to the subject matter covered by this Agreement, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing upon the subject matter covered by this Agreement.
12. Amendments
No amendment to this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by both parties hereto.
13. Matters Relating to the Trust as a Massachusetts Business Trust
It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees, and this Agreement has been signed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such authorization by the Trustees nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust as provided in the Trust's Declaration of Trust.
* * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first written above.
The Coventry Group
Foreside Distribution Services, LP
SCHEDULE A
FUNDS
Boston Trust Balanced Fund
Boston Trust Equity Fund
Boston Trust Small Cap Fund
Walden Social Balanced Fund
Walden Social Equity Fund
SCHEDULE B
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
This Plan (the "Plan") constitutes the distribution and shareholder service plan of The Coventry Group, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-l under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Plan relates to those investment portfolios ("Funds") identified on Schedule A to the Trust's Distribution Agreement and as amended from time to time (the "Distribution Plan Funds").
SECTION 1. Each Distribution Plan Fund shall pay to Foreside Distribution Services, LP, the distributor (the "Distributor") of the Funds' shares of beneficial interest (the "Shares") a fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis .25% of the average daily net asset value of such Fund (the "12b-l Fee") for: (i) (a) efforts of the Distributor expended in respect of or in furtherance of sales of Shares, and (b) to enable the Distributor to make payments to banks and other institutions and broker/dealers (a "Participating organization") for distribution assistance pursuant to an agreement with the Participating organization; (ii) reimbursement of expenses (a) incurred by the Distributor, and (b) incurred by a Participating organization pursuant to an agreement in connection with distribution assistance including, but not limited to, the reimbursement of expenses relating to printing and distributing prospectuses to persons other than Shareholders of such Distribution Plan Fund, printing and distributing advertising and sales literature and reports to Shareholders for use in connection with the sales of Shares, processing purchase, exchange and redemption request from customers and placing orders with the Distributor or the Distribution Plan Fund's transfer agent, and personnel and communication equipment used in servicing Shareholder accounts and prospective shareholder inquiries; (iii) (a) efforts of the Distributor expended in servicing shareholders holding Shares, and (b) to enable the Distributor to make payments to a Participating organization for shareholder services pursuant to an agreement with the Participating organization; and (iv) reimbursement of expenses (a) incurred by the Distributor, and (b) incurred by a Participating organization pursuant to' an agreement in connection with shareholder service including, but not limited to, personal, continuing services to investors in the Shares of such Distribution Plan Fund, and providing office space, equipment, telephone facilities and various personnel including clerical, supervisory and computer, as is necessary or beneficial in connection therewith.
For purposes of the Plan, a Participating organization may include the Distributor or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.
SECTION 2. The 12b-1 Fee shall be paid by the Distribution Plan Funds to the Distributor only to compensate or to reimburse the Distributor for payments or expenses incurred pursuant to Section 1.
SECTION 3. The Plan shall not take effect with respect to a Distribution Plan Fund until it has been approved by a vote of the initial shareholder of such Fund.
SECTION 4. The Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority (or whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b) of the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of both (a) the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) the Independent Trustees of the Trust cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan or such agreement.
SECTION 5. The Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one
year after it takes effect only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually in the manner provided for approval of the Plan in
Section 4.
SECTION 6. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Distribution Plan Funds pursuant to the Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
SECTION 7. The Plan may be terminated at any time as to a Distribution Plan Fund by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of a Distribution Plan Fund's outstanding voting securities.
SECTION 8. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of the Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to the Plan shall provide:
(a) That such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Distribution Plan Fund, on not more than 60 days' written notice to any other party to the agreement; and
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
SECTION 9. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution expenses permitted pursuant to Section 1 hereof without approval in the manner provided in Section 3 hereof, and all material amendments to the Plan shall be approved in the manner provided for approval of the Plan in Section 4.
SECTION 10. As used in the Plan, (a) the term "Independent Trustees" shall mean those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the terms "assignment", "interested person" and "majority of the outstanding voting securities" shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SCHEDULE C COMPENSATION OF
THE DISTRIBUTOR
1. BASIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICES. For providing the distribution entity and related infrastructure and platform, including requisite registrations and qualifications, premises, personnel, compliance, ordinary fund board meeting preparation, maintenance of selling agreements, clearance of advertising and sales literature with regulators, filing appropriate documentation for advisory representatives to qualify as registered representatives of the Distributor (provided that the Adviser is solely responsible for its representatives' meeting examination requirements) and their related registrations and fees, ordinary supervisory services, overhead, Financial Research Corporation's Mutual Fund Views on the News and Monitor publications, and return on investment, the Distributor shall receive an annual fee of$18,750, billed monthly.
2. SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION SERVICES. For special distribution services, including those set forth on Schedule D to this Agreement, such as additional personnel, registrations, marketing services, printing and fulfillment, website services, proprietary distribution expertise for particular circumstances, and any other services in addition to the basic distribution services covered by Paragraph 1 above, the Distributor shall be reimbursed promptly upon invoicing its expenses for such services, including: (a) all costs to support additional personnel; (b) regulatory fees including NASD CRD costs associated with marketing materials; and (c) printing, postage and fulfillment costs, and (d) amounts payable under additional agreements to which Distributor is a party.
3. SPECIAL CONDUIT SITUATIONS. If the Distribution Plan, or any other Fund plans of distribution under Rule 12b-1 that contemplate up front and/or recurring commission and/or service payments to broker dealers, retirement plan administrators or others by the Distributor with respect to back-end loads, level loads, or otherwise, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing between the parties, all such payments shall be made to the Distributor, which shall act as a conduit for making such payments to such brokerdealers, retirement plan administrators or others.
4. OTHER PAYMENTS BY THE DISTRIBUTOR. If the Distributor is required to make any payments to third parties in respect of distribution, which payments are contemplated by the parties to the distribution agreement or otherwise arise in the ordinary course of business, the Distributor shall be promptly reimbursed for such payments upon invoicing them.
5. FEE ADJUSTMENTS. The fixed fees and other fees expressed as stated dollar amounts in this Schedule C and in this Agreement are subject to annual increases, commencing on the one-year anniversary date of the date of this Agreement, in an amount equal to the percentage increase in consumer prices for services as measured by the United States Consumer Price Index entitled "All Services Less Rent of Shelter," or a similar index should such index no longer be published, since such one-year anniversary or since the date of the last fee increase, as applicable.
SCHEDULE D
SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AND FEES
Services Fees --------------- --------------- [TO BE UPDATED] [TO BE UPDATED] |
Expenses Applicable to Special Distribution Services
Except as expressly set forth above, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Distributor in the performance of its services under this Agreement are not included in the above fees. Such out-of-pocket expenses may include, without limitation:
- reasonable travel and entertainment costs;
- expenses incurred by the Distributor in qualifying, registering and maintaining the registration of the Distributor and each individual comprising Wholesaling Personnel as a registered representative of the Distributor under applicable federal and state laws and rules of the NASD, e.g., CRD fees and state fees;
- sponsorships, Promotions, Sales Incentives;
- any and all compensation to be paid to a third party as paying agent for distribution activities (platform fees, finders fees, sub-TA fees, 12b-I pass thru, commissions, etc.);
- costs and expenses incurred for telephone service, photocopying and office supplies;
- advertising costs;
- costs for printing, paper stock and costs of other materials, electronic transmission, courier, talent utilized in sales materials (e.g. models), design output, photostats, photography, and illustrations;
- packaging, shipping, postage, and photocopies; and
- taxes that are paid or payable by the Distributor or its affiliates in connection with its services hereunder, other than taxes customarily and actually imposed upon the income that the Distributor receives hereunder.
Exhibit (h)(5)
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 14, 2007, is made and entered into by and between The Coventry Group, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), on behalf of each of the investment series set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (each a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds"), and Boston Trust Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser").
WHEREAS, the Adviser has been appointed the investment adviser of each of the Funds pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser dated September 30, 2004 (the "Advisory Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Adviser desire to enter into the arrangements described herein relating to certain expenses of the Funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust and the Adviser hereby agree as follows:
1. The Adviser agrees, subject to Section 2 hereof, to reduce the fees payable to it under the Advisory Agreement (but not below zero) and/or reimburse other expenses of the Funds, to the extent necessary to limit the total operating expenses of each Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs, interest, taxes, dividends, litigation, indemnification, expenses associated with the investments in underlying investment companies and extraordinary expenses (as determined under generally accepted principles) ("Operating Expenses")), to the amount of the "Maximum Operating Expense Limit" applicable to each Fund as set forth across from the name of each respective Fund on the attached Schedule A.
2. Each Fund agrees to pay to the Adviser the amount of fees (including any
amounts foregone through limitation or reimbursed pursuant to Section 1 hereof)
that, but for Section 1 hereof, would have been payable by the Fund to the
Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement or which have been reimbursed in
accordance with Section 1 (the "Deferred Fees"), subject to the limitations
provided in this Section. Such repayment shall be made monthly, but only if the
operating expenses of the Fund (exclusive of Operating Expenses), without regard
to such repayment, are at an annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily
net assets of the Fund) equal to or less than the "Maximum Operating Expense
Limit" for the Fund, as set forth on Schedule A. Furthermore, the amount of
Deferred Fees paid by a Fund in any month shall be limited so that the sum of
(a) the amount of such payment and (b) the other operating expenses of the Fund
(exclusive of Operating Expenses) do not exceed the above-referenced "Maximum
Operating Expense Limit" for such Fund.
Deferred Fees with respect to any fiscal year of a Fund shall not be payable by the Fund to the extent that the amounts payable by the Fund pursuant to the preceding paragraph during the period ending three years after the end of such fiscal year are not sufficient to pay such Deferred Fees. In no event will a Fund be obligated to pay any fees waived or deferred by the Adviser with respect to any other series of the Trust.
3. This Agreement shall automatically renew effective February 14 of every year, until such time as the Adviser provides written notice of non-renewal to the Trust. Such annual renewal will have the effect of extending this Agreement for an additional one-year term. Any notice of non-renewal of this Agreement shall be prospective only, and shall not affect the Adviser's or the Trust's existing obligations under this Agreement.
4. A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed by the Trust on behalf of the Fund by an officer of the Trust as an officer and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property belonging to the Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
THE COVENTRY GROUP BOSTON TRUST INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. By: /s/ R. Jeffrey Young By: /s/ Lucia Santini --------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Name: R. Jeffrey Young Name: Lucia Santini ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Title: President Title: Director ------------------------------ --------------------------------- |
Dated as of: February 14, 2007 |
SCHEDULE A
TO THE EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COVENTRY GROUP AND
BOSTON TRUST INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
OPERATING EXPENSE LIMITS
Fund Name Maximum Operating Expense Limit* ---------- -------------------------------- Boston Balanced Fund 1.00% Boston Equity Fund 1.00% Boston Trust Small Cap Fund 1.25% Walden Social Balanced Fund 1.00% Walden Social Equity Fund 1.00% |
Exhibit (h)(7)
COMPLIANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT effective as of the 27th day of September, 2004, between Coventry Group (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, and BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, me. ("BISYS"), an Ohio corporation having its principal place of business at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
WHEREAS, the Trust is a registered investment company, and will become subject to the requirements of Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, which requires each registered investment company to adopt policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent it from violating the federal securities laws;
WHEREAS, BISYS performs certain management and administration services for the Trust under an administration agreement between BISYS and the Trust (the "Administration Agreement");
WHEREAS, BISYS offers compliance services through its ComplianceEDGE program, which may be tailored to create a compliance program for the Trust;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that BISYS provide its Compliance EDGE program services in connection with the institution of a more comprehensive compliance program for the Trust;
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform the services enumerated in this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, BISYS and the Trust wish to enter into this Agreement in order to set forth the terms under which BISYS will perform the services enumerated herein on behalf of the Trust, and to supplement and clarify certain provisions of the Administration Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants herein contained, the Trust and BISYS hereby agree as follows:
1. Compliance Services.
(a) The parties mutually agree to coordinate and cooperate in connection with the creation and implementation of written compliance polices and procedures which, in the aggregate, shall be deemed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") to be reasonably designed to prevent the Trust from violating the provisions of the Federal securities laws applicable to the Trust (the "Applicable Securities Laws"), as required under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
(b) The Trust agrees to provide BISYS with copies of its current compliance policies and procedures and furnish (and cause its investment advisers and other service providers to furnish) all such additional information as may reasonably relate to the
design and implementation of the Fund Compliance Program. Such additional information shall include compliance and related information pertaining to the investment adviser and any other service providers to the Trust other than BISYS. BISYS shall review and evaluate all such existing information and coordinate the creation of a written document or documents designed to embody the overall fund compliance program and the oversight of the compliance programs of the service providers to the Trust as provided in Rule 38a-1 ("Service Providers"). Drafts shall be prepared by BISYS in consultation with the Trust and its counsel and shall be submitted for review and comment. Upon approval by the Board, such documents or documents shall become effective as the fund compliance program required under Rule 38a-l (as amended from time to time upon the approval of the Board, the "Fund Compliance Program").
(c) BISYS will provide the following services in relation to the Fund Compliance Program during the term of this Agreement: (i) make an individual available to serve as the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer to administer the Fund Compliance Program, to the extent provided in Section 3(a) below; (ii) assist the Trust in developing and implementing the written policies and procedures comprising the Fund Compliance Program, as contemplated above and as may be necessary in connection with amendments from time to time; (iii) assist the Trust in the preparation and evaluation of the results of annual reviews of the compliance policies and procedures of Service Providers; (iv) provide support services to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust, including support for conducting an annual review of the Fund Compliance Program; (v) assist in developing standards for reports to the Board by BISYS and other Service Providers; (vi) assist in developing standards for reports to the Board by the Chief Compliance Officer; and (vi) assist in preparing or providing documentation for the Board to make findings and conduct reviews pertaining to the Fund Compliance Program and compliance programs and related policies and procedures of Service Providers.
2. Other Services.
(a) Sub-Certifications. To assist the Trust in connection with its obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Rule 30a-2 under the 1940 Act, and related laws (collectively, "Sarbanes-Oxley"), BISYS will internally establish and maintain its own controls and procedures designed to ensure that information recorded, processed, summarized, or reported by BISYS on behalf of the Trust and included in the Trust's reports on Form N-CSR and any other reports required to be certified pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley (collectively, "Reports") is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by BISYS within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms and the trust's disclosure and control procedures (the "Trust DCPs"), and (ii) communicated to the relevant officers of the Trust who are required to certify Reports under Sarbanes-Oxley ("Certifying Officers"), in a manner consistent with the Trust DCPs.
Solely for the purpose of providing a Certifying Officer with a basis for his or her certification of any Report, BISYS will (i) provide a sub-certification with respect to BISYS' services during any fiscal period in which BISYS served as a financial
administrator to the Trust consistent with the requirements of the certification required under Sarbanes-Oxley and/or (ii) inform the Certifying Officers of any reason why all or part of such required certification would be inaccurate. In rendering any such sub certification, BISYS may (i) limit its representations to information prepared, processed and reported by BISYS; (ii) rely upon and assume the accuracy of the information provided by officers (other than employees or officers of BISYS) and other authorized agents of the Trust, including all other Service Providers, and compliance by such officers and agents with the Trust DCPs; and (iii) assume that the Trust has selected appropriate accounting policies for the Fund(s).
The Trust shall assist and cooperate with BISYS (and shall cause its officers and other Service Providers to assist and cooperate with BISYS) to facilitate the delivery of information requested by BISYS in connection with the preparation of any Report, so that BISYS may submit a draft of such Report to the Trust's DCP Committee prior to the date it is to be filed.
3. Provision of Executive Officers
(a) Provision of Chief Compliance Officer. At the election of the Trust, in
connection with the compliance services to be rendered by BISYS pursuant to
Section I above, and subject to the provisions of this Section 3(a) and to
Section 3(d) below, BISYS agrees to make available to the Trust a person to
serve as the Trust's chief compliance officer responsible for administering the
Fund Compliance Program as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of Rule 38a-l (the
"Chief Compliance Officer"). BISYS' obligation in this regard shall be met by
providing an appropriately qualified employee or agent of BISYS (or its
affiliates) who, in the exercise of his or her duties to the Trust, shall act in
good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by him or her to be in the best
interests of the Trust. In the event that the employment relationship or
independent contractor agency relationship between BISYS and any person made
available by BISYS to serve as Chief Compliance Officer terminates for any
reason, BISYS shall have no further responsibility to provide the services of
that particular person, and shall have no responsibility whatsoever for the
services to the Trust or other activities of such person provided or occurring
after such termination regardless of whether or not the Board terminates such
person as Chief Compliance Officer. In such event, upon the request of the
Trust, BISYS will employ reasonable good faith efforts to make another person
available to serve as the Chief Compliance Officer.
In connection with BISYS' commitment to make an appropriately qualified person available to serve as Chief Compliance Officer, BISYS shall pay a level of total compensation to such person as is consistent with BISYS' compensation of employees having similar duties, similar seniority, and working at the same or similar geographical 10cation.BISYS shall not be obligated to pay any compensation to a Chief Compliance Officer which exceeds that set forth in the previous sentence.
The Trust will provide copies of the Fund Compliance Program, related policies and procedures, and all other books and records of the Trust as the Chief Compliance Officer deems necessary or desirable in order to carry out his or her duties hereunder on
behalf of the Trust. The Trust shall cooperate with the Chief Compliance Officer and ensure the cooperation of the investment adviser, the custodian and any other Service Providers to the Trust, as well as Trust counsel, independent Trustee counsel and the Trust's independent accountants (collectively, the "Other Providers"), and assist the Chief Compliance Officer and BISYS in preparing, implementing and carrying out the duties of the Chief Compliance Officer under the Fund Compliance Program and Rule 38a-l. In addition, the Trust shall provide the Chief Compliance Officer with appropriate access to the executive officers and trustees of the Trust, and to representatives of and to any records, files and other documentation prepared by, Service Providers and Other Providers, which are or may be related to the Fund Compliance Program.
Each party agrees to provide promptly to the other party (and to the Chief Compliance Officer), upon request, copies of other records and documentation relating to the compliance by such party with Applicable Securities Laws (as related to the Fund Compliance Program of the Trust), and each party also agrees otherwise to assist the other party (and the Chief Compliance Officer) in complying with the requirements of the Fund Compliance Program and Applicable Securities Laws.
BISYS agrees to provide the services set forth in Section 1 pertaining to the Fund Compliance Program, whether or not the person serving as Chief Compliance Officer is an employee or agent of BISYS. In the event that the employment relationship or independent contractor agency relationship between BISYS and a person made available by BISYS serving as Chief Compliance Officer terminates for any reason, BISYS shall have no further responsibility to make that particular person available, and shall have no responsibility concerning such person's services after the date the Trust is notified of such termination. In such event, upon the request of the Trust, BISYS will employ reasonable good faith efforts to make another person available to serve as the Chief Compliance Officer.
(b) Provision of Certifying Officer(s). Subject to the provisions of this
Section 3(b) and Section 3(d) below, BISYS shall make a BISYS employee available
to the Trust to serve, upon designation as such by the Board, as the Chief
Financial Officer of the Trust or under such other title to perform similar
functions, and which is a Certifying Officer under Sarbanes-Oxley. BISYS'
obligation in this regard shall be met by providing an appropriately qualified
employee of BISYS (or its affiliates) who, in the exercise of his or her duties
to the Trust, shall act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by him
or her to be in the best interests of the Trust. BISYS shall select, and may
replace, the specific employee that it makes available to serve in the
designated capacity as a Certifying Officer, in BISYS's reasonable discretion,
taking into account such person's responsibilities concerning, and familiarity
with, the Trust's operations.
For so long as BISYS provides a Certifying Officer, the Trust DCPs shall contain (or the Trust and BISYS shall otherwise establish) mutually agreeable procedures governing the certification of Reports by Certifying Officers, and the parties shall comply with such procedures in all material respects. Among other things, the procedures shall provide as follows:
(i) The Trust shall establish and maintain a Disclosure Controls and Procedures Committee (the "DCP Committee") to evaluate the Trust DCPs in accordance with Rule 30a-3 under the 1940 Act.. The DCP Committee shall include (at a minimum) the Trust's Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Legal Officer (if any) and such other individuals as may be necessary or appropriate to enable the DCP Committee to ensure the cooperation of, and to oversee, each of the Trust's agents that records, processes, summarizes, or reports information contained in Reports (or any information from which such information is derived), including the Funds' Other Providers.
(ii) The Trust shall require (a) Service Providers to provide sub-certifications on internal controls, upon which the Certifying Officers may rely in certifying Reports, in form and content reasonably acceptable to the Certifying Officers and consistent with Sarbanes-Oxley, and (b) that such sub-certifications are delivered to the DCP Committee and the Certifying Officers sufficiently in advance of the DCP Committee meeting described in (iii) below.
(iii) The DCP Committee shall (a) establish a schedule to ensure that all required disclosures in any Report, including the financial statements, are identified and prepared in a timeframe sufficient for it to review such disclosures, (b) meet prior to the filing date of each Report to review the accuracy and completeness of the relevant Report, and (c) record its considerations and conclusions in a written memorandum sufficient for it to adequately to support conclusions pertaining to Trust DCPs as required by Item 9 of Form N-CSR or other Report. In conducting its review and evaluations, the DCP Committee shall:
(A) review SAS 70 reports pertaining to BISYS and other Service Providers, if applicable, or in the absence of any such reports, consider the adequacy of the sub-certifications supplied by the Service Providers;
(B) consider whether there are any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of the Trust DCPs or internal controls over financial reporting that could adversely affect the Trust's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information, and in the event that any such weaknesses or deficiencies are identified, disclose them to the Trust's Certifying Officers, audit committee, and auditors;
(C) consider whether, to the knowledge of any member of the DCP Committee, there has been or may have been any fraud, whether or not material, and, if so, disclose the facts and circumstances thereof to the Certifying Officers, and the Trust's audit committee and auditors; and
(D) determine whether there was any change in internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Trust's most recent fiscal half-year that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust's internal control over financial reporting.
A Certifying Officer shall have the full discretion to decline to certify a particular Report that fails to meet the standards set forth in the certification, and to report matters involving fraud or other failures to meet the standards of applicable law to the audit committee of the Board.
The Trust shall, in its own capacity, take all reasonably necessary and appropriate measures to comply with its obligations under Sarbanes-Oxley. Without limitation of the foregoing, except for those obligations which are expressly delegated to or assumed by BISYS in this Agreement, the Trust shall maintain responsibility for, and shall support and facilitate the role of each Certifying Officer and the DCP Committee in, designing and maintaining the Trust's DCPs in accordance with applicable laws.
(c) AML Compliance Officer. It is understood that the Trust is a financial institution subject to the law entitled Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism ("U.S.A. Patriot") Act of 2001 and the Bank Secrecy Act (collectively, the "AML Acts"), and is required to comply with the AML Acts and applicable regulations thereunder (collectively, the "Applicable AML Laws").
Subject to the provisions of this Section 3(c) and Section 3(d) below, BISYS agrees to make available to the Trust a person to serve as the Trust's anti-money laundering compliance officer ("AML Compliance Officer"). BISYS' obligation in this regard shall be met by providing an appropriately qualified employee or agent of BISYS (or its affiliates) who, in the exercise of his or her duties to the Trust, shall act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by him or her to be in the best interests of the Trust. Subject to the relevant terms of the transfer agency or other services agreement under which BISYS provides certain anti-money laundering services to the Trust, the AML Compliance Officer will assist the Trust in operating the written anti-money laundering program adopted by the Board of the Trust and provided to BISYS (the "AML Program"), and shall perform the duties assigned to the AML Compliance Officer which are set forth in the AML Program.
The Trust shall provide copies of its anti-money laundering compliance reports and such other books and records of the Trust as the AMI.. Compliance Officer deems necessary or desirable in order to carry out his or her duties hereunder on behalf of the Trust. Each party also agrees to provide promptly to the other party (and to the AML Compliance Officer), upon request, copies of other records and documentation relating to the compliance by such party with Applicable AML Laws (in relation to the Trust), and each party also agrees otherwise to assist the other party (and the AML Compliance Officer) in complying with the requirements of the AML Program and Applicable AML Laws. Each party agrees to retain a copy of all documents and records prepared,
maintained or obtained by it relating to shareholders and transactions for a period of at least five (5) years from the termination of the relationship with each such shareholder or the date of execution of each such transaction. The foregoing is not intended to limit any obligation to retain any specified records for any other period that may be specified in the AML Program or under Applicable AML Laws.
(d) Additional Provisions Concerning Executive Officers. It is mutually agreed and acknowledged by the parties that the Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Financial Officer contemplated under the provisions of this Section 3 of this Agreement will be executive officers of the Trust ("Executive Officers"). In addition, the parties agree that the AML Compliance Officer shall be treated as an Executive Officer of the Trust for purposes of this Section 3(d). The provisions of Sections 3(a) - (c) are subject to the internal policies of BISYS concerning the activities of its employees and their service as officers of funds (the "BISYS Policies"), a copy of which shall be provided to the Trust upon request. The Trust's governing documents (including its Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws) and/or resolutions of its Board shall contain mandatory indemnification provisions that are applicable to each Executive Officer, that are designed and intended to have the effect of fully indemnifying him or her and holding him or her harmless with respect to any claims, liabilities and costs arising out of or relating to his or her service in good faith in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Trust, except to the extent he or she would otherwise be liable to the Trust by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
The Trust shall provide coverage to each Executive Officer under its directors and officers liability policy that is appropriate to the Executive Officer's role and title, and consistent with coverage applicable to the other officers holding positions of executive management.
In appropriate circumstances, each Executive Officer shall have the discretion to resign from his or her position, in the event that he or she reasonably determines that there has been or is likely to be (a) a material deviation from the BISYS Policies, (b) an ongoing pattern of conduct involving the continuous or repeated violation of Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Securities Laws, or (c) a material deviation by the Trust from the terms of this Agreement governing the services of such Executive Officer that is not caused by such Executive Officer or BISYS. In addition, each Executive Officer shall have reasonable discretion to resign from his or her position in the event that he or she determines that he or she has not received sufficient cooperation from the Trust or its Other Providers to make an informed determination regarding any of the matters listed above.
Each Executive Officer may, and the Trust shall, promptly notify BISYS of any issue, matter or event that would be reasonably likely to result in any claim by the Trust, one or more Trust shareholder(s) or any third party which involves an allegation that any Executive Officer failed to exercise his or her obligations to the Trust in a manner consistent with applicable laws (including but not limited to any claim that a Report failed to meet the standards of Sarbanes-Oxley and other applicable laws).
Notwithstanding any provision of the Administration Agreement or any other agreement or instrument that expressly or by implication provides to the contrary, (a) it is expressly agreed and acknowledged that BISYS cannot ensure that the Trust complies with Applicable AML Laws or the Applicable Securities Laws, and (b) whenever an employee or agent of BISYS serves as an Executive Officer of the Trust, as long as such Executive Officer acts in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Trust (and would not otherwise be liable to the Trust by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office), the Trust shall indemnify the Executive Officer and BISYS and hold the Executive Officer and BISYS harmless from any loss, liability, expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) and damages incurred by them arising out of or related to the service of such employee or agent of BISYS as an Executive Officer of the Trust.
4. Fees and Expenses
(a) BISYS shall be entitled to receive from the Trust the amounts set forth on Schedule A hereto, reflecting the amounts charged by BISYS for the performance of services under this Agreement. The fees hereunder shall be in addition to all fees and expenses charged by BISYS under the Administration Agreement.
(b) In addition to paying BISYS the fees set forth in Schedule A, the Trust agrees to reimburse BISYS for all of its actual out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in providing services under this Agreement, including but not limited to the following:
(i) All out of pocket costs incurred in connection with BISYS' provision of Executive Officers to the Trust in connection with compliance services, including travel costs for attending Board meetings, conducting due diligence of Service Providers, and attending training conferences and seminars (plus the costs of training);
(ii) If applicable initially or from time to time hereafter, upon the approval of the Trust, costs to recruit a Chief Compliance Officer; and
(iii) The costs incurred by BISYS in connection with the Fund Compliance Program, including those incurred by or with respect to Other Providers, in providing reports to the Chief Compliance Officer under the Fund Compliance Program.
(c) All rights of compensation under this Agreement for services performed and for expense reimbursement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
5. Information to be Furnished by the Trust
(a) The Trust has furnished or shall promptly furnish to BISYS copies of the following, as amended and current as of the date of this Agreement:
(i) The Fund Compliance Program or the various policies and procedures of the Trust that have been adopted through the date hereof which pertain to compliance matters that are required to be covered by the Fund Compliance Program, including the compliance programs of Service Providers other than BISYS, as necessary under Rule 38a-1 for inclusion in the Fund Compliance Program; and
(ii) The Trust DCPs.
(b) The Trust shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments to, or changes in, any of the items referred to in Section 5(a) hereof, forthwith upon such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Trust agrees that no amendments will be made to the AML Program, the Fund Compliance Program, or the Trust DCPs which might have the effect of changing the procedures employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder or which amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Trust first obtains BISYS' s approval of such amendments or changes, which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably.
(c) BISYS may rely on all documents furnished to it by the Trust and its agents in connection with the services to be provided under this Agreement, including any amendments to or changes in any of the items to be provided by the Trust pursuant to Section 5(a), and shall be entitled to indemnification in accordance with Section 6 below with regard to such reliance.
The Trust represents and warrants that (i) the provision of certain officers of the Trust by BISYS, as provided in Section 3 of this Agreement, has been approved by the Board, and (ii) each of the individuals nominated by BISYS as the Trust's AML Compliance Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, or Financial Officer has been approved and appointed as an officer of the Trust by the Board.
6. Term and Termination
(a) The compliance services to be rendered by BISYS under this Agreement (the "Compliance Services") shall commence upon the date of this Agreement and shall continue in effect for one (1) year, until September 26, 2005, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. During such one year term, the Compliance Services may be terminated upon thirty (30) days notice in the event there is "cause," as defined in the Administration Agreement. Following the one year anniversary of the date of this Agreement, the Compliance Services may be terminated by either party for "cause," as provided above, or by providing the other party with ninety (90) days written notice of termination.
(b) The obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 3(c) above shall terminate automatically upon any termination of the transfer agency agreement under which BISYS provides transfer agency services to the Trust.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, including but not limited to the provisions of Section 6(a), all of the obligations of BISYS hereunder shall terminate automatically upon any termination of the Administration Agreement.
7. Notice
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when sent by
registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with such notice
at the following address: if to the Trust, to President; Attn: R. Jeffrey Young,
at BISYS ; and if to BISYS, at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219; Attn:
Coventry Officer, or at such other address as such party may from time to time
specify in writing to the other party pursuant to this Section.
8. Governing Law and Matters Relating to the Trust as a Massachusetts Business Trust
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the latter shall control. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees, and this Agreement has been signed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such authorization by the Trustees nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust as provided in the Trust's Declaration of Trust.
9.Representations and Warranties
Each party represents and warrants to the other that this Agreement has been duly authorized and, when executed and delivered by it, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it 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.
10. Miscellaneous
(a) Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the terms of the Administration Agreement shall apply to the services rendered under this Agreement and the general provisions thereof shall be used on a residual basis to construe any issues arising under this Agreement that are not addressed by the express terms of this Agreement. Except as provided in this Agreement, the provisions of the Administration Agreement remain in full force and effect (including, without limitation, the term of the Agreement).
(b) The provisions set forth in this Agreement supersede all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing upon the subject matter covered herein, including any conflicting provisions of the Administration Agreement.
(c) No amendment or modification to this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by both parties hereto.
(d) Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
(e) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
COVENTRY GROUP
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
SCHEDULE A
TO COMPLIANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
Dated September 27, 2004
Compliance Services Fees
Compliance Services provided under this Agreement:
$50,000 one-time implementation fee*
and $75,000 annual fee per year
* One half of the implementation fee is due upon the execution of this
Agreement and represents a non-refundable payment for access to BISYS'
developed policies and procedures regarding general fund compliance program
information. The balance shall be paid upon the initial approval by the
Board of the Fund Compliance Program prepared by BISYS, as contemplated in
Section 1 (b) above.
All annual fees set forth above shall be payable in equal monthly installments.
All recurring fees set forth above shall be subject to adjustment annually commencing on the one-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement by the percentage increase in consumer prices for services as measured by the United States Consumer Price Index entitled "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" or a similar index should such index no longer be published.
Out of Pocket Expenses
Out of pocket expenses are not included in the above fees and shall also be paid to BISYS in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Exhibit (h)(8)
AMENDMENT TO
COMPLIANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT made as of the 17th day of May, 2007, between COVENTRY GROUP (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust having its place of business at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, and BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC. ("BISYS"), an Ohio corporation having its principal place of business at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, to that certain Compliance Services Agreement, dated September 27, 2004, between the Trust and BISYS (as amended and in effect on the date hereof, the "Agreement"). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, BISYS performs certain compliance services for the Trust with respect to its investment portfolios (the "Funds");
WHEREAS, BISYS and the Trust desire to. amend and restate the fees payable by the Trust with respect to the compliance services to be provided to each of the Funds as set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter contained and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Trust and BISYS hereby agree as follows:
1. Adoption of New Schedule A.
Schedule A of the Agreement, shall be replaced with a new Schedule A, attached hereto.
2. Representation and Warranties.
(a) The Trust represents (i) that it has full power and authority to enter
into and perform this Amendment on behalf of itself and as Trustee of the Funds
(ii) that this Amendment, and all information relating thereto has been
presented to and reviewed by the Board, and (iii) that the Board has approved
this Amendment.
(b) BISYS represents that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Amendment.
3. Effective Date.
(a) This Amendment supplements and amends the Agreement. The provisions set forth in this Amendment supersede all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing
This Amendment shall be effective as of April 1, 2007.
4. Miscellaneous.
(a) This Amendment supplements and amends the Agreement. The provisions set forth in this Amendment supersede all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing
upon the subject matter covered herein, including any conflicting provisions of the Agreement or any provisions of the Agreement that directly cover or indirectly bear upon matters covered under this Amendment.
(b) Each reference to the Agreement in the Agreement (as it existed prior to this Amendment) and in every other agreement, contract or instrument to which the parties are bound, shall hereafter be construed as a reference to the Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Except as provided in this Amendment, the provisions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. No amendment or modification to this Amendment shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by both parties hereto.
(c) No amendment or modifications to this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by both parties hereto.
(c) Paragraph headings in this Amendment are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Amendment.
(d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
COVENTRY GROUP
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
By: /s/ Fred Naddaff ------------------------------------ Name: Fred Naddaff Title: President |
SCHEDULE A
TO COMPLIANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN COVENTRY GROUP AND BISYS
Dated May 17, 2007
This Schedule A is effective as of April 1, 2007.
Fees
The annual fee per year payable by the Trust with respect to each of the Funds is set forth below:
151 Source Funds $27,326.76 Signal Funds $27,326.76 Boston Trust $27,326.76 |
All annual fees set forth above shall be payable in equal monthly installments.
In the event that Signal Funds is reorganized out of Coventry Group, the monthly installment payable by Coventry Group relating to the Signal Funds shall no longer be payable.
All recurring fees set forth above shall be subject to adjustment annually commencing on the one-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement by the percentage increase in consumer prices for services as measured by the United States Consumer Price Index entitled "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" or a similar index should such index no longer be published.
Out of Pocket Expenses
Out of pocket expenses are not included in the above fees and shall also be paid to BISYS in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Exhibit (i)
THOMPSON ATLANTA BRUSSELS CINCINNATI CLEVELAND COLUMBUS DAYTON NEW YORK HINE WASHINGTON, D.C.
July 25, 2007
The Coventry Group
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, OH 43219
Re: Opinion and Consent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is in response to your request for our opinion in connection with the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registration Statement, File Nos. 33-44964 and 811-6526 (the "Registration Statement"), of The Coventry Group (the "Trust").
We have examined a copy of the Trust's Declaration of Trust, the Trust's By-laws, the Trust's record of the various actions by the Trustees thereof, and all such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Trust and others, and such other documents, papers, statutes and authorities as we deem necessary to form the basis of the opinion hereinafter expressed. We have assumed the genuineness of the signatures and the conformity to original documents of the copies of such documents supplied to us as copies thereof.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, after Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 is effective for purposes of applicable federal and state securities laws, the shares of Boston Trust Balanced Fund, Boston Trust Equity Fund, Boston Trust Small Cap Fund, Walden Social Balanced Fund and Walden Social Equity Fund (the "Funds"), each a series of the Trust, if issued in accordance with the then current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We hereby give you our permission to file this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registration Statement. This opinion may not be filed with any subsequent amendment, or incorporated by reference into a subsequent amendment, without our prior written consent. This opinion is prepared for the Trust and its shareholders, and may not be relied upon by any other person or organization without our prior written approval.
Very truly yours,
Very truly yours,
/s/ Thompson Hine ------------------------------------ Thompson Hine LLP |
Exhibit (j)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus and "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Statements" in the Statement of Additional Information and to incorporation by reference our report dated May 24, 2007 on the financial statements and financial highlights of the Boston Trust Funds, in Post-Effective Amendment Number 126 to the Registration Statement (Form N-1A, No. 033-44964), included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP Columbus, Ohio July 27, 2007 |
Exhibit (p)(2)
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, L.P.
(F/K/A BISYS FUND SERVICES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
PERFORMANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
BNY HAMILTON DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
(EACH, A "COMPANY" AND COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPANIES")
CODE OF ETHICS
[AUGUST 1, 2007]
INTRODUCTION
This Code of Ethics (the "Code") has been adopted by the Companies. This Code pertains to the Companies' distribution services to registered management investment companies or series thereof, as well as those funds for which certain employees of the Companies (or an affiliate thereof) serve as an officer or director of a registered investment company ("Fund Officer"), (each a "Fund" and as set forth on Appendix A(1)). This Code:
1. establishes standards of professional conduct;
2. establishes standards and procedures for the detection and prevention of activities by which persons having knowledge of the investments and investment intentions of a Fund may abuse their fiduciary duties to the Fund; and
3. addresses other types of conflict of interest situations.
Definitions of underlined terms are included in Appendix B.
Each Company, through its Principal Executive Officer or President, may impose internal sanctions should Access Persons of any Company (as identified on Appendix C) violate these policies or procedures. A registered broker-dealer and its personnel may be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including censure, suspension, fines, expulsion or revocation of registration for violations of securities rules, industry regulations and the firm's internal policies and procedures. In addition, negative publicity associated with regulatory investigations and private lawsuits can negatively impact and severely damage business reputation.
- the principal underwriter is an affiliated person of the Fund or of the Fund's adviser, or
- an officer, director, or general partner of the principal underwriter serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Fund or of the Fund's investment adviser.
A Fund Officer is permitted to report as an Access Person under this Code with respect to the Funds listed on Appendix A.
Furthermore, failure to comply with this Code is a very serious matter and may result in internal disciplinary action being taken. Such action can include, among other things, warnings, monetary fines, disgorgement of profits, suspension or termination. In addition to sanctions, violations may result in referral to civil or criminal authorities where appropriate.
Should Access Persons require additional information about this Code or have ethics-related questions, please contact the Review Officer, as defined under Section 8 below, directly.
1. STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Each Company forbids any Access Person from engaging in any conduct that is contrary to this Code. In addition, due to their positions, each Company also forbids any Access Person from engaging in any conduct that is contrary to each Company's Insider Trading Policy. Furthermore, certain persons subject to the Code are also subject to other restrictions or requirements that affect their ability to open securities accounts, effect securities transactions, report securities transactions, maintain information and documents in a confidential manner and other matters relating to the proper discharge of their obligations to the Company or to a Fund.
Each Company has always held itself and its employees to the highest ethical standards. Although this Code is only one manifestation of those standards, compliance with its provisions is essential. Each Company adheres to the following standards of professional conduct, as well as those specific policies and procedures discussed throughout this Code:
(a) FIDUCIARY DUTIES. Each Company and its Access Persons are fiduciaries and shall
- act solely for the benefit of the Funds; and
- place each Fund's interests above their own
(b) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Access Persons shall maintain knowledge of and comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations, and shall not knowingly participate or assist in any violation of such laws, rules or regulations.
It is unlawful for Access Persons to use any information concerning a security held or to be acquired by a Fund, or their ability to influence any investment decisions, for personal gain or in a manner detrimental to the interests of a Fund.
Access Persons shall not, directly or indirectly in connection with the purchase or sale of a security held or to be acquired by a Fund:
(i) employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Fund or engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Fund;
(ii) make to a Fund any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state to a Fund a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(iii) engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a Fund; or
(iv) engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.
(c) CORPORATE CULTURE. Access Persons, through their words and actions, shall act with integrity, encourage honest and ethical conduct, and adhere to a high standard of business ethics.
(d) PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT. Access Persons shall not engage in any professional conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation or commit any act that reflects adversely on their honesty, trustworthiness, or professional competence. Access Persons shall not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about a Company to a Fund, a Fund's shareholders, regulators or any member of the public. Disclosure in reports and documents should be fair and accurate.
(e) DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS. As a fiduciary, each Company has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty and good faith to act in the best interests of a Fund. Compliance with this duty can be achieved by trying to avoid conflicts of interest and by fully disclosing all material facts concerning any conflict that does arise with respect to any Fund. Access Persons must try to avoid situations that have even the appearance of conflict or impropriety.
Access Persons shall support an environment that fosters the ethical resolution of, and appropriate disclosure of, conflicts of interest.
This Code prohibits inappropriate favoritism of one Fund over another that would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty. Access Persons shall comply with any prohibitions on activities imposed by a Company if a conflict of interest exists.
(f) UNDUE INFLUENCE. Access Persons shall not cause or attempt to cause any Fund to purchase, sell or hold any security in a manner calculated to create any personal benefit to them.
(g) CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROTECTION OF MATERIAL NONPUBLIC INFORMATION. Information concerning the identity of portfolio holdings and financial circumstances of a Fund is confidential. Access Persons are responsible for safeguarding nonpublic information about portfolio recommendations and fund holdings. Except as required in the normal course of carrying out their business responsibilities AND as permitted by the Funds' policies and procedures, Access Persons shall not reveal information relating to the investment intentions or activities of any Fund, or securities that are being considered for purchase or sale on behalf of any Fund.
Each Company shall be bound by a Fund's policies and procedures with regard to disclosure of an investment company's identity, affairs and portfolio holdings. The obligation to safeguard such Fund information would not preclude Access Persons from providing necessary information to, for example, persons providing services to a Company or a Fund's account such as brokers, accountants, custodians and fund transfer agents, or in other circumstances when the Fund consents, as long as such disclosure conforms to the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.
In any case, Access Persons shall not:
- trade based upon confidential, proprietary information where Fund trades are likely to be pending or imminent; or
- use knowledge of portfolio transactions of a Fund for personal benefit or the personal benefit of others
(h) PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS. All personal securities transactions shall be conducted in such a manner as to be consistent with this Code and to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of any Access Person's position of trust and responsibility.
(i) GIFTS. Access Persons shall not accept or provide anything in excess of $100.00 (per individual per year) or any other preferential treatment, in each case as a gift, to or from any broker-dealer or other entity with which a Company or a Fund does business;
(j) SERVICE ON BOARDS. Access Persons shall not serve on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization based upon a determination by the Review Officer (or if the Review Officer, by the Principal Executive Officer or President of the Company) that the board service would be consistent with the interests of the Company, a Fund and its shareholders.
(k) PROHIBITION AGAINST MARKET TIMING. Access Persons shall not engage in market timing of shares of Reportable Funds (a list of which are provided in Appendix D). For purposes of this section, a person's trades shall be considered 'market timing' if made in violation of any stated policy in the Fund's prospectus.
2. WHO IS COVERED BY THIS CODE
All Access Persons, in each case only with respect to those Funds as listed on Appendix A, shall abide by this Code. Access Persons are required to comply with specific reporting requirements as set forth in Sections 3 and 4 of this Code.
3. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
(A) BLACKOUT PERIOD. Access Persons shall not purchase or sell a Reportable Security in an account in their name, or in the name of others in which they hold a beneficial ownership interest, if they had actual knowledge at the time of the transaction that, during the 24 hour period immediately preceding or following the transaction, the security was purchased or sold or was considered for purchase or sale by a Fund.
(B) REQUIREMENT FOR PRE-CLEARANCE. Access Persons must obtain PRIOR written approval from the designated Review Officer before:
(i) directly or indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in securities in an initial public offering for which no public market in the same or similar securities of the issue has previously existed; and
(ii) directly or indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in securities in a private placement.
In determining whether to pre-clear the transaction, the Review Officer designated under Section 8 shall consider, among other factors, whether such opportunity is being offered to the Access Person by virtue of their position with the Fund.
(C) FUND OFFICER PROHIBITION. No Fund Officer shall directly or indirectly seek to obtain information (other than that necessary to accomplish the functions of the office) from any Fund portfolio manager regarding (i) the status of any pending securities transaction for a Fund or (ii) the merits of any securities transaction contemplated by the Fund Officer.
4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF ACCESS PERSONS
(A) REPORTING. Access Persons must report the information described in this
Section with respect to transactions in any Reportable Security in which they
have, or by reason of such transaction acquire, any direct or indirect
beneficial ownership. They must submit the appropriate reports to the designated
Review Officer or his or her designee, unless they are otherwise required by a
Fund, pursuant to a Code of Ethics adopted by the Fund, to report to the Fund or
another entity.
(B) EXCEPTIONS FROM REPORTING REQUIREMENT OF SECTION 4. Access Persons need not submit:
(i) any report with respect to securities held in accounts over which the Access Person had no direct or indirect influence or control;
(ii) a quarterly transaction report with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan. However, any transaction that overrides the pre-set schedule or allocations of the automatic investment plan must be included in a quarterly transaction report;
(iii) a quarterly transaction report if the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements that the Company holds in its records so long as the Company receives the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.
(C) INITIAL HOLDING REPORTS. No later than ten (10) days after a person becomes an Access Person, the person must report the following information:
(i) the title, type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security (whether or not publicly traded) in which the person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the date they became an Access Person;
(ii) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the person maintains an account in which any securities were held for the Access Person's direct or indirect benefit as of the date they became an Access Person; and
(iii) the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
The information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an Access Person.
(D) QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORTS. No later than thirty (30) days after the end of a calendar quarter, each Access Person must submit a quarterly transaction report which report must cover, at a minimum, all transactions during the quarter in a Reportable Security (whether or not publicly traded) in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, and provide the following information:
(i) the date of the transaction, the title, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Reportable Security involved;
(ii) the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(iii) the price of the Reportable Security at which the transaction was effected;
(iv) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and
(v) the date that the report is submitted.
(E) NEW ACCOUNT OPENING; QUARTERLY NEW ACCOUNT REPORT. Each Access Person shall provide written notice to the Review Officer PRIOR to opening any new account with any entity through which a Reportable Securities (whether or not publicly traded) transaction may be effected for which the Access Person has direct or indirect beneficial ownership.
In addition, no later than thirty (30) days after the end of a calendar quarter, each Access Person must submit a quarterly new account report with respect to any account established by such a person in which any Reportable Securities (whether or not publicly traded) were held
during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person. The Quarterly New Account Report shall cover, at a minimum, all accounts at a broker-dealer, bank or other institution opened during the quarter and provide the following information:
(1) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person has established the account;
(2) the date the account was established; and
(3) the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(F) ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORTS. Annually, each Access Person must report the following information (which information must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the report is submitted):
(i) the title, type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security (whether or not publicly traded) in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;
(ii) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person's direct or indirect benefit; and
(iii) the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(G) ALTERNATIVE REPORTING. The submission to the Review Officer of duplicate broker trade confirmations and statements on all securities transactions required to be reported under this Section shall satisfy the reporting requirements of Section 4. The annual holdings report may be satisfied by confirming annually, in writing, the accuracy of the information delivered by, or on behalf of, the Access Person to the Review Officer and recording the date of the confirmation.
(H) REPORT QUALIFICATION. Any report may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making the report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Reportable Securities to which the report relates.
(I) PROVIDING ACCESS TO ACCOUNT INFORMATION. Covered Persons will promptly:
(i) provide full access to a Fund, its agents and attorneys to any and all records and documents which a Fund considers relevant to any securities transactions or other matters subject to the Code;
(ii) cooperate with a Fund, or its agents and attorneys, in investigating any securities transactions or other matter subject to the Code;
(iii) provide a Fund, its agents and attorneys with an explanation (in writing if requested) of the facts and circumstances surrounding any securities transaction or other matter subject to the Code; and
(iv) promptly notify the Review Officer or such other individual as a Fund may direct, in writing, from time to time, of any incident of noncompliance with the Code by anyone subject to this Code.
(J) CONFIDENTIALITY OF REPORTS. Transaction and holding reports will be maintained in confidence, expect to the extent necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of this Code or to comply with requests for information from government agencies.
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
Each Access Person is required to acknowledge in writing, initially and annually (in the form of Attachment A), that the person has received, read and understands the Code (and in the case of any amendments thereto, shall similarly acknowledge such amendment) and recognizes that they are subject to the Code. Further, each such person is required to certify annually that they have:
- read, understood and complied with all the requirements of the Code;
- disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions pursuant to the requirements of the Code; and
- not engaged in any prohibited conduct.
If a person is unable to make the above representations, they shall report any violations of this Code to the Review Officer.
6. REPORTING VIOLATIONS
Access Persons shall report any violations of this Code promptly to the Review Officer, unless the violations implicate the Review Officer, in which case the individual shall report to the Principal Executive Officer or President of the Company, as appropriate. Such reports will be confidential, to the extent permitted by law, and investigated promptly and appropriately. Retaliation against an individual who reports a violation is prohibited and constitutes a further violation of this Code.
Reported violations of the Code will be investigated and appropriate actions will be taken. Types of reporting that are required include, but are not limited to:
- Noncompliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations
- Fraud or illegal acts involving any aspect of the firm's business
- Material misstatements in regulatory filings, internal books and records, Fund records or reports
- Activity that is harmful to a Fund, including Fund shareholders
- Deviations from required controls and procedures that safeguard a Fund or a Company
Access Persons should seek advice from the Review Officer with respect to any action or transaction that may violate this Code and refrain from any action or transaction that might lead to the appearance of a violation. Access Persons should report apparent or suspected violations in addition to actual or known violations of this Code.
7. TRAINING
Training with respect to the Code will occur periodically and all Access Persons are required to attend any training sessions or read any applicable materials. Training may include, among other things (1) periodic orientation or training sessions with new and existing personnel to remind them of their obligations under the Code and/or (2) certifications that Access Persons have read and understood the Code, and require re-certification that the person has re-read, understands and has complied with the Code.
8. REVIEW OFFICER
(A) DUTIES OF REVIEW OFFICER. The Chief Compliance Officer of the Company has been appointed by the President of the Company as the Review Officer to:
(i) review all securities transaction and holdings reports and shall maintain the names of persons responsible for reviewing these reports;
(ii) identify all persons subject to this Code and promptly inform each person of the requirements of this Code and provide them with a copy of the Code and any amendments;
(iii) compare, on a quarterly basis, all Reportable Securities transactions with each Fund's completed portfolio transactions to determine whether a Code violation may have occurred;
(iv) maintain signed acknowledgments and certifications by each person who is then subject to this Code, in the form of Attachment A;
(v) identify persons who are Access Persons of each Company and inform those persons of their requirements to obtain prior written approval from the Review Officer prior to directly or indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership of a security in any private placement or initial public offering.
(vi) ensure that Access Persons receive adequate training on the principles and procedures of this Code.
(vii) review, at least annually, the adequacy of this Code and the effectiveness of its implementation
(viii) submit a written report to a Fund's Board and the Company's senior management as described in Section 8(e) and (f), respectively.
The President or Principal Executive Officer shall review the Review Officer's personal transactions; the Review Officer shall review the Compliance Manager's personal transactions. The President or Principal Executive Officer shall assume the responsibilities of the Review Officer in his or her absence. The Review Officer may delegate responsibilities to the Compliance Manager.
(B) POTENTIAL TRADE CONFLICT. When there appears to be a Reportable Securities transaction that conflicts with the Code, the Review Officer shall request a written explanation of from the Access Person with regard to the transaction. If, after post-trade review, it is determined that there has been a violation of the Code, a report will be made by the Review Officer with a recommendation of appropriate action to the President or Principal Executive Officer of the Company and a Fund's Board of Trustees (or Directors).
(C) REQUIRED RECORDS. The Review Officer shall maintain and cause to be maintained:
(i) a copy of any code of ethics adopted by each Company that is in effect, or at any time within the past five (5) years was in effect, in an easily accessible place;
(ii) a record of any violation of any code of ethics, and of any action taken as a result of such violation, in an easily accessible place for at least five (5) years after the end of the fiscal year in which the last entry was made on any such report, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible place;
(i) a copy of each holding and transaction report (including duplicate confirmations and statements) made by anyone subject to this Code as required by Section 4 for at least five (5) years after the end of the fiscal year in which the report is made, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible place;
(ii) a record of all written acknowledgements and certifications by each Access Person who is currently, or within the past five (5) years was, an Access Person (records must be kept for 5 years after individual ceases to be a Access Person under the Code);
(iv) a list of all persons who are currently, or within the past five years were, required to make reports or who were responsible for reviewing these reports pursuant to any code of ethics adopted by each Company, in an easily accessible place;
(v) a copy of each written report and certification required pursuant to
Section 8(e) of this Code for at least five (5) years after the end of
the fiscal year in which it is made, the first two (2) years in an
easily accessible place;
(vi) a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision,
approving the acquisition of securities by Access Persons under
Section 3(b) of this Code, for at least five (5) years after the end
of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted; and
(vii) a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, granting an Access Person a waiver from, or exception to, the Code for at least five (5) years after the end of the fiscal year in which the waiver is granted.
(D) POST-TRADE REVIEW PROCESS. Following receipt of trade confirms and statements, transactions will be screened by the Review Officer (or her designee) for the following:
(i) same day trades: transactions by Access Persons occurring on the same day as the purchase or sale of the same security by a Fund for which they are an Access Person.
(ii) fraudulent conduct: transaction by Access Persons which, within the most recent 15 days, is or has been held by a Fund or is being or has been considered by a Fund for purchase by a Fund.
(iii) market timing of Reportable Funds: transactions by Access Persons that appear to be market timing of Reportable Funds
(iv) other activities: transactions which may give the appearance that an Access Person has executed transactions not in accordance with this Code or otherwise reflect patterns of abuse.
(E) SUBMISSION TO FUND BOARD.
(i) The Review Officer shall, at a minimum, annually prepare a written report to the Board of Trustees (or Directors) of a Fund listed in Appendix A that
A. describes any issues under this Code or its procedures since the last report to the 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 each Company has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Covered Persons from violating this Code.
(ii) The Review Officer shall ensure that this Code and any material amendments are approved by the Board of Trustees (or Directors) for those funds listed in Appendix A.
(F) REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT OR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Review Officer shall report to the President or Principal Executive Officer of regarding his or her annual review of the Code and shall bring material violations to the attention of senior management.
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, L.P.
(F/K/A BISYS FUND SERVICES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
PERFORMANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
BNY HAMILTON DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
(EACH, A "COMPANY" AND COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPANIES")
CODE OF ETHICS
APPENDIX A
FUNDS COVERED BY THE CODE
[TO BE UPDATED]
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, L.P.
(F/K/A BISYS FUND SERVICES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
PERFORMANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
BNY HAMILTON DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
(EACH, A "COMPANY" AND COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPANIES")
CODE OF ETHICS
APPENDIX B
DEFINITIONS
(a) Access Person:
(i)(1) of a Company means each director or officer of the Companies who in the ordinary course of business makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Reportable Securities for a Fund or whose functions or duties as part of the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to a Fund regarding the purchase or sale of Reportable Securities.
(ii)(2) of a Fund, whereby an employee or agent of a Company serves as an officer of a Fund ("Fund Officer"). Such Fund Officer is an Access Person of a Fund and is permitted to report under this Code unless otherwise required by a Fund's Code of Ethics.
(iii) of a Company includes anyone else specifically designated by the Review Officer.
(b) Beneficial Owner shall have the meaning as that set forth in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except that the determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership shall apply to all Reportable Securities that a Covered Person owns or acquires. A beneficial owner of a security is any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest (the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the subject securities) in a security. A Covered Person is presumed to be a beneficial owner of securities that are held by his or her immediate family members sharing the Covered Person's household.
(c) Indirect pecuniary interest in a security includes securities held by a person's immediate family sharing the same household. Immediate family means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships).
(d) Control means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of an entity, unless this power is solely the result of an official position with the
company. Ownership of 25% or more of a company's outstanding voting securities is presumed to give the holder thereof control over the company. This presumption may be rebutted by the Review Officer based upon the facts and circumstances of a given situation.
(e) Purchase or sale includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Reportable Security.
(f) Reportable Fund (see Appendix D) means any fund that triggers the Company's compliance with a Rule 17j-1 Code of Ethics or any fund for which an employee or agent of the Company serves as a Fund Officer.
(g) Reportable Security means any security such as a stock, bond, future, investment contract or any other instrument that is considered a 'security' under Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, except:
(i) direct obligations of the Government of the United States;
(ii) bankers' acceptances and bank certificates of deposits;
(iii) commercial paper and debt instruments with a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and that are rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization;
(iv) repurchase agreements covering any of the foregoing;
(v) shares issued by money market mutual funds;
(vi) shares of SEC registered open-end investment companies (OTHER THAN A REPORTABLE FUND); and
(vii) shares of unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are Reportable Funds.
Included in the definition of Reportable Security are:
- Options on securities, on indexes, and on currencies;
- All kinds of limited partnerships;
- Foreign unit trusts, UCITs, SICAVs and foreign mutual funds; and
- Private investment funds, hedge funds and investment clubs
(h) Security held or to be acquired by the Fund means
(i) any Reportable Security which, within the most recent 15 days (x) is or has been held by the applicable Fund or (y) is being or has been considered by the applicable Fund or its investment adviser for purchase by the applicable Fund; and
(i) and any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Reportable Security.
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, L.P.
(F/K/A BISYS FUND SERVICES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
PERFORMANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
BNY HAMILTON DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
(EACH, A "COMPANY" AND COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPANIES")
CODE OF ETHICS
APPENDIX C
LIST OF ACCESS PERSONS
CODE OF ETHICS ACCESS RULE 17J-1 ACCESS PERSONS AS OF DATE PERSON TO LISTED FUND REPORTABLE FUND ------------------------- ---------- --------------------- --------------- |
FUND OFFICERS AS OF DATE ------------- ---------- |
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, L.P.
(F/K/A BISYS FUND SERVICES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
PERFORMANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
BNY HAMILTON DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
(EACH, A "COMPANY" AND COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPANIES")
CODE OF ETHICS
APPENDIX D
REPORTABLE FUNDS
[TO BE UPDATED]
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, L.P.
(F/K/A BISYS FUND SERVICES, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
PERFORMANCE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
BNY HAMILTON DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
(EACH, A "COMPANY" AND COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPANIES")
CODE OF ETHICS
ATTACHMENT A
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I understand that I am subject to the Code of Ethics (the "Code") adopted by each Company. I have read and I understand the current Code of Ethics, and will comply with it in all respects. In addition, I certify that I have complied with the requirements of the Code in that I have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of the Code.
------------------------------------ ------------------------ Signature Date ------------------------------------ Printed Name |
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT:
COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT
FORESIDE DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
[TWO PORTLAND SQUARE, FIRST FLOOR]
[PORTLAND, ME 04101]
Exhibit (q)
THE COVENTRY GROUP
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT THE UNDERSIGNED, A TRUSTEE OF THE COVENTRY GROUP, A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST (THE "TRUST"), DOES HEREBY CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT MICHAEL V. WIBLE HIS OR HER TRUE AND LAWFUL ATTORNEY AND AGENT, WITH THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE TRUST AND THE UNDERSIGNED, THE NAME OF THE UNDERSIGNED AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUST TO ANY PROXY STATEMENT, REGISTRATION STATEMENT, OR TO ANY AMENDMENT THERETO, FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO THE SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OF THE TRUST AND TO ANY INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT FILED AS PART OF, AS AN EXHIBIT TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, REGISTRATION STATEMENT, OR ANY AMENDMENT THERETO.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS CAUSED THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY TO BE EXECUTED AS OF JANUARY 16, 2007.
/S/ DIANE E. ARMSTRONG /S/ MICHAEL M. VAN BUSKIRK ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- DIANE E. ARMSTRONG MICHAEL M. VAN BUSKIRK /S/ WALTER B GRIMM /S/ JAMES H. WOODWARD ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- WALTER B. GRIMM JAMES H. WOODWARD /S/ MAURISE G. STARK ------------------------------------- MAURICE G. STARK |