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Securities Act File No. 333-151672

Investment Company Act File No. 811-22208

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

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. 127    x

 

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (317) 917-7000

Capitol Services, Inc.

1675 S. State St., Suite B, Dover, Delaware 19901

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

With Copies to:

John H. Lively

The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc.

A member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group TM

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Ste. 310

Leawood, KS 66211

 

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

 

  x immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b);
  ¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b);
  ¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1);
  ¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1);
  ¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2); or
  ¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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

 

 

 


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BFS Family of Funds

BFS Equity Fund (BFSAX)

PROSPECTUS

September 24, 2013

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

185 Asylum Street, City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

(800) 720-8050

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The Prospectus gives you important information about the fund that you should know before you invest. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing and use it for future reference.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     PAGE  

SUMMARY SECTION

     1   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

     5   

HOW TO BUY SHARES

     10   

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

     13   

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     16   

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

     17   

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

     19   

APPENDIX – THE ADVISER’S PRIOR PERFORMANCE

     22   

FOR MORE INFORMATION

     26   


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SUMMARY SECTION

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the BFS Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term appreciation through growth of principal and income.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder fees  (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Fee for Redemptions Paid by Wire

   $ 15.00   

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

 

Management Fees

     0.75

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

     0.25

Other Expenses 1

     1.20

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

     0.01

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

     2.21

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement

     (0.95 %) 
  

 

 

 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement 2

     1.26

 

1 Estimated for first year of operations.
2   Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers/Expense Reimbursement reflects that, as of the date of this Prospectus, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until September 30, 2014, so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.00%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Fees and Expenses of Acquired Funds,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. The Adviser may be entitled to the reimbursement of any fees waived or expenses reimbursed pursuant to the agreement provided overall expenses fall below the limitations set forth above. The Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous three (3) years, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided total expenses do not exceed the limitation set forth above.

 

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Expense Example:

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year

   3 Years  

$128

   $ 600   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example above, affect the Fund’s performance.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund will invest primarily in large capitalization common stocks that in the opinion of the Fund’s adviser, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the “Adviser”), appear to be high quality companies. The Adviser selects portfolio securities after applying a two-step process. First, the Adviser attempts to identify quality companies by utilizing qualitative and quantitative processes. The Adviser identifies companies with strong management, a proven business model, a wide moat to protect against competitive threats, leading brands, and an excellent market position. The Adviser supplements this qualitative analysis with a quantitative assessment which emphasizes high returns on equity, consistent growth of earnings and revenues, above average margins, balance sheet strength, and effective allocation of cash flow (including share buy backs and dividend growth). Secondly, the Adviser seeks to identify an event or change in circumstances at a company as it believes that investing in quality companies after an “opportunistic” event has occurred can increase the return on investment and lower the risk profile of a given company. The Adviser generally invests broadly across industry sectors and companies. The Adviser’s macro-economic views may influence portfolio sector weightings. For example, if the Adviser feels that a particular sector was threatened or may experience an economic downturn in the near future, it may determine to underweight that sector relative to its benchmark. The Fund may also invest in mid-capitalization stocks.

Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks and common stock equivalents (such as rights or warrants, which give the Fund the ability to purchase the common stock) and shares of other investment companies (including open-end and closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)) whose portfolios primarily consist of equity securities. The Fund may invest in foreign companies either

 

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directly or through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), which are receipts issued by U.S. banks for shares of a foreign corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on the underlying security. The Fund may also invest in cash and other cash equivalents.

The Adviser will normally seek to construct a diversified portfolio generally consisting of 35-50 securities positions but may on occasion hold as few as 25 positions.

The Adviser will sell a security when it no longer meets its criteria or when it reaches its price target.

Principal Risks

The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. There may be circumstances that could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment goal and you may lose money by investing in the Fund. You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.

 

    Stock Market Risk. Movements in the stock market may adversely affect the specific securities held by the Fund on a daily basis, and, as a result, such movements may negatively affect the Fund’s net asset value.

 

    Risk of Warrants and Rights. A warrant or a right may become worthless unless exercised or sold before expiration. In addition, if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the exercise price during the life of the warrant or right, the warrant or right will expire worthless. Warrants and rights have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant or right may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock.

 

    Volatility Risk. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other investment alternatives. The value of an individual company can be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility affects the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

    Management Risk. Fund management’s skill in choosing appropriate investments will play a large part in determining whether the Fund is able to achieve its investment objective. To the extent appropriate investments are not chosen, the Fund may decline in value and you could lose money.

 

    Growth Risk. If the Adviser’s perceptions of a company’s growth potential are wrong, the securities purchased may not perform as expected, reducing the Fund’s return.

 

    Large Cap Risk. Large capitalization companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalization. This potentially lower risk means that the Fund’s share price may not rise as much as share prices of funds that focus on smaller capitalization companies.

 

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    Mid Cap Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in mid-cap companies, it will be subject to additional risks. The earnings and prospects of smaller companies are more volatile than larger companies, and smaller companies may experience higher failure rates than do larger companies. The trading volume of securities of smaller companies is normally less than that of larger companies and, therefore, may disproportionately affect their market price, tending to make prices fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger companies. Smaller companies may also have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources, and may lack management experience.

 

    Foreign Securities Risk. There may be less information about foreign companies in the form of reports and ratings than about U.S. issuers. Foreign issuers may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. Foreign markets may not be as developed or efficient as those in the United States, and there is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed issuers than in the United States. Investments in foreign securities also subject the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in currency values.

 

    Other Investment Company Risk . The Fund will incur higher and duplicative expenses when it invests in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and other investment companies. There is also the risk that the Fund may suffer losses due to the investment practices of the underlying funds.

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit at a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency.

Performance

The Fund recently commenced operations and, as a result, does not have a full calendar year of performance history. Investors should be aware that past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Portfolio Management

Investment Adviser – Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Portfolio Management Team

 

    Keith G. LaRose, Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in September, 2013; Principal and Executive Vice President of the Adviser

 

    Timothy H. Foster, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in September, 2013; Principal and Executive Vice President of the Adviser

 

    Thomas D. Sargent, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in September, 2013; Principal and Executive Vice President of the Adviser

 

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

Minimum Initial Investment   To Place Buy or Sell Orders

$1,000 for all account types

 

There is no minimum amount for

subsequent investments.

 

By Mail:

 

BFS Equity Fund,

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 6110

Indianapolis, IN 46206

  By Phone:   (855) 575-2430

You can purchase shares of the Fund through broker-dealers or directly through the Fund’s transfer agent. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open either directly through the Fund’s Transfer Agent by calling (855) 575-2430, or through your broker-dealer or financial intermediary. You may also redeem shares by submitting a written request to the address above.

Tax Information

The Fund’s distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan – in a tax-deferred account, your tax liability is generally not incurred until you withdraw assets from such an account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the BFS Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term appreciation through growth of principal and income. The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide 60 days advance notice of any change in the investment objective.

 

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Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund will invest primarily in large capitalization common stocks that in the opinion of the Fund’s adviser, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the “Adviser”), appear to be high quality companies. The Adviser considers a large capitalization stock to be one issued by a company with a market capitalization of $10 billion or more. The Adviser selects portfolio securities after applying a two-step process. First, the Adviser attempts to identify quality companies by utilizing qualitative and quantitative processes. The Adviser identifies companies with strong management, a proven business model, a wide moat to protect against competitive threats, leading brands, and an excellent market position. The Adviser supplements this qualitative analysis with a quantitative assessment which emphasizes high returns on equity, consistent growth of earnings and revenues, above average margins, balance sheet strength, and effective allocation of cash flow (including share buy backs and dividend growth). The Adviser may also visit companies and meet with management. Secondly, the Adviser seeks to identify an event or change in circumstances at a company as it believes that investing in quality companies after an “opportunistic” event has occurred can increase the return on investment and lower the risk profile of a given company. For example, a short-term disruption may depress the price of a stock when the company’s longer-term fundamentals have not changed. An “opportunistic” event may include a change in company management, introduction of new products, changing demand dynamics in an industry, disruptive technology, or regulatory changes. Although portfolio sector weightings are primarily determined through the process of individual stock selection, the Adviser’s strategy emphasizes broad diversification across industries and companies. The Adviser’s macro-economic views may influence portfolio sector weightings. For example, if the Adviser feels that a particular sector was threatened or may experience an economic downturn in the near future, it may determine to underweight that sector relative to its benchmark. The Fund may also invest in mid-capitalization stocks. The Adviser considers a mid-capitalization stock to be one issued by a company with a market capitalization of $4 billion to $10 billion.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days prior written notice to shareholders. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks and common stock equivalents (such as rights or warrants, which give the Fund the ability to purchase the common stock) and shares of other investment companies (including open-end and closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)) whose portfolios primarily consist of equity securities. The Fund may invest in foreign companies either directly or through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), which are receipts issued by U.S. banks for shares of a foreign corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on the underlying security. The Fund may also invest in cash and other cash equivalents.

 

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The Adviser’s strategy is based on the following views:

 

    Capital Preservation . The Adviser believes in investing for the long-term. The Adviser utilizes rigorous financial analysis to invest in high quality companies with identifiable prospects for earnings growth when they can be purchased at reasonable prices.

 

    Event-Driven . Investing in quality companies after an “opportunistic” event has occurred can often increase the return on investment or lower the risk profile of a given company.

 

    Reasonable Prices . To moderate risk and achieve better capital appreciation, the Adviser adheres to a strict pricing discipline. The Adviser strives to buy quality growth companies at what it perceives is a reasonable price, providing for a “margin of safety.”

 

    Ineffectiveness of Market Timing . The Adviser does not believe it is possible to predict future stock market movements with any degree of consistency and, as such, it does not attempt to time the market.

The Adviser will normally seek to construct a diversified portfolio generally consisting of 35-50 securities positions but may on occasion hold as few as 25 positions.

The Adviser will sell a security when it no longer meets its criteria or when it reaches its price target.

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. There may be circumstances that could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment goal and you may lose money by investing in the Fund. You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.

 

    Stock Market Risk. Stock markets can be volatile. In other words, the prices of stocks can rise or fall rapidly in response to developments affecting a specific company or industry, or to changing economic, political or market conditions. The Fund’s investments may decline in value if the stock markets perform poorly. There is also a risk that the Fund’s investments will underperform either the securities markets generally or particular segments of the securities markets. The Fund’s net asset value may decline as a result of this risk.

 

   

Risk of Warrants and Rights. A warrant or a right gives the Fund the ability to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the underlying common stock at time of issuance) during a specified period of time. A warrant may become worthless unless it is exercised or sold before

 

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expiration. In addition, if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock.

 

    Volatility Risk. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other investment alternatives. The value of an individual company can be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility affects the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

    Management Risk. The Adviser’s strategy may fail to produce the intended results. The Adviser’s skill in choosing appropriate investments will play a large part in determining whether the Fund is able to achieve its investment objective. If the Adviser’s projections about the prospects for a security are not correct, such errors in judgment by the Adviser may result in significant investment losses. Although the Adviser has experience managing discretionary accounts, the Adviser has no prior experience managing a mutual fund.

 

    Growth Risk. The Fund invests in companies that appear to be growth-oriented companies. Growth companies are companies that the Adviser believes will have revenue and earnings that grow faster than the economy as a whole, offering above-average prospects for capital appreciation. If the Adviser’s perceptions of a company’s growth potential are wrong, the securities purchased may not perform as expected, reducing the Fund’s return.

 

    Large Cap Risk. Large capitalization companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalization. This potentially lower risk means that the Fund’s share price may not rise as much as share prices of funds that focus on smaller capitalization companies.

 

    Mid Cap Risk. The Fund will be exposed to risks associated with making investments in mid-capitalization companies. The earnings and prospects of these companies are more volatile than larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies may experience higher failure rates than do larger companies. The trading volume of securities of medium capitalization companies is normally less than that of larger companies and, therefore, may disproportionately affect their market price, tending to make them fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies may have limited markets, product lines or financial resources, and may lack management experience.

 

    Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in foreign securities, including ADRs. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. These risks may include, among others, country related risks including political, diplomatic, regional conflicts, terrorism, war, social and economic instability, currency devaluations, and policies restricting the movement of assets; different trading practices; less government supervision; less publicly available information; limited trading markets; and greater volatility. Investments in foreign securities also subject the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in currency values.

 

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    Other Investment Company Risk . When the Fund invests in other investment companies, such as other mutual funds or ETFs, it indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the other investment company. Therefore, the Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the Fund may be affected by losses of the underlying funds and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of the underlying funds (such as the use of derivatives by the funds). ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price above or below its net asset value; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which it invests.

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

As with any mutual fund investment, the Fund’s returns will vary and you could lose money.

Temporary Defensive Positions

From time to time, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies, in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. In such instances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its assets in cash; short-term U.S. government securities and government agency securities; investment grade money market instruments; investment grade fixed income securities; repurchase agreements; commercial paper and cash equivalents. The Fund may invest in the securities described above at any time to maintain liquidity, pending selection of investments by the Adviser, or if the Adviser believes that sufficient investment opportunities that meet the Fund’s investment criteria are not available. By keeping cash on hand, the Fund may be able to meet shareholder redemptions without selling securities and realizing gains and losses. As a result of engaging in these temporary measures, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Is the Fund right for you?

The Fund may be suitable for:

 

    long-term investors seeking a fund with an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation

 

    investors willing to accept price fluctuations in their investment.

 

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Information about the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is included in the Statement of Additional Information.

HOW TO BUY SHARES

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. This means that when you open an account, we will ask for your name, residential address, date of birth, government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents, and may take additional steps to verify your identity. If we do not receive these required pieces of information, there may be a delay in processing your investment request, which could subject your investment to market risk. If we are unable to immediately verify your identity, the Fund may restrict further investment until your identity is verified. However, if we are unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to close your account without notice and return your investment to you at the NAV determined on the day in which your account is closed. If we close your account because we are unable to verify your identity, your investment will be subject to market fluctuation, which could result in a loss of a portion of your principal investment.

The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000 for all account types. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive this minimum for accounts participating in an automatic investment program and in certain other circumstances. The Fund may waive or lower investment minimums for investors who invest in the Fund through an asset-based fee program made available through a financial intermediary. If your investment is aggregated into an omnibus account established by an investment adviser, broker or other intermediary, the account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to your individual investment. The financial intermediary may also impose minimum requirements that are different from those set forth in this Prospectus. If you choose to purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund, you will not incur charges on purchases and redemptions. However, if you purchase or redeem Shares through a broker-dealer or another intermediary, you may be charged a fee by that intermediary.

Initial Purchase

By Mail - To be in proper form, your initial purchase request must include:

 

    a completed and signed investment application form; and

 

    a personal check with name pre-printed (subject to the minimum amount) made payable to the Fund.

 

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Mail the application and check to:

 

U.S. Mail:   Overnight:

BFS Equity Fund

c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 6110

Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110

 

BFS Equity Fund

c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

By Wire - You may also purchase shares of the Fund by wiring federal funds from your bank, which may charge you a fee for doing so. To wire money, you must call Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430 to obtain instructions on how to set up your account and to obtain an account number.

You must provide a signed application to Huntington Asset Services Inc., the Fund’s transfer agent, at the above address in order to complete your initial wire purchase. Wire orders will be accepted only on a day on which the Fund and its custodian and transfer agent are open for business. A wire purchase will not be considered made until the wired money is received and the purchase is accepted by the Fund. The purchase price per share will be the net asset value next determined after the wire purchase is accepted by the Fund. Any delays, which may occur in wiring money, including delays that may occur in processing by the banks, are not the responsibility of the Fund or the transfer agent. There is presently no fee for the receipt of wired funds, but the Fund may charge shareholders for this service in the future.

Additional Investments

You may purchase additional shares of the Fund at any time by mail, wire, or automatic investment. Each additional mail purchase request must contain:

1. Your name

2. The name on your account(s)

3. Your account number(s)

4. A check made payable to BFS Equity Fund

Checks should be sent to the Fund at the address listed under the heading “Initial Purchase – By Mail” in this Prospectus. To send a bank wire, call Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430 to obtain instructions.

Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act that allows the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its shares and allows the Fund to pay for services provided to Fund shareholders (the “12b-1 Plan”). The 12b-1 Plan allows shareholders of the Fund to pay annual 12b-1 expenses of 0.25%. Over time, 12b-1 fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an on-going basis.

 

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Automatic Investment Plan

You may make regular investments in the Fund with an Automatic Investment Plan by completing the appropriate section of the account application or completing a systematic investment plan form with the proper signature guarantee and attaching a voided personal check. Investments may be made monthly to allow dollar-cost averaging by automatically deducting $100 or more from your bank checking account. You may change the amount of your monthly purchase at any time. If an Automatic Investment Plan purchase is rejected by your bank, your shareholder account will be charged a fee to defray bank charges.

Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans

Shares of the Fund may be an appropriate investment for tax-sheltered retirement plans, including: individual retirement plans (IRAs); simplified employee pension plans (SEPs); 401(k) plans; qualified corporate pension and profit-sharing plans (for employees); tax deferred investment plans (for employees of public school systems and certain types of charitable organizations); and other qualified retirement plans. You should contact Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430 for the procedure to open an IRA or SEP plan, as well as more specific information regarding these retirement plan options. Please consult with an attorney or tax adviser regarding these plans. You must pay custodial fees for your IRA by redemption of sufficient shares of the Fund from the IRA unless you pay the fees directly to the IRA custodian. Call Shareholder Services about the IRA custodial fees at (855) 575-2430.

Other Purchase Information

The Fund may limit the amount of purchases and refuse to sell shares to any person. If your check or wire does not clear, you will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund. You may be prohibited or restricted from making future purchases in the Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Fund. The Fund and its transfer agent may refuse any purchase order for any reason. Cash, third party checks (except for properly endorsed IRA rollover checks), counter checks, starter checks, traveler’s checks, money orders, credit card checks, and checks drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions will not be accepted. Cashier’s checks and bank official checks may be accepted in amounts greater than $10,000. In such cases, a fifteen (15) calendar day hold will be applied to the funds, (which means that you may not receive proceeds from your redeemed shares until the holding period has expired). Cashier’s checks and bank official checks in amounts less than $10,000 will also be accepted for IRA transfers from other financial institutions.

The Fund has authorized certain broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including their designated intermediaries) to accept on its behalf purchase and sell orders. The Fund is deemed to have received an order when the authorized person or designee accepts the order, and the order is processed at the net asset value next calculated thereafter. It is the responsibility of the broker-dealer or other financial institution to transmit orders promptly to the Fund’s transfer agent.

 

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HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

You may receive redemption payments by check or federal wire transfer. The proceeds may be more or less than the purchase price of your shares, depending on the market value of the Fund’s securities at the time of your redemption. If you redeem your shares through a broker/dealer or other financial institution, you may be charged a fee by that institution. You should consult with your broker-dealer or other financial institution for more information on these fees.

By Mail - You may redeem any part of your account in the Fund at no charge by mail. Your request should be addressed to:

 

U.S. Mail:   Overnight:

BFS Equity Fund

c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 6110

Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110

 

BFS Equity Fund

c/o Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

Your request for a redemption must include your letter of instruction, including the Fund name, account number, account names, the address, and the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Requests to sell shares that are received in good order are processed at the net asset value next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form. To be in good order, your request must be signed by all registered share owner(s) in the exact name(s) and any special capacity in which they are registered. The Fund may require that signatures be guaranteed if you request the redemption check be made payable to any person other than the shareholder(s) of record or mailed to an address other than the address of record, or if the mailing address has been changed within 30 days of the redemption request. The Fund may also require a signature guarantee for redemptions of $25,000 or more. Signature guarantees are for the protection of shareholders. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks and securities dealers, but not from a notary public. All documentation requiring a signature guarantee must utilize a New Technology Medallion Stamp. For joint accounts, both signatures must be guaranteed. Please call Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430 if you have questions. At the discretion of the Adviser or the transfer agent, the signature guarantee requirements may be modified or waived, and you may be required to furnish additional legal documents to insure proper authorization.

By Telephone - You may redeem any part of your account (up to $25,000) in the Fund by calling Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430. You must first complete the optional Telephone Redemption section of the investment application to institute this option. The Fund, and its transfer agent and custodian are not liable for following redemption or exchange instructions communicated by telephone to the extent that they reasonably believe the telephone instructions to be genuine. However, if they do not employ reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Procedures employed may include recording telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification from the caller.

 

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The Fund or its transfer agent may terminate the telephone redemption procedures at any time. During periods of extreme market activity, it is possible that shareholders may encounter some difficulty in telephoning the Fund, although neither the Fund nor the transfer agent has ever experienced difficulties in receiving and in a timely fashion responding to telephone requests for redemptions or exchanges. If you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone, you may request a redemption or exchange by mail.

By Wire - A wire transfer fee of $15 is charged to defray custodial charges for redemptions paid by wire transfer. This fee is subject to change. Any charges for wire redemptions will be deducted from your Fund account by redemption of shares.

Redemptions in Kind

The Fund does not intend to redeem shares in any form except cash. However, if the amount you are redeeming is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value in securities instead of cash. In the event that an in-kind distribution is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses, such as the payment of brokerage commissions, on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Fund.

Fund Policy on Market Timing

The Fund discourages market timing and does not accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Market timing is an investment strategy using frequent purchases, redemptions and/or exchanges in an attempt to profit from short-term market movements. Market timing can result in dilution of the value of Fund shares held by long-term shareholders, disrupt portfolio management and increase Fund expenses for all shareholders. The Board of Trustees has adopted a policy directing the Fund to reject any purchase order with respect to any investor, a related group of investors or their agent(s), where it detects a pattern of purchases and sales of the Fund that indicates market timing or trading that it determines is abusive. This policy generally applies to all Fund shareholders.

While the Fund attempts to deter market timing, there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify and eliminate all market timers. For example, omnibus accounts typically provide the Fund with a net purchase or redemption request on any given day where purchasers and redeemers of Fund shares are netted against one another and the identities of individual purchasers and redeemers whose orders are aggregated is not known by the Fund. Despite the Fund’s efforts to detect and prevent abusive trading activities, it may be difficult for the Fund to identify such activity in certain omnibus accounts traded through financial intermediaries since the Fund may not have knowledge

 

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of the identity of individual investors and their transactions in such accounts. Under a federal rule, the Fund is required to have an agreement with many of its intermediaries obligating the intermediaries to provide, upon the Fund’s request, information regarding the intermediaries’ customers and their transactions. However, there can be no guarantee that all excessive, short-term or other abusive trading activities will be detected, even if such an agreement is in place. Certain intermediaries, in particular retirement plan sponsors and administrators, may have less restrictive policies regarding short-term trading. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order for any reason, including purchase orders that it does not think are in the best interest of the Fund or its shareholders, or if the Fund thinks that trading is abusive. The Fund has not entered into any arrangements with any person to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares.

Additional Information

If you are not certain of the requirements for a redemption please call Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430. Redemptions specifying a certain date or share price cannot be accepted and will be returned. You will be mailed the proceeds on or before the fifth business day following the redemption. However, payment for redemption made against shares purchased by check will be made only after the check has been collected, which normally may take up to fifteen calendar days. Also, when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading is restricted) for any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closing or under any emergency circumstances, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment dates. You may be assessed a fee if the Fund incurs bank charges because you request that the Fund re-issue a redemption check.

For non-retirement accounts, redemption proceeds, including dividends and other distributions, sent via check by the Fund and not cashed within 180 days will be reinvested in the Fund at the current day’s NAV. Redemption proceeds that are reinvested are subject to the risk of loss like any other investment in the Fund.

Because the Fund incurs certain fixed costs in maintaining shareholder accounts, the Fund may redeem all of your shares in the Fund on 30 days’ written notice if the value of your shares in the Fund is less than $500 due to redemption, or such other minimum amount as the Fund may determine from time to time. You may increase the value of your shares in the Fund to the minimum amount within the 30 day period. All shares of the Fund also are subject to involuntary redemption if the Board of Trustees determines to liquidate the Fund. In such event, the Board may close the Fund with notice to shareholders but without obtaining shareholder approval. An involuntary redemption will create a capital gain or capital loss, which may have tax consequences about which you should consult your tax adviser.

 

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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The price you pay for your shares is based on the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”). The Fund’s NAV is calculated at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business (the Stock Exchange is closed on weekends, most federal holidays and Good Friday). The Fund’s NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding. Requests to purchase and sell shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form. In the event, the Fund holds portfolio securities that trade in foreign markets or that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the net asset value of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.

The Fund’s assets generally are valued at their market value. If market prices are not available (including when they are not reliable), or if an event occurs after the close of the trading market but before the calculation of the NAV that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at a fair value, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. For example, the Fund may be obligated to fair value a foreign security because many foreign markets operate at times that do not coincide with those of the major U.S. markets. Events that could affect the values of foreign portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the foreign market and the time of determining the NAV, and would not otherwise be reflected in the NAV. When pricing securities using the fair value guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, the Fund (with the assistance of its service providers) seeks to assign the value that represents the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the securities. However, given the subjectivity inherent in fair valuation and the fact that events could occur after NAV calculation, the actual market prices for a security may differ from the fair value of that security as determined by the Adviser at the time of NAV calculation. Thus, discrepancies between fair values and actual market prices may occur on a regular and recurring basis. These discrepancies do not necessarily indicate that the Fund’s fair value methodology is inappropriate. The Fund will adjust the fair values assigned to securities in the Fund’s portfolio, to the extent necessary, as soon as market prices become available. The Fund (and its service providers) continually monitors and evaluates the appropriateness of its fair value methodologies through systematic comparisons of fair values to the actual next available market prices of securities contained in the Fund’s portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests in other mutual funds, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based, in part, upon the net asset values of such mutual funds; the prospectuses for those mutual funds in which the Fund will invest describe the circumstances under which those mutual funds will use fair value pricing, which, in turn, affects their net asset values.

 

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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Dividends and Distributions. The Fund typically distributes to its shareholders as dividends substantially all of its net investment income and any realized net capital gains. These distributions are automatically reinvested in the Fund unless you request cash distributions on your application or through a written request to the Fund. The Fund expects that its distributions will consist primarily of income and net realized capital gains. The Fund declares and pays dividends at least annually. Net investment income distributed by the Fund generally will consist of interest income, if any, and dividends received on investments, less expenses. The dividends you receive, whether or not reinvested, will be taxed as ordinary income except as described below.

Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by the Fund automatically will be invested in additional shares of the Fund. Alternatively, you may elect to have: (1) dividends paid to you in cash and the amount of any capital gain distributions reinvested; or (2) the full amount of any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you in cash. The Fund will send dividends and capital gain distributions elected to be received as cash to the address of record or bank of record on the applicable account. Your distribution option will automatically be converted to having all dividends and other distributions reinvested in additional shares if any of the following occur:

 

    Postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to the address of record;

 

    Dividend and capital gain distribution checks are not cashed within 180 days; or

 

    Bank account of record is no longer valid.

For non-retirement account, dividend and capital gain distribution checks issued by the Fund that are not cashed within 180 days will be reinvested in the Fund at the current day’s NAV. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to risk of loss like any other investment in the Fund.

Selling shares (including redemptions) and receiving distributions (whether reinvested or taken in cash) usually are taxable events to the Fund’s shareholders. These transactions typically create the following tax liabilities for taxable accounts:

Summary of Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following information is meant as a general summary of the federal income tax provisions regarding the taxation of the Fund’s shareholders. Additional tax information appears in the SAI. Shareholders should rely on their own tax adviser for advice about the federal, state, and local tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

The Fund expects to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains to its shareholders at least annually. Shareholders may elect to take dividends from net investment income or capital gain distributions, if any, in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares. Although the Fund will not be taxed on amounts

 

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it distributes, shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions, regardless of whether distributions are paid by the Fund in cash or are reinvested in additional Fund shares. Distributions to non-corporate investors attributable to ordinary income and short-term capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income, although certain income dividends may be taxed to non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividend income at long-term capital gains rates provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Distributions of long-term capital gains are generally taxed as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as federal taxes.

The Fund may invest in foreign securities against which foreign tax may be withheld. If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets are invested in foreign ETFs or index mutual funds at the end of the year, the Fund’s shareholders might be able to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to foreign taxes withheld.

Taxable distributions paid by the Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate tax rates. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for a portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Fund as qualifying for the DRD provided certain holding period requirements are met.

In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems Fund shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund shares, provided that any loss recognized on the sale of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.

The Fund may be required to withhold U.S federal income tax (presently at the rate of twenty-eight percent (28%)) on all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the Internal Revenue Service ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Shareholders should consult with their own tax adviser to ensure that distributions and sales of Fund shares are treated appropriately on their income tax returns.

Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on the Fund’s shareholders’ Consolidated Form 1099s when “covered” securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.

 

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The Fund has chosen average cost as the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

For those securities defined as “covered” under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not “covered.” The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Adviser. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum Street, City Place II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, serves as investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory management responsibility for the general management and investment of the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser was formed in 1993 and is independently owned and managed by thirteen principals of the firm. The Adviser serves individuals, retirement plans, corporations and institutions, and as of March 31, 2013 had assets under management of approximately $2.19 billion. Although the Adviser has no prior experience managing a mutual fund, the Adviser has been managing other discretionary accounts using the same style it is utilizing with the Fund since the Adviser’s inception.

The Fund is required to pay the Adviser a fee equal to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. A discussion of the factors that the Board of Trustees considered in approving the Fund’s advisory agreement will be contained in the Fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until September 30, 2014, so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.00%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend

 

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expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Fees and Expenses of Acquired Funds,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. The Adviser may be entitled to the reimbursement of any fees waived or expenses reimbursed pursuant to the agreement provided overall expenses fall below the limitation set forth above. The Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous three (3) years, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided total expenses do not exceed the limitation set forth above.

If you invest in the Fund through an investment adviser, bank, broker-dealer, 401(k) plan, trust company or other financial intermediary, the policies and fees for transacting business may be different than those described in this Prospectus. Some financial intermediaries may charge transaction fees and may set different minimum investments or limitations on buying or selling shares. Some financial intermediaries do not charge a direct transaction fee, but instead charge a fee for services such as sub-transfer agency, accounting and/or shareholder services that the financial intermediary provides on the Fund’s behalf. This fee may be based on the number of accounts or may be a percentage of the average value of the Fund’s shareholder accounts for which the financial intermediary provides services. The Fund may pay a portion of this fee, which is intended to compensate the financial intermediary for providing the same services that would otherwise be provided by the Fund’s transfer agent or other service providers if the shares were purchased directly from the Fund. To the extent that these fees are not paid by the Fund, the Adviser may pay a fee to financial intermediaries for such services.

To the extent that the Adviser, not the Fund, pays a fee to a financial intermediary for distribution or shareholder servicing, the Adviser may consider a number of factors in determining the amount of payment associated with such services, including the amount of sales, assets invested in the Fund and the nature of the services provided by the financial intermediary. Although neither the Fund nor the Adviser pays for the Fund to be included in a financial intermediary’s “preferred list” or other promotional program, some financial intermediaries that receive compensation as described above may have such programs in which the Fund may be included. Financial intermediaries that receive these types of payments may have a conflict of interest in recommending or selling the Fund’s shares rather than other mutual funds, particularly where such payments exceed those associated with other funds. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by financial intermediaries that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

Portfolio Managers. The Adviser utilizes a team approach in managing the Fund. The team is comprised of three portfolio managers, as follows:

Keith G. LaRose – Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund and Principal and Executive Vice President of the Adviser. Mr. LaRose joined the Adviser in February,

 

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2000. Mr. LaRose graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1984 with a BA in Economics. In 1995, he received an MA in Financial Economics from Trinity College. Mr. LaRose began his investment career in 1984 with Dean Witter Reynolds in the commodity trading group based in Greenwich, Connecticut. In 1989, he joined E.T. Andrews & Company, Inc. in Hartford, Connecticut where he was President until 1994. In 1994 he went on to serve as Director of Individual Investment Services at Hartford Financial Management, Inc. where he was responsible for supervising the investment management of more than $200 million in client assets and functioned as chief equity manager and strategist, until he joined the Adviser in 2000.

Timothy H. Foster – Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund and Principal and Executive Vice President of the Adviser. In July 1994, Mr. Foster joined with Robert H. Bradley and Joseph D. Sargent to found the Adviser. Mr. Foster graduated from Dartmouth College in 1977 with a BA in Economics. In 1981 he received an MBA in Finance from Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College. Mr. Foster served as a Senior Research Analyst for Connecticut General Investment Management Co. from 1981 to 1982 and as Portfolio Manager of institutional equity accounts for CIGNA Investment Management Co. from 1982 to 1986. He founded Arcadia Asset Management, which in 1994, was merged into Robert H. Bradley & Company, the predecessor company to the Adviser.

Thomas D. Sargent, CFA – Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund and Principal, Chief Investment Officer, and Executive Vice President of the Adviser. Mr. Sargent joined the Adviser in 2000. Mr. Sargent is the lead Portfolio Manager of Crystal Partners Fund Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”). Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. is the General Partner of the Partnership. The Partnership’s investment objective is to seek long term capital appreciation through investing in small and mid-capitalization stocks. Mr. Sargent graduated from Union College, Schenectady, NY, in 1981 with a BA in Economics and History. In 1986, he received an MBA from Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. Mr. Sargent began his career at Conning & Company in 1986. There he managed its institutional business for fourteen years. In that role, he served as a Member of Conning & Company’s Executive Committee with responsibility for Equity Research, Institutional Sales, and Equity Trading. During his career at Conning & Company, Mr. Sargent was cited for his equity research expertise by Institutional Investor magazine in its annual “Best of the Boutiques” profile. In 1987, Mr. Sargent achieved the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst ® (“CFA”). Mr. Sargent is a member of the CFA Institute and Hartford Society of Financial Analysts.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including their compensation structure, other accounts managed, and ownership of shares of the Fund.

 

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APPENDIX

ADVISER’S PRIOR PERFORMANCE

The data below is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing substantially similar equity accounts as measured against market indices, and does not represent the performance of the Fund, nor should it be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance. You should not consider this performance data as a prediction or an indication of future performance of the Fund or the performance that one might achieve by investing in the Fund.

The private accounts for which results are reported are not subject to the same types of expenses as the Fund or to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Consequently, the performance results for such private accounts could have been adversely affected if they had been subject to mutual fund regulations. In addition, the operating expenses incurred by the accounts included were lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund, and, accordingly, those expenses generally have less of an adverse effect on the performance results of the Composite. The private accounts which comprise the Composite have substantially similar investment policies and strategies as the Fund.

The manner in which the performance was calculated for the Composite accounts differs from that of registered mutual funds like the Fund. The performance information shown below is not necessarily representative of the performance information that typically would be shown for a registered mutual fund. The accounts that are included in the Composite are not subject to the same type of expenses to which the Fund is subject and

 

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are not subject to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions, and investment limitations imposed by the federal securities and tax laws. Consequently, the performance results for the Composite could have been adversely affected if the accounts in the Composite were subject to the same federal securities tax laws as the Fund. In addition, the accounts are not subject to the same adverse effects of cash inflows and outflows of investor money that a public mutual fund such as the Fund may be subject to, and accordingly the performance of the accounts may be higher than for a public mutual fund managed under the same investment strategy. “Composite Net-of-Fees” performance results are net of all fees, expenses, and, if applicable, sales loads or placement fees. Because of variation in fee levels, the “net of fees” Composite returns may not be reflective of performance in any one particular account. The use of a methodology different than that used below to calculate performance could result in different performance data.

 

LOGO

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Notes to Investment Performance Presentation—Growth through Equities Composite

6/30/94 – 03/31/13

Notes:

 

(1) Firm definition. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. is an independent investment management firm registered under the Investment Adviser Act of 1940, as amended. The firm is owned and operated by its Principals. It is not affiliated with any parent organization. Founded in 1994, this Hartford, CT-based firm works with its client base of individuals and institutions to create customized investment management strategies based on each client’s investment objectives. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. invests primarily in securities traded on U.S. exchanges.

 

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(2) Composite criteria. The Growth through Equities Composite (“Composite”) includes all discretionary accounts invested for long-term growth through equities. In addition, the asset value of accounts in the Composite is subject to a minimum. From inception through December 31, 2011, to be included, the asset value was required to be in excess of $100,000. Effective January 1, 2012, to be included, the asset value was required to be in excess of $200,000. The investment objective of the Composite is to provide capital appreciation through growth of principal and dividend income. Assets are normally allocated fully to equities (primarily large capitalization issues traded on U.S. exchanges) with cash reserves of 0% to 20%. Portfolio Managers may deviate up to 15 points from the normal asset allocations. New accounts meeting the above criteria are included in the Composite the first full quarter under management. Closed accounts are removed from the Composite after the last full quarter under management. The Growth through Equities Composite was created in 1994. A complete list and description of firm composites is available upon request.

 

(3) Calculation methodology. The Growth through Equities Composite results are time-weighted rates of return presented gross of withholding taxes and net of commissions and transaction costs, in U.S. dollars both gross and net of investment advisory fees. Purchases, sales, and valuations are recorded based on trade date; interest income is accrued and dividends are recorded upon receipt. Quarterly, account returns are calculated using the Modified Dietz Method (i.e., assets and cash flows are weighted based on time remaining in the period). Cash flows are weighted according to the day on which they occur. Effective January 1, 2007, portfolios are re-valued on dates when a cash flow exceeds 20% of the market value of the portfolio or Composite. Composite returns are calculated using the aggregate method. Under the aggregate method, each account’s assets and cash flows are combined as if the Composite were one portfolio. Annual returns are calculated by linking the quarterly returns through compounded multiplication. The gross of fees calculation excludes investment advisory fees; the net of fees calculation assumes investment advisory fees are a reduction in return. (For example, a portfolio with a compounded annual total return of 10% would have increased by 159% over ten years. Assuming an annual investment advisory fee of 1%, the increase would equal 137%.) The standard Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. investment advisory annual fee schedule for business closed prior to January 1, 2008, is as follows: 1.00% on the first $1 million of assets under management, 0.75% on the next $1 million and 0.50% thereafter. Effective January 1, 2008, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s investment advisory schedule for new accounts/relationships is as follows: 1.00% on the first $2 million of assets under management, 0.75% on the next $3 million, and 0.50% thereafter. Returns are presented both net of advisory fees and gross of advisory fees. The firm’s investment advisory fee schedule is also described in Part 2A Item 5: Fees and Compensation of its Form ADV. Additional information regarding the firm’s policies for valuing portfolios, calculating performance, and preparing compliant presentations is available upon request.

 

(4) Benchmark representation. The Benchmark is the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index (“S&P 500 Index”) which covers 500 companies of the U.S. Markets, and is capitalization weighted. For comparison purposes, the S&P 500 Index is a fully invested index, which includes reinvestment of income, and its performance has been linked in the same manner as the Composite. The returns for this unmanaged market index do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. The S&P 500 Index returns are provided merely to represent the investment environment existing during the time periods indicated and are not intended to imply that the Composite was similar to the S&P 500 Index either in composition or element of risk. There is no guarantee that the Composite returns will meet or exceed the S&P 500 Index returns.

 

(5) Internal dispersion. Internal dispersion, or standard deviation, is a measure of variability, which is often used in the investment industry as an indicator of risk. The standard deviation of annual portfolio returns is calculated from the measurements of variance from the mean annual portfolio return, net of investment advisory fees. Assuming “normal” distribution of returns, plus or minus one standard deviation from the mean return encompasses 68% of all possible outcomes. For periods less than one year, standard deviation is not presented.

 

(6) Three-year annualized ex-post standard deviation, net of investment advisory fees. The three-year annualized ex-post standard deviation measures the variability of the Composite and the benchmark returns over the preceding 36-month period. The standard deviation is not presented for the periods 2001 through 2010 because they are not required for periods prior to 2011. At March 31, 2013, the three-year annualized ex-post standard deviation of the Composite and the benchmark are 12.67% and 14.80%, respectively.

DISCLAIMER: PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS

 

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CityPlace II, 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103-3402

Tel: 860-527-8050 Fax: 860-527-0775

www.bfsinvest.com

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can find additional information about the Fund in the following documents:

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports : While this Prospectus describes the Fund’s potential investments, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports detail the Fund’s actual investments as of their report dates. The Annual report includes a discussion by Fund management of recent market conditions, economic trends, and investment strategies that significantly affected Fund performance during the reporting period.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI) : The SAI supplements the Prospectus and contains detailed information about the Fund and its investment restrictions, risks, policies, and operations, including the Fund’s policies and procedures relating to the disclosure of portfolio holdings by the Fund’s affiliates. A current SAI for the Fund is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference, which means it is considered part of this Prospectus.

How to Obtain Copies of Other Fund Documents

You can obtain free copies of the current SAI and the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, and request other information about the Fund or make shareholder inquiries, in any of the following ways:

The Fund’s website at www.bfsfunds.com

You can get free copies of the current Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as the SAI, by contacting Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430. You may also request other information about the Fund and make shareholder inquiries. The Fund does not currently maintain a website from which the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports can be downloaded. The requested documents will be sent within three business days of receipt of the request.

You may review and copy information about the Fund (including the SAI and other reports) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC at 1-202-551-8090 for room hours and operation. You may also obtain reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov , and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.

Investment Company Act #811-22208

 

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BFS Family of Funds

BFS Equity Fund

(BFSAX)

A Series of the Valued Advisers Trust

Statement of Additional Information

September 24, 2013

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus (the “Prospectus”) of the BFS Equity Fund (the “Fund”) dated September 24, 2013. A free copy of the Prospectus can be obtained by writing Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Fund’s transfer agent, at P.O. Box 6110, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110, or by calling Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND

     1   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

     2   

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

     4   

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

     4   

INVESTMENT ADVISER

     6   

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     9   

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

     14   

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

     14   

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     15   

CODES OF ETHICS

     16   

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

     16   

PROXY VOTING POLICY

     18   

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     18   

REDEMPTION IN-KIND

     19   

STATUS AND TAXATION OF THE FUND

     19   

CUSTODIAN

     32   

FUND SERVICES

     33   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     33   

LEGAL COUNSEL

     33   

DISTRIBUTOR

     34   

DISTRIBUTION PLAN

     34   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     34   

EXHIBIT A (VALUED ADVISERS TRUST PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE)

     35   

EXHIBIT B (ADVISER’S PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE)

     37   

EXHIBIT C (GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER)

     43   


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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND

The BFS Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is an open-end diversified series of the Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is a management investment company established under the laws of Delaware by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated June 13, 2008 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds authorized by the Trustees. The Fund’s investment adviser is Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the “Adviser”).

The Fund does not issue share certificates. All shares are held in non-certificate form registered on the books of the Fund and its transfer agent for the account of the shareholders. Each share of a series represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to that series with each other share of that series and is entitled to such dividends, and distributions out of income belonging to the series as are declared by the Trustees. The shares do not have cumulative voting rights or any preemptive or conversion rights, and the Trustees have the authority from time to time to divide or combine the shares of any series into a greater or lesser number of shares of that series so long as the proportionate beneficial interest in the assets belonging to that series and the rights of shares of any other series are in no way affected. In case of any liquidation of a series, the holders of shares of the series being liquidated will be entitled to receive as a class a distribution out of the assets, net of the liabilities, belonging to that series. Expenses attributable to any series are borne by that series. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular series are allocated by or under the direction of the Trustees in such manner as the Trustees determine to be fair and equitable. No shareholder is liable to further calls or to assessment by the Trust without his or her express consent.

Any Trustee of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust. The Trust does not hold an annual meeting of shareholders. When matters are submitted to shareholders for a vote, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each whole share he or she owns and fractional votes for fractional shares he or she owns. All shares of the Fund have equal voting rights and liquidation rights. The Trust Agreement can be amended by the Trustees, except that certain amendments that adversely affect the rights of shareholders must be approved by the shareholders affected. All shares of the Fund are subject to involuntary redemption if the Trustees determine to liquidate the Fund. An involuntary redemption will create a capital gain or a capital loss, which may have tax consequences about which you should consult your tax adviser.

For information concerning the purchase and redemption of shares of the Fund, see “How to Buy Shares” and “How to Redeem Shares” in the Fund’s Prospectus. For a description of the methods used to determine the share price and value of the Fund’s assets, see “Determination of Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus and this SAI. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order.

 

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Customer orders will be priced at the Fund’s net asset value next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee and accepted by the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be compared in publications to the performance of various indices and investments for which reliable performance data is available. The performance of the Fund may be compared in publications to averages, performance rankings, or other information prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services. The annual report contains additional performance information and will be made available to investors upon request and without charge.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND

INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

This section contains additional information about the investments the Fund may make and some of the techniques it may use. It is not the Fund’s policy to invest in illiquid securities.

A. Equity Securities. Equity securities include common stock and common stock equivalents (such as rights and warrants). Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specified price valid for a specific time period. Rights are similar to warrants, but normally have a short duration and are distributed by the issuer to its shareholders. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy underlying equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. A warrant tends to be more volatile than its underlying securities and ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. In addition, changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying securities.

B. Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in foreign securities by purchasing depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and other similar instruments. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, while GDRs, in bearer form, may be denominated in other currencies and are designed for use in multiple foreign securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. GDRs are foreign receipts evidencing a similar arrangement. For purposes of the Fund’s investment policies, ADRs and GDRs are deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they represent, except that ADRs and GDRs shall be treated as indirect foreign investments. For example, an ADR or GDR representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.

ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in equity securities of foreign issuers, the Fund will avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. GDRs are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities which they represent.

Depositary receipt facilities may be established as either “unsponsored” or “sponsored”. While depositary receipts issued under these two types of facilities are in some respects similar, there are distinctions between them relating to the rights and obligations of depositary receipt holders and the practices of market participants.

 

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A depository may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or even necessarily the permission of) the issuer of the deposited securities, although typically the depository requests a letter of non-objection from such issuer prior to the establishment of the facility. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facility. The depository usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depository of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to pass through voting rights to depositary receipt holders in respect of the deposited securities. In addition, an unsponsored facility is generally not obligated to distribute communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to disclose material information about such issuer in the U.S. and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

Sponsored depositary receipt facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that the issuer of the deposited securities enters into a deposit agreement with the depository. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the issuer, the depository, and the depositary receipt holders. With sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities generally will bear some of the costs relating to the facility (such as dividend payment fees of the depository), although depositary receipt holders continue to bear certain other costs (such as deposit and withdrawal fees). Under the terms of most sponsored arrangements, depositories agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings and voting instructions, and to provide shareholder communications and other information to the depositary receipt holders at the request of the issuer of the deposited securities. Risks associated with direct investments in foreign securities, rather than through depositary receipts, are described below under “Foreign Securities.”

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

Decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding

 

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increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements).

D. Cash Investments . When the Adviser believes market, economic or political conditions are unfavorable for investors, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s net assets in cash, cash equivalents or other short-term investments. Unfavorable market or economic conditions may include excessive volatility or a prolonged general decline in the securities markets, or the U.S. economy. The Adviser also may invest in these types of securities or hold cash while looking for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain liquidity.

E. Investment Company Securities . The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, such as other mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or money market funds, subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). When the Fund invests in other investment companies, it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the investment company. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, the Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Although the Fund generally will not invest for short-term trading purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is a measure of the Fund’s portfolio activity, and is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of securities by the average value of the portfolio securities held during the period. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) generally leads to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

Fundamental . The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are fundamental (“Fundamental”), i.e. , they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term “majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund” means the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

  1.

Borrowing Money . The Fund will not borrow money, except from: (a) a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made.

 

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  This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions.

 

  2. Diversification . The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any class of securities of any one issuer (except that securities of the U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities are not subject to this limitation).

 

  3. Senior Securities . The Fund will not issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund’s engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or its staff.

 

  4. Underwriting . The Fund will not act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.

 

  5. Real Estate . The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts).

 

  6. Commodities . The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts, from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.

 

  7. Loans . The Fund will not make loans to other persons, except: (a) by loaning portfolio securities; (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements; or (c) by purchasing non-publicly offered debt securities. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.

 

  8. Concentration . The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.

 

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Non-Fundamental. The investment limitation described below has been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and is non-fundamental (“Non-Fundamental”). A Non-Fundamental policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy. Additionally, the Fund’s investment objective of long-term capital appreciation is non-fundamental.

1. Name Rule. Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes, if any) in equity securities. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days prior written notice in plain English to the Fund’s shareholders.

With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum limitations on its investment policies and limitations, an excess above the fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the excess results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set forth in paragraph 1 above.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.

INVESTMENT ADVISER

The Fund’s Adviser is Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum Street, City Place II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. The Adviser was formed in 1993 by Mr. Bradley, Mr. Sargent, and Mr. Foster. The Adviser is independently owned and managed by thirteen principals of the firm. The Adviser provides investment advice to individuals, retirement plans, corporations and institutions and, as of March 31, 2013 had assets under management of approximately $2.19 billion. The Fund is the first mutual fund managed by the Adviser.

Under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”), the Adviser manages the Fund’s investments subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until September 30, 2014, so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.00%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes,

 

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(iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Fees and Expenses of Acquired Funds,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. The Adviser may be entitled to the reimbursement of any fees waived or expenses reimbursed pursuant to the agreement provided overall expenses fall below the limitations set forth above. The Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed during any of the previous three (3) years, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided total expenses do not exceed the limitation set forth above.

The Adviser retains the right to use the name “Bradley, Foster & Sargent” or “BFS” in connection with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is or may become associated. The Trust’s right to use the name “Bradley, Foster & Sargent” or “BFS” automatically ceases 90 days after termination of the Agreement and may be withdrawn by the Adviser on 90 days’ written notice.

The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. If a bank or other financial institution were prohibited from continuing to perform all or a part of such services, management of the Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or shareholders. Banks and other financial institutions may charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those shareholders availing themselves of the bank services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by banks and other financial institutions that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

 

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About the Portfolio Managers

The Adviser utilizes a team approach in managing the Fund. The team is comprised of three portfolio managers as follows: Keith G. LaRose, Timothy H. Foster and Thomas D. Sargent (“Portfolio Managers”). As of March 31, 2013, the Portfolio Managers, were responsible for managing the following types of accounts, in addition to the Fund:

Keith G. LaRose – Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund

 

Account Type

   Number of
Accounts by
Account Type
     Total Assets By
Account Type
     Number of
Accounts by Type
Subject to a
Performance Fee
     Total Assets By
Account Type
Subject to a
Performance Fee
 

Registered Investment Companies

     0         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Other Accounts

     428       $ 428,700,000         0         0   

Timothy H. Foster – Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund

 

Account Type

   Number of
Accounts by
Account Type
     Total Assets By
Account Type
     Number of
Accounts by Type
Subject to a
Performance Fee
     Total Assets By
Account Type
Subject to a
Performance Fee
 

Registered Investment Companies

     0         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Other Accounts

     385       $ 364,000,000         0         0   

Thomas D. Sargent – Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund

 

Account Type

   Number of
Accounts by
Account Type
     Total Assets By
Account Type
     Number of
Accounts by Type
Subject to a
Performance Fee
     Total Assets By
Account Type
Subject to a
Performance Fee
 

Registered Investment Companies

     0         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Pooled Investment Vehicles

     1       $ 20,900,000         0         0   

Other Accounts

     490       $ 430,500,000         0         0   

Compensation : Each of the Portfolio Managers receives as compensation a percentage of the revenue the Adviser earns from portfolios managed by that Portfolio Manager. All employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) Plan, after age and continuous employment requirements are met, and all employees are eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus. Awards of discretionary bonuses are made by taking into consideration factors such as professionalism, competence, team-work, cooperation, courtesy to other staff members, constructive attitude, solutions-oriented approach to work, percentage of year worked for the Adviser, and the magnitude of the pool itself.

 

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Potential Conflicts of Interest : Potential conflicts of interest may arise because the Portfolio Managers use the same proprietary investment methodology for the Fund as they use for other clients. This means that the Portfolio Managers will make the investment strategies used to manage the Fund available to other clients. As a result, there may be circumstances under which the Fund and other clients of the Adviser may compete in purchasing available investments and, to the extent that the demand exceeds the supply, may result in driving the prices of such investments up, resulting in higher costs to the Fund. There also may be circumstances under which the Portfolio Managers purchase or sell various investments for other clients and do not purchase or sell the same investments for the Fund, or purchase or sell an investment for the Fund and do not include such investment in purchases or sales for other clients. This is because each client’s investment policy guidelines and/or prevailing market conditions at the time of such purchases or sales are made may differ from those of the Fund. Each Portfolio Manager may also carry on investment activities for his own account(s) and/or the accounts of family members.

The Fund is required to show the dollar amount range of each Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of shares of the Fund as of the most recently completed fiscal year. Because the Fund is new, as of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio Managers do not beneficially own shares of the Fund.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is R. Jeffrey Young, who is an “interested person” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The Board of Trustees does not have a Trustee, who is not an “interested person” of the Trust (“Independent Trustee”), as that term is defined under the 1940 Act, designated as a lead Independent Trustee. The Board of Trustees has considered the overall leadership structure of the Trust and has established committees designed to facilitate the governance of the Trust by the Trustees generally and the Board’s role with respect to risk oversight specifically. The Trust’s committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trust’s assets, and compliance matters. The Board of Trustees also has frequent interaction with the service providers and Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust with respect to risk oversight matters. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) reports directly to the Board generally with respect to the CCO’s role in managing the compliance risks of the Trust. The CCO may also report directly to a particular committee of the Board depending on the subject matter. The Trust’s principal financial officer reports to the Audit Committee of the Board on all financial matters affecting the Trust, including risks associated with financial reporting. Through the committee structure, the Trustees also interact with other officers and service providers of the Trust to monitor risks related to the Trust’s operations. The Trust has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate based on the size of the Trust, the Board of Trustees’ current responsibilities, each Trustee’s ability to participate in the oversight of the Trust and committee transparency.

 

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The Trustees are experienced businesspersons who meet throughout the year to oversee the Trust’s activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund and review performance. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

The following table provides information regarding each of the Independent Trustees.

 

Name, Address*, (Age),

Position with Trust**, Term

of Position with Trust

  

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

   Other Directorships

Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind,

77, Independent Trustee,

August 2008 to present.

   Retired consultant to Battelle Memorial Institute (International Science and Technology Research Enterprise) on business investments.    None.

Ira Cohen, 54, Independent

Trustee, June 2010 to present.

   Independent financial services consultant (Feb. 2005 – present).    None.

 

* The address for each trustee and officer is 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 18 series.

The following table provides information regarding the Trustee who is considered an “interested person” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. Based on the experience of the Trustee, the Trust concluded that the individual described below should serve as a Trustee.

 

Name, Address*, (Age),

Position with Trust**, Term

of Position with Trust

  

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

   Other Directorships

R. Jeffrey Young, 49,

Trustee and Chairman,

June 2010 to present.

   Principal Executive Officer and President, Valued Advisers Trust since February 2010; Senior Vice President, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. since January 2010; Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Funds since February 2010; Chief Executive Officer, The Huntington Strategy Shares since November 2010; President and Chief Executive Officer, Dreman Contrarian Funds March 2011 to February 2013; Trustee, Valued Advisers Trust, August 2008 to January 2010; and Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Professional Planning Consultants 2007 to 2010.    None.

 

* The address for each trustee and officer is 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 18 series.

The Trust’s committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trust’s assets, and compliance and governance matters. The Board of Trustees currently has established three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Pricing Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

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The Trust’s Audit Committee consists of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of the financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the Fund’s independent auditors and the full Board of Trustees. During the year, the Audit Committee met six times.

The Pricing Committee of the Board of Trustees is responsible for reviewing and approving the Fund’s fair valuation determinations, if any. The members of the Pricing Committee are all of the Trustees, except that any one member of the Pricing Committee constitutes a quorum for purposes of reviewing and approving a fair value. During the year, the Pricing Committee did not meet.

The Governance and Nominating Committee consists of the Independent Trustees and oversees general Trust governance-related matters. The Governance and Nominating Committee’s purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is included in Exhibit C – the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. During the past year, the Governance and Nominating Committee met two times.

Trustee Qualifications

Generally, no one factor was decisive in the original selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the Board considered when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board were the following: (1) the individual’s business and professional experience and accomplishments; (2) the individual’s ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board; and (3) how the individual’s skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board. In respect of each Trustee, the individual’s substantial professional accomplishments and prior experience, including, in some cases, in fields related to the operations of the Trust, were a significant factor in the determination that the individual should serve as a Trustee of the Trust. In addition to the information provided above, below is a summary of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee and the reason why he was selected to serve as Trustee:

Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind – Dr. Vanderlind has over 42 years of business experience, including as a consultant on business investments. He previously served in various executive management positions with an international science and technology research enterprise. Dr. Vanderlind was selected to serve as Trustee of the Trust based primarily on his considerable knowledge of operational, management and corporate governance issues.

Ira Cohen – Mr. Cohen has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, including in an executive management role. He was selected to serve as Trustee of the Trust based primarily on his comprehensive understanding of the Trust’s operations and investments.

R. Jeffrey Young – Mr. Young has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, including as an officer and trustee of other mutual funds. He also has extensive experience in an executive management role with two different mutual fund servicing companies, including the Trust’s administrator. Mr. Young was selected to serve as Trustee of the Trust based primarily on his extensive knowledge of mutual fund operations, including the regulatory framework under which the Trust must operate.

 

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The following table provides information regarding the Officers of the Trust:

 

Name, Address*, (Age),

Position with Trust,**

Term of Position with Trust

  

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

   Other Directorships

R. Jeffrey Young, 49,

Trustee and Chairman, June

2010 to present; Principal

Executive Officer and

President, Valued Advisers

Trust since February 2010.

   Senior Vice President, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. since January 2010; Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Funds since February 2010; Chief Executive Officer, The Huntington Strategy Shares since November 2010; President and Chief Executive Officer, Dreman Contrarian Funds March 2011 to February 2013; Trustee, Valued Advisers Trust, August 2008 to January 2010; and Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Professional Planning Consultants 2007 to 2010.    None.

John C. Swhear, 52, Chief

Compliance Officer, AML

Officer and Vice President,

August 2008 to present.

   Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance for Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since April 2007; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, since May 2007; President of the Unified Series Trust since March 2012, and Senior Vice President from May 2007 to March 2012; Secretary of Huntington Funds from April 2010 to February 2012; President and Chief Executive Officer of Dreman Contrarian Funds from March 2010 to March 2011, and Vice President and Acting Chief Executive Officer, 2007 to March 2010.    None.

Carol J. Highsmith, 48, Vice

President, August 2008 to

present.

   Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since November of 1994; currently Vice President of Legal Administration.    None.

Matthew J. Miller, 37, Vice

President, December 2011 to

present.

   Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since July of 1998; currently Vice President of Relationship Management; Vice President of Huntington Funds since February 2010.    None.

 

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Name, Address*, (Age),

Position with Trust,**

Term of Position with Trust

  

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

   Other Directorships

Robert W. Silva, 47,

Treasurer and Chief

Financial Officer, January

2013 to present.

   Vice President, Fund Administration for Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since September 2010; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Unified Series Trust since June 2011; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Dreman Contrarian Funds March 2011 to December 2012; Treasurer of Huntington Funds since November 2010; Senior Vice President of Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. from September 2007 to September 2010.    None.

Heather Bonds, 38

Secretary, September 2012

to present.

   Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since January of 2004; currently Certified Paralegal and Section Manager 2.    None.

 

* The address for each trustee and officer is 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 18 series.

The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Funds of the Trust, as of December 31, 2012 and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.

 

Name of Trustee

   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Fund
   Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in all Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by the Trustees

in Family of Investment Companies

Non-Interested Trustees

     

Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind

   A    A

Ira Cohen

   A    A

Interested Trustee

     

R. Jeffrey Young

   A    A

Compensation . Set forth below are estimates of the annual compensation to be paid to the Trustees by the Fund on an individual basis and by the Trust on an aggregate basis. Trustees’ fees and expenses are Trust expenses and the Fund incurs its pro rata share of expenses based on the number of existing series in the Trust. As a result, the amount paid by the Fund will increase or decrease as series are added or removed from the Trust.

 

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Independent Trustees

   Aggregate
Compensation

from the Fund
     Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued
As Part of Fund
Expenses
     Estimated
Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement
     Total
Compensation
from Trust*
 

Dr. Merwyn R. Vanderlind

   $ 1,188       $ 0       $ 0       $ 19,000   

Ira Cohen

   $ 1,188       $ 0       $ 0       $ 19,000   

 

* As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 18 series. Amounts given are estimates for the Fund’s initial fiscal period ended May 31, 2014.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of such control. As a controlling shareholder, each of these persons could control the outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to the Fund’s fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the Adviser. The Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI and therefore the Fund does not have any shareholders who beneficially own of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

Customer identification and verification is part of the Fund’s overall obligation to prevent money laundering under federal law. The Trust has, on behalf of the Fund, adopted an anti-money laundering compliance program designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or financing of terrorist activities (the “AML Compliance Program”). The Trust has delegated the responsibility to implement the AML Compliance Program to the Fund’s transfer agent, Huntington Asset Services, Inc., subject to oversight by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and, ultimately, by the Board of Trustees.

When you open an account with the Fund, the Fund’s transfer agent will request that you provide your name, physical address, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax identification number. You may also be asked for other information that, in the transfer agent’s discretion, will allow the Fund to verify your identity. Entities are also required to provide additional documentation. This information will be verified to ensure the identity of all persons opening an account with the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order, (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account activities, or (iii) involuntarily redeem your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of the Fund’s transfer agent, they are deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund, or in cases where the Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority.

 

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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Subject to policies established by the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the Fund’s portfolio decisions and the placing of the Fund’s portfolio transactions. In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks the best qualitative execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), the execution capability, financial responsibility and responsiveness of the broker or dealer and the brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser generally seeks favorable prices and commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received.

The Adviser is specifically authorized to select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage and research services to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion and to pay such brokers or dealers a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would charge if the Adviser determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to other accounts over which it exercises investment discretion.

Research services include supplemental research, securities and economic analyses, statistical services and information with respect to the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and analyses of reports concerning performance of accounts. The research services and other information furnished by brokers through whom the Fund effects securities transactions may also be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its accounts. Similarly, research and information provided by brokers or dealers serving other clients may be useful to the Adviser in connection with its services to the Fund. Although research services and other information are useful to the Fund and the Adviser, it is not possible to place a dollar value on the research and other information received. It is the opinion of the Board of Trustees and the Adviser that the review and study of the research and other information will not reduce the overall cost to the Adviser of performing its duties to the Fund under the Agreement.

Over-the-counter transactions will be placed either directly with principal market makers or with broker-dealers, if the same or a better price, including commissions and executions, is available. Fixed income securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer, an underwriter or a market maker. Purchases include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and the purchase price paid to a market maker may include the spread between the bid and asked prices. When the broker acts as agent, a commission will be charged on the transaction; when the broker acts as principal, the markup is included in the bond price.

When the Fund and another of the Adviser’s clients seek to purchase or sell the same security at or about the same time, the Adviser may execute the transaction on a combined (“blocked”) basis. Blocked transactions can produce better execution for the Fund because of the increased volume of the transaction. If the entire blocked order is not filled, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires, or it may have to pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell, or as high a price for any particular portfolio security, if the other client desires to sell the same portfolio security at the same time. In the event that the entire blocked order is not filled, the purchase or sale will normally be allocated on a pro rata basis.

 

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CODES OF ETHICS

The Trust, the Distributor, and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics (each a “Code” and collectively, the “Codes”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, and the Adviser’s Code also conforms to Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. You may obtain a copy of the Codes from the Fund, free of charge, by calling the Fund at (866) 954-6682. You may also obtain copies of the Trust’s Code from documents filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov .

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund is required to include a schedule of portfolio holdings in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, which is sent to shareholders within 60 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters and which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Form N-CSR. The Fund also is required to file a schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q within 60 days of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters. The Fund must provide a copy of the complete schedule of portfolio holdings as filed with the SEC to any shareholder of the Fund, upon request, free of charge. This policy is applied uniformly to all shareholders of the Fund without regard to the type of requesting shareholder (i.e., regardless of whether the shareholder is an individual or institutional investor).

The Fund releases portfolio holdings to third party servicing agents on a daily basis in order for those parties to perform their duties on behalf of the Fund. These third party servicing agents include the Adviser, Distributor, Transfer Agent, Fund Accounting Agent, Administrator and Custodian. The Fund also may disclose portfolio holdings, as needed, to auditors, legal counsel, proxy voting services (if applicable), printers, pricing services, parties to merger and reorganization agreements and their agents, and prospective or newly hired investment advisers or sub-advisers. The lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed will vary based on the identity of the party to whom the information is disclosed. For instance, the information may be provided to auditors within days of the end of an annual period, while the information may be given to legal counsel or prospective advisers at any time. This information is disclosed to all such third parties under conditions of confidentiality. “Conditions of confidentiality” include (i) confidentiality clauses in written agreements, (ii) confidentiality implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g., attorney-client relationship), (iii) confidentiality required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custodial relationships) or (iv) understandings or expectations between the parties that the information will be kept confidential.

Additionally, the Fund has ongoing arrangements to release portfolio holdings to Morningstar, Inc., Lipper, Inc., Bloomberg, Standard & Poor’s, Thompson Financial and Vickers-Stock (“Rating Agencies”) in order for those organizations to assign a rating or ranking to the Fund. In these instances portfolio holdings will be supplied within approximately 25 days after the end of the month. The Rating Agencies may make the Fund’s top portfolio holdings

 

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available on their websites and may make the Fund’s complete portfolio holdings available to their subscribers for a fee. Neither the Fund, the Adviser nor any of their affiliates receive any portion of this fee. Information released to Rating Agencies is not released under conditions of confidentiality nor is it subject to prohibitions on trading based on the information. The Fund also may post its complete portfolio holdings to its website, if applicable, within approximately 25 days after the end of the month. The information will remain posted on the website until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. If the Fund does not have a website or the website is for some reason inoperable, the information will be supplied no more frequently than quarterly and on a delayed basis.

From time to time, employees of the Adviser also may provide oral or written information (portfolio commentary) about the Fund, including, but not limited to, how the Fund’s investments are divided among various sectors, industries, countries, investment styles and capitalization sizes, and among stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, security types, bond maturities, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings. This portfolio commentary may also include information on how these various weightings and factors contributed to Fund performance. Employees of the Adviser may also provide oral or written information (statistical information) about various financial characteristics of a Fund or its underlying portfolio securities including, but not limited to, alpha, beta, R-squared, coefficient of determination, duration, maturity, information ratio, Sharpe ratio, earnings growth, payout ratio, price/book value, projected earnings growth, return on equity, standard deviation, tracking error, weighted average quality, market capitalization, percent debt to equity, price to cash flow, dividend yield or growth, default rate, portfolio turnover, and risk and style characteristics. This portfolio commentary and statistical information about the Fund may be based on the Fund’s portfolio as of the most recent quarter-end or the end of some other interim period, such as month-end. The portfolio commentary and statistical information may be provided to various persons, including members of the press, brokers and other financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund, shareholders in the Fund, persons considering investing in the Fund or representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders, such as fiduciaries of a 401(k) plan or a trust and their adviser. The nature and content of the information provided to each of these persons may differ.

The Adviser provides services for individuals, other than the Trust, including institutional investors and high net worth persons. In many cases, these other service offerings are managed in a similar fashion to the Fund and thus have similar portfolio holdings. The owners of separate accounts that are managed by the Adviser may have access to the portfolio holdings of their separate accounts at different times than the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings.

Except as described above, the Fund is prohibited from entering into any arrangements with any person to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings without the prior authorization of the Chief Compliance Officer and the specific approval of the Board. The Adviser must submit any proposed arrangement pursuant to which the Adviser intends to disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings to the Board, which will review such arrangement to determine whether the arrangement is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. Additionally, the Adviser, and any affiliated persons of the Adviser, are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of the Fund, as a result of disclosing the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Finally, the Fund will not disclose portfolio holdings as described above to third parties that the Fund knows will use the information for personal securities transactions.

 

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The Trust maintains written policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of its portfolio holdings to ensure that such disclosure is for a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. The Board reviews these policies and procedures on an annual basis. Compliance will be periodically assessed by the Board in connection with a report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer. There may be instances where the interests of the Trust’s shareholders respecting the disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Adviser, any principal underwriter for the Trust or an affiliated person of the Trust (including such affiliated person’s investment adviser or principal underwriter). In such situations, the conflict must be disclosed to the Board.

PROXY VOTING POLICY

The Trust and the Adviser each have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in shareholders’ best interests. As a brief summary, the Trust’s policy delegates responsibility regarding proxy voting to the Adviser, subject to the Adviser’s proxy voting policy and the supervision of the Board of Trustees. The Adviser votes the Fund’s proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policy, subject to the provisions of the Trust’s policy regarding conflicts of interests. The Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit A. The Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit B.

The Trust’s policy provides that, if a conflict of interest between the Adviser or its affiliates and the Fund arises with respect to any proxy, the Adviser must fully disclose the conflict to the Board of Trustees and vote the proxy in accordance with the Board’s instructions. The Board shall make the proxy voting decision that in its judgment, after reviewing the recommendation of the Adviser, is most consistent with the Adviser’s proxy voting policies and in the best interests of Fund shareholders.

You may also obtain a copy of the Trust’s and the Adviser’s proxy voting policy by calling Shareholder Services at (855) 575-2430 to request a copy, or by writing to Huntington Asset Services, Inc., the Fund’s transfer agent, at 2960 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. A copy of the policies will be mailed to you within three days of receipt of your request. You also may obtain a copy from Fund documents filed with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. A copy of the votes cast by the Fund with respect to portfolio securities for each year ended June 30 th will be filed by the Fund with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record will be available to shareholders free of charge upon request by calling or writing the Fund as described above or from the SEC’s web site.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The net asset value of the shares of the Fund is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the Trust, its custodian, and transfer agent are open for business and on any other day on which there is sufficient trading in the Fund’s securities to materially affect the net asset value. The Trust is open for business on every day on

 

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which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. The NYSE is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a description of the methods used to determine the net asset value (share price), see “Determination of Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus.

Equity securities generally are valued by using market quotations furnished by a pricing service. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available (including when they are not reliable), such securities may be valued at a fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees annually approves the pricing services used by the fund accounting agent. Fair valued securities held by the Fund (if any) are reviewed by the Board of Trustees on a quarterly basis.

The Fund’s net asset value per share is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares in the Fund outstanding at such time, as shown below:

    Net Assets               = Net Asset Value Per Share

Shares Outstanding

REDEMPTION IN-KIND

The Fund does not intend to redeem shares in any form except cash. However, if the redemption amount is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value, pursuant to an election under Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value in securities instead of cash. In the event that an in-kind distribution is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses such as the payment of brokerage commissions on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Fund.

STATUS AND TAXATION OF THE FUND

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The discussion reflects applicable federal income tax laws of the U.S. as of the date of this SAI, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. income, estate

 

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or gift tax, or foreign, state or local tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, real estate investment trust, insurance company, regulated investment company (“RIC”), individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes shares of the Fund are held by U.S. shareholders and that such shares are held as capital assets.

A U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

    a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents);

 

    a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

    an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

    a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

A “Non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, estate, or trust and is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of the Fund, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally depends upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder who is a partner of a partnership holding the Fund shares should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of its Fund shares.

Taxation as a RIC

The Fund intends to qualify each year for treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). There can be no assurance that it actually will so qualify. The Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements. With respect to the source-of-income requirement, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its

 

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gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” A “qualified publicly traded partnership” is generally defined as a publicly traded partnership under Internal Revenue Code section 7704. However, for these purposes, a qualified publicly traded partnership does not include a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its income is described in (i) above. Income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is qualifying income to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust which would be qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the partnership or trust.

If a RIC fails this 90% income test it is no longer subject to a 35% penalty as long as such failure is inadvertent. Instead, such RIC is only required to pay a tax equal to the amount by which it failed the 90% income test.

With respect to the asset-diversification requirement, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs of (a) one issuer, (b) two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

If a RIC fails this asset-diversification test, such RIC, in addition to other cure provisions previously permitted, has a 6-month period to correct any failure without incurring a penalty if such failure is “de minimis.” Such cure right is similar to that previously and currently permitted for a REIT.

Similarly, if a RIC fails this asset-diversification test and the failure is not de minimis, a RIC can cure failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period specified by the Treasury). In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an amount determined by multiplying the highest rate of corporate tax (currently 35%) by the amount of net income generated during the period of diversification test failure by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the diversification test.

If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its “investment company taxable income” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over

 

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certain deductions attributable to such interest that are otherwise disallowed, the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, any ordinary income or capital gain retained by the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate federal income tax rates (currently at a maximum rate of 35%). The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.

The Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on the portion of its undistributed ordinary income with respect to each calendar year and undistributed capital gains if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to the one-year period ending on October 31 in that calendar year. In order to avoid the 4% federal excise tax, the required minimum distribution is generally equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Fund’s ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of the Fund’s capital gain net income (generally computed for the one-year period ending on October 31) and (iii) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax in preceding years. The Fund generally intends to make distributions in a timely manner in an amount at least equal to the required minimum distribution and therefore, under normal market conditions, does not expect to be subject to this excise tax.

To the extent that the Fund has capital loss carryforwards from prior tax years, those carryforwards will reduce the net capital gains that can support the Fund’s distribution of Capital Gain Dividends. If the Fund uses net capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010 (pre-2011 losses), those carryforwards will not reduce the Fund’s current earnings and profits, as losses incurred in later years will. As a result, if the Fund then makes distributions of capital gains recognized during the current year in excess of net capital gains (as reduced by carryforwards), the portion of the excess equal to pre-2011 losses factoring into net capital gain will be taxable as an ordinary dividend distribution, even though that distributed excess amount would not have been subject to tax if retained by the Fund. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. Beginning in 2011, a RIC is permitted to carry forward net capital losses indefinitely and may allow losses to retain their original character (as short or as long-term). For net capital losses recognized prior to such date, such losses are permitted to be carried forward up to 8 years and are characterized as short-term. These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

The Fund’s net realized gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards for any year beginning on or before December 22, 2010 may be carried forward to offset any capital gains for eight years, after which any undeducted capital loss remaining is lost as a deduction. There is no limitation on the number of years to which capital losses arising in years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward. Any such capital losses are utilized before capital losses arising in years beginning on or before December 22, 2010.

The Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Fund holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment in

 

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kind interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or that are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (discussed below) for the year of accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to its shareholders to satisfy the distribution requirement, even though it will not have received an amount of cash that corresponds with the income earned.

Gain or loss realized by the Fund from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by the Fund as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term, depending on how long the Fund held a particular warrant. Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by the Fund, the Fund’s tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant will equal the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike price paid on the exercise of the warrant. Except as set forth in “Failure to Qualify as a RIC,” the remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

If the Fund is unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fails to qualify as a RIC in any year, it will be subject to corporate level income tax on all of its income and gain, regardless of whether or not such income was distributed. Distributions to the Fund’s shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, would constitute ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders, and non-corporate shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions as “qualified dividend income” eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholders’ tax basis in their Fund shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the source-of-income, the asset diversification, and the annual distribution requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that re-qualify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, the Fund would be subject to tax on any unrealized built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its re-qualification as a RIC.

 

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Taxation for U.S. Shareholders

Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Fund’s ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers’ cooperatives or real estate investment trusts or (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code (which provided for a minimum 20% rate) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income, and provided in each case certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, or the stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign corporation generally excludes any foreign corporation, which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company. Distributions made to a U.S. shareholder from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to such shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to such shareholder as long-term capital gain if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time such shareholder owned the shares of the Fund. The maximum tax rate on capital gain dividends received by individuals is generally 20% (5% for individuals in lower brackets). Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholder’s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Generally, not later than sixty days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide the shareholders with a written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.

As a RIC, the Fund will be subject to the AMT, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between the Fund and the shareholders and this may affect the shareholders’ AMT liabilities. Although regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have not yet been issued by the IRS, the Fund intends in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Fund’s taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), unless the Fund determines that a different method for a particular item is warranted under the circumstances.

For purposes of determining (i) whether the annual distribution requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If the Fund makes such an election, the U.S. shareholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by the U.S. shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

 

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If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets at the close of the taxable year consist of stock or securities in foreign corporations and certain other requirements are met, the Fund may elect to have its foreign tax deduction or credit for such withholding taxes be taken by its investors instead of claiming it on its tax return. If such an election is made, each investor will include in gross income his proportional share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Investors may claim the amount of such taxes paid as a foreign tax credit in order to reduce the amount of U.S. federal income tax liability that an investor incurs on his or her foreign source income, including foreign source income from the Fund. If the Fund makes the election, it will furnish the shareholders with a written notice after the close of its taxable year.

The Fund intends to distribute all realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If, however, the Fund were to retain any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If such an event occurs, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally be increased by the difference between the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholders.

Sales and other dispositions of the shares of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.

 

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The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

For those securities defined as “covered” under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not “covered.” The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

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

Original Issue Discount, Pay-In-Kind Securities, and Market Discount. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear.

 

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Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. The Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income (as ordinary income) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

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

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize Unrelated Business Taxable Income (“UBTI”) by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”) or equity interests in Taxable Mortgage Pools (“TMPs”) if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Internal Revenue Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year, must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders, at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. The Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.

 

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Passive Foreign Investment Companies. A passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) is any foreign corporation: (i) 75% or more of the gross income of which for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets of which (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, and foreign currency gains. Passive income for this purpose does not include rents and royalties received by the foreign corporation from active business and certain income received from related persons.

Equity investments by the Fund in certain PFICs could potentially subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge (including interest charges) on the distributions received from the PFIC or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the PFIC. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax. For example, if the Fund is in a position to and elects to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” ( i.e. , make a “QEF election”), the Fund will be required to include its share of the PFIC’s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC. Alternatively, the Fund may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its PFIC holdings “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income.”

Because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, the Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances.

Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.

Foreign Taxation. Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

 

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The RICs in which the Fund invests may invest in foreign securities. Dividends and interest received by a RIC’s holding of foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If the RIC in which the Fund invests is taxable as a RIC and meets certain other requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of such RIC’s total assets at the close of its respective taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the RIC should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders, including the Fund in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid the by Fund, subject to certain limitations.

A “qualified fund of funds” is a RIC that has at least 50% of the value of its total interests invested in other RICs at the end of each quarter of the taxable year. If the Fund satisfied this requirement or if it meets certain other requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations.

Foreign Shareholders. Capital Gain Dividends are generally not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Absent a specific statutory exemption, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a “foreign shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.

A regulated investment company is not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that does not provide a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders (“interest-related dividends”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the regulated investment company (“short-term capital gain dividends”). If the Fund invests in an underlying fund that pays such distributions to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign persons.

 

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The Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. The exemption from withholding for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends will expire for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning on or after January 1, 2012, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise. These exemptions from withholding will not be available to foreign shareholders of Funds that do not currently report their dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends.

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to shareholders. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign shareholder generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends unless (i) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests” (“USRPIs”) apply to the foreign shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund or to the Capital Gain Dividend the foreign shareholder received (as described below).

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder has a trade or business in the United States, and the dividends are effectively connected with the beneficial holder’s conduct of that trade or business, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by that beneficial holder in the United States.

To qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, a foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute form). Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

A beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred to above.

 

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Backup Withholding. The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is 28%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Certain individuals (and, if provided in future guidance, certain domestic entities) must disclose annually their interests in “specified foreign financial assets” on IRS Form 8938, which must be attached to their U.S. federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010. The IRS has not yet released a copy of the Form 8938 and has suspended the requirement to attach Form 8938 for any taxable year for which an income tax return is filed before the release of Form 8938. Following Form 8938’s release, individuals will be required to attach to their next income tax return required to be filed with the IRS a Form 8938 for each taxable year for which the filing of Form 8938 was suspended. Until the IRS provides more details regarding this reporting requirement, including Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholder’s (indirect) interest in the Funds’ “specified foreign financial assets,” if any, will be required to be reported on this Form 8938.

Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements. Legislation enacted in March 2010 require the reporting to the IRS of direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts and foreign entities by U.S. persons. Failure to provide this required information can result in a 30% withholding tax on certain payments (“withholdable payments”) made after December 31, 2012. Specifically, withholdable payments subject to this 30% withholding tax include payments of U.S.-source dividends and interest made on or after January 1, 2014, and payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposal of property that can produce U.S.-source dividends or interest made on or after January 1, 2015.

The IRS has issued preliminary regulations with respect to these new rules. Their scope remains unclear and potentially subject to material change. Very generally, it is possible that distributions made by the Fund after the dates noted above (or such later dates as may be

 

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provided in future guidance) to a shareholder, including a distribution in redemption of shares and a distribution of income or gains otherwise exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to non-U.S. shareholders described above ( e.g. , Capital Gain Dividends, Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends and interest-related dividends, as described above) will be subject to the new 30% withholding requirement. Payments to a foreign shareholder that is a “foreign financial institution” will generally be subject to withholding, unless such shareholder enters into a timely agreement with the IRS. Payments to shareholders that are U.S. persons or foreign individuals will generally not be subject to withholding, so long as such shareholders provide the Fund with such certifications or other documentation, including, to the extent required, with regard to such shareholders’ direct and indirect owners, as the Fund requires to comply with the new rules. Persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary regarding the application of the new reporting and withholding regime to their investments in the Fund.

Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding this new reporting and withholding regime, in light of their particular circumstances.

Shares Purchased through Tax-Qualified Plans. Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans, and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situation.

Summary

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative and administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal income, estate or gift taxes, or foreign, state, local taxes or other taxes.

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, is Custodian of the Fund’s investments. The Custodian acts as the Fund’s depository, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses funds at the Fund’s request and maintains records in connection with its duties. The Custodian’s parent company, Huntington Bancshares, Inc., is also the parent company of Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (“Huntington”), the Trust’s transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator, and of Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”), the Trust’s distributor.

For its custodial services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee from the Fund based on the market value of assets under custody. The monthly fee is equal to an annual rate of 0.0075% of the first $100 million of market value and 0.0050% of market value in excess of $100 million. The Custodian also receives various transaction-based fees. Custodial fees are subject to a $350 monthly minimum fee per Fund account.

 

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FUND SERVICES

Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (“Huntington”), 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208, acts as the Fund’s transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator. Huntington is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the Custodian and the Distributor. The officers of the Trust also are officers, and/or employees of Huntington.

Huntington maintains the records of each shareholder’s account, answers shareholders’ inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions. Huntington receives a monthly fee from the Fund of $1.50 per shareholder account (subject to a minimum annual fee of $18,000) for these transfer agency services.

In addition, Huntington provides the Fund with fund accounting services, which includes certain monthly reports, record-keeping and other management-related services. For its services as fund accountant, Huntington receives a monthly fee from the Fund at an annual rate equal to 0.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $100 million, 0.02% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from $100 million to $250 million, 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from $250 million to $1 billion, and 0.005% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $1 billion (subject to a minimum annual fee of $25,000).

Huntington also provides the Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment, personnel and facilities. Huntington receives a monthly fee from the Fund equal to an annual rate of 0.08% of the Fund’s average daily net assets under $100 million, 0.06% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from $100 million to $250 million, 0.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from $250 million to $1 billion, and 0.02% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $1 billion (subject to a minimum annual fee of $35,000). Huntington also receives a compliance program services fee of $250 per month from the Fund.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The firm of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, OH 44115 (“Cohen”), has been selected as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fund for the fiscal period ending May 31, 2014. Cohen will perform an annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements and will provide financial, tax and accounting consulting services as requested.

LEGAL COUNSEL

The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., a member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group™, 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310, Leawood, KS 66211, serves as legal counsel for the Trust and Fund.

 

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DISTRIBUTOR

Unified Financial Securities, Inc., 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208 (the “Distributor”), is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of the Distributor. As a result, such persons are affiliates of the Distributor.

The Distributor is obligated to sell the shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis only against purchase orders for the shares. Shares of the Fund are offered to the public on a continuous basis.

DISTRIBUTION PLAN

The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan was approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Fund, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any other Rule 12b-1 agreement.

The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (the “Recipient”) a shareholder servicing fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in connection with the promotion and distribution of the Fund’s shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts (“12b-1 Expenses”). The Fund or Adviser may pay all or a portion of these fees to any Recipient who renders assistance in distributing or promoting the sale of shares, or who provides certain shareholder services, pursuant to a written agreement. The Plan is a compensation plan, which means that compensation is provided regardless of 12b-1 Expenses actually incurred. It is anticipated that the Plan will benefit shareholders because an effective sales program typically is necessary for the Fund to reach and maintain a sufficient size to achieve efficiently its investment objectives and to realize economies of scale.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Fund recently commenced operations and, as a result, has no financial statements. You can receive free copies of reports (once available), request other information and discuss your questions about the Fund by contacting the Trust directly at:

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 6110

Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110

 

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EXHIBIT A

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE

The Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust offers multiple series (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). Consistent with its fiduciary duties and pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Proxy Rule”), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has adopted this proxy voting policy on behalf of the Trust (the “Policy”) to reflect its commitment to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders.

Delegation of Proxy Voting Authority to Fund Advisers

The Board believes that the investment advisor of each Fund (each an “Advisor” and, collectively, the “Advisors”), as the entity that selects the individual securities that comprise its Fund’s portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best-suited to make decisions on how to vote proxies of portfolio companies held by that Fund. The Trust shall therefore defer to, and rely on, the Advisor of each Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund.

The Trust hereby designates the Advisor of each Fund as the entity responsible for exercising proxy voting authority with regard to securities held in the Fund’s investment portfolio. Consistent with its duties under this Policy, each Advisor shall monitor and review corporate transactions of corporations in which the Fund has invested, obtain all information sufficient to allow an informed vote on all proxy solicitations, ensure that all proxy votes are cast in a timely fashion, and maintain all records required to be maintained by the Fund under the Proxy Rule and the 1940 Act. Each Advisor shall perform these duties in accordance with the Advisor’s proxy voting policy, a copy of which shall be presented to this Board for its review. Each Advisor shall promptly provide to the Board updates to its proxy voting policy as they are adopted and implemented.

Conflict of Interest Transactions

In some instances, an Advisor may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of a Fund’s shareholders, and those of the Advisor or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Advisor is instructed to abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board to make a voting decision. When the Board is required to make a proxy voting decision, only the Trustees without a conflict of interest with regard to the security in question or the matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Fund’s vote will be cast. In the event that the Board is required to vote a proxy because an Advisor has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Advisor’s proxy voting policy, to the extent consistent with the shareholders’ best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Advisor of its final decision on the matter and the Advisor shall vote in accordance with the Board’s decision.

 

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Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders

If a Fund has a website, the Fund may post a copy of its Advisor’s proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of each Fund’s proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Fund’s toll-free telephone number as printed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Trust’s administrator shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

Each Advisor shall provide a complete voting record, as required by the Proxy Rule, for each series of the Trust for which it acts as adviser, to the Trust’s administrator within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter. The Trust’s administrator will file a report based on such record on Form N-PX on an annual basis with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31 st of each year.

 

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EXHIBIT B

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

 

A. Introduction

Rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act requires that investment advisers adopt and implement policies and procedures for voting proxies in the best interest of clients, to describe the procedures to clients, and to tell clients how they may obtain information about how Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (“BFS”) has actually voted their proxies. While decisions about how to vote must be determined on a case-by-case basis, BFS’s general policies and procedures are set forth below.

Many BFS clients have requested that we vote proxies on their behalf while other clients prefer to undertake the responsibility themselves.

 

B. General

BFS strives to vote proxies in a manner which is in the best interest of all clients. In general, this means that we review the proxy material carefully, and vote according to our judgment of what will be most beneficial to the company’s shareholders. While this often means voting with management, there are instances when it is in the clients’ best interest to vote against management. Generally, the Chief Compliance Officer with the advice and consent of the President, makes the decision on how to vote (see section on “Voting Guidelines” below).

We also have established a proxy voting committee which consists of the President, the Chief Compliance Officer, and the Chief Investment Officer. In cases where it is difficult to decide, or where possible conflicts of interest occur, the Chief Compliance Officer brings the conflict to the attention of the committee. Examples of a conflict might include: where BFS employees have a close, personal relationship with management; where a BFS employee serves on the board of directors of the company in question; or where BFS manages pension fund assets for the company in question. Upon thorough review of a proxy in question, the committee will decide whether to vote for or against the management (see section on “Conflicts” below).

 

C. Clients Interested in Voting Proxies

If clients have given authority to BFS to vote proxies on their behalf but decide to revoke that authority in order to vote all proxies themselves, the clients should contact Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Upon the clients’ request, the appropriate documentation will be sent to the clients so they can vote proxies themselves.

 

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D. Voting Guidelines

While BFS’s policy is to review each proxy proposal on its individual merits, BFS has adopted guidelines for certain types of matters to assist the Chief Compliance Officer in the review and voting of proxies. These guidelines are set forth below:

 

  1. Corporate Governance

 

  a. Election of Directors and Similar Matters

In an uncontested election, BFS will generally vote in favor of management’s proposed directors. In a contested election, BFS will evaluate proposed directors on a case-by-case basis. With respect to proposals regarding the structure of a company’s Board of Directors, BFS will review any contested proposal on its merits.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, BFS expects to support proposals to:

 

    Limit directors’ liability and broaden directors’ indemnification rights;

BFS expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

    Adopt or continue the use of a classified Board structure; and

 

    Add special interest directors to the board of directors ( e.g., efforts to expand the board of directors to control the outcome of a particular decision).

 

  b. Audit Committee Approvals

BFS generally supports proposals that help ensure that a company’s auditors are independent and capable of delivering a fair and accurate opinion of a company’s finances. BFS will generally vote to ratify management’s recommendation and selection of auditors.

 

  c. Shareholder Rights

BFS may consider all proposals that will have a material effect on shareholder rights on a case-by-case basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, BFS expects to generally support proposals to:

 

    Adopt confidential voting and independent tabulation of voting results; and

 

    Require shareholder approval of poison pills;

BFS expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

    Adopt super-majority voting requirements; and

 

    Restrict the rights of shareholders to call special meetings, amend the bylaws or act by written consent.

 

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  2. Anti-Takeover Measures, Corporate Restructurings and Similar Matters

BFS may review any proposal to adopt an anti-takeover measure, to undergo a corporate restructuring ( e.g., change of entity form or state of incorporation, mergers or acquisitions) or to take similar action by reviewing the potential short and long-term effects of the proposal on the company. These effects may include, without limitation, the economic and financial impact the proposal may have on the company, and the market impact that the proposal may have on the company’s stock.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, BFS expects to generally support proposals to:

 

    Prohibit the payment of greenmail ( i.e., the purchase by the company of its own shares to prevent a hostile takeover);

 

    Adopt fair price requirements ( i.e., requirements that all shareholders be paid the same price in a tender offer or takeover context), unless the Chief Compliance Officer deems them sufficiently limited in scope; and

 

    Require shareholder approval of “poison pills.”

BFS expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

    Adopt classified boards of directors;

 

    Reincorporate a company where the primary purpose appears to the Chief Compliance Officer to be the creation of takeover defenses; and

 

    Require a company to consider the non-financial effects of mergers or acquisitions.

 

  3. Capital Structure Proposals

BFS will seek to evaluate capital structure proposals on their own merits on a case-by-case basis.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, BFS expects to generally support proposals to:

 

    Eliminate preemptive rights.

 

  4. Compensation

BFS generally supports proposals that encourage the disclosure of a company’s compensation policies. In addition, BFS generally supports proposals that fairly compensate executives, particularly those proposals that link executive compensation to performance. BFS may consider any contested proposal related to a company’s compensation policies on a case-by-case basis.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, BFS expects to generally support proposals to:

 

    Require shareholders’ approval of golden parachutes; and

 

    Adopt golden parachutes that do not exceed 1 to 3 times the base compensation of the applicable executives.

BFS expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

    Adopt measures that appear to the Chief Compliance Officer to arbitrarily limit executive or employee benefits.

 

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  5. Stock Option Plans and Share Issuances

BFS evaluates proposed stock option plans and share issuances on a case-by-case basis. In reviewing proposals regarding stock option plans and issuances, BFS may consider, without limitation, the potential dilutive effect on shareholders and the potential short and long-term economic effects on the company. We believe that stock option plans do not necessarily align the interest of executives and outside directors with those of shareholders. We believe that well thought out cash compensation plans can achieve these objectives without diluting shareholders’ ownership. Therefore, we generally will vote against stock option plans. However, we will review these proposals on a case-by-case basis to determine that shareholders’ interests are being represented. We certainly are in favor of management, directors and employees owning stock, but prefer that the shares are purchased in the open market.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, BFS expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

    Establish or continue stock option plans and share issuances that are not in the best interest of the shareholders.

 

  6. Corporate Responsibility and Social Issues

BFS generally believes that ordinary business matters (including, without limitation, positions on corporate responsibility and social issues) are primarily the responsibility of a company’s management that should be addressed solely by the company’s management. These types of proposals, often initiated by shareholders, may request that the company disclose or amend certain business practices.

BFS will generally vote against proposals involving corporate responsibility and social issues, although BFS may vote for corporate responsibility and social issue proposals that BFS believes will have substantial positive economic or other effects on a company or the company’s stock.

 

E. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Record

BFS is obligated to disclose how it has voted on any particular proxy to any client upon his or her written request. To obtain this information, clients are requested to write to: Stephen L. Willcox, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103.

 

F. Recordkeeping

 

  1. Records Maintenance

BFS shall maintain or procure the maintenance of records of all proxies it has voted. As required by Rule 204-2(c) under the Advisers Act, such records will also include (1) a copy of these policies and procedures; (2) a copy of each proxy statement that BFS receives regarding client securities; (3) a copy of any document created by BFS that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision; and (4) each written client request for proxy voting records and BFS’ written response to any (written or oral) client request for such records.

 

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2. Duration

Required proxy records shall be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of five years, the first two in an appropriate office of BFS (currently its Hartford, CT office).

 

3. Reliance on Third Parties

BFS may rely on third parties to maintain the records required by Rule 204-2(c). To the extent that BFS may rely on a third party, BFS will secure an undertaking from that third party to provide BFS copies of proxy voting records and other documents promptly upon request. With regard to maintaining copies of proxy statements, BFS will generally rely on the SEC’s EDGAR system to the extent that such proxy statements are filed on that system ( e.g., proxy statements of large, U.S. based issuers).

 

G. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies

BFS may inform clients of these Policies and Procedures and how a client may learn of the voting record for a client’s securities by providing a copy of these Policies and Procedures, summarizing them in Part 2A of its Form ADV.

 

H. Conflicts

In cases where BFS is aware of a conflict between the interests of a client(s) and the interests of BFS or an affiliated person of BFS such as that described above, BFS will take the following steps:

 

  1. With respect to clients that are registered investment companies, BFS will notify the client of the conflict and will vote the client’s shares in accordance with the instructions of the client’s Board of Trustees; and

 

  2. With respect to other clients, BFS will:

 

  a. vote matters that are specifically covered by this Proxy Voting Policy ( e.g., matters where BFS’s vote is strictly in accordance with this Policy and not in its discretion) in accordance with this Policy; and

 

  b. for other matters, will engage an independent third party ( e.g., a proxy voting service) to review issues and vote proxies based on their determination of what is in the best interest of the client(s).

 

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Amendments

BFS may amend its Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures from time to time. As required by law, we will send our current clients any such changes.

Adopted: July 11, 2013

 

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EXHIBIT C

Governance and Nominating Committee Charter

Valued Advisers Trust

Governance and Nominating Committee Membership

 

1. The Governance and Nominating Committee of Valued Advisers Trust (“Trust”) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees.

Board Nominations and Functions

 

1. The Committee shall make nominations for Trustee membership on the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates’ qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trust’s series portfolios and the Trust’s other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor shall Independent Trustee have and affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g. , business, financial or family relationships with managers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board.

 

2. The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board of Trustees.

 

3. The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board.

 

4. The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.

Committee Nominations and Functions

 

1. The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually.

 

2. The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board.

 

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Other Powers and Responsibilities

 

1. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust.

 

2. The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees.

 

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APPENDIX A TO THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD

 

I. Identification of Candidates . When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees exists or is anticipated, and such vacancy is to be filled by an Independent Trustee, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall identify candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it may deem appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Trust, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Trust who submit recommendations in accordance with these procedures. In no event shall the Governance and Nominating Committee consider as a candidate to fill any such vacancy an individual recommended by any investment adviser of any series portfolio of the Trust, unless the Governance and Nominating Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation.

 

II. Shareholder Candidates. The Governance and Nominating Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation contains: (i) sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner as determined by the Governance and Nominating Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Governance and Nominating Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.

 

III. Evaluation of Candidates . In evaluating a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, including any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Trust, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall consider the following: (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Governance and Nominating Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates.

 

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PART C

FORM N-1A

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 28. Exhibits .

 

(a)(1)   Certificate of Trust—Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 16, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(a)(2)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(a)(3)   Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust – Filed herewith.
(b)(1)   Bylaws – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008
(File No. 811-22208).
(b)(2)   Amendment, dated September 22, 2009, to Bylaws – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed March 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(c)   Certificates for shares are not issued. Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust define the rights of holders of shares of the Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(1)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(2)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 filed December 9, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(3)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(4)   Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Long Short Advisors, LLC and Independence Capital Asset Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(5)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Geier Asset Management, Inc – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(6)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 filed April 18, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(7)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Longview Capital Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed June 6, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).


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(d)(8)   (i) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
  (ii) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 filed September 28, 2012 (File No.811-22208).
(d)(9)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(10)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(11)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 filed January 6, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(12)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(13)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Mitchell Capital Management Co. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 filed February 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(14)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dreman Value Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(15)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(16)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013
(File No. 811-22208).
(d)(17)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(18)   Investment Subadvisory Agreement between SMI Advisory Services, LLC and Reams Asset Management – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(19)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Filed herewith.
(d)(20)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – To be filed.


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(e)   Form of Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Unified Financial Securities, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 filed July 6, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(f)   Not applicable.
(g)(1)   Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(g)(2)   Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Filed herewith.
(g)(3)   Amended Appendix D to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(g)(4)   Custody Agreement between the Trust and Citibank, N.A. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(g)(5)   Custody Agreement between the Trust and FOLIOfn Investments, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(1)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement between the Trust and Unified Fund Services, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(2)   Amended Exhibit A to the Mutual Fund Services Agreement between the Trust and Unified Fund Services, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(3)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Geier Asset Management, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(4)   Form of Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 filed April 18, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(5)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Longview Capital Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed June 6, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(6)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Cloud Capital, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(7)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 filed November 22, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(8)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).


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(h)(9)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 filed January 6, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(10)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and BRC Investment Management LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(11)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Mitchell Capital Management Co. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 filed February 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(12)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Dreman Value Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(13)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and SMI Advisory Services, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(14)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Filed herewith.
(h)(15)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – To be filed.
(h)(16)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(17)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(18)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(19)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Geier Asset Management, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(20)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 filed September 28, 2012 (File No.811-22208).
(h)(21)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Longview Capital Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 92 filed December 13, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(22)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 filed September 28, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).


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(h)(23)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(24)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(25)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 filed January 6, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(26)   Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(27)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Mitchell Capital Management Co. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 filed February 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(28)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dreman Value Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(29)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(30)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Filed herewith.
(h)(31)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – To be filed.
(i)(1)   Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(2)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to TEAM Asset Strategy Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 filed November 22, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(3)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(4)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Geier Strategic Total Return Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(5)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 filed July 11, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).


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(i)(6)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the TEAM Asset Strategy Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(7)   Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Longview Global Allocation Fund (now known as the Longview Tactical Allocation Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed June 6, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(8)   Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(9)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 file May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(10)   Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(11)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 Filed September 28, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(12)   Opinion and consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Granite Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(13)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Geier Strategic Total Return Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(14)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Longview Tactical Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 filed March 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(15)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund and the Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 filed March 4, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(16)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(17)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Mitchell Capital All-Cap Growth Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 filed February 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).


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(i)(18)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(19)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(20)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund and the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(21)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(22)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Granite Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(23)   Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 120 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(24)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Filed herewith.
(i)(25)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – To be filed.
(j)(1)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(2)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to TEAM Asset Strategy Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(3)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 filed September 28, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(4)   Consent of Ashland Partners & Company, LLP, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(5)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Geier Strategic Total Return Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).


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(j)(6)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 120 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(7)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Longview Tactical Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 filed March 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(8)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective amendment No. 110 filed March 4, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(9)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(10)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Granite Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(11)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(12)   Consent of Ashland Partners & Company, LLP, with respect to the BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(13)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Mitchell Capital All-Cap Growth Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 filed February 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(14)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(15)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(16)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective amendment No. 103 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(17)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Filed herewith.
(j)(18)   Consent of ACA Beacon Verification Services, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Filed herewith.
(j)(19)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – To be filed.


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(j)(20)   Consent of Sanville & Company, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – To be filed.
(k)   Not applicable.
(l)   Initial Capital Agreement – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(1)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (file No. 811-22208).
(m)(2)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for TEAM Asset Strategy Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 filed September 24, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(3)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Geier Strategic Total Return Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(4)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 filed October 26, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(5)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Longview Global Allocation Fund (now known as the Longview Tactical Allocation Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed June 6, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(6)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(7)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Granite Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(8)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(9)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(10)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BFS Equity Fund – Filed herewith.
(m)(11)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – To be filed.
(n)(1)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(2)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for TEAM Asset Strategy Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 filed September 22, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).


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(n)(3)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 filed July 11, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(4)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(5)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(6)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund— To be filed.
(o)   Reserved.
(p)(1)   Code of Ethics for the Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics for Golub Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(3)   Code of Ethics for TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 filed September 24, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(4)   Code of Ethics for Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(5)   Code of Ethics for Independence Capital Asset Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(6)   Code of Ethics for Unified Financial Securities, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(7)   Code of Ethics for Geier Asset Management, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(8)   Code of Ethics for Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 filed April 18, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(9)   Code of Ethics for Longview Capital Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed June 6, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(10)   Code of Ethics for Cloud Capital, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(11)   Code of Ethics for Kovitz Investment Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(12)   Code of Ethics for Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 filed December 13, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(13)   Code of Ethics for Todd Veredus Asset Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 filed January 6, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(14)   Code of Ethics for BRC Investment Management LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208).


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(p)(15)   Code of Ethics for Mitchell Capital Management Co. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 filed February 1, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(16)   Code of Ethics for Dreman Value Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(17)   Code of Ethics for SMI Advisory Services, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(18)   Code of Ethics for Reams Asset Management – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(19)   Code of Ethics for Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Filed herewith.
(p)(20)   Code of Ethics for Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – To be filed.
(q)   Powers of Attorney – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008; Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed March 16, 2010; Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed June 18, 2010 (File No. 811-22208); and Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).

 

ITEM 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant .

No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.

 

ITEM 30. Indemnification .

Reference is made to the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust, which is filed herewith. The following is a summary of certain indemnification provisions therein.

A person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the Trustees as a director, trustee, partner, officer, employee or agent of a corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as such may be amended from time to time, the Registrant’s Bylaws and other applicable law. In case any shareholder or former shareholder of the Registrant shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder of the Registrant or any series or class of the Registrant and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the assets belonging to the applicable series (or allocable to the applicable class), to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Registrant’s Bylaws and applicable law.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defenses of any action, suite or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


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ITEM 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser .

See the Trust’s various prospectuses and the statements of additional information for the activities and affiliations of the officers and directors of the investment advisers of the Registrant (the “Advisers”). Except as so provided, to the knowledge of Registrant, none of the directors or executive officers of the Advisers is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature. The Advisers currently serve as investment advisers to other institutional and individual clients.

 

ITEM 32. Principal Underwriters .

 

  (a) Unified Financial Securities, Inc. also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: American Pension Investors Trust, Appleton Funds, Bruce Fund, Inc., H C Capital Trust, Huntington Funds, and Unified Series Trust.

 

  (b) The directors and officers of Unified Financial Securities, Inc. are as follows:

 

Name

  

Title

  

Position with Trust

Daniel B. Benhase*    Director    None
Paula G. Jurcenko*    President    None
John C. Swhear**    Chief Compliance Officer   

Vice President and

Chief Compliance

Officer

Edward J. Kane*    Vice President    None
A. Dawn Story*    Vice President    None
Varanont O. Ruchira**    Vice President    None

Karyn E. Cunningham**

Richard A. Cheap*

Larry D. Case*

  

Controller

Secretary

Assistant Secretary

  

None

None

None

 

* The principal business address of these individuals is 41 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
** The principal business address of these individuals is 2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

  (c) Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 33. Location Of Accounts And Records .

The accounts, books or other documents of the Registrant required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder are kept in several locations:

 

  (a) Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 (records relating to its functions as custodian for Golub Group Equity Fund, TEAM Asset Strategy Fund, Geier Strategic Total Return Fund, Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Longview Tactical Allocation Fund, Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund, Granite Value Fund, BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund, Mitchell Capital All-Cap Growth Fund, Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund, BFS Equity Fund, and Dana Large Cap Equity Fund).


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  (b) Citibank, N.A., 388 Grenwich Street, New York, New York 10013 (records relating to its functions as custodian for LS Opportunity Fund).

 

  (c) Golub Group, LLC, 1850 Gateway Drive, Suite 600, San Mateo, CA 94404 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to Golub Group Equity Fund).

 

  (d) TEAM Financial Asset Management, LLC, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 106, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to TEAM Asset Strategy Fund).

 

  (e) Long Short Advisors, LLC, 1818 Market Street, Suite 3323, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to LS Opportunity Fund).

 

  (f) Independence Capital Asset Partners, LLC, 1400 16th Street, Suite 520, Denver, Colorado 80202 (records relating to its function as investment sub-adviser to LS Opportunity Fund).

 

  (g) Unified Financial Securities, Inc., 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (records relating to its function as distributor to the Fund).

 

  (h) Huntington Asset Services, Inc., 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (records relating to its function as transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator for the Fund).

 

  (i) Geier Asset Management, Inc., 2205 Warwick Way, Suite 200, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Geier Strategic Total Return Fund).

 

  (j) Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC, One Buckhead Plaza, 3060 Peachtree Rd. NW, Suite 1080, Atlanta, Georgia 30342 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund).

 

  (k) Longview Capital Management, LLC, 2 Mill Road, Suite 105, Wilmington, Delaware 19806 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Longview Tactical Allocation Fund).

 

  (l) Cloud Capital, LLC, 5514 South Yale, Suite 606, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund).

 

  (m) FOLIO fn Investments, Inc., 8180 Greensboro Drive, 8 th Floor, McLean, Virginia 22102 (records relating to its function as custodian for Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund, Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund, and Cloud Capital Strategic Small Cap Fund).

 

  (n) Kovitz Investment Group, LLC, 115 S. LaSalle Street, 27 th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund).

 

  (o) Granite Investment Advisors, Inc., 11 S. Main St., Suite 501, Concord, New Hampshire 03302 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Granite Value Fund).


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  (p) BRC Investment Management LLC, 8400 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 1401, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund).

 

  (q) Mitchell Capital Management Co., 11460 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 410, Leawood, Kansas 66211 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Mitchell Capital All-Cap Growth Fund).

 

  (r) Dreman Value Management, LLC, Harborside Financial Center, Plaza 10, Suite 800, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund).

 

  (s) SMI Advisory Services, LLC, 11135 Baker Hollow Road, Columbus, Indiana 47201 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Sound Mind Funds).

 

  (t) Reams Asset Management, a division of Scout Investment Advisors, Inc., 227 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana 47202 (records relating to its function as subadviser to the Sound Mind Funds).

 

  (u) Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum St., City Place II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the BFS Equity Fund).

 

  (v) Dana Investment Advisors, Inc., 15800 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 250, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund).

 

ITEM 34. Management Services .

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 35. Undertakings .

Not Applicable.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) 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 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Indianapolis, and State of Indiana on this 20th day of September, 2013.

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
By:   *
  R. Jeffrey Young, President

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

 

*

   September 20, 2013   
Dr. Merwyn Vanderlind, Trustee    Date   

*

   September 20, 2013   
Ira Cohen, Trustee    Date   

*

   September 20, 2013   
R. Jeffrey Young, President and Trustee    Date   

*

   September 20, 2013   
Robert W. Silva, Treasurer and Principal    Date   
Financial Officer      
* By:   

/s/ Carol J. Highsmith

   September 20, 2013   

Carol J. Highsmith, Vice President, Attorney in Fact

   Date   


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

(FOR REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940)

 

 

 

EXHIBIT NO.

UNDER PART C

OF FORM N-1A

 

NAME OF EXHIBIT

(a)(3)   Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust
(d)(19)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.
(g)(2)   Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank
(h)(14)   Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.
(h)(30)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.
(i)(24)   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc.
(j)(17)   Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.
(j)(18)   Consent of ACA Beacon Verification Services
(m)(10)   Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1
(p)(19)   Code of Ethics for Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

SCHEDULE A

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES THEREOF

As amended on July 23, 2013

PORTFOLIO/CLASSES

Golub Group Equity Fund

TEAM Asset Strategy Fund

LS Opportunity Fund

Geier Strategic Total Return Fund

Cloud Capital Strategic Large Cap Fund

Cloud Capital Strategic Mid Cap Fund

Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund

Longview Global Allocation Fund

Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund

Granite Value Fund

BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund

MCM All-Cap Growth Fund

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

Sound Mind Investing Fund

Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund

Sound Mind Investing Dynamic Allocation Fund

BFS Equity Fund

Dana Large Cap Equity Fund

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

INVESTMENT ADVISORY

AGREEMENT


INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made as of this 23 rd day of September, 2013 by and between Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., (the “Adviser”), a Connecticut corporation with its principal place of business in Hartford, Connecticut.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust has selected the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the series portfolios of the Trust set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement (each, a “Fund”), as such schedule may be amended from time to time upon mutual agreement of the parties, and to provide certain related services, as more fully set forth below, and to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits set forth herein, the Trust and the Adviser do hereby agree as follows:

 

1. THE ADVISER’S SERVICES .

 

  (a) Discretionary Investment Management Services . The Adviser shall act as investment adviser with respect to each Fund. In such capacity, the Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board, regularly provide each Fund with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish continuously an investment program for each Fund, consistent with the respective investment objectives and policies of each Fund. The Adviser shall determine, from time to time, what securities shall be purchased for each Fund, what securities shall be held or sold by each Fund and what portion of each Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”), as amended and supplemented (the “Declaration of Trust”), Bylaws and its registration statement on Form N-1A (the “Registration Statement”) under the 1940 Act, and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of each Fund, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such obligations, and to the extent not prohibited by any of the foregoing, the Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for each Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as each Fund itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other such things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions. No reference in this Agreement to the Adviser having full discretionary authority over each Fund’s investments shall in any way limit the right of the Board, in its sole discretion, to establish or revise policies in connection with the management of a Fund’s assets or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of a Fund.

 

  (b)

Compliance . The Adviser agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. The

 

   2    Investment Advisory Agreement


  Adviser also agrees to comply with the objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, of each Fund, and with any policies, guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board and provided to the Adviser. In selecting each Fund’s portfolio securities and performing the Adviser’s obligations hereunder, the Adviser shall cause the Fund to comply with the diversification and source of income requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company. The Adviser shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure its compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Board shall limit the Adviser’s full responsibility for any of the foregoing.

 

  (c) Recordkeeping . The Adviser agrees to preserve any Trust records that it creates or possesses that are required to be maintained under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (“Fund Books and Records”) for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Adviser agrees that all such records are the property of the Trust and will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request.

 

  (d) Holdings Information and Pricing . The Adviser shall provide regular reports regarding Fund holdings, and shall, on its own initiative, furnish the Trust and its Board from time to time with whatever information the Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose, and at the request of the Board, such information and reports requested by the Board. The Adviser agrees to notify the Trust as soon as practicable if the Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any security held by a Fund may not reflect fair value. The Adviser agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Adviser is aware to the Trust, its Board and/or any Fund pricing agent to assist in the determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which market quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in accordance with the 1940 Act or the Trust’s valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating the Fund net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board.

 

  (e) Cooperation with Agents of the Trust . The Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Trust, any Trust custodian or foreign sub-custodians, any Trust pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust with respect to such information regarding each Fund as such entities may reasonably request from time to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and use appropriate interfaces established by such persons so as to promote the efficient exchange of information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

  (f)

Delegation of Authority . Any of the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser specified in this Section 1 and throughout the remainder of this Agreement with respect to one or more Funds may be delegated by the Adviser, at the Adviser’s expense, to an appropriate party (a “Sub-Adviser”), subject to such approval by the Board and shareholders of the applicable Funds to the extent required by the 1940 Act. The Adviser shall oversee the performance of delegated duties by any Sub-Adviser and shall furnish the Board with periodic reports concerning the performance of delegated responsibilities by such Sub-Adviser. The retention of a Sub-Adviser by the Adviser pursuant to this Paragraph 1(f) shall in no way reduce the responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall be responsible to the Trust for all acts or

 

   3    Investment Advisory Agreement


  omissions of any Sub-Adviser to the same extent the Adviser would be liable hereunder. Insofar as the provisions of this Agreement impose any restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Adviser, the Adviser shall take measures through its contract with, or its oversight of, the Sub-Adviser that attempt to impose similar (insofar as the circumstances may require) restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Sub-Adviser.

 

2. CODE OF ETHICS . The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics (“Adviser’s Code of Ethics”) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it has provided to the Trust. The Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a (i) copy of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and any proposed amendments thereto that the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the Trust determines should be presented to the Board, and (ii) certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Annually, the Adviser shall furnish a written report to the Board, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. The Adviser shall respond to requests for information from the Trust as to violations of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Adviser. The Adviser shall notify the Trust as soon as practicable after it becomes aware of any material violation of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by any Fund.

 

3. INFORMATION AND REPORTING . The Adviser shall provide the Trust and its respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust may from time to time reasonably request.

 

  (a) Notification of Breach / Compliance Reports . The Adviser shall notify the Trust’s CCO promptly upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage any Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law, or (ii) any material breach of any of each Fund’s or the Adviser’s policies, guidelines or procedures with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall respond to quarterly requests for information concerning the Fund’s compliance with its investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund’s policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. Upon request, the Adviser shall also provide the officers of the Trust with supporting certifications in connection with such certifications of Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in the event (x) the Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits in which a Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund’s ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Adviser with the federal or state securities laws, or (y) of an actual change in control of the Adviser resulting in an “assignment” (as defined in Section 15) that has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.

 

  (b)

Board and Filings Information . The Adviser will also provide the Trust with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of each Fund required for any meeting of the Board, or for any shareholder report on Form N-CSR, Form N-Q,

 

   4    Investment Advisory Agreement


  Form N-PX, Form N-SAR, Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, proxy statement, prospectus supplement, or other form or document to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Adviser will make its officers and employees available to meet with the Board from time to time on a reasonable basis on due notice to review its investment management services to each Fund in light of current and prospective economic and market conditions and shall furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be necessary in order for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto.

 

  (c) Transaction Information . The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust such information concerning portfolio transactions as may be necessary to enable the Trust or its designated agent to perform such compliance testing on each Fund and the Adviser’s services as the Trust may, in its sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such information by the Adviser to the Trust or its designated agent in no way relieves the Adviser of its own responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

4. BROKERAGE .

 

  (a) Principal Transactions . In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the account of a Fund, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

  (b) Placement of Orders . The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for each Fund’s account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. The Adviser will not execute transactions with a broker dealer which is an “affiliated person” of the Trust except in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to each Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act) to each Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for each Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board shall periodically review the commissions paid by each Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits received by each Fund.

 

5. CUSTODY . Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the Adviser to take or receive physical possession of cash, securities or other investments of a Fund.

 

6. ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES . The Adviser will bear its own costs of providing services hereunder. Other than as herein specifically indicated or otherwise agreed to in a separate signed writing, the Adviser shall not be responsible for a Fund’s expenses, including brokerage and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments.

 

   5    Investment Advisory Agreement


7. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS .

 

  (a) Properly Registered . The Adviser is registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation pending or threatened that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations.

 

  (b) ADV Disclosure . The Adviser has provided the Board with a copy of its Form ADV and will, promptly after amending its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendments to the Trust. The information contained in the Adviser’s Form ADV is accurate and complete in all material respects and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

  (c) Fund Disclosure Documents . The Adviser has reviewed and will in the future review the Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual reports to shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing material of a Fund (collectively the “Disclosure Documents”) and represents and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the Adviser, the manner in which the Adviser manages the Fund or information relating directly or indirectly to the Adviser, such Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof, no untrue statement of any material fact and do not and will not omit any statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.

 

  (d) Use of the Name “BFS” . The Adviser has the right to use the name “BFS” or any derivation thereof in connection with its services to the Trust and, subject to the terms set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement, the Trust shall have the right to use the name “BFS” in connection with the management and operation of each Fund. The Adviser is not aware of any actions, claims, litigation or proceedings existing or threatened that would adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Adviser or the Trust to use the name “BFS”.

 

  (e) Insurance . The Adviser maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage in the amount disclosed to the Trust in connection with the Board’s approval of the Agreement and shall provide prior written notice to the Trust (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage, or (ii) if any material claims will be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.

 

   6    Investment Advisory Agreement


  (f) No Detrimental Agreement . The Adviser represents and warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding with any party, other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the Adviser with respect to its selection of securities for a Fund and its management of the assets of the Fund, and that all selections shall be done in accordance with what is in the best interest of the Fund.

 

  (g) Conflicts . The Adviser shall act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of its clients and the Fund. The Adviser maintains a Code of Ethics which defines the standards by which the Adviser conducts its operations consistent with its fiduciary duties and other obligations under applicable law.

 

  (h) Representations . The representations and warranties in this Section 7 shall be deemed to be made on the date this Agreement is executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly compliance report required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced in such report.

 

8. THE NAME “BFS” . The Adviser grants to the Trust a license to use the name “BFS” (the “Name”) as part of the name of any Fund during the term of this Agreement. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use the Name as part of the name of any Fund is not exclusive of the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the Name; the Trust acknowledges and agrees that, as between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser has the right to use, or authorize others to use, the Name. The Trust shall: (i) only use the Name in a manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser; (ii) use its best efforts to maintain the quality of the services offered using the Name; and (iii) adhere to such other specific quality control standards as the Adviser may from time to time promulgate. At the request of the Adviser, the Trust will (i) submit to the Adviser representative samples of any promotional materials using the Name, and (ii) change the name of any Fund within three months of its receipt of the Adviser’s request, or such other shorter time period as may be required under the terms of a settlement agreement or court order, so as to eliminate all reference to the Name and will not thereafter transact any business using the Name in the name of any Fund. As soon as practicable following the termination of this Agreement, but in no event longer than three months, the Trust shall cease the use of the Name and any related logos or any confusingly similar name and/or logo in connection with the marketing or operation of the Funds.

 

9. ADVISER’S COMPENSATION . Each Fund shall pay to the Adviser, as compensation for the Adviser’s services hereunder, a fee, determined as described in Schedule A that is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such fee shall be computed daily and paid not less than monthly in arrears by each Fund. The method for determining net assets of a Fund for purposes hereof shall be the same as the method for determining net assets for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption prices of Fund shares as described in the Fund’s Registration Statement. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.

 

10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR . In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Adviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or any Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Trust or any Fund. If any occasion should arise in which the Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning the shares of a Fund, the Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.

 

   7    Investment Advisory Agreement


11. ASSIGNMENT AND AMENDMENTS . This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in Section 15). This Agreement may not be added to or changed orally and may not be modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, when applicable.

 

12. DURATION AND TERMINATION .

 

  (a) This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect continually thereafter, subject to renewal as provided in Section 12(a)(ii) hereof and unless terminated automatically as set forth in Section 11 hereof or until terminated as follows:

 

  (i) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement, without payment of any penalty. With respect to a Fund, termination may be authorized by action of the Board or by an “affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” (as defined in Section 15); or

 

  (ii) This Agreement shall automatically terminate two years from the date of its execution unless the terms of such contract and any renewal thereof is specifically approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in Section 15) of the Trust or the Adviser, at an in-person meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund; provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of each Fund for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as provided herein, the Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to each Fund in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

  (b) In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Adviser shall, immediately upon notice of termination or on such later date as may be specified in such notice, cease all activity on behalf of the Fund and with respect to any of its assets, except as otherwise required by any fiduciary duties of the Adviser under applicable law. In addition, the Adviser shall deliver the Fund Books and Records to the Trust by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the Trust shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably directed by the Trust, in the transition of portfolio asset management to any successor of the Adviser.

 

13. NOTICE . Any notice or other communication required by or permitted to be given in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered in person or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respective parties at their last known address, or by e-mail or fax to a designated contact of the other party. Oral instructions may be given if authorized by the Board and preceded by a certificate from the Trust’s Secretary so attesting. Notices to the Trust shall be directed to Huntington Asset Services, Inc., 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208, Attention: Mr. John C. Swhear; and notices to the Adviser shall be directed to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum Street, City Place II, Hartford, CT 06103, Attention: Mr. Robert H. Bradley.

 

   8    Investment Advisory Agreement


14. CONFIDENTIALITY . The Adviser agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust and its shareholders received by the Adviser in connection with this Agreement, including any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and that it shall not use or disclose any such information except for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser may disclose such information as required by law or in connection with any requested disclosure to a regulatory authority with appropriate jurisdiction after prior notification to the Trust.

 

15. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS . For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms “affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund,” “assignment” and “interested person” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission staff.

 

16. LIABILITY OF THE ADVISER . Neither the Adviser nor its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliated persons or controlling persons or assigns shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions of a Fund; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to a Fund or its shareholders to which the Adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or obligations hereunder or by reason of its reckless disregard of its duties or obligations hereunder.

 

17. RELATIONS WITH THE TRUST . It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested persons of the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become interested persons of the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested persons of the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.

 

18. ENFORCEABILITY . If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid. This Agreement shall be severable as to each Fund.

 

19. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY . The Adviser is expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other Trust organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by each Fund pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to each Fund and each Fund’s respective assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from shareholders or any shareholder of each Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees of the Trust or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any of and all other Funds.

 

20. NON-EXCLUSIVE SERVICES . The services of the Adviser to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that such service does not affect the Adviser’s ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder.

 

   9    Investment Advisory Agreement


21. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without preference to choice of law principles thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to any interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by the Commission or its staff. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is revised by rule, regulation, order or interpretation of the Commission or its staff, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such revised rule, regulation, order or interpretation.

 

22. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS; SYNTAX . All Section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender specifically used, will be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as the contract requires.

 

23. COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Signature Page to Follow

 

   10    Investment Advisory Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed on their behalf by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
/s/ Matthew J. Miller
                        Signature
By: Matthew J. Miller
Title: Vice President
BRADLEY, FOSTER & SARGENT, INC.
/s/ Stephen L. Willcox
                        Signature
By: Stephen L. Willcox
Title: CFO

 

   11    Investment Advisory Agreement


Schedule A

Investment Advisory Agreement

between

Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”)

and

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the “Adviser”)

Dated as of September 23, 2013

The Trust will pay to the Adviser as compensation for the Adviser’s services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net assets of the respective Fund in accordance with the following fee schedule:

 

Fund

   Rate  

BFS Equity Fund

     0.75

 

   A-1    Investment Advisory Agreement

AMENDED

APPENDIX B

Custody Agreement Between

The Huntington National Bank and Valued Advisers Trust

Series of the Trust

Golub Group Equity Fund

TEAM Asset Strategy Fund

Geier Strategic Total Return Fund

Angel Oak Multi-Strategy Income Fund

Longview Global Allocation Fund

Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund

Granite Value Fund

BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund

MCM All-Cap Growth Fund

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

Sound Mind Investing Fund

Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund

Sound Mind Investing Dynamic Allocation Fund

BFS Equity Fund

Dana Large Cap Equity Fund

Custody Agreement

 

LOGO

AMENDED AND RESTATED**

MUTUAL FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

Fund Accounting Services

Fund Administration Services

Transfer Agency Services

by and among

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST,

HUNTINGTON ASSET SERVICES, INC.

and

BRADLEY, FOSTER & SARGENT, INC.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Exhibit A – Portfolio Listing

Exhibit B – General Description of Fund Accounting Services

Exhibit C – General Description of Fund Administration Services

Exhibit D – General Description of Transfer Agency Services

Exhibit E – Fees and Expenses

**Amended as to Effective Date Only

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 1


MUTUAL FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of September 23, 2013 (“Effective Date”), by and among Valued Advisers Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), Huntington Asset Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“HASI”) and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., a Connecticut corporation (“Adviser”). Adviser is a party to this agreement solely for purposes of evidencing Adviser’s agreement to the term of this Agreement, and the fees payable under the Agreement, as described in Sections 6 and 10, and in Exhibit E.

WITNESSETH:

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

WHEREAS, the Trust wishes to retain HASI to provide certain transfer agent, fund accounting, administration, and anti-money laundering services (the “Services”) with respect to certain series of the Trust, as listed on Exhibit A (the “Funds”) and HASI is willing to furnish such Services; and

WHEREAS, the Adviser serves as investment adviser to the Funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Appointment .

The Trust hereby appoints HASI as transfer agent, fund accountant, administrator, dividend disbursing agent and anti-money laundering agent for the Trust on the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement (“Agreement”), and HASI hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of HASI shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against HASI hereunder.

Section 2. Representations and Warranties of HASI .

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

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

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

(c) It has, and will continue to have, access to the facilities, personnel and equipment required to fully perform its duties and obligations hereunder; and

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

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 2


Section 3. Representations and Warranties of the Trust .

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

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

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

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

Section 4. Delivery of Documents and Other Materials .

(a) The Trust will promptly furnish to HASI such copies, properly certified or authenticated, of contracts, documents and other related information that HASI may request or require to properly discharge its duties. Such documents may include, but are not limited to, resolutions of the Board authorizing the appointment of HASI to provide certain transfer agency, fund accounting, administration and dividend disbursing services to the Trust and the Funds and approving this Agreement; and such other agreements and documents relating to the Trust and the Funds not easily accessible through a public website.

(b) The Trust shall cause to be turned over to HASI copies of all records of, and supporting documentation relating to, its accounts (including account applications and related documents, records of dividend distributions, NAV calculations, tax reports and returns, and receivables and payables) for all Funds and matters relating to the Services hereunder, together with such other records relating to such Funds and matters as may be helpful or necessary to HASI’s delivery of Services hereunder. The Trust also shall cause to be delivered to HASI reconciliations (as of the date HASI begins providing Services hereunder) of each Fund’s outstanding shares, securities and cash held by each Fund, checking accounts, outstanding redemption checks and related accounts, tax payments and backup withholding accounts, and any other demand deposit accounts or other property held or owned by a Fund. The parties acknowledge that HASI will rely on these reconciliations (and other balances provided by HASI’s predecessor) as opening balances for the performance of its Services. On an ongoing basis, the Trust, through the Adviser or sub-adviser to a Fund, shall cause to be turned over to HASI all trade tickets and other documents evidencing transactions made on behalf of the Funds as and when made.

Section 5. Services Provided by HASI .

(a) HASI will provide the following Services subject to the direction and supervision of the Trust’s Board, and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Trust’s currently effective Registration Statement, Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, applicable laws and regulations, and all resolutions and policies implemented by the Board, and further subject to HASI’s policies and procedures as in effect from time to time:

(i) Fund Accounting Services , as described on Exhibit B to this Agreement.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 3


(ii) Fund Administration Services , as described on Exhibit C to this Agreement.

(iii) Transfer Agency Services , as described on Exhibit D to this Agreement.

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

Section 6. Fees, Expenses, Expense Reimbursement.

(a) Fee Schedule. The Trust will pay all fees, expenses, charges and obligations incurred from time to time in relation to the Services in accordance with the terms of Exhibit E, and as may be agreed to from time to time by the parties, together with any other amounts payable to HASI under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, HASI will not be responsible for the fees or expenses of, and the Funds will reimburse HASI for any advances or payments made by HASI for the benefit of the Funds incident to the proper performance of the Services to, any investment adviser, custodian, non-discretionary subcontractor, intermediary or any other person listed or described in Exhibit E.

(b) Taxes. HASI shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments or governmental charges that may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever in connection with the Trust or any shareholder, excluding taxes, if any, assessed against HASI related to its income or assets. The foregoing clause is subject to any more detailed provisions related to sales, use, excise, value-added, gross receipts, services, consumption and other similar transaction taxes related to the Services or this Agreement set forth in Exhibit E (if any).

(c) Invoices. Invoices will be payable within thirty (30) days of the date of the invoice. If the Trust or Adviser disputes an invoice, it shall nevertheless pay on or before the date that payment is due such portion of the invoice as is not subject to a bona fide dispute. Without prejudice to HASI’s other rights, HASI reserves the right to charge interest on overdue amounts (except to the extent the amount is subject to a bona fide dispute) from the due date until actual payment at an annual rate equal to the sum of the overnight Fed Funds rate as in effect from time to time plus 2 percentage points.

Section 7. Proprietary and Confidential Information .

(a) HASI agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust, all records and other information relative to the Trust’s prior, present or potential shareholders, and to not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of HASI’s responsibilities, rights and duties hereunder. HASI may seek a waiver of such confidentiality provisions by furnishing reasonable prior notice to the Trust and obtaining approval in writing from the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Waivers of confidentiality are not necessary (and are deemed given) for use of such information for any purpose in the course of performance of HASI’s responsibilities, duties and rights hereunder, when HASI may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, with respect to Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) levies, subpoenas and similar actions, and with respect to any request by the Trust.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 4


(b) HASI may, from time to time, maintain or otherwise possess “consumer report information” in connection with the provision of Services under this agreement, and HASI may, from time to time, dispose of such “consumer report information” in connection with the provision of Services under this Agreement. To the extent that HASI disposes of “consumer report information,” HASI shall properly dispose of the information by taking reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the information in connection with its disposal, in accordance with the requirements of Regulation S-P. The term “consumer report information,” as used in this paragraph, shall have the same meaning as in Rule 30 under Regulation S-P.

Section 8. Scope of Responsibility .

(a) Responsibility for Losses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) HASI will not be liable to the Trust for any damages or losses save for those resulting from the willful default, fraud or negligence of HASI as a result of the performance or non-performance by HASI of its obligations and duties hereunder, and (ii) HASI shall not be liable to the Trust for any damages or losses caused by the performance or non-performance of any service provider selected by HASI with reasonable care; and (iii) HASI’s liability will be subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Limitations on Liability.

 

  (i) HASI is responsible for the performance of only those duties as are expressly set forth herein and in the Exhibits. HASI will have no implied duties or obligations. Each Party shall mitigate damages for which the other party may become responsible hereunder.

 

  (ii) HASI shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accurateness or completeness of any instruction or any other information it receives from the Funds, and shall be without liability for any loss or damage suffered by a Fund or any of the Funds’ customers as a result of HASI’s reasonable reliance on and utilization of any such instruction or other such information. For the avoidance of doubt, HASI shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in reliance on any instruction believed by it in good faith to have been authorized by an authorized person.

 

  (iii) HASI shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage caused by the failure of the Trust to provide HASI with any information.

 

  (iv) HASI is not responsible for the acts, omissions, defaults or insolvency of any third party including, but not limited to, any investment advisers, custodians, intermediaries or non-discretionary subcontractors.

 

  (v) HASI shall have no responsibility for the management of the investments or any other assets of the Trust or its customers, and HASI shall have no obligation to review, monitor or otherwise ensure compliance by the Fund with the policies, restrictions, guidelines or disclosures applicable to the Fund or any other term or condition of the original documents, operating documents, policies and procedures or prospectus. Further, HASI shall have no liability to the Trust for any loss or damage suffered by the Trust as a result of any breach of the investment policies, objectives, guidelines or restrictions applicable to the Trust or any misstatement or omission in the prospectus.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 5


  (vi) The Trust acknowledges that the reporting obligations of HASI do not constitute a duty to monitor compliance by the Fund, and HASI shall not be liable for ensuring compliance by the Fund, with any legislation or regulations or exemptions from legislation or regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Fund.

 

  (vii) The Trust acknowledges that HASI does not provide valuations with respect to the Fund’s securities, products or services, does not verify any valuations provided to it by the Fund or any other person, and does not verify the existence of any assets in connection with Fund’s securities, products or services but instead relies exclusively on information about valuations and the existence of assets provided to it by the Fund or another third party, and HASI shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage arising with respect to valuation or verification of assets.

 

  (viii) HASI will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from the misuse or sharing of online access by any authorized person of the Trust who has been issued a User ID by HASI.

 

  (ix) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, HASI HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, MADE TO THE TRUST OR ANY OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES REGARDING QUALITY, SUITABILITY OR OTHERWISE (IRRESPECTIVE OF ANY COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE), OF ANY SERVICES OR ANY GOODS PROVIDED INCIDENTAL TO SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. HASI DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF TITLE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.

 

  (x) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the cumulative liability of HASI to the Trust for all losses, claims, suits, controversies, breaches or damages for any cause whatsoever (including but not limited to those arising out of or related to this Agreement), and regardless of the form of action or legal theory, shall not exceed the total amount of compensation paid to HASI under this Agreement during the twelve (12) months immediately before the date on which the alleged damages were claimed to have been incurred.

(c) MUTUAL EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

EXCEPT FOR ANY LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AGREED BY THE PARTIES RELATED TO AN UNEXCUSED TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, BUSINESS, REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED SAVINGS, IN RELATION TO THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER OR NOT THE RELEVANT LOSS WAS FORESEEABLE, OR THE PARTY WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE OR THAT SUCH LOSS WAS IN CONTEMPLATION OF THE OTHER PARTY.

 

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Section 9. Indemnity .

(a) Indemnity by the Trust. The Trust will indemnify HASI, its affiliates and its and their respective officers, directors, employees and representatives (each, an “Indemnitee”) for, and will defend and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, all losses, costs, damages and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incurred by HASI or such person in any action or proceeding between HASI and the Trust or between HASI and any third party arising from or in connection with the performance of this Agreement (each referred to as a “Loss”), imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against HASI in connection with or arising out of the following:

 

  (i) This Agreement, except any Loss resulting from the willful default, fraud or negligence of HASI, in each case in connection with the Services;

 

  (ii) Any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any prospectus or offering document of a Fund or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in any prospectus or offering document or necessary to make the statements in any prospectus or offering document not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished in writing to the Fund by HASI specifically for use in the prospectus or offering document;

 

  (iii) Any act or omission of a Fund whose instruction or data, including records, reports and other information, including but not limited to information with respect to valuation and verification of assets, HASI must rely upon in performing its duties hereunder, or as a result of acting upon any instructions reasonably believed by HASI to have been duly authorized by a Fund or an authorized person of a Fund;

(b) Notification, Participation, and Indemnitor Consent. Upon the assertion of a claim for which the Trust may be required to indemnify any Indemnitee, the Indemnitee must promptly notify the Trust of such assertion, and will keep the Trust advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The Trust will have the option to participate with the Indemnitee in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the Indemnitee. The Indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Trust may be required to indemnify it except with the Trust’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; in the event the Indemnitee has not secured such consent the Trust will have no obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee.

Section 10. Term .

(a) Term. This Agreement will begin on the Effective Date and have an initial term of three (3) years from the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”) and will thereafter continue in effect indefinitely unless it is terminated pursuant to clause 10(b).

(b) Termination. Subject to clause 10(c):

 

  (i) Either party may terminate this Agreement with or without cause, but only after the expiration of the Initial Term, by giving the other party 90 days’ written notice.

 

  (ii) Either party may terminate this Agreement with cause on at least thirty (30) days’ written notice to the other party if the other party has materially breached any of its obligations hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the termination notice will describe the breach; (ii) no such termination will be effective if the breach is cured within thirty days’ notice; and (iii) subject to applicable law, no such thirty (30) day notice period shall be required in the event the other party is insolvent or has submitted a voluntary petition for administration.

 

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  (iii) This Agreement may be further terminated by either party immediately in the event of:

 

  A. the winding up of or the appointment of an examiner or receiver or liquidator to the other party or on the happening of a like event whether at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise; or

 

  B. the other party no longer being permitted or able to perform its obligations under this Agreement pursuant to applicable law or regulation.

 

  (iv) This Agreement may be terminated by HASI immediately based on HASI’s reasonable opinion that the Trust has violated any law to which the Trust is subject.

(c) Termination-related Obligations. Related to termination of this Agreement:

 

  (i) If the Trust has terminated this Agreement without cause during the Initial Term, the Trust will pay HASI as liquidated damages for such default, an amount equal to the balance that would be due HASI for its services under this Agreement during the Initial Term (“Liquidated Damages”). Such Liquidated Damages will not be required in the event that the Trust’s Board of Trustees determines to liquidate a Fund. In the event that the Trust is, in part or in whole, liquidated, dissolved, merged into a third party, acquired by a third party, or involved in any other transaction that materially reduces the assets and/or accounts serviced by HASI pursuant to this Agreement, the Liquidated Damages provision set forth above will apply, and will be adjusted ratably if any of the events described above is partial. Any Liquidated Damages amount payable to HASI will be payable on or before the date of the event that triggers the payment obligation. Inasmuch as a default by the Trust will cause substantial damages to HASI and because of the difficulty of estimating the damages that will result, the parties agree that the Liquidated Damages is a reasonable forecast of probable actual loss to HASI and that this sum is agreed to as Liquidated Damages and not as a penalty.

 

  (ii) Upon termination, HASI will, at the expense and direction of the Trust, transfer to the Trust or any successor service provider(s) to the Trust copies of all client records, subject to the payment by the Trust of unpaid and undisputed amounts due to HASI hereunder, including any Liquidated Damages. If by the termination date the Trust has not given instructions to deliver the client records, HASI will keep the Trust records until the Trust provides instructions to deliver the client records, provided that HASI will be entitled to charge the Trust then-standard fees for maintaining the client records. HASI will provide no other services to or for the benefit of the Trust or any successor service provider unless specifically agreed in writing by HASI.

 

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Section 11. Notices .

(a) Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given and effective when delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the following address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other):

 

  (i) If to the Trust, to:

Valued Advisers Trust

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

Attention: President

 

  (ii) If to HASI, to:

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

Attention: President

 

  (iii) If to the Adviser, to:

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

185 Asylum Street

City Place II

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Attention: President

(b) Notice also shall be deemed given and effective upon receipt by any party or other person at the preceding address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other) if sent by regular mail, private messenger, courier service, telex, facsimile, or otherwise, if such notice bears on its first page in 14 point (or larger) bold type the heading “Notice Pursuant to Mutual Fund Services Agreement.”

Section 12. Assignment.

No party may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the other’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that HASI may make such assignment or transfer to a branch, subsidiary or affiliate.

Section 13. Arbitration .

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any claim or controversy arising out of or in any manner relating to this Agreement, or breach hereof, which cannot be resolved between the parties themselves, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) in Indianapolis, Indiana in accordance with its rules applicable to commercial disputes. The arbitration shall be conducted under the then-current rules of the AAA.

Section 14. Waiver .

The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver nor shall it deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any term of this Agreement. Any waiver must be in writing signed by the waiving party.

 

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Section 15. Force Majeure.

HASI shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its control, including without limitation, acts of God, earthquake, fires, floods, failure or fluctuations in electrical power, wars, acts of terrorism, acts of civil or military authorities, governmental actions, nonperformance by a third party or any similar cause beyond the reasonable control of HASI, failures or fluctuations in telecommunications or other equipment, nor shall any such failure or delay give the Trust the right to terminate this Agreement.

Section 16. Amendments .

This Agreement may be modified or amended from time to time by mutual written agreement between the parties. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated verbally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought.

Section 17. Severability .

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable law, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect (as will that provision under any other law).

Section 18. Headings.

Titles to clauses of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and will be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Agreement.

Section 19. Counterparts .

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

Section 20. No Strict Construction .

The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

Section 21. Entire Agreement; Governing Law .

This Agreement, the Exhibits hereto and any subsequent amendments of the foregoing embody the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Indiana, without reference to conflict of law principles.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Mutual Fund Services Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
By: /s/ Matthew J. Miller
Print Name: Matthew J. Miller
Title: Vice President
HUNTINGTON ASSET SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ Matthew J. Miller
Print Name: Matthew J. Miller
Title: Vice President
Bradley, Foster & Sargent (solely for the purposes
of Sections 6 and 10)
By: /s/ Stephen L. Willcox
Print Name: Stephen L. Willcox
Title: CFO

 

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EXHIBIT A

to

Mutual Fund Services Agreement

List of Portfolios

BFS Equity Fund

 

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EXHIBIT B

To

Mutual Fund Services Agreement

General Description of Fund Accounting Services

Subject to the direction and control of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and utilizing information provided by the Trust and its agents, the Fund Accountant will provide the following accounting services to the Trust and/or to each of the Funds listed on Exhibit A:

 

    Maintain portfolio records on a trade date + 1 basis using security trade information communicated by the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

    For each valuation date, obtain prices from a pricing source approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and apply those prices to the portfolio positions.

 

    Account for dividends, interest and corporate actions received by the Fund.

 

    Transmit a copy of the portfolio valuation to the Fund’s investment adviser daily.

 

    Reconcile cash of the Fund with the Fund’s custodian.

 

    Reconcile portfolio holdings of the Fund with the Fund’s custodian.

 

    Reconcile capital stock of the Fund with the Fund’s transfer agent.

 

    Assist the Fund’s administrator in the preparation of the Fund expense projections and establishment of daily accruals.

 

    Process and record payments for Fund expenses upon receipt of written authorization.

 

    Account for Fund share purchases, sales, exchanges, transfers, dividend reinvestments, and other Fund share activity as reported by the Fund’s transfer agent on a timely basis.

 

    Determine net investment income for the Fund as of each valuation date. Account for periodic distributions of earnings to shareholders and maintain undistributed net investment income balances as of each valuation date.

 

    Maintain the books and records and accounting controls for the Fund’s assets.

 

    Determine the net asset value of the Fund according to the accounting policies and procedures set forth in the Fund’s current prospectus.

 

    For each day the market is open calculate per share net asset value, per share net earnings, and other per share amounts reflective of the Fund operations for each class of shares of the Fund.

 

    Communicate the daily net asset value and per share distributions to the Fund’s investment adviser, transfer agent, and (once the Fund meets eligibility requirements) transmit to NASDAQ and to such other entities as directed by the Trust.

 

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    Produce transaction data, financial reports, and such other periodic and special reports as the Board, auditors or regulators may reasonably request.

 

    Maintain tax lot detail for the Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

    Calculate taxable gain/loss on a security sale using the tax lot relief method specified by the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

    In conjunction with the Fund’s administrator, provide the necessary reports and information deemed necessary to calculate the annual dividend and capital gains distribution in accordance with the policies and procedures detailed in the Fund’s prospectus.

The duties of the Fund Accountant shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Accountant hereunder. These services do not include correcting, verifying or addressing any prior actions or inactions by any Fund or by any prior service provider.

Additionally, the Trustees of the Trust shall cause the officers, adviser, distributor, legal counsel, independent accountants, custodian, fund administrator and transfer agent for the Funds to cooperate with the Accountant and to provide the Accountant, upon request, with such information, documents and advice relating to the Trust and/or the Funds as is within the possession or knowledge of such persons, in order to enable the Accountant to perform its duties.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 14


EXHIBIT C

to

Mutual Fund Services Agreement

General Description of Fund Administration Services

Subject to the direction and control of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and utilizing information provided by the Trust and its agents, the Administrator will provide the following administrative services to the Trust and/or to each of the Funds listed on Exhibit A:

I. Financial and Tax Reporting

 

    HASI will prepare agreed upon management reports and Board of Trustees materials such as unaudited financial statements, distribution summaries, and deviations of mark-to-market valuation and the amortized cost for money market funds.

 

    HASI will calculate and report Fund performance to outside services as directed by Trust management.

 

    HASI will Compile data for and prepare, with respect to the Funds, timely notices to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) required pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the 1940 Act and Semi-Annual Reports on Form N-SAR .

 

    HASI will compile data for and prepare, with respect to the Funds, Form N-Q required pursuant to Rule 30b-1-5 under the 1940 Act.

 

    HASI will prepare the financial statements for the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports required pursuant to Section 30(e) under the 1940 Act, subject to the review and approval of the Trust and the Trust’s independent accountants.

 

    HASI will provide financial and Fund performance information for inclusion in the Registration Statement for the Trust (on Form N-1A or any replacement therefore) and any amendments thereto, subject to the review of Trust counsel.

 

    HASI will estimate organizational costs and expenses and monitor against actual disbursements for new Funds or share classes of Funds.

 

    HASI will coordinate the printing of the Funds’ Semi-Annual and Annual Reports to Shareholders and prospectus.

 

    HASI will coordinate the preparation and filing of all required Fund filings with the SEC.

 

    HASI will provide financial information for Fund proxy statements.

 

    HASI will assist in the preparation (for execution by the Trust) and filing of all federal income and excise tax returns and state income tax returns (and such other required tax filings as may be agreed to by the parties) other than those required to be made by the Trust’s custodian or transfer agent, subject to the review and approval of the Trust and the Trust’s independent accountants.

 

    HASI will assist in compiling exhibits and disclosures for Form N-CSR as requested by the adviser, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 15


    HASI will assist with the coordination, communications and data collection with regard to yearly audits by independent accountants.

 

    HASI will determine and periodically monitor each Fund’s income and expense accruals and cause all appropriate expenses to be paid from Fund assets on proper authorization from the Trust.

II. Compliance

 

    HASI will develop a Compliance Program consistent with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Adviser’s Act of 1940, providing support to the Chief Compliance Officer(s) (“CCOs”) of the Trust and associated investment adviser(s) and sub-adviser(s), if applicable. HASI will provide quarterly certifications of compliance with the policies and procedures performed on behalf of the Trust. Certifications include, but are not limited to, Rule 38a-1, anti-money laundering, identity theft, quarterly portfolio compliance, market timing and late trading.

 

    HASI will provide Sarbanes-Oxley certifying officers for Funds of the Trust, upon request.

 

    HASI will provide automated daily or monthly post trade compliance monitoring to determine whether the Funds trade in compliance with the federal securities laws, as well as restrictions and limitations outlined in their respective prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. This service includes system set up, monitoring, and violations reporting to the CCOs.

 

    On an annual basis during the term of this Agreement, HASI will provide to the Trust’s CCO a written compliance report outlining the review and analysis of HASI’s compliance program and material changes to its policies and procedures.

III. Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Governance

 

    HASI will obtain Tax Identification Number (“TIN”), CUSIP number and NASDAQ symbol for new Funds or share classes of Funds.

 

    HASI will coordinate Fund name changes, liquidations or mergers with the CUSIP Bureau and NASDAQ, when applicable.

 

    HASI will collect data and provide to the Adviser/Trust for regulatory inquiries and examinations.

 

    HASI will prepare, coordinate and file with the SEC the registration statements for the Trust, including any prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, and all amendments and supplements thereto, subject to review of Trust counsel.

 

    HASI will prepare and maintain the Trust’s governing documents and any amendments thereto, including the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-laws, and minutes of Board and Committee meetings.

 

    HASI will coordinate proxy solicitation process with designated proxy vendors; and file proxy materials.

 

    HASI will coordinate the layout and printing of prospectuses and other publicly disseminated reports.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 16


    HASI will prepare, coordinate and disseminate materials for all Board and Committee meetings, including agenda, Board books, either electronic or otherwise, resolutions and supplemental materials.

 

    HASI will coordinate and disseminate Board written consents; monitor and record the receipt of Trustee votes; communicate results to the appropriate parties.

 

    HASI will attend and draft minutes for scheduled Disclosure Controls Procedures (DCP) meetings.

 

    HASI will maintain Board compliance calendar; ensure the appropriate Trust, advisory and service provider agreement renewals are presented to the Board timely.

 

    HASI will assist Trust counsel with the facilitation of the investment management agreement renewal process, including peer group comparison reports (the fees for which are allocated to the Trust).

 

    HASI will manage production schedules for Board meetings and regulatory filings.

 

    HASI will maintain Board meeting follow-up lists; coordinate status report meetings and track completion statuses.

 

    HASI will update and disseminate list of authorized signers to the appropriate service providers.

 

    HASI will coordinate execution and retention of approved Trust agreements.

 

    HASI will prepare and coordinate the application for the Trust’s Fidelity Bond and Errors & Omissions insurance coverage; provide the Board with the insurance company’s annual proposal; and file the Fidelity Bond with the SEC, including amendments thereto.

The Administrator can provide additional services to the Trust, Adviser and/or each of the Funds listed on Exhibit A upon request. These services are considered out-of-scope and can be provided at an additional cost, which would be negotiated before the services are rendered. These duties include:

 

    Preparing and filing with the SEC exemptive relief orders, subject to the review of Trust counsel.

 

    Drafting proxy materials.

 

    Preparing ad-hoc industry reports using proprietary software.

The duties of the Administrator shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Administrator hereunder. These services do not include correcting, verifying or addressing any prior actions or inactions by any Fund or by any prior service provider.

Additionally, the Trustees of the Trust shall cause the officers, adviser, distributor, legal counsel, independent accountants, custodian, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Funds to cooperate with the Administrator and to provide the Administrator, upon request, with such information, documents and advice relating to the Trust and/or the Funds as is within the possession or knowledge of such persons, in order to enable the Administrator to perform its duties.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 17


EXHIBIT D

to

Mutual Fund Services Agreement

General Description of Transfer Agency Services

Subject to the direction and control of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and utilizing information provided by the Trust and its agents, the Transfer Agent will provide the following transfer agency services to the Trust and/or to each of the Funds listed on Exhibit A:

I. General Services

Huntington shall provide the following transfer agency services to the Trust and/or to each of the Funds listed on Exhibit A:

 

    HASI will provide a recordkeeping system that supports front-end load, back-end load (CDSC), no-load and redemption fee funds.

 

    HASI will provide asset allocation functionality including rebalancing of shareholder accounts.

 

    HASI will establish and maintain shareholder accounts and records, including, but not limited to, address, dividend option, taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions.

 

    HASI will process shareholder transactions (purchase, redemption and exchange orders), received in good form and in accordance with the Fund’s prospectus.

 

    HASI will process transfers of shares, received in good form, in accordance with shareholder instructions.

 

    HASI will execute transactions directly with broker-dealers, investment advisers and other institutions acting on behalf of investors as authorized by the Trust’s distributor.

 

    HASI will calculate amounts due under 12b-1 and/or service plans and provide reports.

 

    HASI will issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10b-10 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”).

 

    HASI will issue monthly, quarterly or annual shareholder account statements as agreed upon with the Trust.

 

    HASI will file IRS forms 1099, 5498, and 1042-S with shareholders and/or the IRS, and file IRS forms 1042 and 945 with the IRS. The 1042 and 945 filings are made by HASI on behalf of the Trust only if HASI has the authority and means to access the Trust’s or a Fund’s bank accounts to facilitate the required payments to the IRS.

 

    HASI will perform such services as are required to comply with Rules 17a-24 and 17Ad-17 of the 1934 Act (the “Lost Shareholder Rules”).

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 18


    HASI will record the issuance of shares and maintain pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) of the 1934 Act a record of the total number of shares of each Fund which are authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Trust, and the number of shares issued and outstanding.

 

    HASI will process and transmit payments for dividends and distributions declared by the Trust for each Fund, after deducting any amount required to be withheld by any applicable laws, rules and regulations and in accordance with shareholder instructions.

 

    HASI will provide access to NSCC’s Fund/SERV and Networking. Additional functionality may be available and supported as an optional service.

 

    HASI will provide a Blue Sky system that will enable the Trust to monitor the total number of shares of each Fund sold in each state. In addition, the Trust or its agent, including HASI, shall identify to HASI in writing those transactions and assets to be treated as exempt from the Blue Sky reporting for each state. The responsibility of HASI for each Fund’s Blue Sky state registration status is solely limited to the initial compliance by the Trust for each Fund and the reporting of such transactions to the Trust or its agent.

 

    HASI will answer correspondence from shareholders, broker-dealers, and others relating to the Funds and such other correspondence as may from time to time be mutually agreed upon.

 

    HASI will establish procedures and controls designed to mitigate risk to the Trust which are compliant with applicable SEC regulations. HASI reserves the right to implement policies not governed by SEC regulation or the Fund’s prospectus.

 

    HASI will provide automated market timing monitoring and analysis, as well as data collection pursuant to Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act. This support includes system set up, monitoring, violations reporting to the CCOs, interfacing with third party intermediaries, and account restriction for market timing policy violations.

 

    HASI will prepare and mail checks, place wire transfers of credit income and capital gain payments to shareholders. The Trust will advise in advance of the declaration of any dividend or distribution by a Fund and the record and payable date thereof. HASI will, on or before the payment date of any such dividend or distribution, notify a Fund’s custodian of the estimated amount required to pay any portion of such dividend or distribution payable in cash, and on or before the payment date of such distribution, the Trust will instruct its custodian to make available to HASI sufficient funds for the cash amount to be paid out. If a shareholder is entitled to receive additional shares by virtue of any such distribution or dividend, appropriate credits will be made to each shareholder’s account. A shareholder will receive a confirmation from HASI indicating the number of shares credited to his/her account.

II. Anti-Money Laundering and Customer Identification Program Services

The following is a general description of the HASI AML Program services HASI shall provide to the Funds and the Trust:

 

    Customer Identification . HASI will verify shareholder identity upon opening new accounts, consistent with the HASI AML Program, and perform such other checks and verifications as are specified in HASI’s Customer Identification Program (which is a component of the HASI AML Program).

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 19


    Purchase Transactions . HASI will reject and return to sender any and all checks, deposits, and other deliveries of cash or property that do not comply with the HASI AML Program, subject to the provisions of any additional agreement between the Fund and HASI regarding special liability checks and other remittances.

 

    Monitoring and Reporting . HASI will monitor shareholder transactions and identify and report suspicious activities that are required to be so identified and reported, including suspicious activity reports or Form 8300 reports, and provide other reports of shareholder activity to the SEC, the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other appropriate authorities, in each case consistent with the HASI AML Program.

 

    Frozen Accounts . HASI will place holds on transactions in shareholder accounts or freeze assets in shareholder accounts as provided for in the HASI AML Program.

 

    Maintenance of Records . HASI will maintain all records or other documentation related to shareholder accounts and transactions therein that are required to be prepared and maintained pursuant to the HASI AML Program, and make the same available for inspection by (1) the Funds’ CCO, (2) any auditor of the Funds, (3) regulatory or law enforcement authorities, and (4) those other persons specified in the HASI AML Program.

 

    Other Services . HASI will apply all other policies and procedures of the HASI AML Program to the Funds and/or the Trust.

 

    Maintenance of the HASI AML Program . HASI will maintain and modify the HASI AML Program from time to time to ensure that it remains reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the applicable AML laws. Upon request by the Trust, HASI shall make available its compliance personnel to the Trust and the Trust’s counsel to discuss amendments to the HASI AML Program that the Trust or its counsel believes are necessary to keep such program in compliance with applicable AML laws. Changes to HASI’s AML Program or special procedures may be implemented, at HASI’s sole discretion, for an additional fee to be agreed upon.

 

    Annual Certification . On an annual basis during the term of this Agreement, HASI will certify to the Trust’s Board that it has implemented the HASI AML Program and that it will continue to perform the specific requirements of the HASI AML Program in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

The duties of the Transfer Agent shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Transfer Agent hereunder. These services do not include correcting, verifying or addressing any prior actions or inactions by any Fund or by any prior service provider.

Additionally, the Trustees of the Trust shall cause the officers, adviser, distributor, legal counsel, independent accountants, custodian, fund accountant and administrator for the Funds to cooperate with the Transfer Agent and to provide the Transfer Agent, upon request, with such information, documents and advice relating to the Trust and/or the Funds as is within the possession or knowledge of such persons, in order to enable the Transfer Agent to perform its duties.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 20


EXHIBIT E

to

Mutual Fund Services Agreement

Fees and Expenses

TRANSFER AGENCY FEE SCHEDULE

Additional services not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

 

I. Fees (as defined in the General Description of Transfer Agency Services) [1] [2]

 

Annual Per Account Fees

  

•   Direct accounts

   - $18 per year

•   NSCC accounts

   - $14 per year

•   Closed accounts

   - $ 3 per year

Annual per account fees are subject to an annual minimum of $18,000 per portfolio. Each additional share class of an existing portfolio is subject to an annual minimum of $7,500.

 

  [1] Fees do not include out-of-pocket expenses which include but are not limited to: fulfillment services, form design and printing, statement and confirmation production, tax form production and mailing, paper and envelope design and printing, postage and handling, shipping, bank fees, NSCC charges, record storage, telephone charges, DST FanMail/VISION, regulatory filing fees and all other expenses incurred on behalf of the Trust and its individual portfolios. Additional services and/or fees not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a per occurrence basis.

 

  [2] Annual minimum fees are subject to a cost of living adjustment of 3% per year based on the prior year’s annual minimum fee.

 

II. Anti-Money Laundering – Customer Identification Program (Patriot Act)

 

•   New account service

   - $4 per account

•   Annual OFAC support

   - $1.50 per active account

•   Research

   - $150 per hour plus 3rd party research service fees

•   Suspicious reporting

   - $150 per report

 

III. Other Services

 

•   Rule 22c2 support and monitoring

   - $4,500 per portfolio per year

•   Fund/SERV, Networking, and/or Comm/SERV

   - $150 per CUSIP per month

•   Physical commission/12b-1 check

   - $10 per check

•   Offline shareholder research

   - $50 per hour (1 hour minimum, billed to shareholder)

•   IRA account annual maintenance

   - $15 per account billed to shareholder

•   Compliance mailings:

   - External vendor - pass through

(semi-annual, annual reports, W-8/W-9, etc.)

   - Internal mailing - $3.50 per item

•   Fulfillment (3 rd party vendor)

   - Pass through plus $1.00 per order

•   AD-HOC report generation

   - $150 per report

•   Updates of model forms/documents

   - $50 per document

•   Customization of forms/documents

   - $2,500 per document

•   Custom programming or data extractions:

  

•   Systems staff

   - $150 per hour

•   Third party vendor

   - Quoted as needed

 

IV. Repricing

There will be a $500.00 per day minimum fee/rerun charge when the nightly processing has to be repeated due to incorrect NAV or dividend information received from the Portfolio Pricing Agent due to incorrect or untimely information provided by an Advisor or its Agent.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 21


FUND ACCOUNTING FEE SCHEDULE

Additional services not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

 

I. Fees (as defined in the General Description of Fund Accounting Services) [1][2][3]

Annual Basis Point Fees

0.04% for the first $100 million in average net assets

0.02% from $100 million to $250 million in average net assets

0.01% from $250 million to $1 billion in average net assets

0.005% over $1 billion in average net assets

Annual basis point fees are subject to an annual minimum of $25,000 per portfolio for domestic funds and $33,000 for international/global funds. Each additional share class of an existing portfolio is subject to an annual minimum of $7,500.

 

  [1] Fees do not include out-of-pocket expenses which include but are not limited to: postage, special reports, proxies, insurance, auditing fees, legal fees, bank fees, record storage, federal and state regulatory filing fees and all other expenses incurred on behalf of the Trust or its individual portfolios. Additional services and/or fees not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a per occurrence basis.

 

  [2] Annual minimum fees are subject to a cost of living adjustment of 3% per year based on the prior year’s annual minimum fee.

 

  [3] Fees are subject to change depending upon the use of derivatives – (option, futures, short sales, etc.)

 

II. Pricing and Capital Changes

Security pricing fees are detailed in Appendix A.

 

III. Other Services

 

•   Multiple advisors/sub-advisers per portfolio

  

-   $10,000 per advisor/sub-advisor in excess of one trading per portfolio

•   Multiple custodians

  

-   $5,000 per custodial account in excess of one per portfolio

•   ADHOC report generation

  

-   $150 per report

•   Programming or custom data extraction:

  

•   Systems staff

  

-   $150 per hour

•   Third party vendor

  

-   Quoted as needed

 

IV. Repricing Charges

For incorrect or untimely information provided by an Advisor or its Agent, Huntington may charge $500.00 per day for each day that a portfolio is repriced. Huntington reserves the right to charge $50 per occurrence for each information change where repricing is not required, but additional work processes must be performed or repeated, e.g., incorrect/late trade ticket.

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 22


FUND ADMINISTRATION FEE SCHEDULE

Additional services not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

 

I. Fees (as defined in the General Description of Fund Administration Services) [1][2]

Annual Basis Point Fees

0.08% for the first $100 million in average net assets;

0.06% from $100 million to $250 million in average net assets;

0.04% from $250 million to $1 billion in average net assets;

0.02% over $1 billion in average net assets;

Annual basis point fees are subject to an annual minimum of $35,000. Each additional share class of an existing portfolio is subject to an annual minimum of $7,500.

 

  [1] Fees do not include out-of-pocket expenses which include but are not limited to: printing, postage and handling, shipping, record storage, blue sky state registration fees, edgarizing, regulatory filing fees and all other expenses incurred on behalf of the Trust and its individual portfolios. Additional services and/or fees not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a per occurrence basis.

 

  [2] Annual minimum fees are subject to a cost of living adjustment of 3% per year based on the prior year’s annual minimum fee.

 

II. Other Services

 

•   Blue Sky filings

   - $100 per filing

•   CCO support include Trust CCO

   - $3,000 per fund

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 23


INTERNET SERVICES FEE SCHEDULE

Additional services not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

 

I. Model Website

 

Setup and Maintenance

  

•   Development, setup and branding

   - $5,000 per occurrence

•   Site maintenance [1]

   - $2,500 per year

•   Site hosting

   - $600 per year

 

  [1] Annual Maintenance includes quarterly updates of fact sheets, performance and holdings as well as the annual report, semi-annual report, prospectus and forms.

 

II. Shareholder Access

 

Setup and Maintenance

  

•   Setup and branding of Standard Pages [2]

   - $7,500 per occurrence

 

  [2] Standard Pages are branded to include the name of the Fund group and the Fund logo. Design and layout of the standard pages are subject to change.

 

Fees

  

•   Annual Shareholder Access - per site

   - $12,000 per year

•   Clerical/Maintenance Transactions

   - $0.75 each

•   Financial Transactions

   - $0.40 each

•   Inquiry

   - $0.05 each

•   New Accounts

   - $1.90 each

 

III. E-Delivery

 

Setup and Maintenance

  

•   Electronic statement setup

   - $3,500

Fees

  

•   Electronic statement/confirmation creation, delivery, tracking and retention

   - $0.30 per statement, minimum $250 per statement cycle

•   Electronic delivery and tracking of material

   - $500 per instance, plus $0.30 per electronic delivery

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 24


CONVERSION AND NEW FUND SETUP FEE SCHEDULE

Additional services not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

 

I. New Fund Start-up / Conversion Fees

 

•   New fund establishment

   - $10,000 per portfolio

•   Electronic conversion

   - Quoted based on business requirements

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 25


APPENDIX A – SECURITY PRICING FEES

Security Pricing Fees

 

ABS

   $ 1.28       Hard-to-Value issues (HTV’s)    $ 3.00   

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Backed Securities

   $ 0.74       High Yield Corporate    $ 0.87   

Agency Prices

   $ 0.25       High Yield Securities    $ 0.87   

ARMS

   $ 0.80       International (Equities, ISMA)    $ 0.57   

Canadian Bonds

   $ 0.10       International (Bond Evaluations)    $ 1.10   

CLOs

    

 
 
 

5.00 each with a

$100 monthly
minimum per
Security Identifier

  

  
  
  

   IO Inverse    $ 2.50   

CMOs

   $ 0.86       MBS Bonds    $ 0.47   
      MBS Factors* (Flat Fee)    $ 0.00   
      MBS Factors (Per Item) (Cum)    $ 0.45   

CMO Non-Agency Whole Loan ARMS

   $ 1.08       Mortgage TBA’s    $ 0.25   

CMO ARMS

   $ 1.28       Municipal High Yield Bonds    $ 1.09   

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

   $ 2.17       Munis    $ 0.65   

Corps/Govt Bonds/Money Mkt

   $ 0.57       Options/Futures (Listed)    $ 0.10   

Corps/Gov Bonds/MTN (Wkly Priced)

   $ 0.57       Preferred Convertible    $ 1.10   

Corporate Floaters

   $ 0.50       SBAs    $ 0.65   

CMBS

   $ 2.00       Specified Pool Pricing    $ 0.25  (1-1000) 

Domestic Equities# (Daily Priced)

   $ 0.10          $ 0.07  (1000 +) 

Domestic Equities (Weekly Priced)

   $ 0.10       Swaps (Credit Default)    $ 1.60   

DUS Pools

   $ 0.50       Swaps (Interest Rate)    $ 0.30   

Emerging Market Prices

   $ 0.50       Treasury    $ 0.28   

Floating Rate MTN

   $ 0.51       Variable Rates    $ 1.16   

Manual/Advisor Provided Pricing/Pricing Support

 

- $100 per month - up to 5 per day

   - $200 per month – above 5 per day

- Pricing support - $75.00 per month per fund

   (Bloomberg, MFQS, CCH, etc,)

 

Huntington Asset Services, Inc.    Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.- 26

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective as of September 23, 2013 by and between Valued Advisers Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of one or more of its series portfolios as set forth on Schedule A , (each a “Fund”), and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the “Adviser”), a Connecticut corporation.

WHEREAS, the Trust is a Delaware statutory trust organized under the Certificate of Trust (“Trust Instrument”), dated June 13, 2008, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company of the series type; and

WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated September 23, 2013 (“Advisory Agreement”), pursuant to which the Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Fund and the Adviser have determined that it is appropriate and in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to limit the expenses of the Fund, and, therefore, have entered into this Agreement, in order to maintain the Fund’s expense ratios within the Operating Expense Limit, as defined below;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. EXPENSE LIMITATION .

 

  (a) Applicable Expense Limit . To the extent that the aggregate expenses of every character, including but not limited to investment advisory fees of the Adviser (but excluding (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, and (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act), incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year (“Fund Operating Expenses”), that exceed the Operating Expense Limit, as defined in Section 1(b) below, such excess amount (the “Excess Amount”) shall be the liability of the Adviser. In determining the Fund Operating Expenses, expenses that the Fund would have incurred but did not actually pay because of expense offset or brokerage/service arrangements shall be added to the aggregate expenses so as not to benefit the Adviser. Additionally, fees reimbursed to the Fund relating to brokerage/services arrangements shall not be taken into account in determining the Fund Operating Expenses so as to benefit the Adviser. Finally, the Operating Expense Limit described in this Agreement excludes any “acquired fund fees and expenses” as that term is described in the prospectus of the Fund.

 

  (b) Operating Expense Limit . The Fund’s maximum operating expense limits (each an “Operating Expense Limit”) in any year shall be that percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund as set forth on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated by this reference.

 

   1    Expense Limitation Agreement


  (c) Method of Computation . To determine the Adviser’s liability with respect to the Excess Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses for any month exceeds the Operating Expense Limit of the Fund, the Adviser shall first waive or reduce its investment advisory fee for such month by an amount sufficient to reduce the annualized Fund Operating Expenses to an amount no higher than the Operating Expense Limit. If the amount of the waived or reduced investment advisory fee for any such month is insufficient to pay the Excess Amount, the Adviser shall also remit to the Fund an amount that, together with the waived or reduced investment advisory fee, is sufficient to pay such Excess Amount.

 

  (d) Year-End Adjustment . If necessary, on or before the last day of the first month of each fiscal year, an adjustment payment shall be made by the appropriate party in order that the amount of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund with respect to the previous fiscal year shall equal the Excess Amount.

 

2. REIMBURSEMENT OF FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS .

 

  (a) Reimbursement . If in any year in which the Advisory Agreement is still in effect, the estimated aggregate Fund Operating Expenses of such Fund for the fiscal year are less than the Operating Expense Limit for that year, the Adviser may be entitled to reimbursement by such Fund, in whole or in part as provided below, of the fees or expenses waived or reduced by the Adviser and other payments remitted by the Adviser to such Fund pursuant to Section 1 hereof. The total amount of reimbursement to which the Adviser may be entitled (“Reimbursement Amount”) shall equal, at any time, the sum of all fees previously waived or reduced by the Adviser and all other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund pursuant to Section 1 hereof, during any of the previous three (3) fiscal years, less any reimbursement previously paid by such Fund to the Adviser pursuant to this Section 2, with respect to such waivers, reductions, and payments. The Reimbursement Amount shall not include any additional charges or fees whatsoever, including, e.g., interest accruable on the Reimbursement Amount.

 

  (b) Method of Computation . To determine a Fund’s accrual, if any, to reimburse the Adviser for the Reimbursement Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund for any month are less than the Operating Expense Limit of such Fund, such Fund, shall accrue into its net asset value an amount payable to the Adviser sufficient to increase the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of that Fund to an amount no greater than the Operating Expense Limit of that Fund, provided that such amount paid to the Adviser will in no event exceed the total Reimbursement Amount. For accounting purposes, when the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund are below the Operating Expense Limit, a liability will be accrued daily for these amounts.

 

  (c) Year-End Adjustment . If necessary, on or before the last day of the first month of each fiscal year, an adjustment payment shall be made by the appropriate party in order that the actual Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund for the prior fiscal year (including any reimbursement payments hereunder with respect to such fiscal year) do not exceed the Operating Expense Limit.

 

  (d) Limitation of Liability . The Adviser shall look only to the assets of the Fund for which it waived or reduced fees or, in the case of the Fund Manager, remitted payments for reimbursement under this Agreement and for payment of any claim hereunder, and neither the Funds, nor any of the Trust’s directors, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor.

 

   2    Expense Limitation Agreement


3. TERM, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT .

This Agreement with respect to the Fund shall continue in effect until the expiration date set forth on Schedule A (the “Expiration Date”). With regard to the Operating Expense Limits, the Trust’s Board of Trustees and the Adviser may terminate or modify this Agreement prior to the Expiration Date only by mutual written consent. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement; provided, however, that the obligation of the Trust to reimburse the Adviser with respect to a Fund shall survive the termination of this Agreement unless the Trust and the Adviser agree otherwise.

 

4. MISCELLANEOUS .

 

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

 

  (b) Interpretation . Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust’s Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.

 

  (c) Definitions . Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the investment advisory fee, the computations of net asset values, and the allocation of expenses, having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to such Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act.

Signature Page to Follow

 

   3    Expense Limitation Agreement


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

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
/s/ Matthew J. Miller
                    Signature
Vice President
                    Title
BRADLEY, FOSTER & SARGENT, INC.
/s/ Stephen L. Willcox
                    Signature
CFO
                    Title

 

   4    Expense Limitation Agreement


Schedule A

to the

Expense Limitation Agreement

between

Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”)

and

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (the “Adviser”)

Dated as of September 23, 2013

 

Fund

   Operating Expense Limit     Effective Date    Expiration Date

BFS Equity Fund

     1.00   *    September 30, 2014

 

* The Effective Date of the Operating Expense Limit for each Fund shall be the date on which the registration statement containing the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information is declared effective.

 

   A-1    Expense Limitation Agreement
LOGO      

John H. Lively

The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc .

A member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group TM

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310

Leawood, KS 66211

Phone: 913.660.0778 Fax: 913.660.9157

john.lively@1940actlawgroup.com

September 23, 2013

Valued Advisers Trust

2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

RE: Opinion of Counsel regarding the Registration Statement filed on Form N-1A under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (File Nos. 333-151672 and 811-22208)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”), a statutory trust organized under the laws of the state of Delaware and registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end series management investment company.

This opinion relates to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the “Registration Statement and is given in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) of a post-effective amendment under the Securities Act and an amendment under the 1940 Act (collectively, the “Amendment”), each to the Registration Statement. The Amendment relates to the registration of an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest of a newly created series (the “Shares”), with no par value per share, of the BFS Equity Fund (the “Fund”), a new portfolio series of the Trust. We understand that the Amendment will be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and that our opinion is required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have examined, among other things, copies of the Trust’s Certificate of Trust, Agreement and Declaration of Trust, applicable resolutions of the Board of Trustees, and originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents, records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this opinion. We have also examined the prospectus and statement of additional information for the Fund, substantially in the form in which they are to be filed in the Amendment (collectively, the “Prospectus”).

As to any facts or questions of fact material to the opinions set forth below, we have relied exclusively upon the aforesaid documents and upon representations and declarations of the officers or other representatives of the Trust. We have made no independent investigation whatsoever as to such factual matters.

The Prospectus provides for issuance of the Shares from time to time at the net asset value thereof, plus any applicable sales charge. In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have assumed that upon sale of the Shares, the Trust will receive the net asset value thereof.


Valued Advisers Trust

September 23, 2013

We have also assumed, without independent investigation or inquiry, that:

 

  (a) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic; all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents; all signatures on all documents submitted to us for examination are genuine; and all documents and public records reviewed are accurate and complete; and

 

  (b) all representations, warranties, certifications and statements with respect to matters of fact and other factual information (i) made by public officers; or (ii) made by officers or representatives of the Trust are accurate, true, correct and complete in all material respects.

The Delaware Statutory Trust Act provides that shareholders of the Trust shall be entitled to the same limitation on personal liability as is extended under the Delaware General Corporation Law to stockholders of private corporations for profit. There is a remote possibility, however, that, under certain circumstances, shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust may be held personally liable for that trust’s obligations to the extent that the courts of another state which does not recognize such limited liability were to apply the laws of such state to a controversy involving such obligations. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that neither the Trust nor the Trustees, nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any shareholder, or to call upon any shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the shareholder may at any time agree to pay. Therefore, the risk of any shareholder incurring financial loss beyond his investment due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund is unable to meet its obligations and the express limitation of shareholder liabilities is determined not to be effective.

Based on our review of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions and qualifications set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date of this letter:

 

  (a) The Shares to be offered for sale pursuant to the Prospectus are duly and validly authorized by all necessary actions on the part of the Trust; and

 

  (b) The Shares, when issued and sold by the Trust for consideration pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust’s Registration Statement, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable, subject to compliance with the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, and the applicable state laws regulating the sale of securities

We express no opinion concerning the laws of any jurisdiction other than the federal law of the United States of America and the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Counsel” in the Statement of Additional Information for the Fund, which is included in the Registration Statement.

/s/ John H. Lively

On behalf of The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc.

 

LOGO

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the references to our firm in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BFS Equity Fund, a series of Valued Advisers Trust, under the headings “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information dated September 24, 2013.

/s/ Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

Cleveland, Ohio

9/20/2013

LOGO

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT VERIFIER

We hereby consent to the use of our Verification Statement and Performance Examination Report dated October 25, 2012 (the “Report”) for “Growth through Equities Composite” and to related references to our firm included in or made a part of Post­ Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Valued Advisers Trust Registration Statement on Form N-1A in connection with the BFS Equity Fund.

September 20, 2013

ACA Verification Services, LLC

 

By:

   /s/ Justin S. Guthrie
       Justin S. Guthrie
       Partner

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

BFS Equity Fund

WHEREAS, This Plan of Distribution (this “Plan”) has been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) by Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”) for shares of the Trust’s series portfolios (the “Funds”), that are listed on Schedule A hereto. This Plan has been approved by a majority of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan (the “12b-1 Trustees”), by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan. 1 This Plan shall operate as a compensation Plan, which means that the fees payable pursuant to this Plan shall be paid regardless of the amount of expenses actually incurred in providing the services contemplated hereunder. All expenses incurred by the Distributor and others, such as broker-dealers (the latter referred to herein as “Financial Intermediaries”), in excess of the amount paid by the Funds under the Plan will be borne by such persons without any reimbursement from the Funds.

NOW THEREFORE, This Plan provides that:

 

1. Subject to the limits on payments under this Plan set forth herein, or in any annual budget approved by the Trust and Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”), the Trust shall pay to the Distributor and/or Financial Intermediaries, the amounts called for under this Plan. Such payments shall be applied by the Distributor and/or Financial Intermediaries for all expenses incurred by such parties in the promotion and distribution of the Funds’ shares. For this purpose, expenses authorized under this Plan include, but are not limited to, printing of prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses of preparation of sales literature and related expenses, advertisements, salaries and benefits of employees involved in sales of shares, telephone expenses, meeting and space rental expenses, underwriter’s spreads, interest charges on funds used to finance activities under this Plan, and other distribution-related expenses, as well as any service fees paid to securities dealers or others who have executed an agreement with the Trust or its affiliates.

 

2. The Funds will pay the Distributor and/or Financial Intermediaries 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Fund (the “Distribution Fee”). Of the Distribution Fee, the Trust may pay up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund for shareholder services. Shareholder servicing fees are paid for providing services to customers, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following shareholder support services: (i) aggregating and processing purchase and redemption requests and placing net purchase and redemption orders with the Distributor; (ii) processing dividend payments from the Fund; (iii) providing sub-accounting or the information necessary for sub-accounting; (iv) providing periodic mailings to

 

1.   In its consideration of this Plan, the Board of Trustees considered the proposed schedule and nature of payments under this Plan. The Board of Trustees concluded that the proposed payments to be made to the Trust’s principal underwriter, Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”), for distribution expenses under this Plan are fair and not excessive. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees determined that this Plan should provide for such payments and that adoption of this Plan would be prudent and in the best interests of the Trust and each Fund’s shareholders. Such approval included a determination that in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment and in light of their fiduciary duties, there is a reasonable likelihood that this Plan will benefit the Trust, each Fund and each Fund’s shareholders.

 

1


  customers; (v) providing customers with information as to their positions in the Fund; and (vi) responding to customer inquiries. The amount so paid shall be accrued daily, and payment thereon shall be made monthly by the Trust.

 

3. The Distributor may use all or any portion of the Distribution Fee received pursuant to this Plan to compensate securities dealers who have engaged in the sale of the Funds’ shares or in shareholder support services with respect to the Funds pursuant to agreements with the Distributor or to pay expenses associated with other activities authorized under paragraph 1 herein.

 

4. The Distributor shall collect and disburse payments made under this Plan, and shall furnish to the Board of Trustees of the Trust for its review on a quarterly basis, a written report of the monies reimbursed to the Distributor and others under this Plan, and shall furnish the Board of Trustees of the Trust with such other information as the Board may reasonably request in connection with the payments made under this Plan in order to enable the Board of Trustees to make an informed determination of whether this Plan should be continued.

 

5. This Plan, or any agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan, shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including the 12b-1 Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan, or any agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan.

 

6. This Plan, or any agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan, may be terminated at any time with respect to a Fund, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the shares of such Fund, or by vote of a majority of the 12b-1 Trustees, on not more than sixty (60) days’ written notice. Agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan shall terminate automatically upon their assignment.

 

7. This Plan and any agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent by the Trust for distribution pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Plan without approval by a majority of the applicable Fund’s outstanding voting securities.

 

8. All material amendments to this Plan, or any agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan, shall be approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the 12b-1 Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on any such amendment.

 

9. So long as this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the Trust’s trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, shall be committed to the discretion of the 12b-1 Trustees. 2

 

 

2.   It is the current position of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that a Trust adopting a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act commit to having a majority of its Board of Trustees comprised of trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust. The Trust currently complies with such provision and has undertaken to comply with such provision of Rule 12b-1 so long as it is in effect.

 

2


SCHEDULE A

to the

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

Dated July 23, 2013

Funds

BFS Equity Fund

 

3

Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Ethics Policy and Standards of Professional Conduct

March 4, 2013

Introduction

 

1. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. is dedicated to helping each of its clients achieve their investment objectives through personalized and attentive service and superior, long-term investment performance. Specifically, this means serving each client professionally, courteously, confidentially, and ethically. All Employees (defined as Portfolio Managers, including Assistant Portfolio Managers, Assistants to Portfolio Managers, and Portfolio Management Associates; Other Investment Professionals, including the Director of Research, Head Trader, Trading Assistants, and Director of Sales & Marketing; and all Other Employees) of this firm shall act in an ethical manner in all dealings with the clients of this firm, the public, the media, prospective clients, suppliers, other Employees, and other members of the investment community, consistent with the Ethics Policy and Standards of Professional Conduct (“Ethics Policy”) of the firm.

As investment managers, we have a fiduciary relationship with our clients and, as such, we shall place our interests – individually and collectively – subordinate to those of our clients. This applies to both individual and institutional clients, as well as to shareholders of mutual funds (investment companies) which the firm may from time to time manage. As further detailed below, this requires that all Employees will execute their personal securities transactions in a manner consistent with this Ethics Policy and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility. This Ethics Policy covers, among other things, personal securities transactions by all Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Employees for their own account, a personal account of a member of the Employee’s household, as well as a personal account of a minor child not residing with him or her, and accounts in which an Employee has a material (i.e., 5% or greater) direct or indirect beneficial interest and can influence investment decisions, whether or not the Employee or accountholder pays a fee.

Administration of the Ethics Policy is the responsibility of the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. Appendix A: Chief Compliance Officer’s Duties and Responsibilities, enumerates the responsibilities of the Chief Compliance Officer in regard to this Ethics Policy. Enforcement of the Ethics Policy is the responsibility of the President of the firm. The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for reviewing and receiving all documentation pertaining to securities trading and holdings required by the Ethics Policy. All Employees are required to report possible violations of the Ethics Policy to the Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for reviewing and investigating any


reported or suspected violations of the Ethics Policy and reporting the events and any findings to the President. If investigation discloses that there has been a violation, the President will take appropriate action. Because all situations cannot be contemplated or provided for in advance, the President has the authority to permit exceptions to the policies and procedures in this Ethics Policy when an exception is not harmful to the best interests of the firm’s clients or does not give the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The Principals of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. believe that this code will serve to prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest caused by Employee conduct including personal securities transactions. They also believe that the Ethics Policy is suitable, fair, and reasonable. From time to time, as conditions dictate, the Ethics Policy may be revised.

Any questions concerning this Ethics Policy and Standards of Professional Conduct should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer or the President.

Annual Review and Signature of Ethics Policy

 

2. Upon commencement of employment with Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., and thereafter annually, at the beginning of the year, each Employee of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. shall read this Ethics Policy and shall signify that he or she has read, understands, and intends to comply with the provisions of this Ethics Policy by signing a copy of this policy. In addition, concurrent with the annual review of this Ethics Policy, each Employee of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. shall complete an annual compliance questionnaire and certification, disclosing outside business activities, political contributions, and other items, if any, that may cause potential conflicts. This questionnaire is included as Appendix E: Annual Compliance Questionnaire.

Prohibition Against Acting Illegally or Assisting in Illegal Actions

 

3. No Employee shall knowingly participate in, or assist in, any acts in violation of an applicable law, rule, or regulation of any government, governmental agency, or regulatory organization which governs the business of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Prohibition Against Use of Material Nonpublic Information

 

4. All Employees shall comply with all laws and regulations relating to the communication and use of material nonpublic information. No Employee shall trade in a security while in possession of material nonpublic information relating to that security.

It is permissible for Employees of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. to serve on the Board of Directors of publicly traded companies – with the prior approval of the President of the firm. A security of a company on which an Employee of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. serves on the Board of Directors is not allowed to be on the firm’s Guidance List.


Restrictions on Personal Securities Transactions

General Policy and Practice

 

5.a. These policies and procedures apply to all full-time and part-time Employees of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

 

b. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Employees may own, and are encouraged to own, in personal accounts (those covered by sub-paragraph 5j.) the same securities as those acquired by Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. for its clients. It is an important principle of the firm that Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Employees own, to a large extent, the same securities as the firm’s clients, thus demonstrating to the firm’s clients that there is a strong alignment of interest between the firm and clients. However, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Employees must always place the best interests of the firm’s clients ahead of their own interests. Thus, Employees must refrain from any transactions that in any way might harm the firm’s clients or give the impression of acting contrary to the client’s best interests.

Crystal Partners Fund Limited Partnership (“Crystal Partners”), a limited partnership, is an entity in which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Employees and affiliated parties (e.g., consultants, spouses, and other immediate family members of Employees and consultants) have an ownership interest. Currently, the aggregate ownership by Employees and affiliated parties does not exceed 15% of the total ownership of Crystal Partners. As a result, Crystal Partners is considered a client account. Should the aggregate ownership of by Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Employees and affiliated parties exceed 15% of the total ownership of Crystal Partners, the entity will be considered a personal account and subject to all of the provisions of the Ethics Policy.

No Employee may knowingly buy, sell, or dispose of in any manner, including by gift, a personal securities investment which would cause, or appear to cause, a conflict with the interests of a Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. client. Employees are expected to use common sense and good professional judgment in any case in which a possible conflict of interest may exist. If in doubt, Employees are required to ask the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee (i.e., the President of the Company, the Senior Operations Officer, the Director of Research, or the Secretary of the Company, in that order, hereinafter referred to collectively as “Chief Compliance Officer”) for a ruling.

Short-Term Trading

 

c. Employees should not engage in short-term trading (defined as the purchase and sale of the same security within 30 days) in their personal accounts (those covered by sub- paragraph 5j.) with respect to securities on the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Guidance List. Any profits realized on buys and sells within 30 days are required to be disgorged to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. (which in turn will donate the proceeds to a charity chosen by the Employee disgorging the profits), unless the transaction is specifically approved by the Chief Compliance Officer. Employees, with the pre-approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, may sell securities within 30 days of purchase (subject to the requirements of all other sections of this Ethics Policy), if the sale results in a realized loss.


This prohibition on short-term trading does not apply to the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan equity fund which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. manages. This prohibition on short-term trading does apply to the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts (i.e., Corporate, Operating, Research, and Reserve accounts which, currently, are held in custody at Fidelity Investments, and Core Equity and Growth & Income accounts which, currently, are held in custody at Charles Schwab, hereinafter collectively referred to as “Corporate Accounts”).

Opposite Way Trading

 

d. Opposite way trading is prohibited for a 30-day period. If a Portfolio Manager sells all or substantially all of a security for all (or all but a few) of his or her clients, then the Portfolio Manager is prohibited from buying this security in his or her personal accounts (those covered by sub-paragraph 5j.) for 30 days. Similarly, if a Portfolio Manager buys a security broadly for his or her clients, the Portfolio Manager may not sell this security for his or her personal accounts (those covered by sub-paragraph 5j.) for 30 days.

This prohibition on opposite way trading does not apply to the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan equity fund which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. manages. This prohibition on opposite way trading does apply to the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts.

Other Trading Restrictions

 

e. A security may not be placed on the Guidance List by the Investment Committee within seven calendar days of an Employee purchasing the security for his or her personal accounts (those covered by sub-paragraph 5j.). Securities approved for addition to the Guidance List between Investment Committee meetings require the affirmative vote of at least five members of the Investment Committee.

 

f. No Employee may purchase any security in an initial public offering for his or her personal accounts (those covered by sub-paragraph 5j.). This restriction does not apply to secondary equity offerings, preferred stock, or debt.

 

g. No Employee may purchase a private placement security without the prior approval of the President.

Pre-Clearance Procedures

 

h. Pre-Clearance by the Chief Compliance Officer is required for all Employee transactions, including “gifting”, for accounts covered by sub-paragraph 5j. except for “de minimis” transactions or transactions of “exempt securities” as defined below:


De Minimis Transactions

 

  1. Large and Mid Cap Stocks (defined as having a market capitalization of more than $2 billion or are included in the Russell 1000 Index or S&P 500 index; Large and Mid Cap Stocks also includes all Exchange Traded Funds on the Guidance List):

Any purchases or sales of a Large and/or Mid Cap Stock for an Employee’s personal account aggregating 1,000 shares or less in a calendar month. This de minimis test is not applicable to Small Cap Stocks.

 

  2. Small Cap Stocks (defined as having a market capitalization of $2 billion or less and are not included in the Russell 1000 Index or S&P 500 index):

Any purchases or sales of a Small Cap Stock for an Employee’s personal account followed in less than seven days (i.e., within the seven calendar day blackout period) by a trade in the same security for a client’s account, if executed by a Portfolio Manager who is other than the aforementioned Employee. The Employee’s personal trade will be deemed to be de minimis, and not subject to the disgorgement of profits policy, if the trade qualifies under at least one of the following tests:

 

  1. The number of shares in the personal trade is equal to or less than 1% of the last 10 days average trading volume (the “1% rule”) or

 

  2. The dollar amount of the personal trade is equal to or less than $25,000 (the “$25,000 rule”).

If the trade does not meet the requirements of the 1% rule or the $25,000 rule, the amount in excess of the higher of the two requirements will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy.

Exception: If the Employee who traded for his or her personal account and the Portfolio Manager who traded for his clients’ accounts within the following seven calendar day blackout period is the same person, that Portfolio Manager’s personal trades will not qualify for de minimis treatment. Rather, the entire amount of his or her personal trades will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy.


  3. Pre-clearance Waiver, only. While pre-clearance is not required if a trade qualifies under the applicable de minimis transaction provision, the Employee is still subject to the Short-Term Trading and Opposite Way Trading rules and is required to prepare and submit to the Trader a Personal Trade Blotter (see Appendix B: Personal Trades – Trade Blotter).

Exempt Securities

Pre-clearance is not required for personal transactions involving the following types of securities:

 

  1. All equities, and puts and calls of equities, which are not on the Guidance List

 

  2. Securities created as the result of spin-offs of Guidance List securities, if sold within 60 days of the initial trading of the security

 

  3. Equities acquired as a result of dividend reinvestment, the exercise of rights issued by a company, participation in mergers and reorganizations, or acceptance of a tender offer

 

  4. Equities acquired as a result of the expiration of forfeiture provisions (e.g., restricted stock awarded by a former employer)

 

  5. Equities acquired by a spouse through his or her employer’s stock option plan or employee stock purchase plan

 

  6. Shares of open-end investment companies (mutual funds), including those held in a 401(k) account administered/managed by a former employer of an Employee or in a section 529 college fund

 

  7. Exchange traded funds which are not on the Guidance List

 

  8. Direct obligations of the U.S. Government(including its agencies and instrumentalities – FNMA, GNMA, etc.)

 

  9. Corporate (non-convertible and convertible into equities of issuers not on the Guidance List) and municipal bonds which are not on the Guidance List

 

  10. CDs and other money market instruments

Non-Exempt Securities

Pre-clearance is required for personal transactions involving the following types of securities:

 

  1. All equities which are on the Guidance List, including preferred stocks and ADR’s of foreign companies


  2. Corporate (non-convertible and convertible into equities of issuers on the Guidance List) and municipal bonds which are on the Guidance List

 

  3. Closed-end mutual funds which are on the Guidance List

 

  4. Exchange traded funds which are on the Guidance List

 

  5. Preferred stock of issuers whose common stock is on the Guidance List – Small Cap Stock rules apply unless otherwise designated by the Chief Compliance Officer

 

  6. Convertible preferred stocks of issuers whose common stock is on the Guidance List

 

  7. Stock options (the purchase and sale of calls and puts) – the rules that are applicable to the underlying security apply to the stock options

Pre-Clearance Required

 

   i. In purchasing or selling a security for which pre-clearance is required, Employees may not execute transactions without first obtaining proper approval from the Chief Compliance Officer. Pre-clearance involves filling out a pre-clearance form (see Appendix B: Personal Trades – Trade Blotter, for the form), requesting pre-clearance to proceed with the particular transaction, and receiving written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer. The Employee, or if he or she is out of the office, another Employee acting at his or her direction, must complete the pre-clearance form and submit it to the Chief Compliance Officer for approval before placing the trade. The Chief Compliance Officer will either give approval or deny the request. If approved, the clearance is given for only one day.

 

   j. Pre-clearance requirements apply only to transactions effected on behalf of the following types of accounts: the Employee’s own account, a personal account of a member of the Employee’s household as well as a personal account of a minor child not residing with him or her, and accounts in which an Employee has a material (i.e., 5% or greater) direct or indirect beneficial interest and can influence investment decisions, whether or not the Employee or accountholder pays a fee. These accounts include IRAs, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and dynasty trusts of family members which are managed by a Portfolio Manager who personally has, or whose immediate family members have, a beneficial interest in the accounts, whether or not the Employee or accountholder pays a


fee, subject to a cumulative 5% materiality threshold (i.e., if all of the beneficial interests combined total less than 5%, the pre-clearance rules do not apply). Pre-clearance requirements also apply to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. manages and in which the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Portfolio Manager has a beneficial interest, as do most Employees, as well as the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts.

In those instances where a Portfolio Manager is managing a personal account of another Employee, the Portfolio Manager is subject to the pre-clearance requirements relative to that account. Also, the beneficial owner of the account is required to include the account, and report on the transactional activity in the account, in conformity with the quarterly and annual reporting requirements of this Ethics Policy. These requirements cease to apply when an Employee is no longer employed by the Company.

Personal Trades of Large and Mid Cap Stocks

Portfolio Managers – Personal Trading Requirements

 

   k. After obtaining pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer, a Portfolio Manager may purchase or sell any Large and Mid Cap Stock for accounts covered by paragraph 5j. on the day preceding or following the day on which he or she buys or sells such security for his or her clients’ portfolios. In other words, there is not a “24-hour” rule; if a security is bought or sold by a Portfolio Manager for his or her client’s portfolio at 3:59 p.m. on one day, he or she may purchase or sell the security for his or her accounts covered by paragraph 5j. the next day at 9:30 a.m.

 

   l. After obtaining pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer, a Portfolio Manager may purchase or sell any Large and Mid Cap Stock for accounts covered by paragraph 5j. on the same day he or she purchases or sells such security for his or her clients’ portfolios, as long as at least one of the following procedures is utilized:

 

  1. The Portfolio Manager includes his or her personal trade with other trades for his or her clients in a block trade (or an aggregated trade) which is executed with a broker through Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s master account. All the shares in that particular block must be executed at the average price calculated by the broker, which must be done by the end of the day. Partially filled orders will go first to clients and then pro-rata to personal accounts, which include Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund and the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts. Because personal trades are approved for only one day, unfilled or partially filled personal trades will not automatically be worked the next trading day. If a Portfolio Manager still wants to complete the unfilled or partially filled personal trade order, the personal trade order must be resubmitted for pre-clearance approval.


  2. The Portfolio Manager executes his or her personal trades on an account-by- account methodology through Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s master account, while also executing other trades in a similar manner during the same day in the same security for clients also through the firm’s master account. At the end of the day, the broker must calculate an average price for all of the trades placed by that Portfolio Manager in that security during the day, at which time the trades are allocated to their respective individual accounts at the average price. Partially filled orders will go first to clients and then pro-rata to personal accounts, which include Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund and the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts. Because personal trades are approved for only one day, unfilled or partially filled personal trades will not automatically be worked the next trading day. If a Portfolio Manager still wants to complete the unfilled or partially filled personal trade order, the personal trade order must be resubmitted for pre-clearance approval.

 

  3. A Portfolio Manager may not purchase or sell any Large or Mid Cap Stock for accounts covered by paragraph 5j. on the same day on which he or she buys or sells such security for his or her clients’ portfolios if the personal trade is executed with a broker that is different then the broker used to execute the trades for his or her clients.

All Other Investment Professionals and Other Employees – Personal Trading Requirements

 

m. After obtaining pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer, all Other Investment Professionals and Other Employees may purchase or sell any Large and Mid Cap Stock at any time. If their personal trades are included in a block or aggregated trade with clients’ trades, and the order is only partially filled, the partially filled orders will go first to clients and then pro-rata to personal accounts, which include Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund and the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts. Because personal trades are approved for only one day, unfilled or partially filled personal trades will not automatically be worked the next trading day. If an Investment Professional or Other Employee still wants to complete the unfilled or partially filled personal trade order, the personal trade order must be resubmitted for pre- clearance approval.

Personal Trades of Small Cap Stocks (Note: This is an abbreviated version of the Small Cap Stock rules. The complete text is included in Appendix C: Small Cap Stocks Personal Trading Requirements for All Employees.)


All Employees – Personal Trading Requirements

 

   n. Block or aggregated trades

As a general practice, all Employees should attempt to include their personal securities transactions of Small Cap Stocks in block or aggregated trades that include trades for our clients.

After obtaining pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer, an Employee may purchase or sell any Small Cap Stocks for accounts covered by paragraph 5j. at any time if his or her personal trade is included with other trades for our clients in a block trade (or an aggregated trade) which is executed with a broker through Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s master account. The personal component of block or aggregated trades will be limited to 15% of the total transaction (the “15% rule”), as measured by broker. (For example, if a Portfolio Manager is purchasing an issue for his clients, as well as for three of his personal accounts, two of which are prime broker eligible and one that is not, the trades for the two personal accounts that are prime broker eligible are limited to 15% of the total block or aggregated trade being executed by the prime broker and the trade for the remaining one account is limited to 15% of the total block or aggregated trade being executed by the non-prime broker.) All of the shares in that particular block must be executed at the average price calculated by the broker, which must be done by the end of the day. Partially filled orders will go first to clients and then pro-rata to personal accounts, which include Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund and the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts. Because personal trades are approved for only one day, unfilled or partially filled personal trades will not automatically be worked the next trading day. If an Employee still wants to complete the unfilled or partially filled personal trade order, the personal trade order must be resubmitted for pre-clearance approval, including for compliance with the 15% rule.

 

   o. Other than block or aggregated trades

If an Employee does not include his or her personal securities transaction of Small Cap Stocks in a block or aggregated trade, the Employee may be subject to a seven calendar day blackout period (as defined in Appendix C: Small Cap Stocks Personal Trading Requirements for All Employees).

If an Employee has paid due regard to the seven calendar day blackout period (i.e., there have been no client trades in the subject Small Cap Stock within the prior seven calendar days), he or she may obtain pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer to purchase or sell any Small Cap Stock for accounts covered by Paragraph 5j. However, if an Employee purchases or sells a security for his or her personal account within seven calendar days of a trade in this same security for clients (either before or after the client purchase or sale), unless an exception is granted by the Chief Compliance Officer, the Employee will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Employee trades for his or her personal account, thereby starting a seven calendar day blackout period, and a Portfolio Manager trades for his or her clients’ accounts within that seven calendar day blackout period, the Employee’s personal trade will be deemed to be de minimis and not subject to the disgorgement of profits policy, if the trade qualifies under at least one of the following de minimis transaction tests:


  1. The number of shares in the personal trade is equal to or less than 1% of the last 10 days average trading volume (the “1% rule”) or

 

  2. The dollar amount of the personal trade is equal to or less than $25,000 (the “$25,000 rule”).

If the trade does not meet the requirements of the 1% rule or the $25,000 rule, the amount in excess of the higher of the two requirements will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy.

 

p. In order to coordinate trading in Small Cap Stocks for client accounts and Employees’ personal accounts, the Trader will maintain a current electronic record of daily trading activity in Small Cap Stocks on the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Guidance List. That record will be available to all Employees on the Company’s H drive under the heading Small Cap Stocks Daily Trading Activity.

Full Disclosure of Personal Securities Investment

 

6.a. Within seven calendar days of their employment start date, all Employees will provide the Chief Compliance Officer with a statement (or statements) of all U.S. publicly traded securities owned in personal accounts described in paragraph 5j. above as of their employment date. If the new Employee does not own any U.S. publicly traded securities at the time of his or her employment, the new Employee will provide the Chief Compliance Officer with a certification to that effect.

 

   b. Within ten days of the end of each calendar quarter, each Employee will provide the Chief Compliance Officer with a report listing all of his or her paragraph 5j. accounts and verifying all purchases and sales of securities, the number of shares and prices of the trades, and the dates of the trades for these accounts. This report, generated by the Chief Compliance Officer utilizing Advent/Axys, will be signed and dated and become part of the records of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. If an Employee does not have any paragraph 5j. accounts, the Employee will provide the Chief Compliance Officer with a certification to that effect.

 

   c. Within one month of the end of the calendar year, all Employees will provide a statement or statements which lists all U.S. publicly traded securities held in the accounts listed in paragraph 5j. above, except for those accounts custodied at Charles Schwab or Fidelity Investments for which reports are directly available to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.


d. All Employees’ accounts will be tracked on the firm’s accounting system (Advent/Axys).

In addition, all trades, for both client accounts and personal accounts, will be executed by the Company’s centralized trading function, thereby promoting the use of only approved trading partners, the creation of a documented audit trail for all trades, and an appropriate allocation of commissions. These requirements are also intended to facilitate the generation of the reports identified in 6b. and 6c. above.

Gifts

 

7. Employees are prohibited from receiving and/or accepting any gift or other items (for example, tickets or invitations to sporting events or shows) of more than de minimis value (i.e., $100 cumulatively per calendar year) from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the firm unless specifically approved by the Chief Compliance Officer (e.g., gift baskets that are of more than de minimis value will be exempt from this provision, if shared with the staff). This prohibition is not intended to include research/broker/custodian conferences and related meals/entertainment with investment houses or companies with publicly traded securities which are potentially or currently on the Guidance List. Also, this prohibition is not intended to preclude personal acquaintances of Employees who are also clients of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. from giving an Employee or a member of the Employee’s household a gift with a value in excess of $100 for a special occasion such as a wedding or shower (bridal, baby, etc.); however, upon receipt of such a gift, the Employee is required to provide to the Chief Compliance Officer the name(s) of the clients(s) involved.

All gifts and entertainment (excluding meals), in excess of $250 per individual per occurrence, given by Employees to current and prospective clients and any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the firm, are to be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer.

Diligence and Thoroughness in the Investment Management Process

 

8.a. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. shall maintain appropriate files and records in order for Portfolio Managers and Other Investment Professionals to undertake research and analysis, leading to prudent investment actions. Portfolio Managers shall only purchase securities for clients’ accounts which are on the firm’s Guidance List unless the client directs the purchase of a security not on the Guidance List. If a client has directed the purchase of a security, whether on the Guidance List or not on the Guidance List, the Portfolio Manager initiating the transaction on behalf of the client is required to prepare appropriate documentation (using the standard Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Client- Directed/Executed Trade Memo) for inclusion in the client’s file and for distribution to the Trader. Similarly, if a client has independently executed a transaction in his or her portfolio, upon becoming aware of the transaction, the Portfolio Manager for that client’s account is required to prepare appropriate documentation (using the standard Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Client-Directed/Executed Trade memo) for inclusion in the client’s file and for distribution to the Trader. The Portfolio Manager shall exercise diligence and thoroughness in the purchase and sale of all securities for the portfolios of clients. This means that there will be a reasonable and adequate basis for taking investment action, supported by appropriate research and investigation.


   b. When taking investment action for a specific portfolio or client, the Portfolio Manager shall take into account the investment objectives of the client, the characteristics of the investment involved, and the basic characteristics of the total portfolio. The Portfolio Manager shall use reasonable judgment to determine the relevant factors.

 

   c. The Portfolio Manager shall disclose to prospective and new clients the basic investment process of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., including, but not limited to, how securities are selected and portfolios are constructed and disclosing promptly any changes in philosophy or process. The Portfolio Manager shall deliver or arrange to mail a copy of the firm’s SEC Form ADV, Part 2A, and the appropriate SEC Form ADV, Part 2B, to allnew clients of the firm insuring receipt of the document no later than when the client executes Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s investment management agreement.

 

   d. Portfolio Managers, Other Investment Professionals, and all Other Employees shall not knowingly make any statements, orally or in writing, which misrepresent the services that Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. is capable of performing for a client or the expected performance of an investment or a portfolio.

Performance Presentation Standards

 

9. Portfolio Managers, Other Investment Professionals, and all Other Employees shall not knowingly make any statements, orally or in writing, which misrepresent the past investment performance of a portfolio or of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Portfolio Managers, the Director of Sales and Marketing, and the Chief Compliance Officer shall make every reasonable effort to assure that such performance presentations or statements are fair, accurate, and complete. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. uses Advent’s Axys Software to perform portfolio internal rate of return and time weighted return calculations. The methodology employed by the software is one of several approaches endorsed by the CFA Institute , the generally accepted authority on Performance Presentation Standards. As long as Portfolio Managers accurately use the return information in regard to the relevant portfolio or portfolios in the proper fashion, Portfolio Managers can assume, after appropriate review for errors, that the return calculations have been performed accurately.

Disclosure of Conflicts

 

10. The firm will disclose in the SEC Form ADV, Part 2A such circumstances pertaining to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. which could conceivably have the result of leading to investment decisions or execution which are not unbiased or objective. All Employees shall comply with all requirements regarding disclosure of conflicts of interest imposed by law and by rules and regulations of organizations governing his or her activities as well as with any prohibitions on his or her activities if a conflict of interest exists.

Disclosure of Referral Fees

 

11. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. shall make appropriate disclosure to a prospective client of any consideration paid or other benefit delivered to others for recommending the services of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. to that prospective client or customer.


Preservation of Confidentiality

 

12. Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. has implemented a policy which addresses client privacy (see Appendix D: Client Privacy Policy – Employee Procedures). All Employees will review this policy annually concurrently with the Ethics Policy. As laid out in this memo, it is the policy of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal information entrusted to us by former, current, and prospective clients. All Employees shall ensure that client information is properly safeguarded. Employees should not divulge the name of any client nor any details of the investment portfolio or relationship to other clients, prospective clients, or individuals outside the firm without the express permission of the client. Certain narrow and limited exceptions may apply, as described in the Client Privacy Policy included as Appendix D.
Signed:    

 

          Date:    

 


Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Appendix A: Chief Compliance Officer’s Duties and Responsibilities

 

1. Distribute this Ethics Policy and Standards of Professional Conduct to all Employees.

 

2. Designate one or more alternates in case the Chief Compliance Officer is not available.

 

3. Familiarize Employees with relevant policies, procedures, and forms. Answer Employee questions about the Ethics Policy and, in case of doubt, bring questions to the attention of the President.

 

4. Review on a regular basis, and update as necessary, this Ethics Policy and relevant policies and procedures.

 

5. When contacted for pre-clearance, approve or deny personal trades.

 

6. Reconcile pre-clearance approvals, as documented on Personal Trades – Trade Blotter, with the quarterly purchase and sale reports provided by each Employee.

 

7. Receive all necessary and appropriate forms from Employees, both from new hires upon joining the firm, as well as quarterly and annual transaction and certification forms from all Employees.

 

8. Maintain and review records related to personal securities transactions, including each Employee’s annual certification that he or she has read, understood, and intends to comply with the firm’s Ethics Policy.

 

9. Bring to the attention of the President any infractions of the Ethics Policy which require warnings, discipline, or action up to and including termination of employment.


Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.

Appendix C: Small Cap Stocks

Personal Trading Requirements for All Employees

Block or Aggregated Trades

As a general practice, all Employees should attempt to include their personal securities transactions of Small Cap Stocks in block or aggregated trades that include trades for our clients.

After obtaining pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer, an Employee may purchase or sell any Small Cap Stocks for accounts covered by paragraph 5j. at any time if his or her personal trade is included with other trades for our clients in a block trade (or an aggregated trade) which is executed with a broker through Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s master account. The personal component of block or aggregated trades will be limited to 15% of the total transaction (the “15% rule”), as measured by broker. (For example, if a Portfolio Manager is purchasing an issue for his clients, as well as for three of his personal accounts, two of which are prime broker eligible and one that is not, the trades for the two personal accounts that are prime broker eligible are limited to 15% of the total block or aggregated trade being executed by the prime broker and the trade for the remaining one account is limited to 15% of the total block or aggregated trade being executed by the non-prime broker.) All of the shares in that particular block must be executed at the average price calculated by the broker, which must be done by the end of the day. When calculating the personal component of block or aggregated trades, all personal accounts must be aggregated, including personal accounts a Portfolio Manager is managing for another Employee.

The Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan equity fund which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. manages is excluded from this calculation.

There is no limitation on the frequency with which Employees can participate in block or aggregated trades with the firm’s clients with the following caveat: the Employee whose personal trade was responsible for commencing a blackout period (as defined below) cannot participate in block or aggregated trades in that security during that blackout period.

Partially filled orders: All clients’ trades must be filled first. If a trade can only be partially filled, the shares purchased/sold must be allocated first pro rata to clients. Only after the clients’ orders are filled will any remaining shares be allocated to personal trade orders, which include Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund and the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts. Because personal trades are approved for only one day, unfilled or partially filled personal trades will not automatically be worked the next trading day. If an Employee still wants to complete the unfilled or partially filled personal trade order, the personal trade order must be resubmitted for pre-clearance approval, including for compliance with the 15% rule.

Other Than Block or Aggregated Trades

If an Employee does not include his or her personal securities transactions of Small Cap Stocks in a block or aggregated trade, the Employee may be subject to a seven calendar day blackout period – the minimum amount of time that is required to pass between a non-block or non-aggregated personal trade and a client trade. Failure to adhere to this policy subjects the Employee to the disgorgement of profits.


For example, if a Portfolio Manager purchases or sells for his client a Small Cap Stock, the soonest another Employee may purchase or sell that same security for his or her personal account, and still be in compliance with the seven calendar day blackout policy, is seven calendar days later (e.g., if the client trade takes place on a Tuesday, the earliest day a personal trade might be placed would be the following Tuesday – after the expiration of the seven calendar day blackout period). If an Employee purchases or sells that same security for his or her personal account in less than seven calendar days, he or she will be subject to the disgorgement of profits.

In a similar fashion, if an Employee purchases or sells for his or her personal account a Small Cap Stock, the soonest a Portfolio Manager may purchase or sell that same security for his or her client, without subjecting the Employee to the disgorgement of profits, is seven calendar days later – after the expiration of the seven calendar day blackout period. If a Portfolio Manager purchases or sells that same security for his client in less than seven calendar days, the Employee will be subject to the disgorgement of profits. (Note that a Portfolio Manager cannot be precluded from purchasing or selling a Small Cap Stock for a client simply because an Employee purchased or sold the same security within the prior seven days.)

This seven day blackout period does not apply to the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan equity fund which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. manages.

If an Employee has paid due regard to the seven calendar day blackout period (i.e., there have been no client trades in the subject Small Cap Stock within the prior seven calendar days), he or she may obtain pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer to purchase or sell any Small Cap Stock for accounts covered by Paragraph 5j.

Blackout Period/Disgorgement of Profits Policy

If an Employee purchases or sells a security for his or her personal account other than in a block or aggregated trade within seven calendar days of a trade in this same security for clients (either before or after the client purchase or sale), unless an exception is granted by the Chief Compliance Officer, the Employee will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy. Examples of the application of the policy follow:

If a Portfolio Manager buys a security for a client’s account within this seven calendar day blackout period at a higher price, then the Employee must pay to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. the per share price differential times the number of shares purchased so that the Employee has the same average price as Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s client.

In a similar fashion, if a Portfolio Manager sells a security for a client’s account within this seven calendar day blackout period at a lower price, then the Employee must pay to Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. the per share price differential times the number of shares sold so that the Employee has the same average price as Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s client.


There may be instances when a Portfolio Manager buys a security for a client’s account within this seven calendar day blackout period at a lower price then obtained by the Employee. In a similar fashion, there may be instances when a Portfolio Manager sells a security for a client’s account within this seven calendar day blackout period at a higher price then obtained by the Employee. While the Employee is still subject to the disgorgement of profits policy, the share price differential will be negative and there will be no “profits” to disgorge.

An Employee may purchase or sell a security for his or her personal account within seven calendar days of a trade in this same security for any Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. clients, if all three of the following conditions are met (the “block trading” exemption):

 

  1. The Employee’s personal securities transaction is included in a block or aggregated trade with a Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. client (client being defined as including any and all clients for whom Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. has trading authority) (Note that the Trader must be informed in advance that the Employee wants to include his or her trade in the next available Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s client’s block or aggregated trade),

 

  2. The personal component of the block or aggregated trade is limited to 15% of the total transaction, as measured by broker, and

 

  3. The Employee is other than the Employee whose personal trade was responsible for commencing the blackout period (in other words, the Employee whose personal trade was responsible for commencing the blackout period cannot participate in block or aggregated trades in that security during that blackout period).

Consistent with the personal trading requirements of Large and Mid Cap Stocks and Small Cap Stocks, all of the shares in that particular block or aggregated trade must be executed at the average price calculated by the broker, which must be done by the end of the day. Partially filled orders will go first to clients and then pro-rata to personal accounts, which include Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.’s 401(k) Plan equity fund and the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Corporate Accounts. Because personal trades are approved for only one day, unfilled or partially filled personal trades will not automatically be worked the next trading day. If an Employee still wants to complete the unfilled or partially filled personal trade order, the personal trade order must be resubmitted for pre-clearance approval, including for compliance with the 15% rule.

If the personal component of the block or aggregated trade exceeds 15% of the total transaction, the Employee’s personal transaction will be reduced to the 15% limit. If more than one Employee’s personal transaction is included in the personal component of the block or aggregated trade and the personal component exceeds 15% of the total transaction, each Employee’s personal transaction will be reduced on a pro-rated basis to achieve the 15% limit.

In addition, an Employee may sell a security for his or her personal account within seven calendar days of a sale of this same security for any Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. clients, if both of the following conditions are met (the “no client holdings” exemption):


  1. No Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. client (client being defined as including any and all clients for whom Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. has trading authority) holds the security as of the trade date of the sale by the Employee and

 

  2. The price obtained by the Employee is equal to or less than that obtained in the last client transaction involving that security.

Exemption from Disgorgement of Profits Policy

The disgorgement of profits policy does not apply to the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan equity fund which Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. manages. The Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan is treated as a client account for purposes of this provision. However, the Portfolio Manager managing the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 401(k) Plan equity fund must observe the seven calendar day blackout period in regard to trades in securities for his or her other personal account(s) – unless the Portfolio Manager meets all of the conditions of the block trading exemption or the no client holdings exemption described above – or disgorge the profits, if any.

Also, if a Portfolio Manager executes a de minimis trade for a single client account, thereby commencing a blackout period, followed by an Employee trade that would otherwise be subject to the disgorgement rule, the disgorgement of profits policy will not apply unless the Employee who traded for his or her personal account and the Portfolio Manager who traded for this client account is the same person.

De Minimis Tests

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Employee trades for his or her personal account, thereby starting a seven calendar day blackout period, and a Portfolio Manager trades for his clients’ accounts within that seven calendar day blackout period, the Employee’s personal trade will be deemed to be de minimis and not subject to the disgorgement of profits policy if the trade qualifies under at least one of the following de minimis transaction tests:

 

  1. The number of shares in the personal trade is equal to or less than 1% of the last 10 days average trading volume (the “1% rule”) or

 

  2. The dollar amount of the personal trade is equal to or less than $25,000 (the “$25,000 rule”).

Note: If multiple personal trades were executed by an Employee throughout a single trading day and/or personal trades were executed by an Employee in more than one personal account during a single trading day, all of the personal trades for all of the personal accounts must be combined for the purpose of calculating number of shares or dollar amount. In other words, the de minimis tests are applied to cumulative daily personal trading activity, not individual transactions.

If the trade does not meet the requirements of the 1% rule or the $25,000 rule, the amount in excess of the higher of the two requirements will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy.


Exception: If the Employee who traded for his or her personal account and the Portfolio Manager who traded for his or her clients’ accounts within the following seven calendar day blackout period is the same person, that Portfolio Manager’s personal trades will not qualify for de minimis treatment. Rather, the entire amount of his or her personal trades will be subject to the disgorgement of profits policy.

Daily Trading Activity – Electronic Record

In order to coordinate trading in Small Cap Stocks for client accounts and Employees’ personal accounts, the Trader will maintain a current electronic record of daily trading activity in Small Cap Stocks on the Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Guidance List. That record will be available to all Employees on the Company’s H drive under the heading Small Cap Stocks Daily Trading Activity.

Guidance List Categorization Changes

Every two weeks, in conjunction with updating the Company’s Guidance List, the following procedures will be used to determine the timing of re-categorizing a security from Small Cap to Large and Mid Cap and from Large and Mid Cap to Small Cap:

 

  1. If the market capitalization of a Small Cap Stock exceeds the $2 billion threshold, the security will be re-categorized as a Large or Mid Cap Stock.

 

  2. If the market capitalization of a Large or Mid Cap Stock falls below the $2 billion threshold, the security will be re-categorized as a Small Cap Stock.

Market capitalization will be calculated as the closing price per share times the number of shares outstanding.

Because all situations (e.g., market volatility) cannot be contemplated or provided for in advance, the Chief Compliance Officer has the authority to require that the re-categorization “test” be performed more often than every two weeks